![Devotion over Distractions: Inside the Mind of DEV [INTERVIEW]](https://theelectrichawk.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/image_241122060734.png)
Leading up to her show at Cervantes Masterpiece Ballroom on April 11, 2025, DEV sits down for a candid interview about the year ahead—a year she’s dedicating fully to redefining her project. With devotion as her motto for 2025, she opens up about getting sober, cutting out distractions, and honing her sound through relentless trial and error. This isn’t just about music; It’s about rebuilding from the ground up, redefining purpose, and surrounding yourself with a good community.
Get the story behind her sound before she hits the stage this Friday with Jaenga, Ujuu, HumorMe, and MaceFaceKilla.
“I want to be a living example that you can start from anywhere and make it happen. I came into this in my late 20s, starting from scratch, figuring it out as I went. If someone in the crowd sees me up there and thinks, ‘Wait, she did it… maybe I can too,’ then I’ve done my job.”
– DEV
A Talk with DEV
Kaylee Leitzel, Electric Hawk: It’s really exciting to learn more about your project! Let’s jump right into it – How long have you been making music?
DEV: For the past five years or so I’ve been involved in music in a few different ways—I sing, play guitar, and ukulele. But my real dive into electronic music, specifically DJing and producing, started less than two years ago. DJing came first, but production is still fairly new to me. I’m just about to drop my first flip of a song ever, but I have been working on a lot of stuff to build towards that.
KL: What kept you from getting started sooner?
DEV: Music has always been on my mind, but growing up in Michigan, I never saw people around me pursuing careers in electronic music. It felt like something out of reach. When I moved to Colorado nearly four years ago, everything changed. Suddenly, I was surrounded by friends who were all actively involved in the music scene. That shift in environment made me realize—if they could do it, so could I. So, I jumped in, and it’s been working out ever since.
KL: What were you doing before music?
DEV: Before moving, my life looked pretty different. I was in college studying Nutrition and Dietetics, working as a personal trainer, and bartending on the side. To be honest, I only went to college because I was under the belief that’s what I needed to do. Even after moving, I kept taking classes part-time, but I wasn’t passionate about it. I’ll never forget calling my mom one day and saying, “I think I’m going to drop out and pursue music.” Her response? “Good, because I can tell you hate this.” And she was right.
My mom has always been incredibly supportive, never pressuring me to follow any specific path—she just wants me to be happy. She’s even come out to a couple of my shows and got emotional seeing me perform. Having that kind of support means everything. It was so sweet.
KL: Do you feel more connected to what you do now—more at peace than you did with personal training?
DEV: Oh, absolutely. I always had this feeling—one that I think a lot of people can relate to—where you just know you’re meant to do something more. You don’t always know what it is, but it’s this lingering sense that you’re not quite where you’re supposed to be yet.
For me, music always felt out of reach. I used to think I started too late, like I missed my chance. That mindset held me back for a long time. But once I moved out here and started actually doing music—especially over the past year—that feeling shifted completely.
Every time I make progress, learn a new skill, or hit a milestone, I get this overwhelming sense that this is it. Like, this is what I was meant to be doing all along. It’s wild, honestly, because I spent so many years chasing other things and never feeling fulfilled. Now that I’m in it, it just clicks. And that feeling is seriously so awesome.
KL: Looking back at booking your first real show—actually performing in public for the first time—how did that feel? And if you could go back and give yourself advice, what would it be?
DEV: I’d say my real first show was at The Black Box. That venue felt like my first big stepping stone, like the bridge between pop-ups and smaller gigs to playing at places like Cervantes. I remember getting booked for it and just thinking, Oh my God, this is actually happening. It was the first time it felt real.
If I could go back and give myself advice, the biggest thing I’d say is: Community is everything. A lot of people think the music industry is just full of gatekeepers, people who don’t support you, or, worse, people who only look out for themselves. And while that definitely exists, the truth is—if you feel like you’re hanging around the wrong people, you probably are. There are people out there who will support you, believe in you, and genuinely want to see you succeed. I wouldn’t be where I am without those kinds of people in my corner.
Early on, I spent time with the wrong crowd—people who talked a lot but didn’t actually do anything, people who were more caught up in drinking, partying, and distractions than making real progress. And I got caught up in it too, thinking I was moving forward when I really wasn’t. Looking back, I’d tell myself to be mindful of who I surround myself with and what their intentions are. Your circle can either lift you up or hold you back, and having the right people around makes all the difference.
KL: What would you say is one of the biggest hurdles you’re facing right now as a rising artist? And is there anything a fan or friend could do to help you through it?
DEV: That’s a tough one—because there are definitely personal hurdles, and then there are the general ones that come with being in this industry. But if I’m being real, my biggest challenge has been consistency—and self-doubt.
I’m just now getting to a place where I feel grounded in who I am and what I’m doing. But for a long time, I’d constantly compare myself to others. Especially here in Denver, where I’m surrounded by some of the most talented, creative people I’ve ever met—it’s easy to fall into that mindset of, “They’re already doing so much. Who am I to think I can keep up?”
That kind of thinking can really slow you down. It’s something I still catch myself doing, and I’ve had to learn how to talk myself out of it. I think that’s a hurdle a lot of artists face, honestly. It doesn’t matter how talented or experienced you are—imposter syndrome is real.
DEV: That said, I never want to project anything less than 100% confidence. I try to show up as the person I want to be, even on the days when I don’t feel like it. I’ve kind of adopted this mindset of asking myself, “What would the version of me five years from now be doing?”
She wouldn’t be sitting here doubting herself. She wouldn’t be stuck in comparison mode. She’d be making music, working on her set, pushing forward. So even when the present feels tough, I remind myself to act in alignment with that future version of me.
If there’s anything fans or friends can do, it’s just support that drive. Show up, share the work, and be in my corner. That energy goes further than people realize.
KL: What is it like for you to be a woman in the scene?
DEV: Yeah, there have definitely been challenges, especially dealing with certain people in the industry. But honestly? I feel powerful. Being in a male-dominated space just fuels me more. It’s that “running with the big dogs” energy, you know?
Every time I’m on a lineup and it’s mostly men, it pushes me to go even harder. Not just to prove a point, but to exceed whatever expectations people might have. I want to surprise them. I want to be more than they expected.
KL: You mentioned this feeling of being grounded – can you talk about where that feeling comes from or what you mean?
DEV: Actually — I met this married couple recently, and they asked me something I hadn’t really thought about before: how do you stay grounded? And without even thinking, I had the answer.
Back in my early 20s, I talked to someone who just celebrated finishing school, and he told me, “I’ve never worked so hard for anything in my life.” And that stuck with me. Like, deeply. I remember thinking, I want that. I want to work so hard for something that I can say that, and mean it. That was five or six years ago, and that line still floats through my head.
So I guess what keeps me grounded is knowing that once this all comes together, once it clicks, I’ll be able to say, “I’ve never worked so hard for anything in my life.” And that’s the feeling I’m chasing. That’s what keeps me going.
KL: If someone’s seeing you for the first time at your Cervantes show, what’s something you’d want them to know about you right away? Is there a message or symbolism you want to share?
DEV: It’s funny—about two years ago, I was at a show, and in a conversation, I told someone, “I want my whole project to be about women empowerment.” And that sentiment has stuck with me ever since.
That’s really the core of what I want to put out into the world—strength, power, and authenticity. A lot of my sets reflect that energy. I remember curating one that was all female rappers, just because I wanted that vibe—something that felt bold, confident, and unapologetically powerful
Beyond that, I want to be a living example that you can start from anywhere and make it happen. I came into this in my late 20s, starting from scratch, figuring it out as I went. If someone in the crowd sees me up there and thinks, “Wait, she did it… maybe I can too,” then I’ve done my job.
Because the truth is—they can. If I can do it, while navigating all the struggles that come with it, so can they. I just want to be that reminder.
KL: Are there any artists who heavily influence your sound or vibe? What about for inspiration?
DEV: There’s one artist that comes to mind, though I wouldn’t say I’m trying to sound like anyone in particular. I’m not really like, “I want to sound like this person” or “I want to copy that vibe.” But if I had to name someone whose sound really resonates with me, it would be Super Ave. Everything he puts out is right in line with what I’m aiming for sonically. I’ve met him before—he’s super nice, his sets are incredible, and his whole energy, brand, and presence are something I really admire.
That said, while I respect a lot of artists for their knowledge, experience, and hustle, I don’t hear anyone’s music and think, “That’s exactly what I want to make.” And I think that’s actually a good thing—it means I’m still carving out my own sound. I know what I like, I know what I play in my sets, and I have a clear direction, but I’m not out here trying to mimic anyone. I think that individuality is important. That’s what helps you stand out—being you.
In terms of inspiration, it’s less about sound and more about energy and drive. A good example since we’re playing this upcoming Cervantes show would be Jaenga. He is one of the hardest-working producers I’ve ever met. Do I want his exact sound? No. But do I want that level of passion, hustle, and consistency? Absolutely. That’s the kind of thing that lights a fire under me. Seeing that drive is where the real inspiration hits.
KL: For someone who’s never heard you play before—what can they expect from one of your sets?
DEV: I’d say it’s on the heavier side of bass—definitely hip-hop influenced and some trap. I try to weave in a lot of underground Detroit artists too, since I’m from Detroit and that’s just part of my roots. The sound I go for has this balance: it’s gritty and heavy, but also has these softer, more melodic moments. I love layering in those prettier, emotional tracks—and that’s actually the direction I want to take with my EP. Not all melodic, but those are the songs that really speak to me.
KL: Is there anything you want to share about your new single?
DEV: Yeah! I think it’s really dope. It’s one of the first things I’m putting out, and I feel really good about it. My inspiration was honestly just… there aren’t enough Tech N9ne flips out there. And I love Tech N9ne. So I was like, screw it—I’m making one.
KL: Looking out to the future and 2025, what are your next moves or goals for the year?
DEV: Taking a step back right now to really focus on producing — dialing in my skills so I can actually use them to my advantage. Like, down the line, I want my production to fully reflect my creativity. Right now, though? It’s still a barrier. I don’t know everything yet. I’m making questionable tracks one after the other… and then occasionally something decent pops out. That’s just the process. So yeah, 2025 is all about that grind.
I even picked a word for the year: devotion. I’m fully devoted to this project — no distractions, no wasting time. I’m more of a homebody anyways, so it works. But I’m locking in! This is my year to tunnel vision.
KL: Earlier, you mentioned leaving some bad influences behind. Are you open to speaking to that?
DEV: So yeah, I’ve been sober for a little over a year now. Before that, I was caught up in alcohol and substances — and it wasn’t just a bad habit, it was shaping who I was, how I thought about myself, and what I believed I was capable of. But the second I stopped drinking, everything changed. Like, full 180. It was wild.
I used to be stuck in this loop — drink, hate myself, question everything: What am I doing with my life? Why am I not doing more? Am I even worth anything? It was constant. And I’m not here to preach sobriety like it’s one-size-fits-all. But some of us just know that alcohol doesn’t belong in our story — not if we want to build something sustainable, something bigger. And I’d known that for a long time. The same way I knew I was meant for more.
I had to cut ties with the scene and the people who were still stuck in it. We talked about dreams, but no one was doing anything. That was part of what held me back — staying in rooms where no one was moving. So I left. Got sober. Fully turned it around. And honestly? Best decision I’ve ever made.
If anyone out there is even thinking about quitting, like — if the thought even crosses your mind — you probably should. That gut feeling is there for a reason.
I was 26 when I finally did it, and I’m grateful every day that I didn’t wait until I was 30, 40, or 50 to figure it out. There was a time when I couldn’t imagine being someone who didn’t drink. Like, “There’s no way I could just stop.” And then one day, I woke up after a night out and just said, I’m done. And I was.
It was hard… until it wasn’t. And once the fog lifted? Once things got clear? It became the easiest decision I ever made. I will never go back.
I always had this gut sense I was meant for something bigger. And I knew I couldn’t get there if I kept numbing myself. Once I stopped, everything started falling into place – New friends, new community, new vision. Most of the people in my circle now are either sober or on the same wavelength. We’re helping each other grow. We’re a team. It’s a chosen family.
So yeah — sobriety has been a massive part of this whole journey. And I probably should’ve mentioned it earlier, because it’s the reason any of this is even happening.
If you feel in your gut that something — alcohol, a person, a habit — is holding you back… you’re probably right. And yeah, it’s hard. But it’s worth it to let go. You deserve better. Especially from yourself.
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