Experience Kevin's 'Devine' being
By Kelly Vormelker, Staff Writer
February 15, 2008 | 11 a.m.
Kevin Devine is a singer, songwriter, political theorist, environmental advocate, national nomad and Brooklyn native looking for love. He will perform at 10 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 16 at Ohio University’s own humble hangout, The Union.
Kevin Devine is a performer. He reflects on his own life as well as on the society that surrounds him. Devine employs an inherently philosophical songwriting nature, ultimately producing relatable and thought-provoking lyrics backed by acoustic melodies and indie-folk instrumentation.
Devine has released four studio records: Circle Gets the Square (2001), Make the Clocks Move (2003), Split the Country, Split the Street (2005) and Put Your Ghost to Rest (2006). Touring nationally to promote each, Devine has built a huge fan following.
Devine’s latest album, Put Your Ghost to Rest, is a reflection on his past. He said that performing and writing the tracks on this CD did in fact help him bury old ghosts and issues, but it was not an end-all solution. “People mythologize about the aspect of music," Devine said. "There is a definite catharsis in getting these things out, but you have to also make changes in your life. It is in connecting the artistic point of view with a lesson in life.”
Devine had the privilege of working with producer Rob Schnapf (who has worked with the likes of Elliott Smith, Beck and The Vines) on Put Your Ghost To Rest. Schnapf helped him to let go of his “artist’s ego” in a "no bullshit taken" kind of way, Devine said. Schnapf also helped Devine to “stop gargling and start singing,” which marked a mellowed change of voice that is apparent on his latest album.
Put Your Ghost to Rest is also enhanced by a running list of 12 to 15 people better known as the Goddamn Band. “I have been playing with some version of them coming up on five years," Devine said. "There are so many different ways to set it up. It is great to have good players that get it at your disposal."
Kevin Devine is a compelling lyricist. He humbly projects his feelings through his lyrics in each song. He has a mellow, gruff way of relating each track. Simple melodies are paired with profound lyrics. “I make things that are simple," Devine said of his writing. "I am trying to give an honest snapshot of what it is like to be a person in the world right now."
Kevin Devine is a political theorist. The song “Heaven Bound and Glory Be” carries a strong political message. It looks at the corrupt power of the American government and examines the real fear that every change our government makes eventually trickles down to even the least important person. Devine has a very liberal and questioning political voice that permeates his music, whether it is his conscientious intention. “I don’t necessarily think of myself as a political writer," Devine said. "I have been an observant person. My songs are just observations about what I consider to be a disconnected government and society."
Devine does not strive to form the opinions of others. He would simply like to stimulate thought and to help develop a universal feeling that recognizes the need for change. However, like many, Devine realizes that this change may not come simply from a new president. “The Democratic Party has lost their balls," Devine said. "They are identifying with everything that is not right, and the far left does not get discussed. That is why they are losing elections. I am vague and ill-defined in connecting to a political party. [Barack] Obama is inspiring. He speaks less status quo, but he is not really more progressive.”
Kevin Devine is environmentally aware. In the past, he has worked with Carbon Fund while on tour. Devine and his crew worked with the organization to compensate for the environmental damage they produce while traveling on tour by reducing emissions elsewhere. Devine, however, stopped working with the fund after receiving conflicting reports about it, but he remains environmentally aware, he said. “Sustainability is important in my day-to-day life," he said. "I am admittedly not the best, but I try to be as conscious of it as I can."
Kevin Devine is lovesick. Well, maybe not quite lovesick, but he is looking for a date when he comes to Athens. ACRN is hosting a call-in contest to “Let Devine Be Your Valentine” before his performance Saturday, and the lucky winner will be chosen Friday afternoon. “I think it is a funny and cute way to not take yourself too seriously," Devine said of the possibilities of the set-up. "Maybe I will meet my wife on this date. You never know....If you like Irish men from Brooklyn who are never home and don’t know how to have serious relationships, then I’m your man."
Even if students are not interested in Devine's Casanova ways, they are sure to enjoy Devine’s most often employed role: rock musician.
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Intrigued by the diversity of this talented crooner? Catch Kevin Devine at 10 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 16 at The Union. He will be joined by AA Bondy and The Jealous Girlfriends.