Devon Gilfillian | Interview | Stingray Rising Stars

What is your earliest artistic memory?  

My earliest artistic memory was painting an image of a tree when I was in kindergarten. It was actually not bad.  

What is your favorite cover that you have done?  

My favorite cover that I’ve done recently that comes to mind is “I’d Rather Go Blind” by Etta James. I got to sing it with Grace Potter on my last tour before COVID hit. 

What is your best or funniest memory on stage? 

One of my favorite and funniest moments on stage had to be in Asheville, NC, at the Grey Eagle as we were on tour with Anderson East. Anderson decided to play a prank on us. During our set, in-between songs, they programmed the on-stage monitors so that they could play samples of their voices back at us. They would say encouraging things, but it was so distracting and also hilarious.

What is your favorite song of all time? 

That is such a hard question. I’ll have to go with “Waiting in Vain” by Bob Marley.

What is your favorite album of all time? 

Geez, another brain buster. I have to say Electric Lady Land by Jimi Hendrix is my fave of all time. I think it’s his masterpiece with the Experience playing behind him. 

What song do you love performing the most on stage, and why?  

I really love play “The Good Life.” I feel like I really get to show people my message during that song and what I’m all about. 

If you didn’t become a musician, what would you be doing right now?  

I would probably be a therapist or a history teacher. I love history, and I also love to help people understand their deep problems. I’m glad I became a musician and not a therapist, though. In a way, music is my therapy that I can provide for the world.

Which musician(s) would you like to collaborate with?  

I’m a huge fan of Steve Lacey, Thundercat, Anderson Paak, Mark Ronson, Pharrell. It’d be dope to work with them.

What have you been doing during quarantine to keep busy? 

I’ve been writing my butt off. I recorded an entire cover album of Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On.” Also, I’ve been teaching myself how to record using Logic Pro. I also produced my first couple of songs this year. I’m pretty proud of them. 

What is one thing that your fans don’t know about you (a fun fact)? 

I really am not a fan of olives :].

What is the best advice that you have ever been given? 

It’s best to be the worst musician in the room. 

What’s coming up for you in the next weeks and months? 

I’m going to release a rendition of Nat King Cole’s “The Christmas Song” in the next few weeks. Then I’m going to be writing some more for the second record.