Ears Wide Open: Devon Again

Chris Arey on September 25th, 2023

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Devon Johnanningmeier releases music as Devon Again, creating tunes that feel nostalgic yet modern at the same time. Originally from Denver, Colo., she moved to L.A. in 2019 and has been quietly rising in the underground pop scene ever since.

The 22-year-old singer-songwriter started her creative journey early, finding refuge in music as a queer individual. Her music strikes an interesting balance of pop, indie and something not yet defined.

Her newest single, “Deep” is a prime example. It’s a rather complex tune that Devon says is about “the feeling of loving someone so fully that it’s easier left unsaid and unexplored.” In a sense, “Deep” is about being so moved by someone that you can’t find the words to explain it. Pretty deep, right?

It was produced by and co-written with Jon Buscema. “Jon and I weren’t sure if it was really corny or … really awesome,” Devon says. “As we started chipping away at the song for the months to follow, the story, and the music itself, just kept getting … deeper.”

In the video for “Deep,” shot and directed by Devon and Ethan Frank, we take an inside look at life abroad, accompanied by close friends, shared experiences and a yearning for wonder.

“Deep” is Devon’s second release this year, following up on “Gum v6.4” an acoustic version of the earlier “Gum v9.1″ which was released as part of her 2022 debut EP, “PEE.” The six-track record features a series of energetic, wildly unique tunes that span multiple genres. One song in particular, “Broke Mine Too,” explores difficult emotions but due to Devon’s ethereal voice delivers a feeling of comfort.

||| Watch: The videos for “Deep,” “Gum v6.4” and “Broke Mine Too”