Interview from The Bay Daily.com
Check out the entire interview here.
update: theBayDaily site is undergoing an update. You can read the full interview below:
–Name, Creative Title, Place of Origin:
Devi Genuone, Singer Emcee, Oakland
–Explain what you do in 100 words or less:
Devi Genuone’s talent is undeniable; blending soul, jazz & reggae influences to create a signature sound. She’s got that Southern swagger and incredible pipes to match. Her flavor of hip-hop with the tinge of electronica, that ‘boom bap slap’ as she says, is timeless with no limits. Her name stands for Divinely Evolving Vibrance Infinitely Guiding Elevated NOWledge Unconditionally from the One, one light, one love. That spiritual mantra describes her music to a tee. She’s spent her life searching for that perfect rhythm, developing her craft and honing her technique, shaping the music that lives within her soul.
–What in your personal life has influenced you to choose your creative career?
My personal life has always been music, so it was really about believing in myself and less about choosing to be creative. As an artist, it took me a long time to really think, hey I’m good at this and I can do this. Plus, life influences me. My lyrics are about experiences I’ve had. I find inspiration in everything.
–What is your artistic outlook? What ‘style’ of art do you most identify with?
As an artist it’s about expression. I most identify with Graffiti (hence my logo in my handstyle). The hip hop elements are my way of life, so I try to keep true to that guidance.
–Creatively what are your goals?
To get this record I just finished out, and make another one. I’ve grown so much as a part of this process and I can’t wait to see what I come up with next. I know a live band is definitely on the horizon.
–Professionally what are your goals?
I’d like to constantly improve my skills and keep writing more songs. I would like to write some songs for other people as well.
–What do you love about the Bay Area Creative Community?
I moved to The Bay for the creative community. Oakland is the best place to walk outside and be inspired. There is a lot of opportunity here to define your sound and craft. I felt comfortable becoming Devi Genuone here and I’m thankful for all of those connections that have helped me along the way.
–What do you dislike about the Bay Area Creative Community?
It can be hard for artists to break out here because there are so many dope ones. I keep thinking that LA might be able to help with that. I’d like some licensing connections to help my music be heard by as many people as possible.
–Name a project or accomplishment that you consider to be the most significant in your career.
Definitely my album Come Correct. We are just weeks away from a release (late sept/early oct), and I’m so excited about the art. It’s really a complete album, with real songs, real music, and I’m just so proud to have completed it. I have an amazing team of people who have helped along the way.
–What are some challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The biggest challenge is the money it takes to do a record the right way. I decided to bring in a team to help, both with artwork and the music. All the mixing was done on an SSL console at The Grill Recording Studios. I’m happy to put in my very first release with this amount of quality. Another challenge is the process of giving birth to the record. I feel like I’m nine months pregnant! haha
–What or who inspires you the most?
Traveling inspires me. Moving trains. I find when I’m struggling to get the right words, a walk or a trip in the car will just make it all clear with the right words. Melodies come really easy.
–What’s your favorite piece of work that you’ve created?
I’ll say it’s the entire album, Come Correct.
–What would people be surprised to learn about you?
My government last name is Musick.
–What are you working on at the moment?
Right now I’m picking up my masters for the Come Correct album at The Grill Studios. Then it will be sending them out to print, and organizing the release show!
–If you could collaborate with a creative in or from The Bay, who would it be and why?
There’s so many!!! I’d like to work with Jefferson Airplane but they aren’t around anymore, Dave Brubeck, Hieroglyphics & J-Boogie’s Dubtronic Science would be cool for now! I really want to put my own band together, so I’m auditioning musicians for the release show and I definitely want to continue working with Charlie Guidry and Karina Nistal.
–Anything else you would like to add?
In 2013, out of 2300 entries, I won ‘Honorable Mention for Best Song by an Oakland Solo Artist’ for Tell Me Why at Mayhem (formerly Oaktown Music Festival).
