Diandra Interviews Devan: All The Pink Noise

To be an artist, music has to mean everything to you. Of course, there are people who sing for fame and money, but, for a lot of us, particularly the ones struggling for food and rent, the journey to make music our livelihood comes from the fact that it gives us life. It can make a car ride feel like a cinematic event, soundtrack the first crush we ever had, and melt our anxieties into pink noise. In our interview, Devan discusses how music has been her best friend, and, in turn, became her career.

Diandra: Why did you choose the title Pink Noise for new record, out February 26?

Devan: Pink Noise is basically a more subdued version of white noise (its frequency spectrum is slightly different than white noise). You can hear it in things like waves, rain, wind, etc, and I read that listening to it is supposed to help with sleep, memory, and anxiety. The reason the term pink noise resonated with me so much is because the making of this EP felt like it served a similar function, helping me process old memories and sleep better at night. I also started listening to it when I wake up during the night, with anxiety, and it helps me fall back asleep; so it brings me a lot of comfort… much like these songs. 

Diandra: What is your dream version of a Night Drive?

Devan: Ok, there’s two specific types of night drives I love – let me try and paint a picture.

In the first, I imagine driving on a nearly-empty highway, in the summertime, with my best friends, blasting Frank Ocean, windows down, momentarily forgetting about all the stressful things in life. In the second, it’s fall and we’re listening to something quiet and melancholic like Andy Shauf or Phoebe Bridgers, no one is talking, the car is warm and comfortable and the combination of everything lulls you into a half-asleep, half-meditative state (*it’s important to note that you’re not the driver in this scenario, haha*). 

Diandra: What insecurity were you able to turn into a musical strength?

Devan: I was never classically trained in music theory or any musical instrument, so I’ve always felt like that was a major shortcoming in pursuing a music career. In writing sessions, people will be like “try playing the relative minor” or “what chord is that?” or “what’s the key?” and I will have no idea. I decided to try compensating for this through learning music production and being able to build out demos and musical ideas on my own, because I can hear what I want things to sound like, I just don’t know the technical terms or theoretical concepts. The ability to produce has served as a great communication tool when I’m collaborating, and also allows me to do a lot more on my own without having to rely on others for everything. I do still wish I knew more theory though. 

Diandra: What are the qualities and behaviors of your personality that you feel your music reflects?

Devan: Ooooh, I like this question. I’d say eclectic, I’m the type of person who goes through phases and likes to try new things. I think this debut EP is reflective of that since the songs range across a few different genres. I am also a big over-analyzer and catastrophizer, which sucks most of the time, but I think it’s a useful trait for a songwriter to have.  

Diandra: You see music as a barrier breaker. Describe a moment when you felt and saw music had broken a barrier for you?

Devan: Definitely! I love how liking the same artist as someone makes you feel instantly connected to them, even if that’s all you have in common. A lot of my closest relationships start by sending each other music back and forth. My boyfriend and I did that at the start of our relationship and went to a concert together and realized we had feelings for each other. If it wasn’t for the concert and the music, we may not have realized until much later. Music brings people closer.    

Diandra: If you could incarnate music into a literal lover, angel, or friend, which would you choose, why, and what qualities would you give it?

Devan: Hmm….. In a way, I feel like music is my friend because it keeps me company and has a big impact on my emotions. It can comfort me and cheer me up and entertain me during long drives. I wouldn’t want it to be a lover because then we’d probably fight and things would get too complicated if I didn’t feel like listening to it. 

Diandra: What is a movie you think would be a great concept album? Why and from what angle?

Devan: First thing that came to mind is ‘Bend it like Beckham’. Conceptually, there’s a lot to unpack here – cultural differences, a strict and limiting family dynamic, complicated friendships, young love, passion, teenage life. The music would be Indian-inspired 90’s UK pop-electronica. 

Diandra: What is an album you think would be a great film? Why, what would be its premise, and who would you cast?

Devan: Currents by Tame Impala. It would be a coming of age movie about hippie kids in the 70’s, kind of along the lines of ‘Dazed and Confused’ or ‘Almost Famous’. The movie would take place over the course of one long Saturday night in September, the first week after school went back into session for the year. Lucas Hedges would grow out his hair and play the lead role of a slightly socially awkward, anxious sophomore who is being exposed to adulthood for the first time. He really wants to fit in, but he feels different from everybody else, and is still coming to terms with his body changing, exploring his sexuality, and experimenting with drugs and alcohol for the first time. Amandla Stenberg would play the cool, older girl who sees something special in him and acts as his spirit guide. I’m not totally sure where to go from here, but it would be one of those movies where weird things keep happening and you can’t tell if it’s a dream or not. Much like the album, the movie would touch on a lot of complicated emotions that come with growing up. Confusion, loneliness, betrayal, joy, confidence, love… all the good stuff. I wish I could watch it right now. 

Diandra: ME TOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Diandra: Name 3 things music taught you to love about yourself?

 Devan: 1) Performing on stage forced me to become more confident. I was faking it at first, but doing it night after night really made me feel it.  

2) Collaborating has made me a better communicator. 

3) It’s made me more independent. I genuinely enjoy my own company when I’m making music and listening to music alone. 

Diandra: What is your favorite childhood memory with music?

 Devan: My parents introduced me to the best music when I was younger. I grew up in London, and we used to do a lot of day trips to the country side on weekends. They’d always have an album playing on repeat for the entire drive. I loved looking out the window and listening to the songs, studying the lyrics, trying to figure out harmonies, and longingly looking out the window as if I were starring in a dramatic movie or something. The albums they played that stuck with me the most were ‘Tea for the Tillerman’ by Cat Stevens, ‘Rumours’ by Fleetwood Mac, and ‘White Ladder’ by David Gray. Still some of my favourites. 

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