Meet Devin Papillion

Today we’d like to introduce you to Devin Papillion.

Devin, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Music has always been in my life, but I think it’s my love for words that keep me tied to it. I picked up the viola at the age of ten. I was classically trained, all throughout college. After being at college a few years, I taught myself how to play the keys. In High School, I played viola in a little garage band with some musician friends. But after so many years of what felt like conformity and following the rules, I grew tired of playing what other people wanted. It wasn’t until a few years ago, after a brief and unsuccessful stint in LA—I was nearly homeless and without steady work—that I came back to Texas to do music the way I wanted to do it. When I came back, I had nothing. I had to rebuild from the bottom up. Over the years I’ve supported myself with odd gigs and jobs that would allow me to make just enough to keep a little food in the fridge and the rent paid. I did have a degree but I refused to hold on to steady work because I wanted the time to focus on my creative and entrepreneurial skills. After I returned from LA, I started teaching myself how to produce and bought some cheap equipment. In early 2017 I recorded my first track in a closet in an old apartment, on a microphone I bought on craigslist.

The writing was always the natural part, but singing was the hurdle I had to get over. I had to spend a lot of time with it. I had to sacrifice. It was like I was beginning all over again. But I knew if I wanted to share the stuff I had written, I would have to be the one to sing it. But it’s been the most fulfilling, thrilling, and challenging thing.

In early 2018, I wrote, recorded, and co-produced my first body of work. Right now I’m writing and recording my follow-up project that I plan to release on my own independent label.

The real motivation behind my music though is the writing itself. I had been through some tough experiences and I needed a way to release that. I needed a way to combine two loves—writing & music—into one thing.

But I also want to continue to tell stories, about myself, my people, the human experience. I want to create a space in our world that continues to show people it’s okay to express yourself, however, you see fit.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It’s been everything but smooth. But I don’t think that’s something I’d ever change. I’ve really had to hustle, but in return, I’ve collected some valuable life lessons. I’m stronger for it. I’ve been working since I was 16—my first job paid $5.65 an hour. I’ve sacrificed a lot of time and relationships, peace of mind, and stability. I’ve waited tables, I’ve bussed theaters, I’ve cleaned houses, I’ve cared for the sick, I’ve delivered groceries and packages. Not long ago I was barely able to pay bills or make the rent—I was nearly evicted twice in one summer—because I refused to work a desk job.

But these are decisions and choices that I made, as part of the dedication I feel toward building the kind of life I envision. I want purpose in my life. I want creative freedom. I want ownership. I want to share my gifts.

I think the struggle is a natural part of any kind of resistance that you feel when you want to carve your own path. There’s a special part in it that is really divine if you really pay attention to what it’s trying to teach you. Going through it is the only way out of it.

Please tell us about Devin Papillion.
In the Dallas area, people probably know me as a writer & music artist but I think most of what I do is built on entrepreneurship. I look at all the things I do like different little businesses that I’m building. I use music as the main avenue in order to build the momentum I need to touch other areas of interest. I’m really into health and wellness so I also support myself as a personal trainer with plans to open up a small space where I can work with my own clients. For my music, I’d like to create my own label so that I can release my music and retain ownership.

I’ve never felt that I wanted to do or be just one thing. I love too many things. I’d like to show people by example that it doesn’t have to be just one way. Just make it your own way.

Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Growing up my dad drove a little ’91 rusty red Chevy pickup. I was a little girl in the mid-90s when he was just starting his own carpentry business that he’s now run for 25 years. We didn’t have much but that truck was my favorite thing. Although he didn’t play any instruments, my dad was a huge music fan. While we rode, I can remember reciting Elton John and Bob Marley lyrics before I could really talk.

That was some of the first real exposure that I ever had to music—old cassette tapes, my dad’s vinyl collection, the car radio. He sold that truck in ’99 when he bought a new one because his business was growing. It was mainly a good thing but I can remember being a little sad about not being able to ride in it anymore. The music would never sound the same.

Pricing:

• Apple Music: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/due-south-vol-i/1370217761
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/5p02HmMSQLlULlOwDAl13y

Contact Info:

• Website: www.devpapillion.com
• Email: d.papillion@yahoo.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/devpapillion
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/devin.papillion

Image Credit:
Mike Kream, Caleb Corbett, Fela Raymond, Kevin Olabode

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