DEVON GILFILLIAN LIVE!! | THE NEW VOICE OF MUSIC

We covered Devon Gilfillian during his tour stop with Grace Potter on January 16th 2020 at the Ritz Music Venue in Raleigh North Carolina.

Photo by Chris Sturk

We got the chance to cover a singer songwriter whose voice really does resonate soul during his tour stop in Raleigh NC at the Ritz on 01-16-2020.   A perfect example of his soulful style are “Stranger” and “Shortcut” among many others.  The songs Devon writes, and records not only scream classic southern rhythm but also bring a sort of “call to arms” for true southern style blues expression.    Devon’s solid vocal and instrumental performance for Audiotree Live in 2017 showcases not only his craftsmanship in writing and performing but also proves that he is an artist with a true vocal gift.  His vocals can make you feel relaxed, empowered and driven all at the same time, mixed with his lyrical writings you will find yourself overwhelmed with an amplitude of emotions. 

Photo by Chris Sturk

Devon is not stranger to the music scene or creating music, he started playing the electric guitar at age 14.  In 2016 Devon released his self-titled album called “Devon Gilfillian”.   His sound and style mixes blues, rock and soul together while embracing R&B.   He recently dropped his new album called “Black Hole Rainbow” which brings deep drum rhythms, bass riffs as well as soul twisting vocals and lyrical content that everyone will find empowering. 

So, lets talk about his performance.  I arrived at the venue around 7:30pm and Devon was scheduled to go on at 8pm.  He was playing at the Ritz in Raleigh opening for the very talented and amazing Grace Potter.  I and the other photographers were ushered into the pit and awaited his arrival to the front of the stage.  He came out with a big smile and you could tell he was very happy to be there.  He started into his first song and right away you could feel the air in the venue change, in a good way of course.   His voice carried a very calm and soulful energy that you could not help yourself from watching him sing.  I looked around as everyone in the front row seemed to have stopped moving and just stared at him almost as if they were in a trance.  During his performance he would walk around the stage, engage the fans and belt out a vocal harmony with pitch variations that made me put my camera down thinking to myself “holy shit, this guy can sing!”.   One of my favorite songs I saw him perform was “Unchained”.  The feel and vibe of that song is so encompassing you can’t help but raise your hands up and feel the flow.   Devon is only starting out and he will grow even more and get bigger.  With his writing style and soulful vocals, I can’t wait to see what he will do next.  If you get the chance to see him live check him out. 

Photo by Chris Sturk

Photo by Chris Sturk

Photograph by Chris Sturk


ONLINE

https://www.devongilfillian.com/

https://www.facebook.com/devongmusic/