Meet Devon Thompson | Artist, Songwriter, Gibson Sponsored Guitarist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Devon Thompson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Devon, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I was born and raised in the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles, California. This place is arguably the perfect place to be for music and entertainment. No matter what anyone says about LA, I can genuinely say it is one of the most diverse, vibrant, and beautiful cities in the world. I grew up playing music, acting, and skating/snowboarding, which led to me meeting so many different kinds of people. Growing up skateboarding and snowboarding had a huge impact on my music taste, and is a big reason why I am even still doing this. Southern California has a special place in my heart because of that reason. The music that has come out of skateboarding and snowboarding has truly inspired me.
My parents own a small business, and have been very supportive of my journey. Being as raw, authentic, and unapologetic in my art is the most important thing to me. Learning how to play guitar from a young age, and struggling to learn how to be good at fronting a band has made me who I am as well.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My music is raw, unfiltered, a little unhinged at times, while being soft and beautiful at the same time. I love the duality of hard/soft in life, which I apply to my music. I am a little whimsigothy/shoegaze, while also being alternative rock/ pop at times. Getting to where I am right now has been nothing but 100% organic. I have played hundreds of gigs in my hometown of LA, posted on social media religiously, expanded my creative mind by writing tons of songs, and trying stuff out pretty much.
What I really want everyone to know is none of this was handed to me. Every single thing I have done, I have been working at from the young age of 10 years old. So when I say my style is raw, gritty, and unfiltered, I mean it in the most literal sense. Everything you can tangibly see about me has been earned by hard work and consistency from me, my team, and my family. Also, being a woman in this industry, I face judgement all the time. Fronting a band and being a Gibson Sponsored artist, lots of people try to tear me down. But, it never really gets to me. I am where I am because of how hard I have worked and how much time I’ve spent honing in my craft.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I truly believe that LA is one of the best places to visit and experience cool things. Being that I am from here, I have a great locals guide. I would mix in a little of everything. We would for sure eat at places like Sugarfish and Teru Sushi in Studio city, but also go to some other favorites like Summer Canteen for Thai food, Donna’s for Italian, Don Cuco for Mexican food, and there are too many other good places to even name. For coffee, I would take them to Bohemia in Hollywood for their blueberry matcha every single day if I could. I would mix up some activities like one day we would go snowboarding at Bear Mountain in Big Bear. Another day, go thrifting/ visit the silver lake flea market. My favorite bar is Formans Whiskey Tavern, they make the BEST spicy pineapple margarita. We would also probably go to a few shows from LA’s rock/grunge scene at The Moroccan Lounge or somewhere in Hollywood.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My family is the reason I am still here, able to pull this off. Them being so supportive of my artistic journey is why I am here, continuing to create and being my most artistic self. Without them, I wouldn’t be here, thriving (quite literally). Also, my team, who has believed in me from the start, is a big reason as to why I am here. My books, the inspiration behind so many of my songs, I also have to thank. From such a young age, reading has inspired me and my concepts.

Website: https://www.devonthompsonmusic.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/devonthompsonmusic/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@officialdevonthompson

Image Credits
Jack Lue
Kelly Rebecca Walsh
Johnny Ramos- Arteaga