What is your name and what city do you rep?
Devin Roy outta NYC
Tell us about your latest releases, what inspired you to create them?
I just recently dropped my debut album “underneath (The Grey Sky)” which I’ve taken as my first real opportunity to lay the foundation for who I am as an artist and the type of world I’m trying to craft through my music. I made my introduction with “M.A.N.” and set the tone for my rhyme, with “Blessings” I got alil more personal, “Spidey & Motor” felt like coming out of my shell while “A Bear Called Papa” was therapy in the purest sense of the word. I feel like I’ve been able to set the stage for myself with the singles I’ve released but my heart has always been set on an album. I’m inspired by classic albums across multiple genres and generations, the ability the artist has to paint the picture as they see it is one I’ve always admired. I see “underneath (The Grey Sky)” as my submission to humankind’s gallery of art, as I stand here holding my brush I feel incredibly proud of the vision producer Kay G and I were able to create.
What is unique about you and your music?
This question and concept always throws me off alil bit. I feel like by default my uniqueness really lies in the fact that I’m myself. As corny and cliche as that sounds it’s as honest an answer as I can give, when I describe my music its never like “yeah yo I be the only one out here spittin that real shit” I’m really just doing my shit, telling my stories and from that perspective I feel uniquely qualified to speak my piece.
What shaped your music?
I think my overall love for music has been my greatest ally when it comes to my own work. My stuff is shaped by what I love and the things that inspire me, it’s based on my experience and the things I’ve seen. I feel blessed with the gift of expression and to have the ability to wield my own brush like the artists I’ve been so inspired by. Nas said to “carry on tradition” and with that in mind I feel like I’ve been shaped by the ones who came before me.
When did you realize you were going to make music professionally?
When I dropped “M.A.N.” I can only describe the feeling as a shark smelling his first drop of blood in the water. I haven’t fully tasted it yet but at that moment I knew there was more out there for me. I was holding onto that record for a minute before I finally put it out. I always told myself I was focused more on the art than the fame and when I felt ready I’d put it out but a shark is gonna be a shark regardless of anything else, I got that first whiff of blood and as soon as I knew it was out there I was hungry for more. Art is meant to be viewed not hidden. Once I gave that level of respect to my work I felt my world open up and I truly felt like it would be a disservice not to do this, I’ve made a commitment to myself.
What type of music do you listen to?
Whatever fits the vibe I’m in, music inherently depicts the widest aspects of life and I try to keep my taste as broad. Sometimes I’m in the mood for some Baduizm, other times I want The Killers. That’s the dopest part about music, there’s so much of it.
What inspires you to write music?
Anything and everything genuinely, I write about how I’m feeling, I write about the shit I see, I write about the mistakes I’ve made and my proudest moments, I’m inspired by the music I listen to and because of that I’m inspired to write for the people who can’t but feel like I do.
What do you do when you don’t do music (creative or otherwise) and that you are passionate about?
Other than music no outlet elicits as much passion as riding my bike. I ride fixed gear which means I can’t stop pedaling but it also gives me a feeling of control I can’t fully describe. When I’m on my bike it’s just me, I feel empowered by my strength and my energy but aware of my weakness and what I’m capable of. I feel at peace when I ride.
Happiness to you is…
Living your life to the fullest however full that may be. Love yours and do what you love to do, once you achieve that happiness is inevitable. When you have that level of comfort in who you are, happiness becomes whatever you define it to be.
What do you wish you were told when you first started making music that you think would help artists just starting out?
You can be better. That doesn’t mean you not the shit right now but when you get comfortable it doesn’t leave room to be more the shit later.
Tell us about your upcoming projects…
I’m currently working on getting a few more videos for the album done but now it’s really onto new energies. Expect more singles and features until we get back into album mode. I still feel like I’m underneath (The Grey Sky) so we’ll see what that turns into.
Where do we find your music / music projects?
Devin Roy available now on all the shits!
Apple Music, Spotify, SoundCloud, YouTube, Napster, LimeWire prolly even running the numbers up.
Any last words for the readers?
I appreciate you.
