When new music comes across my desk I'm always interested. But when I heard Devon Gilfillian's music, I wasn't just interested, I was fascinated! If anyone would have furtively watched my reaction when I listened to his songs "High", "Here and Now" and "Troublemaker" for the first time, they would have seen my ears perk up see me intently dialing into Devon's unique and wondrous voice. What I heard was a sound that reminded me of the great Tom Jones or the Reverend Al Green. “Yes!” I said it. His voice is reminiscent of the kings of soul.
Justifiably so, I had to speak with Devon as he gets ready to embark on his summer tour. A trek that will immediately take him through the Midwest to Monticello Illinois June 1st, Chicago June 2nd and Indianapolis June 3rd at the Hi-Fi. As the summer continues, Devon finds himself sharing the stage with Michael McDonald and Chaka Khan, as well as finding his spot on many summer festival lineups.
I talked to Devon when he was home in Nashville getting his life together to hit the road. When we greeted one another on the phone, there was an immediate exuberance to his voice and a natural expression of good nature. During our conversation, we discussed touring with Brothers Osborne, his new album coming out next year, and his musical Influences.
I asked Devon what it was like touring with the likes of Brothers Osborne. "That was an amazing tour. We played in front of more people than we had ever played before in our lives." "And the Brothers Osborne are such bad asses, hard-working, mi casa es su casa kinda people." Devon went on to say he learned a lot from them as they are constantly pushing themselves, and as a consequence, Devon and his band made a lot of new fans on that journey.
As for new music in the works, Devon let us know that the new album is "all locked up" and they are just putting "a few sprinkles on top" as it goes through the final mixing and editing process. Musically, he describes it as an album that represents his love of Afrobeat, Hip Hop, and psychedelic soul.
Devon started playing guitar at the age of 14 and has spent his life listening to diverse musical genres, from Grunge to Hip Hop to Soul music. Citing Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, Pearl Jam, Korn, Soundgarden, Jimi Hendrix, and Otis Redding as musical influences.
What can one expect at a Devon Gilfillian show? Well, Devon summed it up by saying: "We try and sing like Boyz II Men. Our Vibe is for all to have a good time, spread love, dance, and enjoy some good soulful music!"
From my conversation with him, I believe he is an impressive young man with talent and skill. I look forward to seeing his live show when he comes to Indianapolis.
Jun 1, 2019
Allerton Park Concert Series
Monticello, IL
Jun 2, 2019
Lagunitas Brewing Company
Chicago, IL
Jun 3, 2019
Hi-Fi
Indianapolis, IN
Jun 5, 2019
The Southern
Charlottesville, VA
Jun 6, 2019
Abingdon Market Pavilion
Abingdon, VA
Jun 7, 2019
The Glass House
Lynchburg, VA
Jun 8, 2019
Blue Plum Festival
Johnson City, TN
Jun 13, 2019
Gulley Park Summer Concert Series
Fayetteville, AR
Jun 20, 2019
Rose Music Center at The Heights
Huber Heights, OH
With Michael McDonald and Chaka Kahn
Jun 22, 2019
Constellation Brands Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center
Canandaigua, NY
With Michael McDonald and Chaka Kahn
Jun 23, 2019
The Grand Theater at Foxwoods Resort Casino
Mashantucket, CT
With Michael McDonald and Chaka Kahn
Jun 25, 2019
The Sands Event Center
Bethlehem, PA
With Michael McDonald and Chaka Kahn
Jun 28, 2019
NYCB Theatre at Westbury
Westbury, NY
With Michael McDonald and Chaka Kahn
Jul 1, 2019
Montreal International Jazz Festival
Montreal, Canada
Jul 4, 2019
City of Dublin Independence Day Celebration
Dublin, OH
With Michael McDonald and Chaka Kahn
Jul 5, 2019
The City Center
Champaign, IL
with Whiskey Myers
Jul 7, 2019
Mystic Lake Casino Hotel - Mystic Showroom
Prior Lake, MN
With Michael McDonald and Chaka Kahn
Jul 9, 2019
Bell's Eccentric Cafe
Kalamazoo, MI
with Whiskey Myers
Jul 12, 2019
Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
The Woodlands, TX
With Michael McDonald and Chaka Kahn
Jul 13, 2019
Winnipeg Folk Festival
Winnipeg, MB
Jul 18, 2019
The Machine Shop
Flint, MI
with Whiskey Myers
Jul 21, 2019
Levitt Shell at Overton Park
Memphis, TN
Jul 23, 2019
Northern Quest Resort & Casino
Airway Heights, WA
With Michael McDonald and Chaka Kahn
Jul 25, 2019
Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery
Woodinville, WA
With Michael McDonald and Chaka Kahn
Jul 27, 2019
Newport Folk Festival
Newport, RI
Aug 3, 2019
Mile of Music
Appleton, WI
Aug 4, 2019
Levitt Amp Concert Series
Earlham, IA
Aug 10, 2019
Railbird Festival
Lexington, KY
Aug 28, 2019
WFPK Waterfront Wednesday
Louisville, KY
Sep 4, 2019
Muddy Creek Cafe and Music Hall
Winston-Salem, NC
Sep 5, 2019
Canton Waterfront Park
Baltimore, MD
Sep 7, 2019 - Sep 8, 2019
Moon River Music Festival
Chattanooga, TN
Sep 22, 2019
Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival
Franklin, TN
http://www.devongmusic.com
https://www.facebook.com/devongmusic/