Los Angeles singer-songwriter Devon Thompson’s influences range from delicate pop to raucous punk
In line with the brand’s ongoing commitment to elevating new music from emerging musicians around the world, the annual Gibson Artist Spotlight program will showcase an evolving roster of musicians who will be featured across Gibson global and international channels.
The Artist Spotlight program debuted in January 2024 with Austin Sexton, and recently added Mona Lindgren, Alex Ritchie, and Zach Person to the ranks. Now it welcomes Devon Thompson.
Born in Los Angeles early this century, Devon Thompson’s earliest memory is punching through a pane of glass, just to see if she could. Growing up feeling like an outsider, Devon found her home listening to music. Early Siouxsie Sioux, The Animals, The Cramps, Bill Evans and The Beatles all permeated her developmental years and, by the age of 19, she already had extensive experience of playing Los Angeles club venues with her bands.
Exemplified by recent singles “I Love You But It Hurts Like Hell” and “Poison Me,” Devon’s recordings are thus far lingering with the bel canto of Roy Orbison, the delicacy of Harriet Wheeler, and the sheer aggression of PJ Harvey. We caught up with Devon to find out more.
How would you describe your music?
“Raw, unhinged, gritty, ethereal, with a dark essence. My music incorporates both beauty and pain, light and dark. To fit it in a genre box, it’s alternative/ alternative rock, but it’s much much more than that. My song concepts often involve dark fairytale retellings, lovers gone murderers, and the hard truths discussing the things that a lot of people don’t like discussing because they think it’s ‘too uncomfortable.’ My message is honesty and authenticity, with raw, hard-hitting drums and vocals that are both soft and rough.”
What is your favorite piece of gear?
“Still my Epiphone Casino. I got my Casino over a year ago now, and life has never been the same. I didn’t know what I was missing until I tried P-90 pickups and there’s nothing like it. The natural reverb and resonance that a Casino gives is just unmatched. Deep, gritty… it’s a true rock instrument. Since I mostly play as a trio, its full sound gives the power of two guitars in one.”
What has been the highlight of your musical career so far?
“My maturing as a songwriter, guitarist, and artist. My view on things has changed as I have progressed as a musician. My song concepts have gotten deeper, more complex. I pushed and surprised myself when I did things that I didn’t expect I could do. It’s made me have so much more faith in myself and let’s me know that I really can do the things that I want to do, and help inspire people to do the same along the way. I never knew I could advance as a guitar player as much as I have now. But now I know that I really can be as skilled as I want if I put in the hard work to get there.”
What would be your dream artist or producer collaboration, and why?
“My dream collab would be with Paramore or Hayley Williams as a songwriter and producer. I really love her writing work and what she has contributed not only to her band, but to other artists’ music. I really think she and her band would understand my message and my music. Their music is a big inspiration to me so I feel that we would make some unhinged music.”
What does being part of the Gibson Artist Spotlight program mean to you?
“Being chosen to be a part of this program has really validated my vision as an artist. Not that that I need outside validation to believe I can do something, but the fact that it’s a guitar brand that I admire and adore so much means everything to me. I played my first Les Paul at 11 years old on stage and now I am here, a part of their Spotlight program. Feeling extremely accomplished, and it means the world to me that the right companies want to support my message of honesty and brute sincerity. “
What’s next on the horizon for you?
“Lots of stuff on the horizon for me. I have so much music I am going to release this year because I have so many ideas bottled up ready to come out. Also, I am planning my live takeover of the country and am going to be visiting some other states playing live. So tons of music, tons of shows where you can see what I am all about.”
Find out more about the Gibson Artist Spotlight program and visit Devon Thompson’s profile.
