Conversations with Devon Gabriella

Today we’d like to introduce you to Devon Gabriella.

Hi Devon, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started singing with my dad when I was a toddler. He still has recordings of me making up rhymes and singing along to jingles. Around the age of eight, my sister, friend and I formed a girl band called “Second Sun”. We performed at every local talent show you could think of. We were all dancers as well, so it was like the Chipettes in real life. As cliché as it sounds, I was indescribably happy whenever I was on stage. As I headed into middle school, I decided I wanted to start posting covers on Instagram. My friend and I would run to the park, she would film me singing Miley Cyrus songs, and I would post videos upon videos. It wasn’t until high school that I started gaining traction online. During quarantine, I dove into songwriting and fell in love with it. I left school for a little and moved to LA and started making music every day. It felt like a dream come true. It was a dream come true. Throughout that process, I’ve released a handful of songs and have so much more in store. I’m so incredible grateful.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
In terms of music, I struggled (and still struggle) with comparison. I would constantly compare my voice to others, my writing to others, etc. It took me a while to realize that there was no point in putting myself through that- everyone is special in their own way. In high school specifically, I was mortified that people from my high school would stumble across my videos and make fun of them. When, in reality, people began to come up to me and tell me how much they enjoyed my videos. That just proves to show how anxiety can warp a situation into something it isn’t.

In general, around 17 and 18, my anxiety hit an all-time high and I lost all my interest in music (and just about everything). I was so lucky to get the help I needed and I am determined to make sure that other people feel like they have someone to lean on when in that headspace.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a singer-songwriter! I love posting original songs and covers on social media (Instagram, TikTok) and engaging with people who like them. I’ve released a handful of songs on streaming platforms and it’s been the most surreal thing ever experiencing them being listened to around the world.

Who else deserves credit in your story?
I am so grateful to have had a significant amount of mentors that have helped me get to where I am. It’s crazy to me that people believe in me that much to dedicate their time to help me. My mom is my number one fan and biggest supporter. She inspires me every day. I love her more than words.

Within the industry, there’s been a good amount of people who have been incredible advocates and cheerleaders for me. What they have done and continue to do for me is incredible beyond words.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/devongabriellaa/?hl=en
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbkgDKSIaSaHwWRAWda4_ng
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@devongabriellamusic?lang=en 

Image Credits
Rachel Danielle Photography