Our newest addition to music department of Worthy Magazine goes by the name of Pasha. Her love for all kinds of music is aptly captured in her writing. Recently she got the opportunity to speak with 21-year-old jazz singer Devin Tracy. Trust us, you will want to know who he is. Here is her exchange with the singer.
It’s uncommon to to find a 21 year old jazz singer with so much soul these days, I came across an amazing artist 2years ago at Bamboo hair Studio launch of its own product. When Mr. Devin took the stage and opened his mouth I was amazed at this strong voice coming out of someone so tiny. Devin Tracy, a very talented 21 year old soul/nu jazz and popular music singer/songwriter and military brat was born in Miami, Florida. His father retired from the Air Force in 1996, and then moved to Jacksonville, Florida. Devin’s talent was discovered while in Jacksonville at the tender age of six. As a teenager Devin developed a special appreciation for jazz music.
While most youngsters his age had a musical appetite for hip hop and other mainstream genres, he was influenced by artists like John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Norman Brown, Herbie Hancock, Phyllis Hyman, Sarah Vaughn, Ella Fitzgerald etc.
While in middle school he performed with a live band at talent shows, churches and other local competitions. During his High School years, Devin Tracy was recognized as “a small guy with a big voice”. He attended Bethune Cookman University majoring in music technology. He then met producer William (Chase) Neckles in Music Tech class, who is a counterpart of Roderick Whyte and production team called “The Radicals”.
The Radicals introduced Devin Tracy’s music to Lamar Coaston who in turn introduced Devin to multi platinum producer Herb Middleton. Together the two are creating a synergy around the young new rising star, now known as “Mr. Devin Tracy”. The “Mr.” in Devin’s stage name prophetically signifies the level of respect that “Mr. Devin Tracy” will be eventually receiving from his peers. This young man is a musical mission and he’s about his business. His knowledge of legendary jazz greats surpasses those in his age group. “Mr. Devin Tracy” is destined to blow the minds of the music industry and music lovers all over the world. He’s a breath of fresh air that over time will eventually expand into one of the more popular artists of our time. With his unique look, sound and live performance, he’s guaranteed to make a difference in the music world. Ladies and Gentleman…”Mr. Devin”
1. When did you start singing?
Devin Tracy: I started singing around 5 or 6 years old.
2. When I first heard you at the Bamboo hair event I was shocked that, that voice came out of that little body! Did your voice shock you? How did others respond?
Devin Tracy: My voice didn’t shock me at all, when I was younger I would love to hear myself make up melodies and harmonies and what not. Others responded as if I been in the music industry, they were the ones shocked by how big my voice was (coming from a small body like mine)
3. At what moment did you decide this is what you wanted to do for the rest of your life?
Devin Tracy: The moment I decided I wanted to do this, was when I realized how heavy I inspired a lot of people, and how I touched people that I never really spoken to, & how people were driven by my voice alone.
4. Who inspires you? What music influences yours?
Devin Tracy: I don’t really have anybody who inspires me but my parents. The music that influences me the most is Jazz; I LOVE it SO much, because it’s so free. I love to improve (scat) as well. Sometimes I would feel venerable.
5. What do you want people to take from your music?
Devin Tracy: I want people to see that there’s more to music than just the crap they hear on the radio or see on TV ,music is everywhere, its in everything we do, even if we you don’t realize it. It’s diverse, widespread.
6. What would you like your legacy to be?
Devin Tracy: I would like for my legacy to be; How Devin opened doors for a lot young jazz artist, because if you can see jazz you can sing anything.
7. Who would you love to work with?
Devin Tracy: I would love to work with a lot of artist like Pharrell Williams, Kelis, Esperanza Spalding, Emily King, Tweet, Amerie, Ledisi, Robert Glasper, Lady Gaga, etc
PGray
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