It’s always difficult to strike a balance between ambition and self-kindness.
Drawing inspiration from her upbringing and luminaries like Taylor Swift and Florence and the Machine, artist DevoN Nickoles has long kept her audiences on the edge of their seats with her eclectic sound.
Based in Maryland, the introspective nature of her releases and her general willingness to look inward have struck a definite chord with fans. Every release feels genuine, and this has led to a bond forming between her and her fans. As Nickoles continues to etch her name in the annals of music history, keep an eye out for this rising star.
As is usually the case with anyone who truly loves what they do, making music is more than just another task or job to Nickoles. Her releases feel like she puts a bit of her soul into every song, and in every performance, she leaves everything on the table. Even the dreaded pandemic couldn’t stifle her resilient artistic spirit. As she navigated the at-times dystopian landscape of COVID-19, DevoN would find solace and the inspiration necessary for her latest project, “Gold Star.”
For new listeners, Nickoles’s latest release, “Gold Star,” couldn’t be a perfect introduction to her works. It has all the hallmarks of a standout Nickoles release: thoughtful lyrics, a carefully arranged instrumental performance, and an inspired performance by Nickoles herself.
Lines like “Why am I chasing that / Gold star / It all started on a broken boulevard / I Should’ve known then” hint at the song’s deeper subject matter about personal happiness, and when combined with the overall bittersweet feel of the song results in a one of a kind, engrossing music experience.
Driven by evocative lyrics and Nickoles’s inspired vocal performance, “Gold Star” invites listeners on a transformative journey of self-discovery, underscored by the courage to embrace uncertainty. Whenever you’re ready, tap in and stream DevoN Nickoles’s new single, “Gold Star,” on all majour streaming platforms.
Welcome to Buzz, DevoN Nickoles! We really loved “Gold Star;" we think you also nailed the messaging with this release! We had to know your favorite part of the creative process for bringing “Gold Star” to life.
It’s such a pleasure to chat with you. Thank you so much! “Gold Star” was a labor of love, and all stemmed from a poem I read on social media one night. It stirred so many ideas; ultimately, “Gold Star” poured out of me. I could instantly see a movie-like scene playing out in my head when I got the final mix back, and I got right to work on my storyboard for the music video. Each part, from writing to recording in my room and finally bringing it to life in sound and on screen, was so magical. I’ve never had such a fluid process before, and to be the one recording my own vocals at home was such a cool experience that I had never had before. It is so hard to pinpoint a favorite moment because the whole creation of “Gold Star” really encapsulated why I love music.
What’s been your biggest challenge so far, and what’s been your fondest music-related memory as well?
This may sound typical, but a big challenge is not to be so hard on myself, which is alluded to in Gold Star. Not chasing perfection but wanting to put out the best I can to share with the world can sometimes become overwhelming. So, the biggest challenge is finding that fine line and allowing myself more grace. As far as my fondest memory, I had the honor of opening Martina McBride in 2019. My first CD as a child was her Greatest Hits album, and it felt like such a full-circle moment. They say don’t meet your idols but Martina and her team were so incredible. I tried so hard to be cool when I met her, but I absolutely was not. That night and experience was everything I could have ever hoped for.
What does music mean to you?
Music is living. As I go through life, there is always a song in my head, on the radio, or on the speaker in the grocery store. It has allowed me the opportunity to be myself and find myself. Music has been a huge part of my life since I was a child, and so many of the big moments in my mind are because of music. Music has connected me with so many incredible people and fans for which I am forever grateful.
If your audience could take one thing away from your music, what would you want it to be?
I am such an optimistic person, and my hope, as a takeaway, for anyone listening to my music is to believe in themselves. To chase your dreams and, even if the world feels like it’s crashing in, not to give up. I have those songs from artists I look up to that lift me up, and I hope my writing connects with those who need it.
What’s next for DevoN Nickoles, and is there anything you’d like to say to your fans?
I am so excited for the rest of this year! Aside from the “Gold Star” official music video that just came out, I have new music and videos coming that I can’t wait to share! I am so grateful to each and every person for their openness to this more personal era of music for me. The feedback so far has been so gracious, and it means so much. I am sending virtual hugs to everyone, and I wish you all the best in finding what makes you happy! You got this!