From Pennsylvania to Nashville, Devon Beck has made a splash with her radio-perfect voice and incisive songwriting.
Since settling in Music City, she has quickly garnered attention from artists, songwriters, and insiders. On June 17, 2021, Devon’s song ‘Mirrors’ was the “Here For This” Feature of the Day on The Ward Guenther Show (EP.159) on Apple Music. The Whiskey Jam co-founder also interviewed Devon on June 21, 2021, as part of his Hot Wax Hot Minute feature (EP. 160). Devon has also performed at Nashville’s famous ‘Whiskey Jam’ multiple times. Country star Jimmie Allen featured her on his Instagram New Artist Showcase and named her as an artist to watch after the release of her EP, One Sided Expectations. Devon was also asked to perform at Pennsylvania’s York State Fair by Scott Donato, radio personality with Forever Media’s Froggy 107.7, because “If you have not seen her yet, you will become an instant fan.” After performing, he said “there are not many artists that could captivate an audience for 40 minutes with just their voice and a guitar which is why so few people can do it…. and Devon just did that!”
Devon’s debut EP, One Sided Expectations, was released on her 18th birthday in July 2020. The four-song recording is an honest and genuine reflection of the heartbreak and turbulent relationships Devon has experienced; however, the lyrics are heartfelt and relatable at any age. One Sided Expectations was nominated for the 2020 Album/EP of the Year at the 2nd Central PA Music Awards (CPMA) held in July 2021. Devon won the 2020 CPMA award for Best New Band/Artist.
Now she’s back with the song “Homewrecker,” a deceptive title for a song that’s more honey than heat. Beck tells the story of a couple that can’t be reunited — knowing that the other person is the one who got away. In our interview, Beck talks about how it all came together.
Who are some of your musical influences?
When I was younger I listened to a lot of R&B, including H.E.R, Rihanna, etc. I always loved the soulfulness of that genre and the lyrical approach. As I got older, I was drawn more towards country music and the storytelling lyrics. Since moving to Nashville, I find myself drawn to the newer and up-and-coming artists who write the songs you genuinely wish you had written. For example, Jackson Dean, Koe Wetzel, Zach Bryan & Bailey Zimmerman influence me the most.
Explain the title of your single.
The title of my single is “Homewrecker.” I chose it because I love this song and I feel like the way it’s written will definitely intrigue the listener. People think the song is going to be about a girl that wrecked a relationship or vice versa. I can’t wait for people to hear the spin that I put on it. The song is really about two people that always knew they were going to end up together, but have never been single at the same time. We both could never wreck each other’s happiness, even if we thought about doing it.
Tell us about the first song you wrote.
The first song I ever wrote was called “Forgive Me”. It was about the first relationship where I felt like I messed up. I loved writing the song, because it was different from a typical breakup song. It was about me knowing that I messed it up and me hoping for forgiveness, even though I never got it. I love to write honestly about how I feel or what I’ve been through.
Do you have any songwriting tips you can share?
One of the main songwriting tips I can give is, write what you know. It comes across more believable and people can relate to it. My favorite thing anyone has ever told me was “that reminds me of my relationship with…” There’s nothing better than people actually being able to relate to how you are feeling. It makes you want to speak out more!
Tell us about your favorite show you’ve ever played.
My favorite show I ever played, hands down, would be the show I played with Ernest in my hometown State Fair. Right before the show, Ernest texted me saying that his guitar was having issues and asked if he could borrow mine. Anyone that goes to my shows knows that my guitar has an inlay with my name on the neck, so he got to play my guitar with my name on it in front of the people that got to watch me grow into the artist I am today.