Under 500 Spotlight & Release: Devin is Dead -

SPOOKY SZN HAS ARRIVED! Today we are shining a spotlight on rising artist Devin is Dead with a brand new spooky track! I first heard of Devin is Dead a few months ago by way of some slappers on Soundcloud. Devin’s sound is easily recognizable as he blends the minimalistic side of dub with the harder hitting. With a gang of tracks uploaded to his Soundcloud just from 2020, Devin is one to watch and I am positive we will be seeing him on the fest circuit when the time comes. I linked up with Devin to chat about the new track, his musical journey, and more! Be sure to give Devin a follow and check out the brand new track and interview below!

Where are you from, and how did your musical journey begin?

I’m originally a Michigan kid, but I’ve been living in Toledo, OH for most of my adult life. My early inspirations ranged from 90s rap and rock with my parents’ influence – to pop, punk, and the hardcore scene when listening with my friends. In my own time, I would collect torrents from different electronic music online: Skrillex, Knife Party, and Doctor P, to name a few. No one I knew was really into it, and as we know, so much of the music scene is the live experience. So yeah, I really regret not having more friends into the EDM scene growing up, but it makes me appreciate my group of friends even more now. Shout out to the homies! My first time hearing Electronic music was at Bonnaroo 2017 with my girlfriend. I used to make simple rap beats in high school, but after seeing Electronic music in a live setting for the first time, I was inspired to take music production as a serious endeavor. Fun Fact: While at Bonnaroo, we were melting in utter bliss while listening to G Jones, but I didn’t even know it was him playing until 2 years later when I was reminiscing over the lineup. Lastly, the name: Devin is Dead was originally my Instagram handle from high school, and it just sorta stuck. I suppose I like the fact that it makes you question something with no answer. Yeah.

We are dropping your spooky track “Ghost House” today! How did this track come together? Any inspirations?

I was a huge fan of Super Mario World as a kid and I wanted to create a track that took you on a nostalgic ride through a ‘Ghost House Level’ – Each drop hitting in an unexpected way; similar to the labyrinth portrayed in the ‘old-school’ Mario Ghost House. As well as creepy ambiance to create a feeling of unease.

Can you talk about the progression of your sound, how did you go about settling on it and what was your journey like getting here? Any tips for others looking for their own sound?

My sound progression was cultivated while on a quest to bring lower frequencies to new heights. I like the fast-paced, harder hitting, new dubstep; but when exploring, I always find myself attracted to old-school minimalistic style beats. I try to blend the two to form a cohesive sound. This, along with influence from experimental remixes, resurrective vibes, and deep space tunes. My tips: Try to make original sounds from the start and use them creatively. As you progress, your sounds will sit more cohesively together.

What DAW do you use and do you have a certain goto format when you sit down and create? Any tips for beginners wanting to sit down and learn a DAW?

FL gang. I usually start with a melody when I’m working in a more ‘vibey’ tune. Whereas, I would start with sound design or drums for a heavier hitting tune. But really, whatever gets the flow started because once things start flowing, it’s easy to create. I’m actually super stoked right now, I just got my Tangible Waves modular device from Abused Electronics in Germany. As of lately, I’ve been diving deep into modular sound design, but I usually use Serum or FL stock plug-ins. My tips for beginners wanting to sit down and learn a DAW – Don’t, unless you actually enjoy spending relentless hours on tedious tasks. I do.

What inspires you, how do you stay inspired?

I don’t need to be inspired because music is my escape and flow is my inspiration. Most of the time it turns out like shit, but occasionally you get something nice and worth finishing. My inspirational advice: Get yourself a good girlfriend and a good cat.

What producers push your boundaries/inspire you the most at the moment?

Oooof! Angelic Root for composition and unique style. Meso for sound design. And ill.Gates for his exceptional ability to instruct and convey information. Shoutout to the Producer Dojo!