Devlin Announces Let It Go Featuring Labrinth As His Next Single

Devlin will release his collaboration with Labrinth as his next single in January 2011.
Devlin is Dagenham’s 21-year-old lyrical prodigy. A lightening quick flow peppered with one-liners, cathartic street stories and fevered imagery. His debut bud, sweat & beers peaked at #5 in the iTunes Chart on its release in November 2010. Let It Go is his follow up single to the Top 20 hit Runaway. With a UK headline tour planned for February and over 18 million Devlin related views on Youtube, the country is discovering the grime scene’s most thoughtful spitter one line, one video view at a time.
Producer and vocalist on this single is 21-year-old Labrinth. In the brave new world where UK hip hop talent is receiving the attention it deserves, Labrinth has emerged as a star producer. He is the man behind Tinie Tempah’s #1 single Pass Out.
Let It Go is released January 23 through Island Records.

"Marching Though The Fog" video premiere!!!!!!

SB.TV - We are London "Devlin" - Adidas Originals

Interview: Devlin is made in Dagenham

Devlin, who has been building a name for himself on the underground grime music scene since the age of 15, was hailed in this month's Vogue as “Essex's answer to Eminem”.
“It's a good look for me, I'm glad to be in Vogue,” he says with a smile, although Vogue and grime will seem an odd match to many.
Last year he was named on the BBC's Sound of 2010 longlist, his single Runaway debuted at number 15 in the charts, and at the Mobo awards in October he just missed out on the Best Newcomer prize, which went to fellow grime artist Tinie Tempah.
“The only thing I was slightly upset about I was really the newcomer in the category— because everybody else had already had their own releases,” he laments.
His own debut album, Bud, Sweat and Beers, was released this month and his tracks mainly consist of hard-hitting portraits of life in a dead-end London suburb with quick-fire lyrics such as “I represent for the jobless, That have been made redundant, That have got four kids and don't know how to fund them” on Community Outcast, or “I look down on this race I created and all I see is violence and hatred” in Our Father, which he writes from the perspective of God looking down on a broken planet.
Born James Devlin (“If one of my pals calls me James, I get offended. It sounds weird. My mum calls me James and ladies — and that's it,” he says) he first discovered grime and one of his biggest influences, Sharky Major, aged 12. Initially he'd been into garage, but grime, he says “had the same sort of tempo but it's a darker sound and has more depth in the lyrics”, which appealed to him.
“I thought: Do you know what, I really like this. I should try writing myself. I'm not thick,' ” he says, arching his arm up and tapping his head (most of his speech is accompanied by the sort of frantic gesticulation all rap artists seem to adopt). “But English was the only thing I was good at in school, really. I was good with wordplay, so it made sense, man.”

It wasn't an instant success. “My lyrics, they was crap at first,” he admits. “It took a couple of years to write a decent lyric at all.” By 13 he was “battling” other budding artists on a pirate radio station twice a week, improving his delivery and his lyrics to beat the competition.
Then he met another Dagenham MC, Dogzilla, who got him a twice-weekly slot on pirate station Rinse FM “and I build up a little fan base from there”, he says. Once they began making videos for his songs, which “got a lot of attention and a lot of hits on YouTube” record labels began getting in touch. Devlin picked Island Records out of several offers.
He is fortunate that it worked out. After Devlin finished school at 16, his father told him to find work.
“My dad, thank God, said to me when I came out of school: Go and earn money, boy, don't go through school.' I know people who have come out of college now and got every qualification in the world and can't find a decent job.”
But although his mother signed him up on a plumbing course, his apprenticeship fell through and he dropped out. While he was pursuing music, he was on the dole. “I didn't have no other source of income, so it kept me ticking over, and there weren't great jobs out there.”
He won't talk much about the “what I've seen, things that have happened to me, things that maybe affected my friends” that he says inspire his songs.
“I've been quite lucky that this music took off for me. I've got something to live for,” he says … “But really, Dagenham, I've always said, it's not the worst place in the world by far, but there's just not a lot positive going on in the place. I've got a lot of friends in jail,” he explains.
I wonder if he'd ever consider sweetening the sound of his tracks a little and perhaps try singing himself. “If I didn't smoke 20 a day and a half ounce of weed a day I could have a good voice, I know I could,” he admits frankly. But although he's happy to write songs on less hard-hitting subjects, the messages in his music are important to him. “I feel the pain of mankind sometimes,” taking on a burden that seems heavy for a 21-year-old. “I find it hard to sleep knowing there's little girls and boys out there putting their heads down on the pavement … I find it quite upsetting some of the things that go on in a so-called civilised world.”

But now things are happening for Devlin that he could never have expected. In September, Paul Weller got in touch asking him to record a few bars of lyrics over his song Fast Car/Slow Traffic. Weller liked the result so much that he has asked Devlin to appear at his upcoming Wembley and Brighton gigs.
“I feel like I'm drugged up lately, all this weird stuff keeps happening. Literally I was as shocked as you, mate, for Mr Weller to get in touch. It's mind-blowing. I'm going to have my old man with me [at Wembley and Brighton]. He's loved Weller since he was a baby as well, so that should be a really good night — a Kodak moment.”
On top of that he's finally making some money. “I'm earning a wage,” he says. “I'm by no means rich yet at all — and I plan to be, I ain't gonna stop till I am. But I can wake up and I can do what I want. I can go and get a nice big meal now and go and get another one after that or go and get a beer.” They are small pleasures but he appears positively delighted.
Despite it all, he wants make sure he stays grounded and never becomes that diva. “I'm just Devs from the manor,” he says. A bit like “Jenny from the block”, I suppose, only not Maid in Manhattan but Made in Dagenham.

By:  Jasmine Gardner

"Let It Go" (Behind The Scenes)

Game Over - (Behind The Scenes video)

Devlin - Marching Through The Fog (Behind The Scenes video)

'Bud, Sweat & Beers' is OUT NOW!!!!

http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/bud-sweat-beers/id397348082
Make sure you buy it, Devliniacs!

Grime Forum and Jane Oriel catch up with Devlin

On the eve his highly anticipated first album release after signing with Island in February, Grime Forum chats with Devlin before soundcheck in Bristol earlier this month.
Guys who have been into you from way back want to know has Devs sold out? Is he still true? But at the end of it all, does it matter to you what people think?
It does, yeah, but as long as I stay true to myself and I’m happy with my music, then that’s all that matters in my opinion but…. No, not all that matters, cos yeah, my fans have done a lot. If it weren’t for the fans, I’d have nothing, so.. But you’ve got to make certain allowances cos i’m appealing to a wider audience now. I’m happy with the music I’m making, and I think the fans will be too, but you can’t please everybody.
Fans are one thing but how important is it to you, to put out stuff that will satisfy and inspire your peers; the people you’re repping with?

I’ve always believed in healthy competition across any scene. I don’t care what they’re doing musically, but if I hear something and I think, yeah, maybe I need to step my game up. I just like being around good people who are talented. You can work off that.
While other guys like Chipmunk, Tinie Tempah and Tinchy Stryder have considerably adapted their style to make their work more chart friendly, why aren’t you doing the same?

I can’t leave the booth with music I ain’t happy with. So really I just try to stay true to myself. All that stuff that Stryder and that have done has paved the way for people like me to come through. So yeah, they might have gone a different lane, but I wouldn’t be able to do what i’m doing now if it weren’t for them, so it’s all for the growth of UK music. Hopefully, when I crack on, there’ll be some other younger who’ll be able to crack on and go in harder cos I went hard, know what I mean? It’s all good for the growth and development of our scene.
How ready was the album before you signed?
We had a few tracks done but a lot of them weren’t up to scratch for album quality so we had a lot left over like, for mixtapes, so we’ll use them for stuff like that. We had a few tracks done such as London City and Community Outcast. There was a basis there for an album of about 3 or 4 tracks and Island built off that, then they sent me on the rounds and we did a load more studio sessions.
I’ve heard the whole album and was so excited to hear what you’re doing. I’ve got to say that with Our Father, it just wrecked me. You made me feel so bloody guilty for what I’d done with the world. It completely did my head in.
You bad woman, lol!
The Tories are back in power and the serious budget cuts heading our way means that the quality of life for very many will take a dive. With the reissue of Community Outcast, how do you see the future for the people you wrote about in that song?
I dunno, I just think those people get forgotten about. That’s why I wrote that song. I just think maybe the government ain’t got the people’s best priorities at heart, and I don’t think they ever will. Anyone who gets put in power, they’re all corrupt in the end, know what I mean?
I find a lot of your work, including the new album, to be very cinematic. It’s the way you throw your metaphors so you’ve got your pictures before you read the words. You’re not listening to the words, you’ve got the pictures.
Aw, yeah yeah. That’s nice, that’s nice to hear.
On the Forum, I shot out an off the cuff review as soon as I’d heard it:

Anyone seen the film Cabaret? It’s about a sleazy nightclub in Nazi Berlin in the 1930s. There’s a lot of melacholic escapism and defiant optimism in the face of oppression. A sense of ironic humour too. There’s scuzzy beauty to the harsh streets where no matter how much they party, it’s underpinned by despair. Meet Bud, Sweat and Beers. 
Does that work?
Yeah, yeah it does. It sounds very poetical. You don’t want to start writing some lyrics for me, do you, lol?
Of the youngers who are coming up, who’s impressing you?
At the moment, I haven’t really got my ear on cos i’m so busy at the moment so it’s hard to watch. But I know there’s a lot of artists in my camp. They’re not younger than me but I’ve got my boy Dogzilla, my boy Rawz, Artillery, Lewi White on the buttons making the beats outstanding, my boy Ghetts, Griminal, who’s just got signed. Grim’s younger than me. He’s doing his thing. Watch out for Grim, yeah definitely watch out for Grim.

You mentioned Lewi White who you’ve working with a lot before. Did you bring him with you cos you can rely on his sound; you know he’s going to be doing something good for you, or is it more about security in using one of your team. How does it work?
Basically, if I’m not being sent on the rounds by the label, if I’ve got a day off, I’ll be in Lewi’s studio off my own back. That’s my boy, know what I mean? I enjoy being nowhere else better. I love being in the studio with Lewi, and over the last 6 months, he’s just been out of this world with what he’s been making.
The first track that I knew was coming from the album was the first single, Brainwashed, that follows the old tradition where MCs big up themselves and put down their marker. I really didn’t like the female vocal, and when I found out there was an alternative Devlin edit that’s harder and with the vocal been removed, I wondered what’s your thought were on both versions?
Er, I thought she done really well. Obviously, everyone’s got their own opinion but a DJ made that edit cos they didn’t like the female vocal.
So it had nothing to do with you then?
No, they liked the harsher sound. But then again, that chorus mate, pops off when I’m doing these raves cos everyone knows that chorus. I suppose it’s whatever you prefer man, but personally I liked it.
Your current single Runaway is astonishingly romantic about you and your girl starting a new life away from anywhere you know. Are you a romantic man?
Er, nope nope, not particularly. I suppose everyone can show love but I’d not say I’m very romantic – not unless you like a six pack of Stella, a takeaway a bit of slap and tickle, lol.
On the other side of the coin, the track Let It Go that you did with Labrinth, is one of the most accurate sounding relationship break up song that I have ever heard. It sounds as if it fell naturally so was it an easy one to write?
Yeah man, cos I think everyone’s been with people and you feel like shooting yourself in the whatever, so I got right pissed off that day I went in to see the Labrinth and we set about some work.
Seriously? You just felt it, you saw him and you were away?
Yeah, I went to see Labrinth and whatever, and I weren’t very happy at the time, and we were just thinking of songs to do and I just started writing, me and Labs sat down and jammed. He’s brilliant, you know what I mean. He’s got so much energy in the studio and man, there’s never a dull moment in there. You can feed off his energy. Buzzing. Good character.
One unexpected presence on Bud Sweat and Beers is an awful lot of guitar. Is that an instrument that you feel close to? The whole album seems to be underpinned by it.
I just like the emotion of the guitar, what it portrays. But yeah, I do feel the guitar. I think it conveys a certain….. ambience, lol. No it does. I like the sound of the old guitar, absolutely.
Yeah I think it’s modern music’s favourite instrument isn’t it. One thing I’m really pleased about is that you’ve got a really full sound throughout, but it’s not American sounding.
Nah never!
It doesn’t have that kind of thin gloss on it. I’m really pleased about that.

Thank you very much. I just couldn’t; start talking American and that lol. I couldn’t if I tried.
With everything that’s happening with you now surrounding promoting the album, do you still have time to go out and do collabs with your boys?
Yeah that’s where Lewi White comes into play. That’s my home. And that’s me, Ghetts, Dogz, my boy Rawz, Lewi we get down in there, know what I mean. So, naturally, any time I can get in there and the label don’t mind. As long as I do my job for them. Yeah I love being with the boys man.
Talking of the boys, do you still see Deeperman? I’ve read that he’s not been seen about so much lately.
I ain’t seen him in a little while. He’s.. he’s quietened down really. So, I dunno, he’s not really on his music vibe.

Sounds like you have a good relationship with Island how long have they got you signed for? What are their plans?
It’s just for one album and I’m signed for a year, and that’ll be looked at at the end of the year. They’re probably thinking, see how it goes then evaluate it. This is a good thing for us cos at least I’m not tied down for any length of time. Yeah, we’re over the moon with it.
So, the final question, and it’s got to be asked: When are you getting your Bentley?
Lol I dunno, not yet. I ain’t got money for a Bentley yet. Hopefully, I’ll let you know. I’ll come and pick you up when I do.

Jane Oriel

Devlin - Dropout 30 (Interview video)

Devlin shoots video for 'Marching Through The Frog'

If you see a some pictures of Devlin looking a little worst for wear, don't worry it's only make up, he hasn't been fighting. Devlin shot his brand new video today in East London. The video was for the high energy grime track from BSAB, Marching Through The Frog. The track was produced by old friend and Grime legend Lewi White. This video looks absolutely epic. Look out for some exclusive footage from behind the scenes very soon.
BSAB is fast becoming the must have CD of the year. Devlin first solo album will be released TOMORROW but it's already in the top 100 album's on iTunes, top 50 in the HMV chart and up to no.10 in the Play.com pre-order chart.
Make sure you order your copy now.

Bud, Sweat & Beers album signings

Devlin will be holding album signings in Leicester and Kingston. Fans must purchase the copies of the album in store to get them signed.

Wednesday 3^rd November @ 5pm

·  Powerplay

Unit MSU4
Highcross
Leicester

Friday 5^th November

·  Banquet Records @ 6pm

52 Eden Street
Kingston Upon Thames,

United Kingdom KT1 1EE

Road block at the Underworld

On 28/10/10 Devlin held his first headline show in Camden's Underworld. The fans queued round the block to see Devlin's exclusive performance.

The night started with the uber-talented Ed Sheeran who wowed the crowd with his amazing lyrics and crazy hair! Then came the main feature of the night; Devlin and his band took the stage at 21:00 to a fantastic reception from the crowd. He started his performance with Brainwashed followed by London City and Yesterday's News. 

Devlin was joined on the stage by Dogzilla and Ghetts to perform Finally, then came the big surprise of the evening... With long time friend Ghetts still on the stage, Devlin announced he would be performing the 'hottest track in the world' (according to BBC Radio1's Zane Lowe) Game Over. Devlin told the crowd he didn't have the full cast but he did have a few of the A list line up from the track. The crowd went crazy as South London's finest Giggs, stepped onto the stage to begin the extravaganza. Next up was Ghetts, Devlin fired his amazing bars, then from out of nowhere the 'Star In The Hood' himself Tinchy Stryder appeared on the stage, the crowd went wild!

After giving the crowd a chance to catch their breath, Devlin continued the show with Dreamer, the already popular Let It Go and finally, Runaway with the beautiful Yasmin.
The night was a huge success. Devlin would like to thank everyone for coming out and making it a very special night for him and his friends and family.

Devlin & Ed Sheeran [video]

Devlin & Ed Sheeran going bar for bar backstage at the example gig, 02 academy, Sheffield.

Sick!

You can NOW pre-order "Bud, Sweat & Beers" on iTunes

"Bud, Sweat & Beers" is now available to pre-order on iTunes, released 1st November:

http://itunes.apple.com/gb/preorder/bud-sweat-beers/id398243729

SB.TV A64 - Devlin F64 #2 [Special Edition]

Devlin's "Runaway" is OUT now!

You can buy it on iTunes here:
http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/runaway-ep/id393300603

And also on Amazon here:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Runaway/dp/B0045UC572/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=dmusic&qid=1287874229&sr=8-1#SupportDevlinRunaway

Live Web Chat 22nd Oct

If you missed yesterday's web chat you can watch it back here: 

http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/10351452 

Game Over - (MOBO's 2010 performance video)

Devlin & Ed Sheeran (SB.TV)

Exclusive preview of the tune that Devlin and Ed Sheeran done with Griminal & Yasmin.

Courtesy of http://www.sbtv.co.uk/

Devlin Diaries - Part 2 (video)

Devlin Diaries - Part 1 (video)

Live Webchat 10.10.22

Make sure your around for Devlin's latest webchat session on 22/10/10 @http://www.officialdevlin.com/. The session's takes place just 2 day's before Devlin's latest single is release on 24/10/10. Please send your questions to: devlinwebchat@gmail.com.

Tinchy Stryder Invites Tinie Tempah, Professor Green, Devlin and Giggs on Stage For MOBO Awards Closing Performance

Anybody complaining that UK music is still not being given the proper platform and celebration at the MOBO Awards can shh-hut-up now.
The 2010’s MOBO Awards is set to be the most exciting year yet with Tinchy Stryder today announcing his will exclusively close this year’s show with the help of 2010’s leading MOBO nominee Tinie Tempah, and fellow cream of the UK hip hop/grime scene, Professor Green, Devlin and Giggs. The UK’s finest will take to the stage to perform Tinchy’s track Game Over.

Due to phenomenal demand, MOBO have just released an exclusive 100 Golden Circle tickets located next to the MOBO stage which will allow fans the chance to see their musical heroes up close and personal. Tickets can be purchased from the MOBO website.

Devlin's album to be released soon!

From spitting on Rinse FM to signing a deal with Island Records, Dagenham’s finest is set to takeover the UK music industry with his debut album Bud, Sweat & Beers.

Bud, Sweat & Beers is dominated by socially conscious tracks that explore the state of society in a Britain that has been described as ‘broken’. The album features production from Lewi White, Labrinth, Naughty Boy, Future Cut; vocals from Yasmin and bars from Ghetts and Dogzilla.

While he has long been considered a grime head, Devlin’s sound stands out from the genre, demanding to stand alone from the pack. The young MC’s narrative is one that isn’t normally heard by a mainstream audience, but his talent means that this Essex boy will never be overlooked. Aged only 21, Devlin has been in the scene since he was barely a teenager. His first break came when he started on Rinse FM at 13 and soon he had built up a large underground following that spread from Essex to London. Though he was still in school, the break he needed came when he hooked up with local MC Dogzilla. Soon the pair had formed a crew collective called The M.O.V.E.M.E.N.T with Ghetts, Wretch 32, Scorcher, Mercston, Lightnin’ and DJ Unique. This led to Devlin’s first mixtape, Tales From The Crypt, released through OT Recordings. A track called Community Outcast featured on the mixtape stood up for single mums, unemployed and homeless people, as he criticised the government; “A country that’s crippled/And I thought mankind was supposed to be civil.” Written when Devlin was only 16, it’s such a powerful track that it has been included on Bud, Sweat & Beers. It was this track that sparked a five-label bidding war, before he settled on Island Records earlier this year. Before this break, Devlin very nearly gave up on the chance of a music career, saying “I’m gonna have a proper go of the music first and if it doesn’t work out I’ll go back to a dead-end job for the rest of me life”. The future looks bright for Devlin without a dead-end job in sight.

Devlin’s Bud, Sweat & Beers is released on November 1st.

Devlin loves word puzzlin'

Devlin puts his skills on the mic down to The Bard's work and a daily dose of word play.

The Essex rapper said: "I've done The Sun's crossword all my life. It's been really great for my vocabulary, which is great for writing lyrics. It keeps the old grey matter firing."

The other most important influence in the rapper's life is The Bard. He added: "I adored Macbeth at school. I'm no expert but the way Shakespeare employed double meanings and metaphors have really had an effect on my song-writing." 

Devlin is frank about where his life might have led if he hadn't had music to focus on. "There's every chance I could be inside," he admitted. "Some of my friends are. Or, I'd have a dead-end job.

"There's such little opportunity in Dagenham that people get caught up in trouble."

Courtesy of www.thesun.co.uk/

Dagenham rapper is one to watch

Growing up where unemployment and crime rates are high can be tough – but it is not stopping our youngsters developing careers in the music business.

The 21-year-old James Devlin from Dagenham is taking the grime scene by storm and has been tipped as "one to watch" by the BBC Sound of 2010 List, alongside artists such as Ellie Goulding, The Drums and rapper Giggs.
 
"It's all gone a bit crazy in the last few months," Devlin admitted.

"I'm all over the place at the moment with promoting."
The former pupil of Brittons School, Hornchurch, started rapping at the age of 13 on pirate radio stations Rinse FM and Temptation. His talents were picked up by OT Crew member Dogzilla and he featured on their 2006 mixtape, The London Borough of Barking and Dogenham. He later produced a solo release of his own - Tales from the Crypt - and was catapulted to fame after a regular slot on Flava FM. Devlin said: "I've been focusing on my music for the past six years and I owe a lot to the area, especially since I started doing radio here from a young age.
"A lot of the inspiration I get for my songs is from my life in Dagenham, as well as what other artists are doing or even from hearing a new word or sentence that I like." He has been compared to the likes of Mike Skinner of The Streets and is well renowned for having the "biggest vocabulary in grime".
He sites Nas, Bruce Springsteen and Plan B as some of his influences.
Having released a collaborative single, Shot Music, with Giggs in April and touring with Drum and Bass duo Chase and Status, what's next for Devlin?
"I'm really hoping my music takes off."- he says. "For any talented kids in the borough, I encourage you not to give up on your dream and never be disheartened by anyone."

Devlin: Dagenham’s answer to Eminem

Off the mic, Devlin appears far from your stereotypical grime artist. He’s white, with a strong Cockney accent and wears Lacoste trainers. On the mic, however, he is one of the fiercest lyricists with a ferocious flow that has garnered respect from grime heavyweights including Ghetts, Scorcher, Mercston and Wretch 32. His Tales of the Crypt mixtape was critically acclaimed, and his independently funded budget video for single London City has had more than one million hits on YouTube. All this has helped to create an undeniable buzz which has seen the Dagenham grime MC ink a deal with major label Island/Universal records, the house one of his idols, Bob Marley, helped build.

Devlin started writing lyrics aged 13 which he admits were ‘dreadful’, but Tales from the Crypt, released in 2008, helped his fan base grow tremendously. ‘I’d say it had a big impact ’cos it gave me a nice platform.’ One thing that stood out amongst fans was Devs’ ability to paint vivid pictures through his lyrics and varied subject matter. ‘It was tales from the places I’d been, my life and the struggle from coming up,’ he says. Arguably the stand-out track from the mixtape is Community Outcast. ‘It was just a reflection of my area and things I’d seen,’ he explains. ‘I wanted to give a mention for people that I feel are forgotten about, in a place where it is hard to get out of.’

Has he felt like an outcast in the grime scene himself? Being white and Cockney, some may believe he could have experienced exclusion or discrimination from a scene mainly dominated by black artists and producers. Devlin states he wasn’t discriminated against, but admits to being judged. ‘I definitely used to get the feeling people were looking at me like “Who’s this white guy?’’ Once he touched the mic his lyrical dexterity, vast vocabulary and mind-boggling wordplay always won over the doubters. He does take grievance to being classed as the “best white MC”, though. ‘I don’t care, I’ll go with anyone; pink, purple, black, white… I don’t like that “He’s the best white boy”. I think I’m one of the best full stop, so that’s the only thing I don’t like,’ he states boldly.

Naturally, comparisons to Eminem and The Streets front man Mike Skinner are present. Flattered to be described as the UK’s Eminem, he’s not so sure about Mike Skinner. Despite rating Skinner’s music, he isn’t fond of the association. ‘I just think it’s because I’m white and I wear a Ralph Lauren shirt. That’s the comparison there – it’s a visual thing,’ he says.

London City is about a night out in central London with the lads. It’s a laid-back song; unusual for Devlin. ‘I was surprised [by the success].’ Changing his usual style paid off with London City, but the same can’t be said for the rock-inspired Giant. Despite not being a favourite of his, neither YouTube comments nor posts on forums affect him. ‘I’ve seen some lovely comments on there; I’ve seen some I can’t repeat, but that’s natural. But nah, it doesn’t sway what I do too much,’ he declares.

His first major label single, Brainwashed, is out now, but it’s been a long old haul to get this far. Devlin sums it up rather grimly as follows: ‘Shitty radio stations in dirty old flats in manors, having no money, trying to get bookings, driving old [Ford] Fiestas to Manchester…’

He’s also had to contend with a lot backbiting around him: (‘Devs gone soft, Devs gonna do this, Devs is gonna do that’.’ Brainwashed entered the UK singles chart at number 31.

The long-awaited album Bud, Sweat and Beers is slated to drop later this year. Inspired by his life over the past three years, ‘running around, grafting, smoking weed every day, getting down in the studio, writing, drinking, mad nights out and just all the memories over the last few years,’ he promises to keep it hard thanks in part to the creative control granted by the label. Does his inclusion in the BBC Sound of 2010 shortlist heap any pressure on him? ‘If you think like that then you’re always gonna be putting yourself under scrutiny.’ In fact, he didn’t know about the annual list, currently in its eighth year, (previously included 50 Cent, Lady Gaga, Corrine Bailey Rae, Chris Brown to name a few) until his inclusion – a list that also included Giggs.

Hopes for the album are simple; sell loads of copies and do a lot of touring. Seeing the success of acts like Tinchy Stryder, Chipmunk, Tinie Tempah and such achieving so much, makes it easier for him and fellow artists breaking through. ‘You get your nut down and carry on, and there’s no reason why we can’t. The scene’s growing tremendously. Everyone’s playing their part now.’

Interview by Marvin Sparks

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Devlin's interview for Amaru Don TV Part 2 (video)

Courtesy of http://amarudontv.com/!

Devlin's interview for Amaru Don TV Part 1 (video)

Courtesy of http://amarudontv.com/!

Bud, Sweat & Beers's tracklisting

Grime MC Devlin has just revealed the tracklisting for his forthcoming album, Bud, Sweat & Beers.
Devlin has had a great 2010, getting signed and playing at some big shows in London and across the UK, and is now getting ready for the release of his debut album.
Bud, Sweat & Beers sees the Essex boy working with Ghetts, Labrinth, Future Cut and McLean amongst others, and drops on November 1st.

Tracklisting:
1. 1989
2. Brainwashed
3. Days & Nights
4. London City
5. Marching Through The Fog
6. Let It Go
7. Yesterday’s News
8. Community Outcast
9. Runaway
10. Our Father
11. Finally
12. Dreamer
13. World Still Turns
14. End Of Days

DEVLIN: THE INTERVIEW!

He’s the underdog that is about to put Dagenham fully on the map with his venomous unique delivery. Devlin is about to leave you brainwashed through his journey of dark soulful rhymes of realities and a mesmerising flow. Laura ‘Hyperfrank’ Brosnan caught up with Dev for The Wrap Up to discuss Kanye West’s blog, touring with Chase & Status and clashing Wiley when he was 16...

The Wrap Up: You’ve got a distinctive edge to your delivery, as well as the way you construct your lyrics. What type of music did you listen to growing up that influenced the shaping of Devlin that we know today?

Devlin: I grew up listening to a bit of everything to be honest, but garage music was a big influence as it was what first made me want to start writing music. The music that was being made around the Maxwell D and So Solid Crew era was key music; even tracks like ‘Master Of The Ceremony’ and Pied Pipers ‘Do You Really Like It’ were tracks I remember enjoying listening to. Going back further though, I remember hearing a lot from Diana Ross, Bruce Springsteen, Michael And The Mechanics and Bob Marley being played in my home. I think even though it was still popular music, it was more lyrical. I was listening to great songwriters at such a young age, like Bruce Springsteen is a blinding songwriter, as well as Bob Marley and that probably influenced the way I write lyrics today, they just had more depth to them I’d say. I just wanted to tell people a bit more about my life and where I’m from. Growing up I was listening to Ghetts, Sharky Major and other MCs from the end of the Nasty Crew days. You see Sharky; I would say he was a big influence back in the day, especially the way I was writing, because he was a big lyricist back then and probably one of the first of his kind.

TWU: How do you feel your specific sound has influenced the younger generation of budding MCs and rappers?

Devlin: I think I took them more down the song route really. Before I came about in the grime scene it was notoriously bad anyway and people were making songs like ‘I’ll kick your mum’s door off and shoot your old man in the face.’ When I made ‘Community Outcast,’ which was one of my first songs, I tried to bring a bit more depth and make some music still keeping that underground vibe, but come away from the violence and try and make songs with meaning that get people thinking a bit more. I think after I brought a few songs out, the kids went away and thought more about what they were going to start rather than just spitting a lot of madness.

TWU: What was your thoughts on US rapper Kanye West blogging your Practice Hours freestyle and calling you a ‘Gangster rapper’?

Devlin: He did a bit of free promotion for me, but I think he was most likely taking the p**s, wasn’t he? [Laughs] Gangster rappers...

TWU: Listening to tracks from ‘Tales Of The Crypt’ and hearing some of your latest album work, it’s clear that you’ve kept the same style that has made you so respected. How do you feel that your music has changed and developed since then?

Devlin: It’s evolved now, to a point where I’m doing it on a professional level. Obviously I’ve got to keep the vibe that I’ve come from, but I’ve just matured and I’m making different kinds of stuff now, I’ve been around the block now and from experience I’m just learning things. Every time I’m in the studio I try and come from different angles but still keep that element of what I’m most known for.

TWU: Do you feel like now you’re signed that your style is changing? Is pressure on you to change?

Devlin: See Island Records, they have been blinding with me really. They’ve given me free reign like, obviously they have been guiding me but they didn’t sign me to manipulate me into a pop artist. They let me crack on in the studio with no pressure and they’re happy with the music I’m making, so I just keep making the tunes. They’re not on my back, it’s a good relationship, I feel like they have faith in me and that’s nice. I wouldn’t say my styles changed either; I’ve been doing this for 6 years now so I’m just maturing a bit. There’s a few different elements on the album, but you’ll have original Dev on there as well.

TWU: You‘ve also been associated with The Movement. Were you ever actually in the group?

Devlin: That thing for me, it died about like 3 years ago. The collective at the time, I thought we were the best MCs in the game and we all came together to raise our level and in that aspect it worked for everyone. When you’re around better artists, I knew I couldn’t just spit any old lyrics, so it raised everyone’s game. That was done on my account a long time ago; I don’t know what them guys are doing. Ghetts has always been my pal, but I don’t see much of Wretch or Scorcher, but I do see Mercston occasionally.

TWU: You’ve kept to yourself when it comes to clashes, apart from the dub you dropped during The Movement VS Wiley war report. A lot of people have mentioned your name, but this has been the only time that you have replied. What was the situation at the time that made you reply and get involved in the clash? 

Devlin: I tell you what, I was only young then, I was about 16. Wiley’s a nutter anyway and he just piped up and I just went and made the tune about him. I wish I’d never done it, but like you said, I never clash anyone I just watch myself, make my music and that’s it. Anyone can say what they want as long as they leave my old dear out of it. That’s how you know you’re doing well when others are having a pop at you, but that dub was just silly. You won’t hear me sending for anyone else, I’ve got too much to focus on.

TWU: How do you feel coming from grime? The scene has changed from when you were rising up the ranks. I mean, what are your views on artists that are jumping on certain bandwagons just so they can make a quick pound?

Devlin: As we were saying before about how the platforms of coming up have changed, now everyone is trying to have a pop at it and now it’s cracking off everyone wants to jump on, fair play because everyone wants to make a quick buck and I suppose we’ll see who’s good enough to stick about. I wouldn’t knock someone for having a try or doing different things, even if it isn’t my cup of tea.

TWU: How do you feel about the comparisons to you being the new Mike Skinner or the UK version of Eminem?

Devlin: I don’t mind the UK version of Eminem, because that geezer in his prime was possibly one of the best ever. I don’t really like the Mike Skinner association. I think any comparisons to him come from me being white and because I wear a Ralph Lauren shirt mate. Eminem obviously as well, I don’t want to really be compared to him either because I’m my own artist, but that’s a bit more of a compliment if you know what I mean.

TWU: At the end of last year you, along with 14 other artists from all different genres, were announced as rising stars to watch on the BBC’s Sound of 2010. You were the only artist on the list that wasn’t signed at the time. Why do you feel you were on the list compared to other artists working hard in the scene? Do you think it played a big part in you getting signed?

Devlin: I can’t even answer that, it’s just mad. All I ever do is my music, come back to Dagenham and just live life, so when that happened I was like, ‘F**k, people must recognising.’ It was a lovely compliment when it happened, I don’t even know how I got on there but maybe it’s because I’ve been around long enough and people started to catch on. Lovely stuff. It definitely played a part in my favour in me getting signed.

TWU: You’ve just finished touring with Chase & Status. What was it like touring with them?

Devlin: It was a proper good time man; we went to a few different cities so it was pretty hectic. Their ‘Take Me Away’ drum and bass tune is big, I like that one. We had a little show and I was spitting some grime bars over some dubstep, did a few performances and then slipped in a few drum and bass bars at the end of the show. The crowds were loving it and in this experience the audiences were at a much bigger levels to what I’ve been used to, so I suppose that helped me because now I’m coming up the ranks I’m going to be playing to bigger crowds. I never really get nervous, I usually just get butterflies because I just want to get it done so I can look back and analyze what we’ve done. To be honest, it wasn’t even like performing, we just had such a good time, and we were just enjoying ourselves. I might even get on a track with Chase & Status, I know they make a lot of styles at a high level so I wouldn’t mind doing one of each maybe; they do make some nice dubstep though. They’re good geezers; they know what they’re doing.

TWU: What kind of sounds and subjects will you be touching on with your new album?

Devlin: It’s a bit more of a personal look into my life and my journey over the last couple of years on the way here. Listening back to the album now, that’s what it feels like. Sound wise, you’ve got the ‘Community Outcast’ vibe, there’s a few where I’ve gone on deep with the concepts and there’s some rap beats on there along with some faster s**t and of course some grime. It’s definitely some of my best work...

Courtesy of MTV.co.uk

Devlin in Middlesbrough Saturday 16th October 2010

The Arena Middlesborough

Saturday, 16 October 2010

Buy tickets:

http://www.5gig.co.uk/tickets-Devlin-Middlesbrough

Devlin at The Joiners on Tuesday 26th Oct 2010

Tuesday 26th Oct 2010The Joiners 
£6.00    

Buy tickets:
http://www.allgigs.co.uk/view/event/330525/Devlin_The_Joiners_Southampton_26_October_2010.html

Devlin at Underworld on Thursday 28th Oct 2010

Thursday 28th Oct 2010
Underworld
£8.50

Buy tickets:
http://www.seetickets.com/Event/DEVLIN/Underworld/491823 

Devlin's bio

Raised in Dagenham, Devlin was first brought to O.T's attention when he hit the airwaves on a local radio station at jus 13, even then it was easy to see he had real talent. Devlin would go up radio as much as he could with however would let him on, he was also witting and recording songs with friends and local producers at a very young age, its wasnt very long before he built up a good reputation in the area. A few years later he was brought to Dogzilla's attention again, this time by a mutual friend, Dogzy decided to give Devlin a chance and took him to the studio to check him out and lay some vocals. At the time the Danny weed's (Roll Deep)"Heat Up" was one of the most popular tracks around, Devlin jumped on it and didnt disappoint, spitting a high level of content at speed and at the same time displaying a style and flow well beyond his years.
Devlin has been etching his own place in the grime scene for the past year, he’s elevated to a colossal status in a very short amount of time. The 17 year old first performed on Rinse FM in June 2005 and since then has promoted himself to the *Fuck Radio series and is now a fully fledged member of The Movement. Devlin is one of the hottest MCs in the country, bars beyond his years and a slick flow and delivery make him reign high amongst the greats.
Devlin was soon introduced to the rest of the O.T Crew and Dogzy wasted no time in organizing a radio slot on Flava fm. Flava was a well known breeding ground for new talent, the management at flava have had almost every big name in the scene on there at some point so it was the perfect place for Devlin to start his membership with O.T . The sets on FlavaFM were massive, every week the phoneline would jam each time Devlin touched the mic. He soon made the switch to RinseFM where he was an instant hit. Still only 16 Devlin had shown he could mix it with the big boys, He even manage to do a set with the legend that is Dj Slimzee before his departure from radio.
His relentless progresstion continued with each track Dev'z featured on. The combonation between Dogzilla and Devlin on tracks was deadly and a freestyle from Producer Rootz showed just how far Devlin had come, and in such a short space of time. The Rootz track along with eight other tracks featuring Devlin were to appear on O.T Recordings fist mixtape release.
The London Borough Of Barking & Dogenham Mixtape was released in feb 2006 and received great feedback
One of the stand out tracks on the cd was Devlin's Ghetto Kyote Rmx freestyle which was produced by O.T Recording's Deverlish. The track was played right across the board, from pirate station's like Rinse to commercial radio stations like 1Xtra and Kiss Fm. Devlin has performed live sets on both commercial stations, With Dj Logan Sama at Kiss100FM and Dj Cameo at BBC 1Xtra. He has also appeared on The Media Gang's Practice Hours DVD and Target's Aim High, Risky Roadz and RinseFM's Rinsessions mixtape.
Devlin's first solo mixtape entitled Tales From The Crypt is was released in September 2006. It had many stand out tracks including Dealers, Take Me Away and Community Outcast.

Hey all!

Welcome to my new blog for none other than one of the hottest and most talented MC's from the UK - DEVLIN! Here you'll find all the news, pictures and media. Hope you'll come again soon and enjoy your stay!