To Devin's professional "handlers", I think I speak for all Devy fans when I say: His "oversharing" of concept art and demos is EXACTLY what gets us the most excited. It's not like, after seeing/hearing what Devin shares, we all just ignore the release dates. One of my favorite things about Lightwork is that multiple demos he was working on during streams ended up on the final album (Equinox, Precious Sardine, Dimensions). Watching him create in real time is captivating and it only adds to the appreciation of the final product.
I bought my first ever Dev album because I saw a short video of him recording the vocals for a song. 'Scuse me, I saw Pasty McBalderton recording the vocals to 'Nibz'. That made me look up the release date, when it was announced, and I ordered the album immediately. There it is now on my shelf. Still probably my fave Dev album, because I have a little story for it and because it was my first one (of many). So yeah, what this ↑ person said!
Devin: "Sorry I haven't been around last couple of years..." Meanwhile: tours around the world, releases podcasts, releases Puzzle & Snuggles, continues to launch 7 ambient dreamscapes, a new podcast, Lightwork and Nightwork and even more RU-vid video's. Mr. Townsend, you are a hero. No person in the world has this much to offer to his fans as you do. We owe you for that, I hope we continue to inspire you and build some comfort in return whenever you need it. Thanks for everything!
Your sensitivity, transparency, and vulnerability are virtues Thank you for not just being willing, but seeing it as essential to your artistic process Here's to the Ruby Quaker and her space pilot
Yeah I think those people in your professional life thinking updating fans on your work as something that is bad was the wrong call, we love to hear what artists are working on!
I was thinking they need to pick their asses up and do more, if they think Devin is doing too much. 😂 It's supposed to be their problem that we love to hear from him?
“Big things coming soon” same shit every time. Sure, new music is always cool and it’s awesome to see big tours… But when you share your process with the audience, it leads to a genuine connection. Radio silence followed by big things coming soon might as well be from a corporation.
I saw you live in Cambridge UK a few years ago., you're a legend. I don't know if you ever got the golden 'trophy' i made for you that day. Good luck Devin. The legend. do content that's up to YOUR standards. You're the one and only Townsend.
People that tell you not to speak about your creative process don’t know what creativity is. Just talking allows you to reflect on what you do, and generates answers in your mind to questions you have. This is your confession room. And we appreciate everything you do and will always support you, as we waited and supported Ziltoid, or your book Half way there. You have all the creative freedom in the world and all the support from your fan base. Love ya Dev, keep on channeling that beautiful gift through music . A fan since 93❤
Mate, you created Empath for a reason. Be true to yourself. You are that Empath. I am too, so I relate to how you 'feed' off those around you. Choose your diet carefully (yes, you can use that haha) because there's too much toxicity in the world today. You're an amazing artist, and an inspiring human being. I'm no-one in your life, or at least not literally, but ive fed from your work and I say thank you. Keep up what you know to he right. Us Aussies are sending a ton of love.
Devin referring to the camera being in focus as being “in pitch” naturally by accident illustrates just part of what makes him so unique and irreplaceable
This is a good direction Devin has veered into. As a long-term fan, I always appreciate listening to Devin just talk, about whatever. It's very soothing.
Hey Devin, no need to apologize for anything. Everything you put out is a gift. It's not a requirement. Take care of yourself and your family. Then after that do what you enjoy. You don't owe us anything. Thank you for all of your gifts to us. Your music is wonderful and I love your interviews. I hope I get to meet you someday.
I had the massive privilege of seeing you live... on my birthday... April 1st, 2023... Rock City, Nottingham, UK! You're clearly a very sensitive soul, and a very intelligent guy... and boy do you know how to entertain!! With regards to your ambient work, absolutely a must to at least take some of the weight off of whatever it is that's weighing down... for me it's being 60+ and after 35 years of being a pretty much self employed graphic designer, COVID kind of killed it so I'm having to find a real job... that's not going too well at the moment, but knowing that there are folks like yourself that are conscious of the situation, and are trying to help lighten the load in any way they can is tonic in itself... thank you sir, and apologies for the ramble! ❤😎👍
Hevy Devy! I am 100% certain that there are a huge number of fans who, like me, just keep checking in and what ever comes down the pike we accept with open arms, ingest it, let it take us where ever it wants us to go, listen and enjoy, and the music itself will move and bend me to its will and 99.99(repeating, for course) of emotions experienced by hearing each note, sound and eargasm, will always bring, lift and leave me in a higher state than I had been at the start of the musical experience!! Love you Devin, this World has been made better and brighter for having you been in it and very grateful it was during my time here as well. Missed the DT Hartford Ct show, was bummed, but work, hope to find you in the wild over the next couple years so I can thank you personally. I wish you and yours nothing but the best possible that this adventure, we are all on together, can give. Its 1000X better for having you in it and glad I found you when I did, better than never!
In the programming world we have something called The Rubber Ducky which basically boils down to having an actual rubber ducky (I have an IKEA turtle lol) on your desk that you explain your process/problems/solutions to. A lot of what you said sounds very familiar, when I'm developing something I often have an (imaginary) conversation with myself or some object and it often speeds up my process greatly or creates solutions that I never would've thought of before. I experience the same thing often when making a RU-vid video, as I'm talking about a subject (be it technical or musical) I often start realizing new things about it. Though I personally don't really do this when making music, I can absolutely see that it can work really well to talk to an audience about what you do and how you do it. "just had another idea, let me write this down" is what we love to hear from you :D because it means more from you and we love you for who you are and what you do!
Devin,...I could listen to you speak about ANYthing for hours and hours. You are endlessly fascinating. I have talked to you several times in person and you are just a kick-ass person! Love you man!
With my dad passing five days ago Dream Peace helped again as well as this update did. You say you have our heart - I carry you in mine as well, Sir. Keep being you
about The Puzzle: I loved the record, it's one of the best concept albums I've ever heard and I come back to it from time to time. It's just not an album you'd wanna hear every day, nor the songs work on their own. In a consumer way of thinking, it's not very accessible. However it's an amazing peace of art for which the world is a better place to live in
I’m new. Almost 47 outta Cleveland. Saw you on the Dreamsonic tour. You commented the outdoor venue’s roof looked like a diaper. I came for Animals and didn’t know what to expect. Huge thanks… Thanks to you tube and Spotify I’ve been listening to it all. From SYL to now. I doubt you will read this but I want to say I ❤❤ for Deadhead. Ive been listening to any version you do of it. Can’t wait to see what yah got next
Honestly Devy, if people are watching your content they're interested in what you're doing and will like and subscribe without you asking. I appreciate the way you are putting a little of yourself out here. I know I don't speak for anyone but myself. I'll be watching what you put out. Peace
Here's my take, for what it's worth, as a new convert. When I first started seeing posters around Vancouver for a big show recently and decided to google the names out of sheer lack of anything better to do, the first thing that struck me was the absolute avalanche of material online about this Devin guy. My first thought was 'this man shares waayy too much - what the hell is that about'? Then, as I descended further down the rabbit hole, I came to realise that when you become a fan of Devin Townsend, you are not merely engaging with his music, you are buying into 'Devinstan' - it's a whole world centred around the psyche and artistic compulsion of one man and his all-consuming need to communicate, by whatever means necessary. Now - for some artists, that would be suggestive of pure narcissism, but it quickly became apparent that this is not the case here. This is a person so completely consumed by the need to create that every aspect of the process becomes a facet of the creation. A CD is not sufficient to contain that and it becomes necessary to release the pressure of that creative steam in other ways - not for financial gain, but for the creator's mental and emotional wellbeing. If that output was not entertaining, we could blithely ignore it and move on, as I'm sure some do. But for those who choose to engage, it offers a window into a process and worldview not readily available to us mere mortals, and it is immensely fascinating, often moving and frequently hilarious. Imagine if there had been a camera in Paisley Park so we could have seen Prince doing his genius shit. It's like that. That stuff is usually hidden from us to preserve a mystique, but for music nerds like me, it is gold dust. In Devin I have finally found an artist of immense depth and quality who has opened a window on the whole journey. I understand music biz guys not wanting him to overshare and show us how the sausage is made, but that is an attitudinal vestige of an industry that has long since expired and begun to reek. This is a new way of doing things and it works - maybe not for everyone, but for Devin Townsend, this works. More power to the man and please, let him know how much you enjoy his work and his openness. Peace. PS. Yes - stay away from Twitter/X/Whateverthefuck. It's a raging toxic dumpster fire. Nobody needs that.
I know I can’t be the only one who thinks The Puzzle is actually a really cohesive musical project. It’s one of my favorites, though I am honestly a new fan, so that might change. I can’t wait to see and hear what’s coming and look forward to your next tour!
Just want to say... regarding The Puzzle... because it breaks my heart hearing you describe the reaction to it in such a negative light... it is in my top 3 things you've ever done, rotating the top 1 position with the other 2 in there. I adore it profoundly. Thank you for it and please know that for as many people as apparently didn't like it or get it... it was deeply and thoroughly appreciated and loved. I've been listening to your music for a very long time now... thank you for all of it... but especially thank you for The Puzzle.
We are the luckiest fans in the world. Bless you, sir. You have no idea what a difference you make in our lives. We do love you! Thank you so much for your Dreampeace channel. I have several of the long mixes on my Sleep playlist. They really are wonderfully relaxing. I am SO thrilled to hear about all the upcoming projects! So what about holding the universe's first ever Crappy Halloween Party on a spaceship?
I cannot imagine living in the social-media/content-creator spotlight for any duration of time. The performative nature must be both draining and transformative (in ways you can't anticipate). The toxicity of online fandoms can be both deafening and disheartening. I wish you peace, love, and happiness, and I can't wait to see where the Ruby Quaker takes us.
I lost my dad, lost my best friend, had a bad break up and child custody issue all in this last year.... a great number of your songs helped me thru all of that. And I got too see you live with dream theater a couple months back.... I just wanna say thank you for helping me get thru this year dev.... things have been looking up again. And you'll still be a part of the soundtrack in better days to come
Devin is like a creative volcano, spewing tons of liquid rock, and trying to sculpt all the magma into beauty before it solidifies. "The eruption is coming, how do I make it coherent?" It's so cool to be here in this timeline with him.
The corporate world always thinks that by communicating before something is ready, you might jeopardize, water down, or otherwise affect how the eventual work might be received in a negative way. Talking has the potential to set expectations in the audience, ones that the people in the corporate side of things feel like your content may not be able to match when it comes out. Things of that nature. It's out of an abundance of caution, more than anything else. It's kind of understandable. They aren't the one doing the creating, but they stand to gain (or lose) a lot of money depending on how things go, so they'd much prefer not taking a risk whenever possible. But because they're not the one creating, and creation is such an idiosyncratic process, unique to each individual creator, they cannot possibly understand how something like communicating affects your process. As fans, we almost universally appreciate insight into your process and your work. It creates a sense of connection distinct from that which we feel through appreciating your creations.
Dev, you just be Dev. Whatever you need to do I'm sure nobody is going to care except to be happy that we get to interact with you. Your art is what is important and people want to hear it and see it and feel it. I'm just happy to see you again and hope to see you live. You introduced me to Che Ami Dorval! And that is worth the price of admission alone!!
I vastly prefer to get updates / behind scenes / sneak peaks directly from the source than a marketing team. The artist is actually excited about it, the artist actually knows about it, the artist can explain and tell things / experiences the marketing team will never know. Also with making ads. Just be true to yourself. Only make them if you love the product. Just make a video explaining how you use it and how it helps you. If the company is fine with that then send it. If not then too bad. We would all appreciate that much more than a scripted bs video too. It's real, it's how it actually applies to you, it will tell us the things we would actually be interested in.
Great to hear you are working on so much stuff, don't burn yourself out. Your music means alot to my wife and I. We recently saw you live in the UK for the first time and it was the best performance I have ever seen. Keep up your fantastic work!
You may say that you are not special, or "anymore special then the rest of you". But you make us feel special by letting us in on your process and showing us your humanity. My 6-year old daughter and I listen to DreamPeace when she goes to slepp. She struggles with emotinal overload, and she loves drifting off to sleep while listening to DreamPeace. And I get to explore all aspects of my own emotional tapestry with all your work. So, thank you.
It's been over a third of my life that I've listened to your records Devin. Many of them, like Ki and Ghost, are like old friends to me: the love is always there, no matter how much time has passed. I already feel that way about DreamPeace too. I listen to it a lot and it's soothing, peace and acceptance evoking, like finding home - just beautiful works. Thank you for these treasures, they have been and continue to be a source of solace and company to me and no doubt many others.
Ghost is the album I have listened to the most. Of all music. Because I just use it like Ambient music. To calm down or sleep. But at the same time I can pay close attention to all the details in it. It's truly amazing.
Dude, I can tell you are trying really hard to be authentic, and that feeling of “this, just kind of seems stupid” is a sign of like, self awareness that a lot of people don’t have.
"You're painting a masterpiece. Make sure to hide the brushstrokes." However in DT's case, I have a feeling that his fans can handle the imperfection, vulnerability, risk and honesty that DT's music provides.
I just got into you recently, but it's been really life changing. Thank you for everything, I appreciate hearing from you. You sound tired. Definitely take care of yourself first.
You are the sweetest person dev ….I am so lucky to be alive at same time as you … best live gigs I have ever been to I got engaged to my wife at your show in Nottingham a few years back …. We all love you sir x
I am so excited for The Puzzle film to get a RU-vid release. I have bought the album but don't have a way to watch from the disc in my current living situation. The Puzzle I think is the most fascinating thing you have ever released and I am happy to re explore it as much as possible. I'd get the box set if I could. Thank you for the update , it is so exciting to engage in the journey with you and I look forward to you rambling as much as you need to
Talking about how you create things is not stupid or how others may do things but it is part of who you are, I know very few other musicians/artists who create such a broad range of everything that you do. I know it seems like I am blowing smoke but of all the gigs I have been to in the last year or so none have left me with such a great feeling even months afterwards. The Lightworks shows were fantastic and seeing you having fun on stage while producing such varied music was wonderful, hearing how you create your music is interesting and gives a greater understanding of the music. I have a handful of bands and artists that I can always listen to, you are always in the mix without DT I would probably have given up, Big Love
It's kinda funny and endearing to hear Devin talk about how he doesnt know anything about cameras. His homeade concerts during quarantine with the multiple camera angles using a playstation controller were amazing. I think you'll get the hang of the new cameras, Dev.
Devin, you are one of my biggest heroes. I teared up multiple times while watching this video. You being genuine and true to your values are some of my favorite qualities about you. I appreciate everything you do so much! You have helped me through some tough times. I hope you get to continue doing work that is fulfilling for you!
The Puzzle is a great album, I thought it was the right album, and it captured an important moment in the darkest part of the pandemic. Super looking forward to The Puzzle movie.
I see it as so, the way you talk about your projects Devin. It justnshows you are passionate about what you're doing. You want the fans to be passionate about it with you.
Hey Dev! Great to hear from you! I’m an aspiring musician myself, and I can certainly sympathize with the sense that there’s a “right” way to do art, but quite frankly, I think your process of “oversharing” your work is quite attractive to people, including myself. A lot of the time when we create art, we feel like it’s all in service of the end product. The part that actually bears the aesthetic meaning is the end product. But there’s a lot of value in the “work-in-progress” version of things. I think that’s why people love hearing demos of their favorite songs. The meaning and function of a musical work changes as it’s further developed, and while that usually means more polish and effectiveness, it also often loses something in that process. Having access to more media is always a better thing for the human spirit. Your people love hearing about the things you’re assembling, and where your head is at when you work. It brings incredible catharsis to your audience; don’t let other people tell you it’s the “wrong” way to create!
we're all inundated with finished product, but being able to peer into the mind during the creative process is a rare treat. Devin's journeys are a fascinating and beautiful as his end "products".
Watching an immensely talented artist navigate through the plethora of social platforms to find the right way to connect with their fans. Really great video!!
Listening to your podcast as I'm driving my forklift truck on the nightshift , you've got the perfect voice for podcasts and you just explained how I link certain sounds , smells , songs to certain moments . I thought that's how everyone felt lol !
Social media blows. I more or less went radio silent myself in 2017 and my mental health might not have survived if I hadn't. I, for one, love hearing about what you're doing, for the same reason I love watching Rick Beato's channel (seeing you there was amazing btw) -- it inspires ME in what I'm doing.
Hey Dev. You know, you're a guy with an extremely dynamic, hyperactive mind. Don't ever apologize to us because you need to switch the way in which you communicate with the rest of the world. It's great that you want us to know how you're doing and what you're working on, but don't be afraid to change these structures again whenever you need. Sometimes, extremely creative people struggle to keep up with structures, while at the same time sensing that they have to do it because it's the way the world works. I think your fans know by now, and love dearly, that you're an extremely variable individual who can often tackle several completely different processes at the same time, and deliver the magnificence we're used to by now. Never change, Dev. Or, rather, never stop changing.
You're my favorite musician and your music and collaborations have given me so much. I will listen and feedback. I'm excited for the future! Plus Space is rad.
Personally I very much appreciate updates from musicians I love. If anything it grows the momentum of my anticipation of things to come. Thank you Dev❤️
Been listening to Ocean Machine and Epicloud a lot lately, while I do a big healing journey of some kind. You've got the right at this point to do whatever you want, because we're right here with you as far as I can tell.
Man, I was so nervous with the opening, I thought some really bad news was coming. Anyway, I love this concept and can't wait to see more, but am not going to judge or get hung up one whether a week means a fortnight, or month, or whatever - it's all a bonus for us out here. Can't wait to see DT in a couple of weeks in Melbourne, it's gunna be huge.
You have no idea how much you and your music guided me through life, especially the last 3 years. Your podcasts were a healing to my soul during the pandemic and your music always shifted up my mood (even the SYL stuff). You are one of the greatest humans and musicians on earth. I could not imagine what it would've been like without you for the last several years. You are a saint. And I love you for that. Whatever you are going to do in the future I will always listen to and enjoy it and I hope that you are continue what you are doing because we the people need you. Much love from Austria, Devin.
Devin, your process is important to you. As such, it is important to those of us who enjoy your endeavors and appreciate the thought, heart, and effort put into everything that you do. I believe that many of us are ready to take off with you in the Ruby Quaker for a trip of the mind and soul. Thank you and keep going, at your own pace. NEVER rush your projects, let them grow and mature.
Dev ... I truly love and respect you, so very much. I've been listening since SYL's "City", and discovered so much more of you through friends and digging. Me, my wife and my daughter met you backstage in Toronto just before the pandemic made all of our lives more challenging, and you were as charming and sincere as I knew you'd be. My wife and I just went to see and support Che at an independent artist festival in Toronto not long ago, and we reiterated to her how much you both mean to us. Whether you check in often or not, I am so very grateful that you continue to bear your soul and share your art with the world. I will always fly your flag, and support everything that you do. Thank you ... Warp Factor YOU!!!
When my mom passed away for almost 3 years ago i discovered your music and as a long time Frank Zappa and Steve Vai fan i can't understand how i missed your music so late in my life but your music helped me when i was down and sad and nowdays your music is a big part of my life.
I'm not great with words so I'll just say this: I love your work and content in whatever form it may come as, and always appreciate hearing what you have to say. Thank you for sharing this Devin.
Your openness and honesty is the main part of why I'm a fan of you, so keep trusting that gut feeling. As an aspiring bedroom musician (who uses his music as a form of therapy), your openess with your production flow, or thoughts on creativity, or gear choices, open patches, has been invaluable. Not knowing anything about a certain direction and being too shy or too introverted to be able to reach out to learn about it, having you as a guide is why music still is a tool for healing to me. I think I'ma grab my guitar with heavy bottom light top strings and play some tunes through my AxeFx ultra right now, inspiration struck :). Thanks again Dev!
I am so grateful that you actually still have it in you to put out more music. When you finally stop, that's ok, and up to you alone. You have made so much awesome art. You have a crazy drive :p
Your music as well as your honesty in your process is what drew me to follow you closer. I always appreciate your transparency and when you dig into your passion for what you do whether it's the creative process, the tech, the recording... It is why I appreciate you as an artist and human. So, I hope you just keep being you Dev! It helps many of us more than you know!
