Meet Devon Gilfillian- the multi-talented soul singer who is about to take the music world by storm.

After releasing his debut EP in 2016, Gilfillian began making a name for himself. As his music gained traction, the singer joined a wide variety of artists on tour, including Keith Urban, The Fray, and Gladys Knight, earning hundreds of new fans each night before signing to Capitol Records in 2018.

Now, just two short years later, Gilfillian has released his debut album “Black Hole Rainbow,” and set out on the road once more- this time supporting Grace Potter on her US tour.

And luckily for us, we had the opportunity to catch up with Devon during his stop in Boston to chat about all things “Black Hole Rainbow,” upcoming tours, and what his goals are for the new year.

Second Society Report: First off, thank you for taking the time to answer a few questions. I know you’re on tour with Grace Potter for about the next month still, but what has been the best part of tour so far? Are there any specific upcoming dates you’re looking forward to?

Devon Gilfillian: One of my favorite parts of tour so far was getting to go all the way down to Key West. We rented some scooters like a bunch of tourists and I got to see an old rock bar called “Sloppy Joes” that my Dad played at back in the day. 

The show I’m really looking forward to is The Ryman show in Nashville. That venue is so legendary, the mother church of music. I’ve been dreaming of playing that venue since I moved to Nashville in 2013.

SSR: I know you just put out your first full length album earlier this year (congratulations!) – When you are working on writing your songs, what comes first- the music or the lyrics? Do you have any special procedures or steps you take while writing?

DG: When I’m writing typically I’ll be walking around or somewhere random and a melody will pop in my head, then I’ll voice memo that. Then I’ll build a chord progression around that melody, then I’ll start writing the lyrics. 

SSR: Speaking of Black Hole Rainbow – what has been the most exciting/rewarding part of having a debut album out? What reactions have you received to it so far?

DG: It’s so awesome to see which songs people are reposting on the socials, which ones they’re loving and connecting to. I’m so so glad that people can listen to the album in its entirety. People have been sending messages saying that the songs have helped them through dark times in their lives, and that always makes me know I’m doing the right thing by making music for a living.

SSR: Who are your biggest inspirations when it comes to your writing style? What about vocal style?

DG: My writing style comes from all over the place. I love the way Jimi Hendrix plays the guitar and the colors that he paints, as well as Curtis Mayfield. I love the way Bob Marley writes lyrically. As far as vocals go, I grew up listening to Stevie Wonder, Otis Redding, Ray Charles, and Donny Hathaway. Also, I listened to Robert Plant, Chris Cornell, and Eddie Vedder as vocalist. I’m a mixed bag.

SSR: Do you have any secret talents beyond singing/music?

DG: I can make the best pancakes ever.

SSR: After your tour with Grace, I know that you are playing quite a few festivals. Is this your first time hitting the festival scene? What are you most excited for? Most nervous for?

DG: This isn’t our first festival circuit, but it’s a big one for sure. Bonnaroo and Firefly are the biggest festivals we’re playing this summer and I’m really looking forward to them. Rage Against The Machine is playing Firefly and I’ve been a fan since high school 😊.

SSR: What do you want fans to take away from your music? How do you want them to feel when listening to your songs?

DG: I want fans to feel heard and loved when they leave my show. I want them to feel inspired to be free to be who they are and accept people for who they are and give love to people who need it most.

SSR: What is your goal for 2020 if you have one? If you don’t, what are you most looking forward to that you already have lined up?

DG: My 2020 goal is to play late night television and light the stage on fire.

You can catch Devon on tour with Grace Potter through the end of February, and stream “Black Hole Rainbow” below.