A Deep Soul

Devon Gilfillian
By Kolbe Gelbaugh 

 With the world changing into an even more technologically zoom driven place, there can still be the

ability to connect with music and those who create it. And this past month the Narrow team did just that when we had the opportunity to interview Capitol Records break out recording artist Devon Gilfillian. Even though it was done over Zoom, his passion and emotion for music and creating was still able to shine through the computer screen. Much like the rest of the world, the Nashville based soul singer and songwriter has found 2020 to be nothing short of transformative.

Between fighting bouts of depression, going through a breakup and reimagining what it means to be a musician while in quarantine, Gilfillian funneled all of these experiences into a creative masterpiece with his most recent album “Black Hole Rainbow.”

“I broke up with my girlfriend at the time [of writing the album] and had to learn how to love myself in order to love someone else,” he stated. “And I know that through darkness and through really messed up times, we come out the other end stronger if we’re present.”

Hope and resilience are major themes of “Black Hole Rainbow,” but the main take-away focuses on a more specific message.

“The main message is that it's important to be present in those moments of darkness,” he said with conviction. “And to reflect and to look at what's happening and really understand the emotions that you're going through. And you're the only one really that can do that.”

Living in the present through quarantine has impacted him both personally and artistically. The time off from live performances has allowed him to prioritize his mental health through therapy as well as expand his knowledge of production and sound engineering in software like Logic Pro and Garage Band.

“I feel so empowered to dive into production ...And I’ve never felt like I’ve understood the production process as well as I do now and that’s been awesome having that time to create the entire picture.”

Devon describes this time to be alone and focus on himself as an opportunity that he otherwise would not have had with the usually busy lifestyle of a musician.

“I think this time is so precious that we have right now that we’re never going to get a moment like this again,” he emotionally responded. “I played 186 shows last year and really hadn’t had time to sit in one place and rest and reflect.”

"This time is so precious
that we have right now
that were never
going to get a moment
like this again"

Learning more about mental health and how to cope with depression as well as learning more about the production side of music has helped him see the positive side of things in a year filled with difficulty. Having changed and grown so much in this time, he can’t wait to get back on stage and is looking forward to more new releases. 

“I’ve been writing a bunch … Definitely getting ready for another record. A record and a half, who knows.”

Follow  @devongilfillian