Uniquely Gifted R&B/Soul Singer, “Devon Howard” Delivers Mesmerizing Melodies and Heartfelt Vibes Throughout His New Album, "Morning Son!" 

Devon Howard, the emerging talent, captivates listeners with his mesmerizing melodies and heartfelt vibes! He effortlessly blends the timeless essence of old-school soul with a contemporary twist, creating a truly unique musical experience! 

INTERVIEW BY: GINA SEDMAN, WRITER/JOURNALIST & HEAD EDITOR   

Devon Howard is a force to be reckoned with, a hidden gem of Baltimore ready to shine on the world stage. This multi-talented singer, songwriter, and producer is igniting the music scene with his electrifying presence, constantly pushing boundaries and redefining the industry. His captivating blend of nostalgic old-school vibes and fresh, modern twists sets him apart, drawing inspiration from musical giants like Babyface, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, El DeBarge, Usher, and Ne-Yo. Babyface and El DeBarge first influenced his vocal style with their smooth and passionate deliveries, blending seamlessly with Michael Jackson's innovative energy. 

Devon's musical journey began in childhood, writing songs inspired by his late father, who was also a songwriter. Growing up with a soundtrack of The Manhattans, The Stylistics, and The Commodores, Devon's early exposure to music laid the foundation for his future career. He started performing with various groups, eventually signing with RCA, where his group made a splash with appearances on Soul Train, Apollo, and BET. Collaborations with SWV, Wendy Williams, and director Malcolm Jamal Warner marked the start of Devon's ascent in the industry, further solidified by working with Ron Fair and Vincent Herbert. 

Industry heavyweights have taken notice of Devon's talent. Celebrated music video director Chris Robinson helmed his debut music video for "Other Side of the Bed," which received substantial airplay on Urban AC radio, Music Choice, Sirius Satellite, and VH1 Soul. His single “Other Side of the Bed” and the follow-up single “Could This Be Love” both appear on the album “Return To Love.” Available on digital outlets worldwide. 

Beyond his musical prowess, Devon is a dedicated advocate for foster children. His decade-long involvement with Second Home Inc. showcases his deep commitment to this cause. His passion for helping others led him to spearhead a compilation CD featuring national and local artists, with proceeds benefiting a day shelter for homeless youth and young adults. This dedication to giving back extends to performances and donations supporting organizations like the Red Cross and America's Harvest. 

Devon Howard is not just a musical talent but a compassionate soul, destined to make a lasting impact with both his music and his heart. Keep an eye on this extraordinary talent as he continues to rise. 

Hi Devon, how are you today? I'm doing well. It's a rainy day here in Baltimore, but I'm good.  

Is that where you're originally from? "Yes, I'm from Baltimore. I actually live outside of Baltimore right now.   

Awesome. Now, I must say, Devon, I love your music. Your voice is absolutely amazing. You know, your voice is really reminiscent of Michael Jackson to me. I know a lot of people probably tell you that. The style that you have in your voice. So, we're going to delve a little bit into your formative years. I want to find out about your journey in music and how you first learned that you had the voice to sing. It all began with my father, who was a writer. However, he gave up his writing career before I came into this world. Being the youngest among my siblings, I often heard them staying up late at night, playing music together. Unfortunately, I was always left out because of my young age, which further fueled my curiosity.   

As I grew older, I discovered my own passion for writing and delved into it wholeheartedly. Yet, I realized that for my words to be heard, I needed to learn how to sing them. So, I embarked on a journey of self-teaching, honing my singing skills from scratch.  

 It was challenging, as I wasn't naturally gifted with a melodious voice. Nevertheless, my dedication paid off, and I fell deeply in love with singing. I began frequenting studios, gradually building up my talent over the years. 

That's fantastic, Devon! When did you realize that you wanted to pursue a music career? From the moment I saw the album cover of "New Edition," I knew I wanted to pursue a professional career. Growing up listening to New Edition, their music resonated with me deeply, and I yearned to be a part of their group somehow. Although I wasn't sure how that dream would materialize, my initial goal was simply to grace the cover of an album.  

Determined, I began working tirelessly, saving up money to book studio sessions at the tender age of 16. Through these efforts, I eventually crossed paths with individuals who welcomed me into their recording spaces. And that's how my journey began. 

Absolutely. So, Devon, as you were making your way into the music industry, were there any hesitations about pursuing a major career that led you to choose an independent path instead? Or was signing with a major label your ultimate dream? I'm curious to know how it all unfolded, especially since you've found your place in the independent scene now. Could you share some insights with me? When I started out, I joined an R&B group called "Me 2 U" and we were signed to RCA Records. Being part of a major label was exciting, as I felt like anything was possible. We released singles and went on tour with "SWV." We were on the same record label. 

We performed on TV shows like Soul Train, the Apollo, and other big platforms, which was amazing. However, I found that being in that environment often meant that my own creative ideas were sidelined.  

I had my own vision and felt that some of my ideas could be successful. As my career progressed, I decided to break away from the machine, the management, and other external influences. I wanted to listen to my own instincts and see if I could make it on my own. And it's been working out ever since. 

Absolutely fantastic. So, tell me, was Michael Jackson one of the artists you really looked up to, along with New Edition? Your voice definitely gives off some MJ vibes, which is amazing. Did you grow up listening to his music too? Yes. Michael Jackson is truly a legend woven into the tapestry of American history. Growing up, it felt like The Jacksons were part of the family, their music was everywhere. While my musical influences started with artists like Babyface, El Debarge, and Jeffrey Osborne, Michael Jackson's presence was always constant. The impact of his music struck a chord with me. 

Oh, absolutely! I completely agree. I, too, grew up listening to all of those artists, and it's quite amusing because, during that time, we were exposed to such incredible music that had real substance. Even in today's generation, when you compare the music of the younger artists with the music of the older ones, you can easily tell who had the greater influence.  

I like to call it "grown folks" music, the kind of music that I grew up listening to because it had a certain feel and message that really resonated with me. Your music, in particular, struck a chord with me because while I hear a lot of new artists, I'm not really moved by them.  

But when I listen to your music, it transports me back to that special place of nostalgia. It has a touch of something new, yet it remains true to the authenticity that I love. That's what draws me to your music. I craved a fresh start. That's the reason why I opted to break away from it all and forge my own unique journey. My top priority is remaining authentic to who I am, and that's why I made that bold decision. 

Definitely! I'm really intrigued to hear your perspective on pausing and reflecting on this matter. It's fascinating to observe how often we encounter artists from the past who were immensely popular and influential in their heyday, yet now they strive to connect with the younger generation. What are your thoughts on this? Do you believe older artists must adapt in order to thrive in the industry, or do you think they should remain in their globally recognized and respected niche, continuing to create the music they're known for? Yeah, I believe authenticity is crucial for artists. It's about connecting with people, and I'm grateful that the internet provides a platform for independent artists to do that. 

This is the secret behind how independent artists discover their tribe. For me, it was all about staying true to myself. I simply wanted to write because writing is my passion. I love weaving stories together, and I didn't want to worry about whether a particular song would become a hit or not. 

 Actually, let me share something with you, Gina. Some of the songs on the album were added as fillers because I wasn't sure if they would resonate with listeners. I thought, "Okay, let me just include them and make the album 11 songs." However, what truly matters is the authenticity that I hope people connect with. These stories are real to me, and that's what matters. So, my advice to mature indie artists would be to stick to what they know and believe in. By doing so, you'll eventually find your tribe. 

Yeah, exactly, that's so true. I believe we all grow along with the people we grew up listening to. When they release a new album, we still feel connected and excited to listen to it because we've all grown together with our generation. We're still here, still alive. Right. We'll come back to them. 

Certainly. Now, Devon, are you skilled in playing any musical instruments or creating your own music? I don't play any instruments because I struggle with playing them due to the coordination required. Despite this, I excel in producing vocals. I collaborate with various producers but take charge of my vocal production. Recording sessions typically occur early in the morning, around 3:00 am to 4:00 am, allowing me to manage my vocal production independently. After editing my vocals, I enlist someone else to finalize the recordings. This approach enables me to work at my preferred pace without depending on others during early-morning sessions. 

Early in the morning, amazing things unfold. In my opinion, creativity reaches its pinnacle during those hours. With a well-rested mind, it feels as if your brain effortlessly springs into action. I find it advantageous to create while the world is still asleep. Devon, are you a full-time artist during this period? Yes. 

That's fantastic! Could you please describe the Devon Howard sound? My music, with its sensuality and smoothness, is a conduit for romantic love stories. Through heartfelt love songs, I weave narratives that captivate the soul and return listeners to a time when love reigned supreme. 

That’s beautiful, Devon. If you could collaborate with anyone vocally or production-wise, who would you choose? That's an excellent question! I've always dreamed of composing music for Angela Bofill because her voice is incredible. I also have a soft spot for Janet Jackson and Mariah Carey; their smooth voices are mesmerizing. 

Okay, let me ask you this: If you could do a cover of a song you love, which would it be? I'd like to cover my own smooth versions of "Send For Me" by Atlantic Starr and "What You Won't Do For Love" by Bobby Caldwell. These songs really resonate with me, and I believe I can add my unique touch to them. The world of music is full of amazing tracks that I'd love to explore and cover as well. 

Imagine, Devon, a world where music never existed, where its enchanting melodies and soul-stirring rhythms were mere figments of our imagination. In this alternate reality, what would fill the void? What would you do without the existence of music? Assisting individuals has always been a significant part of my life journey. I have dedicated over two decades to supporting foster children and maintaining a lasting and positive connection with them. Their need for guidance and aid continues, and I am committed to being there for them. Currently, I am focused on caring for my 86-year-old mother, who is battling dementia. Despite the challenges, I find a purpose in providing her with the care she needs.  

Your kind heart that seeks to help others, especially your mother, is truly a blessing. It's wonderful. By the way, I liked the song "Forever and Always" you released earlier. Did you write and produce it yourself? Yes, that happened during the time when I was just recording. I was considering not releasing anything else, but I always knew that I'd be recording because I'm always writing music. So, I felt like this was something that I could come back to and listen to myself. This was early on during the pandemic.  

I started getting messages from DJs asking me when I was going to release something. I had a few songs, so I called the person who did my mixing and asked which song would be good to release. He suggested "Forever and Always," so I just put it out, and I'm glad that I did. It started something, and then I thought, "Okay, I can see it again." 

Wow, we're truly blessed to have you and your incredible voice! It's undoubtedly a precious gift bestowed upon you by the Lord. Your voice is simply mesmerizing! Could you please tell me how many albums you have released so far, Devon? In terms of my solo ventures, I've actually had the opportunity to produce two albums. Previously, I collaborated with a talented group known as "Diversiti," and together, we released one album. Additionally, I was also a part of another group called "Me 2 U," where we recorded and released one album. So, in total, I've had the pleasure of working on four separate albums in my career. 

Wow! Your latest album, "Morning Son," has topped the charts on US Amazon as the Best Soul release and Best Sellers. Huge congrats! Could you share the inspiration behind your new album and the message you hope to convey through it? Love is a never-ending source of inspiration. It encompasses countless stories waiting to be told, each with its own unique layers. Love manifests itself in various forms - the love for our family, our significant other, our children, and even the love for life itself. It is a boundless emotion that we can explore endlessly, even until the end of time; as for the connection to "Morning Son," it stems from my unconventional sleep schedule. While most people are waking up, I find solace in the tranquility of the morning and witness the beauty of the sunrise. Before I drift off to sleep, I take a moment to connect with the great "I AM." During my slumber, it feels as though my mind is downloading new ideas and insights. And when I awaken, I am filled with a renewed sense of energy, creativity, and light. It is then that I am ready to translate these feelings onto paper to express them in my own unique way. Ultimately, everything circles back to love and the connection we have with the very essence that creates it. 

That's beautiful, Devon! Do you have any plans to bless us with your own gospel music? I absolutely love gospel music. My sisters played gospel music all the time, and I absolutely loved it. I've written some gospel songs, but I haven't released them yet. I’ve considered producing them for other artists in the future. A couple of years ago, I recorded my mother singing "Amazing Grace" before her dementia set in. It was truly amazing how she sang perfectly on key. 

That sounds amazing, Devon! If you could offer some advice to budding artists just beginning their journey, what words of wisdom would you share with them? To find your voice, find your lane, and create your lane. It's okay to pay attention to the trends, but just be authentic. When you look at Michael Jackson, Madonna, Prince, and Whitney, they are very much themselves. They were unafraid to push past boundaries, try new things, go against the trends, and create new ones. That is one of the things I strive for – to be myself and hopefully find my tribe who will enjoy it. That's why I make music – to connect with the people who feel a connection to my artistry. 

It has been an absolute privilege to engage in this conversation with you, delving into the remarkable journey of your career. I am truly grateful for the time you have dedicated to this exchange. I pray that the work of your hands is blessed by God, as it aligns perfectly with His divine plan for your life. I pray for the safety and well-being of you and your beloved mother and family and that you encounter exceptional individuals along your path who genuinely have your best interests at heart without any ulterior motives. Lastly, I pray that God's grace, mercy, love, and goodness accompany you throughout every single day of your existence. Devon, please know that I am immensely proud of every milestone and achievement you have reached. Your exemplary conduct and positive influence serve as an inspiration to all. Once again, thank you. Oh no, thank you so much, Gina. This has been great. 

My pleasure. God bless you. 

End of Interview

www.devonhowardmusic.com