Born in London to American parents and raised in Berkshire, fast-rising artist Deva St. John has certainly been looking to bridge the gap between the trans-American sound with her work of late. And now she returns with her latest anthemic release ‘Preacher’.
Following on from the enormous single ‘Reckless’ earlier this year, ‘Preacher’ looks to continue that bold and euphoric direction she has found herself exploring. With killer riffs and pounding production, she is ready to embark onto the scene with one of the most blisteringly addictive sounds we have heard in months.
So with the new single doing the rounds right now, we sat down with her to discuss her latest material and what she has planned for the future.
Words by Chris Bound
Discovered via http://musosoup.com
Hi Deva, how are you today?
I’m great thank you! I had my first pint in a sunny pub garden yesterday, so I’m feeling positive!
For those that haven’t heard of you yet, how would you best describe your sound and who have been your biggest influences so far?
Alternative is a pretty broad term, but alternative rock is probably the best way I would describe my genre. My favourite music is classic, grunge and psychedelic/stoner rock - though I’m also very inspired by modern rock, pop-punk and alternative pop. Beck, Blind Melon, and Jack White are probably my top three, though I started singing at the age that I was religiously listening to Evanescence and Paramore - with a bit of Alanis Morissette and Aerosmith thrown in. It’s a bit of a mix, I suppose!
You were also raised in Reading. Could you tell us how the music scene there has inspired your sound?
I was actually raised just outside of Reading, but yeah - Reading definitely had/has the biggest local scene. I went to Reading College and got to know the scene at Purple Turtle, especially. It didn’t inspire my sound so much, but it’s certainly inspired my live show. It’s the kind of place where you can go to any show anywhere and be guaranteed a fun time. It’s full of talent - and everyone’s really supportive of each other. At least in my experience! I can’t wait to get back out there. I’d love to organise a big picnic or something. Just to hang out, network and celebrate the end of a shitty year.
And what has been your most memorable career moment so far?
Blind Melon shared my cover of Skinned! They posted it to their Facebook and were very complimentary! I flipped the fuck out. I still can’t quite believe it happened.
You have just released your new single ‘Preacher’. Can you tell us how that track came about? Is there a story behind it?
I have! Preacher was born from political/societal frustration and a passing comment my drummer made. One time at band practice, after we finished rehearsing The Information Age, Stu carried on playing the drum part after the rest of us had stopped playing - just for a laugh. He then said something like - “how cool would it be if we transitioned into another song off the back of The Information Age?” I was like “yeah, that would be cool!” So, I recorded myself mumbling some random melody while he played the drum part. I went home, wrote the lyrics, came back the next week, and boom! Preacher!
And how would you say it compares to your previous releases?
Preacher has The Information Age energy, but it’s amped all the way up. The production is stronger, the song hits harder, and the lyrics are more interesting. It’s definitely the coolest song I’ve put out so far!
Can we expect a new EP, or even an album from you in the near future?
Oh, I would love to make an EP or an album. It’s just a case of money, really. I’m working to pay for music - anything I make, I re-invest - so I’m still a little far away from making a big body of work. Though as soon as I can, I definitely will. I have enough new material for it, and I write more all the time. I’ve been in a good creative flow recently! Though, I am still working out the perfect recipe for a song.
The coronavirus outbreak has obviously affected everyone’s plans, but what have you got in store for the rest of the year?
So far, I’m working on two new songs, one new music video, and I’ve got a headline show booked for September. Outside of music, I’m currently shooting Apple TV’s new drama with Uma Thurman, and I’m booked to work with another major developer in May.
And finally, what is the best piece of musical advice you have ever been given?
Warm up, regardless of how self-conscious you feel. Don’t batter your voice! Also, no amount of fame is worth your soul.