Before you even know what she sounds like, Devyn Rose catches your attention. Firstly, her clothes. They are best described as New Bohemian, very hip and dope—a little bit vintage, a bit flashy Nineties, and a slight dash of contemporary. She also borrows from other centuries—heavy eyelashes that could have been worn by Hatsheput or a maiden from an Egyptian dynasty, and a string of earth-tone chains that could have adorned the neck of someone from the Grecian era—say…Penelope of Ithaca.
And then there’s the way her skin glows. Maybe it’s because her powerful pipes make her shake down to her pores. But, nah; the glow is probably from the fact that she’s a vegan. Yes, Kreyolicious ones, Devyn Rose does not indulge in unhealthy eats. Sure her outfits are pure coolness, but after hearing her, you’ll probably agree that her voice is the best thing about her. The natural hair-sporting singer has been singing since she was a little girl. She loves to get down on the dance floor, and occasionally dabbles with the drums as well.
Born in New York to Haitian parents, Devyn has always breathed music. Now, she’s exhaling all sorts of musical goodies. Her song “Falling 4 U” has peaked at #2 on Billboard’s Hot Singles chart. The track brings to mind the classic album From the Bottom Up by Brownstone. Yeah, her pipes are that powerful. “Cupid is my witness/I’m falling in love like it’s nobody’s business,” she sings over a drum-heavy beats honeyed with some luscious R&B. In the video for the song “Falling 4 U”, she cuddles up to her love interest, and as the song comes on and she mouths some of the verses, you’ll think back to the time you first fell too.
Her voice can adopt a Jacksonian range on a song like “Heartbeat”, and she can get it down to a Eartha Kittish snarl, like she does on the bridge to “Falling 4 U”. On the Kaze the Producer-produced “Trouble”, she curses out a boyfriend who doesn’t have fidelity on his list of personal virtues.
Kreyolicious: Devyn Rose…so what sort of rose are you…a fragile rose…a steel rose, or a deadly rose?
I would definitely describe myself as a steel rose. My journey has been great—and whether I face any ups or downs–I embrace it all. Regardless of anything, I remain strong and focused.
Kreyolicious: Your song “Falling 4 U”…It’s hard not get pulled in by this track.
Thank you.
Kreyolicious: What exactly inspired it?
I never knew what falling in love with someone felt like until I experienced it. It was a great feeling and so I decided to write about it as I knew so many people could relate to it.
Kreyolicious: Your music is very ear-catching. What does your creative process consists of?
Thank you. I love creating spontaneous music. For example, I could just be chilling in the lab vibing out with my producer and a dope melody or idea pops up and I lay it down on the spot. That is when I am most creative—although writing when I am going through something—good or bad—helps me too.
Kreyolicious: Do you style yourself?
No. I have an amazing stylist who keeps me on point and his name is Rajé Styles…we work hand in hand. He knows what I like and keeps me looking hella dope!
Kreyolicious: How do you stay connected to Haitian culture?
I am so happy to represent my people and to help wherever I can whether it is through music, supporting a cause, etc. Every time my team gets a request from a Haitian organization, I get so excited. It’s another opportunity to help and to work together. We are like one huge family!
Kreyolicious: Coolness…What do you think of the current direction of the music industry?
It is definitely changing and I do like where it is going in terms of being indie…we no longer have to sign with a label to get where we have to get..all we gotta do is work hard and believe.
Kreyolicious: I feel you…An artist—no matter how original—has been influenced by other artists…whether it’s conscious or not. Who has influenced you?
Yes, definitely. Bone-Thugs-N-Harmony, Whitney Houston and Aaliyah have influenced my sound!
Kreyolicious: “With every album you have to reinvent yourself”, is a quote that’s been attributed to Jay-Z. What should we expect from your first full-length album?
It took me a very long time to find my sound, look, style—my entire image. “Falling 4 U” was the first record I recorded. Once I found my sound—it was like the debut—me showing the world who Devyn Rose is. Because I am multi-genre, you can expect all kinds of music from hip-hop to pop, alternative, zouk, etc. I am really excited and proud of this project and can’t wait for everyone to hear it!
VISIT DEVYN ROSE’S WEBSITE| DEVYN ROSE’S YOUTUBE CHANNEL | BUY HER MUSIC ON iTunes
Don’t forget to take a peek at Devyn Rose’s video for “Falling 4 U” below…
