After following up his much-loved 2023 LP 'To Feel Free' with the stunning comeback single 'Trust' late last year, London-based artist Devansh is back to his vibrant best once again on the woozy new single 'The Brace'.
Capturing more of that rich and dreamy aesthetic he has earned a reputation for, 'The Brace' makes for an incredibly warm and inviting listen. With his tranquil vocal performance spread across a shimmering production from beginning to end, he continues to shine as one of the more alluring names doing the rounds right now.
So with the new single available to stream now, we sat down with him to find out more about his origins and what has been inspiring him most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
It was actually the trumpet! I loved listening to Freddie Hubbard, Lee Morgan, Miles Davis, and a bunch of other jazz trumpeters when I was younger. And I should specify that it's a love-hate relationship with the trumpet, as I've played it on and off for years (currently in an off phase).
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
Honestly, when I was younger I'd consider my music taste pretty poor - standard pop stuff as a kid and some questionable electronic music throughout high school. But moving back to New York for college and studying jazz allowed me to fall in love with it and all its offshoots (70's soul, funk, and more contemporary artists like D'Angelo and Erykah Badu).
What was the first album you remember owning?
Hmm, I think it was probably a CD of "Black & Blue" by the Backstreet Boys...no further comment...
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
Ah there are too many options here - "Retrograde" by James Blake, "Cuffed" by Nick Hakim, "Feels Like We Only Go Backwards" by Tame Impala. But I'll actually go with "Swing Lo Magellan" by the Dirty Projectors (ideally the acoustic version by Unknown Mortal Orchestra) - stunningly beautiful.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
Not necessarily, but I think the most important thing is creating the conditions to be creative, instead of forcing moments of creativity. This means both a regular practice of meditation, working out, & yoga, and generating moments of discomfort to spark the brain (things like traveling, cold plunges, or waking up super early).
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
I'm always listening to a wide range of stuff, but at the moment I'm loving Olive Jones' new single "Summer Rain", some Amen Dunes from his 2018 album "Believe", and the new mk.gee, album "Two Star & The Dream Police".
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Again too many to name here, but top three would be Tame Impala, Jai Paul, and James Blake because of how their music changed my life.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
The two most rewarding parts are definitely the moment of creation, right once you've generated a fresh, interesting idea; and seeing the music connect with and move other people, because you realize making music is always meant to serve others, not yourself.
And what is the most frustrating part?
Either trying to decide when a song is truly done or how you outgrow your older music and no longer feel satisfied by it the way you used to.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
Allow what makes you unique to come through - there are too many people doing the same thing, following the same formulas. That's gonna be your "sonic signature" and how you feel more deeply fulfilled with what you've made.
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Devansh's new single 'The Brace' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.