Following on from a flurry of fresh and enticing offerings these last few months, LA-based artist Devin Sunshine returns once again with her latest glittering delight 'In Love With Me'.
Bringing back more of that sweet and breezy alt-pop direction she has showcased so far, 'In Love With Me' marks a wonderfully shimmering moment in her catalogue to date. With its sweeping aesthetics and catchy hooks layered throughout, we can't wait to find out what this year has in store for her.
So with the new single available now, we sat down with her to find out more about her background and influences over the years.
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What was the first band or artist you fell in love with?
The first artist I ever remember really LOVING was Britney Spears. I was a 90s kid, so that’s probably pretty typical for most girls at that time. She was a pop icon! I remember getting my first ever personal CD boombox (hello kitty themed to be exact) and Britney Spears’ debut album for Christmas in 2000 and being in heaven.
Once I grew up and branched out from just mainstream pop music, I fell in love with hip hop and became a huge fan of Eminen. He’s still one of my all time favourite rappers. Big shift from Britney Spears! But I think those varying interests are a great example of my own personal music style these days - a mix of rap and pop.
Did you ever form a band when you were younger and if so, what did they sound like?
I never formed a band, but I was involved in a lot of musical theatre growing up so my cousins and I would always put on little shows at family parties. We would use the raised steps in the entrance of my grandma’s house as our “stage” and make all of our family use tickets we drew up to get in and see our show. It was always a random montage of songs we liked at the time and little skits. I guess in a way you could say we formed a little band! lol. But as far as seriously pursuing music, that’s always been a solo venture for me.
What has been your primary inspiration in writing music?
I think the natural ebb and flow of life has been a main source of inspiration for me, and seems to be at the root of almost any concept I write about.
Just before I started seriously pursuing music in late 2018, I experienced some huge shifts in my life that really had me reflecting on my existence as a whole and what it means to be a human on this earth. That time period also gave me the solid perspective that not every part of life is meant to be easy or filled with joy, and that it’s a wasted effort - in my opinion - to try and chase that.
The natural ebb and flow of life is one of the most beautiful and steadfast parts of this existence and I think music and writing in general - poems, literature, films - is one of the greatest ways to express and showcase that. I love the magical, light, exciting parts of life and I love the deep, dark, and gritty parts just the same. And I think finding and expressing the beauty in all of those different aspects through music and lyrics is one of my favourite things about this existence, ever.
What is a song you wish you had written yourself?
Oof! This is a tough one… I don’t think there are any songs out there I necessarily wish I wrote. Every artist puts such a unique touch on their songs so it’s hard to want to claim that, especially as someone who takes such pride in their own songwriting and unique creative lens.
But there are definitely some BOPS by some really dope female rappers/singers lately that have very heavily inspired my own style of writing or some of my own bars. Artists like Qveen Herby, Ashnikko, Princess Nokia, Doja Cat, Tommy Genesis, and of course the female rap queen herself - Nicki Minaj.
If there was any moment in your career you could relive, what would it be?
I think I’m living it now! I really try to focus on the journey and upward grind of this career, and really relish in all the steps along the way rather than getting caught up in where I’ve been or where I wish I was.
I saw an interview by Russ once that really put this concept into perspective for me. He made the point that when you’re an up and coming artist, the ladder to “the top” is infinite. There’s always room to go up. Once you “make it” (and of course everyone’s definition of that is different, so it’s subjective) certain milestones are hit that you can never really hit again, or at least not for the first time.
So I'm really just enjoying this journey as an up and coming artist, and trying to stay as present and as grateful as I can in every moment and every step of the way.
Which artist would you most love to share a stage with? And is there an artist you would love to collaborate with as well?
Oh boy… any of those badass female artists I mentioned previously would be a DREAM to share a stage with or collaborate with. I’d love to work with any and all of them if the chance ever comes my way. There are some male artists I really admire as well, but there are just so many talented female artists out there these days and it’s such a unique time in the music industry for females that I’d love to nurture that and collaborate on some really dope all female tracks.
Where do you see yourself in five years time?
Well, I heavily believe in manifestation, but I also believe in 1) not sharing those detailed plans with too many people outside your creative circle, and 2) letting life come at you as it will and rolling with the punches.
So I guess on a broad scope, in five years time I’d love to simply be making my entire living off of music. That’s always been the main goal for me. The fame, the clout, the conventional idea of “success” has never been at the forefront. Of course, all of that would be cool! I don’t think anyone can deny that, lol. But my primary goal is to be able to wake up and do what I love everyday for a living. To have the funds to execute my creative visions and share them with the world, at my own pace and discretion. To be my own boss, make my own schedule, call my own shots.
I’d love to be living in a fun and colourful space that I’ve designed all myself, to be the most inspiring and lively it can be. Surrounded by nature. Content and confident in what I do and why I do it. Proud of the art I’ve put out into the world and the steps I’ve taken to do so. That would be an amazing place to be in five years! And I’m planning on it.
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Devin Sunshine's new single 'In Love With Me' is available to stream now. Check it out below.