Colin Devlin
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French version
   Colin Devlin - Democracy Of One (2009)

Colin Devlin - Democracy Of One
 01. Raise The Dead
02. Strategies
03. Democracy Of One
04. Light Years From The Sun
05. What Good Is Love
06. The Heart Won't Be Denied
07. Emelia
08. The Devil Made A Saint
09. Innocent World
10. Refuge
 

Well-known for his fabulous work with his band The Devlins, the Irish singer and songwriter Colin Devlin just released his debut-album "Democracy of One".
Led by Colin and his brother Peter, The Devlins are an alternative rock band originating from Dublin.
Their first album, "Drift" (1993), received a four-star review in "Rolling Stone" magazine.
The songs "Waiting" and "World Outside" from the album "Waiting" (1997) were used in dozens of film and television productions ranging from HBO’s Six Feet Under to the film Closer (2004). Their song "Crossing The River" is featured in the soundtrack of Batman Forever (1995). So they have released through a decade four albums characterized by beauty of melodies and lyrics.
As part of The Devlins, Colin has headlined several world tours and toured both North America and Europe with artists such as Sheryl Crow, R.E.M., Sarah McLachlan and Tori Amos.
Produced by Pierre Marchand (Sarah McLachlan, Rufus Wainwright) and featuring drummer Matt Chamberlain (Tori Amos, Morrissey, Kanye West), with assists from Tom Sokoloff, Fred Bouchard, and Emm Gryner, "Democracy of One" exhales with brightness and elegance all the talent of Colin Devlin.


Interview with Colin Devlin :

Colin Devlin

S: How and when did all begin with music? 

C: My favourite early bands were electronica based, Japan, early Human League, John Foxx, Kraftwerk. I began writing songs at about 16 and got a record deal at 20.

S: What are the positive and negative sides of being a musician in Ireland? 

C: People really love music in Ireland and are willing to listen when you make it, it’s small though so you need to get out and explore other markets and areas.
 
S: Do you feel anxious before a show?

C: Not as much now, I feel calm when I do solo shows, the power of what I do is in my voice and in the songs.

S: What musicians or artists had an influence in your life and in your work?

C: David Sylvian, Paddy Macaloon (Prefab Sprout), Mark Hollis (Talk Talk), Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell.

SDo you remember what was the first CD you bought?

C: It was probably a reissue of "Secrets Of The Beehive" by David Sylvian

David Sylvian - Secrets Of The Beehive    

S: Do you think the emotion is different between a song in English and in another language?

C: You feel it differently if you cannot understand the words definitely. Sig Ros for example, it becomes a more ethereal experience, a different emotion.


S: How could you define the music of Colin Devlin?

C: I’ll leave this one up to you.

S: Do you agree with Victor Hugo who said :"Melancholy is the pleasure of being sad"?

C: Yes there is a certain pleasure in the feeling of melancholy and perhaps that answers your last question, sometimes the sad feeling you get when you listen to a great piece of music is the very thing that is by the same token healing you simultaneously.

S: When you write a song you follow your heart, your brain or your hand?

C: I follow my instinct as much as I can, and the belief in my own taste, ie if I like it then other people will too.

S: What is your favourite song of Colin Devlin and why?

C: At the moment it’s "Refuge" from the new record, the words and music came together in a very powerful way I think.


S: As musician, what is your feeling about Internet?

C: As with many musicians I have mixed feelings, it’s a great tool in getting your music heard and getting it to unexpected places but I love a complete album it’s like a book, that’s kind of dying. And of course the obvious file sharing issue is difficult to come to terms with, but you just have to find a positive way of dealing with all of this and for me I think it means I want to get out there and play more live etc.
 
S: Was there a particular moment that led you to decide to immerse yourself in a solo album?

C: I had written a couple of songs that just seemed to fit with the idea of a solo album and it went from there in a very organic way.

S: Did you go into this solo project with a clear vision of what you wanted it to sound like?

C: No not at all, that developed in the studio with my producer Pierre Marchand.

S: For this album you worked with the great Lloyd Cole on "Strategies" and "What Good Is Love", how was this collaboration?

C: Lloyd and I collaborated more on a lyrical level on these songs, he is an old friend and an artist I admire, I have always loved his lyrical approach so this was a good opportunity for us to work together.


S: What are the core ingredients, to you, that "Democracy Of One" and The Devlins albums have in common?

C: The songs, the feeling, the production

 
S: Can you describe what is a typical Colin Devlin's day?

C: I seem to be traveling a lot these days so there is a lot of movement! I like to get up early if I can, I enjoy the stillness of early morning before the world wakes up. I live in LA now so it’s easier to do this. This is when I’m inspired to write a lot of the time.

S: "Where Are You Tonight?"

C: In LA but I leave for Sydney in the morning.

S: What are your hobbies aside music?

C: I love the cinema.

S: Are you venturesome person?

C: I would like to think so...

S: Where would you like to play in the future, is there a place in the world you would love to visit?

C: I want to tour as much as I can next year and play in some far away places if I can, lets speak in a year!

S: Are there any things, which you are afraid of? Do you have any fears?

C: I’m afraid of not being able to write great songs and having to stop making music as my full time occupation and get a real job, that would be disastrous!

S: What is the best moment and best place to listen to your music?

C: Probably night time I would suspect. Somewhere where you can really listen to it, it’s good on headphones too of course, the production on this record is great.

S: As our website is related with Manic Street Preachers maybe can you say some words about them?

C: I love their commitment to their art and their ability to continue without Ritchie but to not forget his legacy. A great band, my favourite songs are "A Design for Life" and "Motorcycle Emptiness".

 

S: I know it’s a difficult question, but if you would have to keep just one album from your CD collection what album would it be?

C: Talk Talk "Spirit Of Eden"

Talk Talk - Spirit Of Eden
 
S: What was the last song you listened to before the interview? And, if you know, which one will be the next?

C: I am listening to genius mix at the moment which includes Thom Yorkes solo album, Sigur Ros and Nick Drake


S: Can you tell us the name of one French song, or singer, or band?

C: Jacques Dutronc “Dans mon slip, j'ai mis des cactus” 

S: And say something in French?

C: Rien ne pèse tant que un secret.

S: What are your plans for the nearest future?

C: I'm playing at the Sundance film Festival in Utah in January, but tomorrow I will be sitting on a beach in Australia using their waterproof money to buy a beer…

SAnd finally, what’s the most important thing in life for you?

C: My music, my family, happiness.


MANY thanks to Colin for the interview!

More informations about Colin Devlin:

- on his site:
http://www.colindevlin.com

- on his Myspace:
http://www.myspace.com/colindevlinmusic


 
   


 
 


 
   

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