By Nicholas Jason Lopez
Late at night when all the world is sleeping, do you stay up and dream of them?
The yearn for that early reciprocated love was the subject of Deanna Devore’s late summer bop “Need To Know,” a lo-fi/R&B-driven collaboration with D.Lylez (“The Voice” Season 18), which further showcased that the female producer/multi-instrumentalist is out to do it all, just as well as the boys can.
Over the course of her career, The Chicago and Toronto-based artist has performed at venues and festivals such as Summerfest, CMJ and NXNE and has shared stages with the likes of Jamie Cullum, Raveena and Bonobo. Once the COVID-19 pandemic first occurred, long periods of isolation led to appropriate reflection, which spawned the creative flair that possesses “Need To Know.”
The Music Bugle had the chance to speak with her about what she’s been up to lately and more.
Music Bugle – What excites you the most about your style of music?
Deanna Devore – I’m a big fan of groovy music, so I would say rhythm excites me most about R&B-type beats.
Music Bugle – What was your goal for your new single?
Deanna Devore – To have it heard by as many people as possible!
Music Bugle – How would you say 2021 has treated you?
Deanna Devore – Pretty well, I’d say. The pandemic allowed me time to focus on other areas of composing – specifically, for film and ads.
Music Bugle – What is the biggest challenge in being a producer?
Deanna Devore – Keeping up with the trends and production tricks.
Music Bugle – Out of all the instruments you play, which one stands out as your favorite?
Deanna Devore – Guitar.
Music Bugle – What was it like getting to work with D.Lylez?
Deanna Devore – The best. He’s my favorite.
Music Bugle – What have you missed the most about performing live?
Deanna Devore – The feeling of playing with others on stage and the energy from the audience.
Music Bugle – What makes you the most proud about where you come from?
Deanna Devore – I’m a pretty proud Canadian, in general!
Music Bugle – Which of your songs were the hardest to write?
Deanna Devore – Hmm… I can’t think of any songs released as an artist. However, there have been challenging briefs I’ve had to compose for in the ad world.
Music Bugle – How have you been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic?
Deanna Devore – I was lucky to have a home studio during the pandemic, so it allowed me to focus on many different composition projects. In that sense, the pandemic had a positive effect.
