When it comes to music laden with different instruments, it is difficult to find a woman in the list of mainstream artists. But there are some musicians like Deanna Devore who are making a point of bringing forth the female talent that has not yet received its due recognition.
Devore wishes to encourage other female artists to take a lead in their music, “I’d love to inspire other songwriters and other female multi-instrumentalist/producers. There aren’t many of us out there it seems, so I’d love to inspire more female musicians to self-produce”.
Deanna Devore is a Chicago and Toronto based multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and producer. Her music beautifully blends downtempo electronic beats with organic instrumentation, creating emotionally captivating music that has been resonating with audiences across the globe.
Devore’s rich vocals, intricate guitar playing and emotive songwriting carries a lyrical sensitivity, maturity and sophistication that spans across downtempo electronic, RnB, acoustic, jazz and orchestral territories.
Recently, she released her new EP titled “half and half”. Thematically as well as musically, the EP splits the narrative into two halves. Musically, one part of the EP focuses on the instrumental aspect of the work while the other half gives prominence to Devore’s vocals. Thematically, the EP discusses the positive and the negative sides of love.
Interestingly, the title of the album does not follow the rules of grammar. The first letter has not been capitalized which goes on to show the larger theme of the EP.
Musically, “Half and Half” has a coherent tune. While each song showcases different narratives, the 7-track EP is bound musically by tranquility. When the songs are listened to, keeping Devore’s participation in mind, it becomes difficult to decipher how could she have managed to convey such a variety of emotions with so many instruments. Her record and capability as a musician is breathtaking.
Atwood Magazine rightfully described Deanna Devore as an artist whose work has “a vivid intimacy that evokes her most vulnerable, human qualities.”
“Seven Eight” is the first song off the EP. In contrast to “Effortlessly”, this single evades the gravity of the topic. But the optimistic tune has worked in favour of the artist as the music makes it easier to consume the song.
The song talks about the failure of lovers in making their relationship work.
“The title, ‘Seven Eight,’ refers to the song’s time signature,” Deanna Devore tells Atwood Magazine. “There’s a beat missing which matches with the lyrics, about a relationship that can’t quite get off the ground.”
This iridescent single is layered in R&B and pop melodies just like other songs on the EP and Devore’s take on the combination is pretty interesting.
Next up is “Effortlessly” but unlike “Seven Eight”, it celebrates the love interest. The distinct use of Maracas give the song a pretty positive vibe, positive enough to make the listener groove to the music. Devore can be “heard” smiling as she draws our attention to the lips of the person being discussed.
Leading single “A Cause” features Devore’s soulful sultry vocals which glide atop the throbbing basslines, ethereal synths and glistening melodies. The single highlights the singer’s love for darkly poignant and mesmerizing soundscapes, with the sleek synth-driven melodies simmering amongst the hypnotic jazz infused chords.
“In A Way” showcases her acoustic approach, with gentle authentic instrumentation, warm melodies and honest, heartfelt lyricism. The other songs from the album include “Fuels”, Breathing Room”, and “When I Go Home”.
The EP puts a major emphasis on the “sound”. The melodies have been arranged in a way that words can sometimes be lost while one is delving into the music. It only goes on to show the creative process behind the EP. Devore’s inspiration sparks from a sonic level – the feeling and emotions that certain chords and melodies provoke. Her songwriting is built around the result and impact it will have on the listener. “Lyrically I delve into the darkness and light of love and life”, reveals Devore.
Devore has seen success performing at sold-out local, regional and national festivals such as Summerfest, CMJ, NXNE, and 80/35. She has opened up for jazz/pop heavyweight Jamie Cullum, electronic masterminds Bonobo and SG Lewis, as well as Lapalux, Kat Edmonson, fellow Canadians Basia Bulat, Calvin Love and Juno Award-winning Lights.
Garnering notable praise from both industry, media and fans, Devore continues to be a consummate musician and prolific songwriter and is quickly becoming an artist to watch. half and half is currently available worldwide.
You can follow the artist on the major social media platforms: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
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