Maxwell knew he was going against the grain in his debut. With this amalgamation, Maxwell became a darling of the Neo-soul movement, helping to legitimize a Black music renaissance held down by him and fellow artists like D’Angelo, Erykah Badu, Jill Scott and Musiq Soulchild. Urban Hang Suite was the logical progression of acid jazz music from British acts like Sade and Brand New Heavies, but also drew from the traditional performance stylings and idioms of Al Green and Marvin Gaye. In an era when music was ruled by rap and slickly produced R&B with hip-hop attitude, Maxwell stood out with an album that included live instrumentation and sultry ballads, combining the best elements of the past with a look to the future. All of those things would steer this half-Haitian, half-Puerto Rican kid from Brooklyn into the direction that not only solidified the course of his life, but impacted the lives of millions of others.Ĭut to 1996 when Maxwell drops “Ascension (Don’t Ever Wonder),” the second single from his debut album, Urban Hang Suite, planting his feet firmly into the concrete of the music business. The first three things that Maxwell’s grandmother ever gave him were a Bible, a harmonica and a radio. Check out Devon’s newest single, “Pop” which is out now.The Grammy-winner spoke with theGrio about the award and the completion of his “blacksummers’NIGHT” trilogy. “Helium” was produced by Grammy-Award winning producer Glenn Barratt at Morningstar Studios. Devon’s music will strike a chord with young adults trying to make their mark in the world while navigating significant relationships and milestones. “Helium” is her most mature work to date and is colored with shades of Lorde, Tones And I as well as Suzanne Vega. More recently, Devon relocated to Los Angeles, where she is now based, to start work on her “Helium” album. This album really provided a solid base for her introspective 2019 EP, “Songs from the Back of a Bar” which received rave reviews for its “quirky melodies which create a wonderful soundscape”. That single alone got 70,000 streams and appeared on two dozen popular playlists including Pure Morning, Female Pop Hits, Women of Pop, Palm Tree Indie, Best Indie of the Month, 00’s Women in Pop, Synthpop Your Universe, Electro Pop Hits, and Everyday Hits.ĭevon’s second album “What If I” was released in 2017 and featured the breakout single, “Heart”. Philly radio station, WXPN also applauded her songwriting as “direct and highly personal, combined with an eccentricity, bubbly and beaming.”ĭevon’s EP, “Never Mind” has been favorably compared to Stevie Nicks and the soundscapes of The 1975. She amassed a loyal fan base in that period.
In those cities, Devon played at venues such as Bowery Electric, Mercury Lounge, Rockwood Music Hall, Hard Rock Cafe and World Cafe Live. These influences are apparent in her performances as is the time she spent living and performing in New York City and Philadelphia.
Growing up, Devon was inspired by Adam Duritz (Counting Crows), Sara Bareilles, Sam Melo (Rainbow Kitten Surprise), and Joni Mitchell. In that same year, Devon toured the Eastern United States playing gigs on the Vans Warped Tour.
Her debut album, “Love and Haight” was released in 2014 and received critical acclaim from both 34th Street Magazine and WRUV in Burlington who also compared her to Alanis Morissette. Even as a teenager she was writing and self-producing her own music. Early on, she knew she was destined for a career in music. Singer-songwriter Devon – picture credit – Brianna Bornsteinĭevon was raised in a musical family and she plays both piano and guitar. The opening lyrics really convey the sense of confidence and positivity which carries “Pop” all the way to its logical and upbeat conclusion:Ĭause I’ll be holding onto you just like a balloonīut hot air and helium are getting to you In the playful music video for “Pop”, Devon tells us that it’s better to have loved and lost, than never to have loved at all.
Especially if you’re hanging out with your friends who are supporting you throughout the process. It’s the kind of empowering melody you want to hear after a breakup. This song references the end of a romantic relationship without any hint of regret or bitterness. Los Angeles-based indie pop artist Devon describes “Pop” as a sassy break-up song and it really is. Devon has just released her new single “Pop” which is a track from her third full-length feature album, “Helium” released in October this year.