Check out our interview with outlaw-pop extraordinaire artist DEVORA who recently released her hit single “Not Dead Yet.”
DEVORA’s unique blend of alt-pop, western, and grunge music has garnered acclaim from the masses — from Vogue to WONDERLAND to Ladygunn and more.
Follow Devora @devoramusicxo
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Outlaw. Eccentric. Creative.
How did you get started in the business?
I’ve been singing and writing/playing music ever since I could talk. In middle school and high school I loved writing short stories, poems, and songs. I always knew that music was what I wanted to pursue. After high school I immediately followed my passion and moved to LA. I was writing for and with other artists, which eventually led me to my own artistry that I had always wanted to pursue.
How has this changed your life?
My life is very different from a lot of people I went to high school with, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. Being able to tour the world and create music for a living trumps any “normalcy” that I missed out on. I love what I do.
Describe your sound in 3 words?
Dark, Edgy, Western…
Who influenced you and why did you choose to make music?
My dad, also a singer songwriter, inspired me from a young age to get into music. We would sing together when I was a toddler, and both him and my mom brought me to my first singing lesson at age 5!
Do you play any instrument?
I play guitar and piano. There was a minute I started to mess with the Sitar in high school, but didn’t get very far as it had an entirely different musical scale.
Do you ever get nervous?
Sometimes before a big performance. It always turns into excitement though the moment I hit the stage!
Tell us your new single “Not Dead Yet?”
“Not Dead Yet” is an energetic blast through the psychedelic Wild West; it encourages one to take the road less traveled, take chances, and be fearless. I wanted to instill in people’s minds that it’s ok to be different! This is about living life in the fast lane.
What’s the story behind the song?
I was coming out of a dark time in my life and wrote “Not Dead Yet” as a celebratory anthem of sorts. I wanted to commemorate making it this far in life despite all obstacles and celebrate the moment. “Not Dead Yet” gives you a glimpse into my dark western world.
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
Helping and healing people through the power of music. There is no greater reward than a fan telling me that my music has helped them.
What book should every entrepreneur read?
Psycho Cybernetics by Maxwell Maltz. This book changed my life and will change yours.
What would say are the greatest lessons you learned so far?
That It’s not my business what other people think of me
What advice would you give to your younger self and why?
It gets better. Sometimes things have the appearance of falling apart leaving you believing that it’s the beginning of the end….when really, its just the end of the beginning….
How would your best friend describe you?
As “The Goth Dolly Parton”
If you are a book, what would be the title of the book and why?
“The Modern Outlaw” – I love the idea of the recreation of the “Wild West” in 2022. My aesthetic and music all point in this direction.
What’s next for Devora in 2022?
New music releases, touring…some special secret surprises I’m cooking up!
What is your favorite healthy food?
Brussel Sprouts! Used to hate em’ as a kid, but now they’re my favorite 🙂
How would you explain your fashion style?
Western Goth
What is your own definition of happiness?
Happiness to me is creating art. I’m happiest when creating music and performing.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
I would love to meet Elvis, Kurt Cobain and/or Trent Reznor. All are such huge musical inspirations for me. Trent Reznor has inspired a lot of my music from such a young age.
What would be the dream holiday, and who would you go with?
My dream holiday is a little non-conventional; It’s always been a dream of mine to go to the Sedlec Ossuary Chapel in Czechoslovakia, which is a church in the Czech Republic that is decorated and constructed entirely out of human skeletons!
Best advice ever given?
“Take care of yourself before helping others” I am prone to overwork and have to continuously remind myself that my help towards others is only as strong as I am. It’s important to remember to put your oxygen mask on before you start to help with someone else’s…
Where do you see yourself and your career in 5 years from now?
Playing stadiums with all my goth cowboys and cowgirls singing in the front row.
What do you think of Social Media?
I love being able to connect with my fans so readily and easily. Social media has given us access to virtually everyone. I try to moderate my consumption and keep it to a minimum, too much of it definitely spins me out.
Where we can follow you?
Instagram: @devoramusicxo
TikTok: @devoramusicxo
Book: “Never Let Me Go” by Kazuo Ishiguro
Movie: Requiem for a Dream
Tv Series: Sons of Anarchy
Favorite Food: Mac and cheese
Travel Destination: Paris
Sports Team: Phoenix suns
