“From the age of 6 I had a mania for drawing the forms of things. By the time I was 50 I had published an infinity of designs; but nothing I did before the age of seventy was worthy of attention. At seventy-three, I began to grasp the structures of birds and beasts, insects and fish, and of the way plants grow. Katsushika Honkusai
Being able to decompress after a high stimulus is very important. Slowly stacking an incomplete decompression adds up to mental and physical sickness. Take time for yourself Dev. We will be here when you’re ready.
I relate to this so much as an autistic person. I've never had the opportunity to tour, but even just going to concerts is a huge trade-off between enjoying live music and having to deal with standing in a crowd and bright stage lights (and the volume, even wearing ear plugs.)
Me too! I never went for an actual diagnosis, but based on initial tests with a psychologist, I scored high enough to get a mention in my file that I'm likely on the spectrum. People, noise and other stimuli I have no control over exhaust me so easily and quickly. I need a lot of time alone to cope with this world.
@@aaronschilling1815 I don’t want to say yes and fuel or start online rumors, but yes. I was diagnosed at 42, and have since learned a great deal about ‘me’. The things I’ve learned have allowed me to really understand ‘the spectrum’ of tolerance, sensitivity, perceptions and patterns I have. But as Devin suggested on another matter, the more you know, the more you can suffer. And that is true. I wish I could talk with Dev about his project. Not with something tangible like Autism on the docket, but about what you can do to navigate an endlessly difficult life. I might have tools that help ME survive it now, but there is always collateral damage. I depend on my family’s understanding, tolerance and patience. Knowing they have a limited bandwidth adds stress, but it also puts me in check to remember that they have experiences, too. Lastly- What Dev has that frankly saves his life, is music. The ability to use the brain he has in a context that others can’t, and still contribute to the collective is absolutely essential for any kind of well-being. I make music and have many hobbies/skills; it is crucial that I find ways to channel the product of those activities to enrich the lives of others…even if they don’t ask for that enrichment. Navigating THAT is a gamble, but when successful, it often changes your own self regard. Connection-based accomplishment is huge. When you can’t or don’t want to interact as others do….that doesn’t mean you really don’t want to. You just need to do it in ways you can handle. That’s the gift and curse of it all. Hope that widens an aperture a bit for someone.
@@Kvarkki Save the money, and find the best neuropsychologist you can. It changed my life in immeasurable ways. I spent over 40 years chasing answers in the dark. The answers were brutal, but I’d say I got 40% of my headspace back by not looking for those answers anymore. The rest is commitment to accepting your wiring, strengthening your social deficiencies, and exploiting your gifts. That’s taken me a couple of years to really overcome in a measurable way, but the work never, ever ends. A diagnosis is an investment in yourself. It’s not a sentence. You just have to have the will to improve who you are (not improve to be like others), while learning from others throughout. And- accept that most people (even your family) may never understand any of the burden. Good luck.
As a very introverted person on the high-functioning side of the autism spectrum I relate quite heavily with this. These ideas are also floating around in my mind these days as times are rapidly changing and the hysteria from this most recent pandemic is turning into its own pandemic of sorts. Lately I've felt quite tired of being that captain in charge of a crew that seems disturbingly and overtly, unapologetically cynical at the moment, when all I see is the beauty of the light on the other side of that dark night. Not unlike the moth analogy as well as it transforms in this sleeping state to one that takes flight towards something better. I've seen the ship land before becoming a footprint of an new colony where life is renewed, this idea of the world moving forward after some sort of devastating loss. My personal one was the death of a parent more than a decade ago but I feel the same melancholy of this echoing in recent times with how people react to how things are going in the world. It's easy to feel this overstimulation and a sense of burn out with all the moral wounding that's occurring during these times. Feeling like I'm going through my own "Hyperdrive!" phase at the moment. And yet through all of this I experienced a profound a sense of awakening happening like the idea of a moth emerging from its cocoon as well. I'm not in any sense religious, but my perspective on many things changed and grew and suddenly the whole world erupted in color. I don't know how to describe it without sounding like its trying to shake others awake but these realizations about life made everything seem trivial yet profoundly important at the same time. Things like languages that I don't speak, suddenly spoke to me, the idea that we are all human beings together no different than our own siblings took root. The world became beautiful in each moment rather than something that drained my energy as many of these interactions do as well. I hope this makes some sort of sense in the context here but this has been an enormous help to focus these kinds of thoughts. Your music always seems to do that for me and I feel like we are on a similar wave length with this sort of thing. I look up to the ability to shape these thoughts into something that profoundly impacts people's lives. Especially in a way that feels like a life experience that is what makes all these experiences worth going through. Thank you so much for being a really awesome person with an amazing amount of insight and a great amount of talent. Love your music Dev! 🤘❤
I saw your show in Perth, and it was the most beautiful musical experiences of my life. I was in a wheelchair and the crowd parted for me so I could get to the barrier and be able to see…(you have a wonderful fanbase) The show itself….from the opening notes of Lightworker to the final note of the set I was enthralled, emotional and so grateful. Thank you for sharing your light with the world…especially now when there is so much darkness. ❤
Your Perth show was absolutely mind blowing. After all these years I got to hear Kingdom, Almost Again, Aftermath, Planet Smasher and more... live. I got to feel it in my flesh, and the spirit within now shines a hair brighter - which helps me right more than you could know. Thank you for visiting our small ol' town!
Right?! Kingdom and Lightworker so overpowering that I could feel it through my feet and up into my teeth was absolutely insane. Would happily pay double, so glad Perth finally got something on an 'Australian' tour!
Devin has to be hands down the best performer I've had the fortune of seeing, from the musicianship to the crowd engagement and the empathy and sincerity that shines through in everything he does, one of a kind, but I wish everyone were a bit more like him, the world would be a much brighter place. I hope he makes the long journey back someday
Taking the time for an update like this, while you're tired and still have a show to play is a testament to you, and to the work you're talking about. It's one thing to uplift people with words, it's another thing entirely to show it with actions. Much respect Mr T!! Thank you. Genuinely.
Thankyou for uploading authentic stuff Devy 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 I’m a late diagnosed AuDHD (autistic and adhd), diagnosed earlier this year, and I know another burnt out autistic when I see, feel and hear one. ❤️🐙❤️. I was fortunate and privileged enough to attended your performance in Melbs on Friday and sat in an accessibility booth. Thankyou for choosing that particular venue as I’ve learned that I’m disabled by our society (as per the the Krishnumurti quote you mention here). The Forum people did well for us after we called them before the show and we were seated in a booth with other fellow neuro-spicies. The crowd was so happy, smiley, warm, inclusive and divergent. I felt at home; individuals embracing their uniqueness and divergence from the mainstream norms, plus black 🖤 😂. Anyhoo, I’ve spent the last 6 months uncovering the reality (from others with our neurotype) about how our culture is not built for our flourishment. It is designed to meet the needs of extremely different brains and nervous systems completely (known as neuro-typicals). These NTs have a different set of priorities and principles. Our mental health and wellness as NDs are like the canary in the mine and we are not faring well. Our culture “disables” autistics, ADHDers, and all other neurodivergents. You displayed your talent incredibly as usual AND I felt the burnout in your energy. I know you know this as you’re not touring for a while etc. I feel seen and validated by your vulnerability in this Moth update and I just wanted to share all that. Being seen and validated hasn’t been my experience throughout my life so I feel like Friday night was a real turning point as I was stimming away, sober, supported and enjoying an environment and experience with minimal masking and minimal camouflaging of my real self. Similar to many of your fans, I love hearing about your creative process as it makes me feel normal and inspires me. I’m similar in age at 52 and relate to your journey within and without on many levels and across many domains. I’m trying so hard to end this message 😂 as I don’t know ‘autism thought tunnel hard to stop’ so I’ll finish on this… After your show on Friday, I came home and went to bed and I only got up at lunchtime today. That’s how much it takes out of me to just attend a show; imagine your nervous system touring 😭. It’s a new thing for me also to recognise and honour the recovery (and prep) time needed for stimulating activity. Metal! 🌸🐙🌸
I saw Dev for the 5th time at the Forum in Melbourne on Friday. If you haven't seen Kingdom, Deadhead and Truth played live, you have never seen or heard Metal played in its purest form, both melodically, vocally and musically. Another stellar concert. Performance and band and in particular the sound man, were just so on point. Darby Todd on drums was in Beast Mode. Gene Hoglan would be so proud. Never change Dev. Never follow anyone's path but your own. Sometimes I worry about where you are at because your heart is so on your sleeve. Please don't do an Anthony Bourdain. I'm still not over that horrendous outcome. Know you are loved by millions. Just do what makes you happy. Stay safe and healthy. Regards Cazzesman PS. People are going to be so P155ed at me at my funeral when they play Deadhead at 110db. :-) Love you Dev. Please live a long, full and happy life.
CAMERA TIP: Those lines going up and down on your screen (banding) are because the refresh rate of the lights in that room mismatches your camera's shutter speed. Your camera should likely be recording at 30fps, so your shutter speed needs to be 1/30 or 1/60, or 1/125 (close enough to 1/120). If the refresh rate of the lights is 60hz or 120hz, matching the shutter speed will fix the lines
So as an 18yr old i was hooning around in my car listening to Sex and Religion. Who knew 30yrs later i would hear that same singer producing content like this. I love how you lay it out there Devin. It adds so much hearing your thought processes as you talk about your next project and all the very real human aspects of life. Big thumbs up 👍
Thank you, Dev. Your honesty and openness is so refreshing and genuine. Your music has helped me through the roughest years of my life when I least expected to find something so powerfully healing for me. Thank you. The Melbourne show absolutely blew me away, forever grateful to you for sharing your amazing talent with us. Take care ❤🐙🌟
Over stimulus check. An amazing subject matter. This world and all of the communication technology is essentially being used to stimulate the masses on an individual basis. Nothing good is actually coming out of it in the time being. Threshold for Stimulus. Actually a great talk. Less about things and more about the spirit of the creature, the innocent being. The human experience is exhausting. This is true. Instead of shutting off to it, I have had to remember that everything in moderation is key. And then, only expose myself to that level which is moderate at the moment. How do I know what that is? When my third eye becomes blurry and frequencies cease flowing, I feel pain: emotional, mental, spiritual... And must be awake enough to notice and take actions of cease and desist. My stimulus is playing music. I do not get out much anymore as with the times, people have also changed and I no longer wish to be exposed to it. i.e.; pizza is great 😃👍
I figured out that the main reason I love watching your updates is I feel I actually get a glimpse of the real you. I can’t honestly say that about anyone else I follow on social media. As a fellow introvert who gets your message I just want to say thanks for just speaking your mind. It’s a rare thing… And welcome back down under mate 👍
Dude.. the way you talk about the minute you wake up to when you go to sleep is the healing i was talking about literally getting up and living life no matter how wonderful it is sometimes is like sensory hell
FYI, Technical Suggestion - The rolling bands in the video is due to the lighting in the hotel room. The lights refresh at a different rate than the camera. You could bring a small desktop film light with you in the future to avoid that, if you want to fix it. 👍
I'm 58, and over stimulation is like a hangover or God forbid a punch in the nose - It is way more difficult to de-escalate. You're art is what I lean on to soldier on through those days.
I saw the Sydney show, 5th time I’ve seen you in concert; every single one has been absolutely amazing. Your grace, humility and clear love for the audience sets you apart from any other performer I’ve seen. You are one of a kind and I’d rather see you take any and all time you need to be happy and healthy than push too hard to please the fans. We’ll still be here whenever and however you express your creativity! Much love to you, your family and the band
Hmm, sounds like a lot of your thoughts at the beginning is like the transformation between overindulgence to abstinence to experimenting with moderation and learning what level of moderation is the right thing for you. It's a hard thing to confront because things being all or nothing, black or white, are easy. But going into the grey where the answers aren't clear cut and the only person who knows the answer is you, that's a scary thing, I suppose. This is super interesting. Thankyou for sharing!
I caught the sydney show! I was honestly pretty worried about it because of my MS and how much overstimulus really stresses that out, but having toughed out for a once-in-a-lifetime chance worked out, you put on a fantastic show last night. Thank you!
When you said remain balanced in times of turmoil really rang within me. Every person is going thru their own turmoil. I have found a lot of solice in the snuggles album in times of insanity during my day. Keep being a good human, friend
Dev, it's an huge honor to be played at by you. Everytime I dig into all your intellectualising of the weirdly-beautiful human experience, I can relate to so much stuff and realize, how much I tighten my filters for all of those crazy stimuli. Hmm.. most probably, it's not helpful for your low threshold of stimuli, if you wire your neuronal tissue with endless musical wizardry. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't continue :3
Thank you for the updates Dev, and thank you for the Australian shows, all were phenomenal (especially Sydney) everything you say is so relatable and your music is so inspiring. Just thank you thank you thank you. Take care of yourself and safe travels 🖤
I'm in my 50s as well, Devin. I totally understand about the parents/family getting old. Helping take care of my 97 year old grandpa, parents are getting old, but I'm still writing away, building on a career that continues to grow. I can only control what I can control, and I try to appreciate the fact that I write for a living, but it's not always perfect.
I'm only a few minutes in to this but I'm relating so much that I need to see it all. And when you're different to the majority in your wiring, like I am, it's always comforting to know that you're not alone. Thanks Dev.
Great show yesterday in Sydney! I know the economics of touring in Australia are terrible compared to other places and many bands never come here. Thanks for coming here Devin!
Thanks Dev. Just hitting 40 and that over simulation thing is so real, going to see you last Friday was such an effort for so many reasons - but I'm so grateful that you exist. I can't thank you enough for the work you do, it helps me daily. My 9 year old daughter really wants to see you next time you're in Melbourne, haha - so maybe next time you're here, when you see the guy with the midget in a coat that's totally over 18 you'll know that i caved. Take care.
And what a show it was! I was at the Sydney gig and you were great (as always). Funny, passionate, interactive with your audience. Playing Bastard just because someone asked was a lovely gesture and shows us how you value your fans. Very excited to see what these next 18 or so months brings!
Devin... I yet am waiting to be blessed seeing you live. Your music is Outstanding! Keep doing what you're doing, it's purely entertaining and full of witty wisdom which I can only say ...Thank you for sharing all your thoughts, love,music,you're a fucking genius! Blessings
Watching these regular updates feels like the best of therapy sessions. However I'm never sure whether I am the patient or the therapist! I get so much insight into myself, based on your words, but I also feel like I am giving you a chance to clear your head and get some things off your chest before you go on stage or sit down to write or whatever you are going to do. I hope it helps you, cos it really helps me! Thank you, and I'll see you next week. (See my receptionist on the way out to make your next appointment!!)
Thanks for your gig at Perth enjoyed it immensely and your vlogs have been uplifting. I been fighting with Cancer for 2.5 years now and this was the first gig I’ve been able to get to and it was amazing
Dev - your show last night in Sydney was amazing. You’ve never been better. I’m sure a statement like that is a doubled edged sword, as it means you met expectations, but there’s always the pressure you have to be better next time. You will be. The reason is simple: you’ve never been more “real” on stage. You can see it in your face. Elation and frustration, anger and sadness… it’s all there. Even when you had to gather yourself in Bastard - you saw the audience. An entire audience going silent to remove stimulus. Then there was the career spanning set list. I was on the barrier and every person around was smiling. You own the crowd every time you’re on stage. That’s what makes your “demographic” - a group of people that get nothing but immense satisfaction from all your work. Everyone is supporting your journey. Your self deprecating humour is always a source of joy on stage, but in these moments your wisdom is what shows through. I can’t wait for the next chapter, and I hope that your circumstances allow you to come to Australia again sometime soon. You’ll always be welcomed back as the legend you are.
As with many people, I can totally relate to overstimulation and appreciate hearing you talk about it. I grew up an only child and have always been sensitive to overstimulation such as unwanted or overly long social interactions, my children arguing or making repetitive sounds. My wife and boys are quite social and just can't understand what it's like for me. A recent example was taking my 10yo son to the soccer store to use a gift certificate he won. I was ok for the first 15-20min, and then I just started getting increasingly tired, spaced out, and agitated all at the same time which is a really weird combination of feelings to have all at once. Another example is when my boys start arguing. I have to try really hard not to get overstimulated and increasingly agitated. Sometimes i just have to put in noise cancelling earphones and leave the situation to my wife which feels really crappy. And finally, I saw you at the Dreamsonic show in Seattle. I was sitting next to the girl who made you the Ziltoid felt bag. She was really tired and left after you were done. I went to see Animals As Leaders, then Dream Theater, and lastly you. But when everything was done, I felt like you put on the best show with how fun, sincere, selfless, and connected to the audience you were. You definitely made a new fan that day, and I'll be keeping an eye out for your shows in the future!
First time I have seen you in concert. My girlfriend's first time hearing not only your music but that type of music live or recorded. She was head banging with us all. Your Sydney show was sheer excellence. Thankyou for how much of your true self you put out.
The explanation/description in the first 3 and a half minutes all I could think of was the footage post-Plovdiv of Devin sitting backstage with the bottle of water in complete silence
I don't mean to sound hippie but love in any of its forms anchors us to life and gives us the vital force necessary to face the changes that generate fear or uncertainty in us and like in the wood wide web we are all interconnected, co-dependent on each other. Thanks for this update, I missed it, Dev.
Thank you for the update Dev. The way we see the world is incredibly similar and I've learned that via your music, updates, projects etc. Ofc i don't know your thoughts and challenges entirely as everyone has such a different perceived experience. Alas, the human experience feels forever entropic 😅 there are so many moments in the silence that still feel wobbly, but I will always feel great comfort in hobbies, music (yours and the likes) , taking time for myself to find at least one deep breath. Your talents, philosophy, creations ands voice are loved by many and continue to resonate and help my own journey. Progress is always progress ❤🐙☕️🍔
Im enjoying these check-ins, Dev. Good to know about the man and the process behind the scenes. I've seen you perform 6 times now, the latest was Arctangent in Bristol this year. I gotta say I ,as a 37 year old woman, am still reduced to a giddy teenager watching you perform. There's just that magic that surrounds you. Never stop sharing that with all of us. And yeah, life and everything it is just hits different as we age. I was not and am not prepared, not by a long shot. Looking forward to seeing what the Moth brings.
The Moth is something I've been excited to see for years! Really hope that it's filmed live with all the bravado, gusto and bells and whistles you can muster, buster! :)
Thank you, Devin, for your wisdom and vulnerability. You are an inspiration. I hope you know how many people genuinely admire you - not just as a musician, but as a person.
Hey Devin, I just wanna tell you that you were the first artist that ever made me question music in any way. What I mean by that is that when I heard "Oh My Fucking God" for the first time (in the last millennium), it was the first song I had ever heard where I couldn't tell from the first listen if I liked or disliked the song. Before that every song I had heard I could say after one time if I liked the song or not. After a couple of listens something clicked and I absolutely fell in love with that song. "City" as an album is still very dear to me because of that. You're also the only artist/band I can think of who hasn't made a single "filler" album in a decades spanning career. I like some of your albums more than others, but not even one of them feels like it was made just because you hadn't made a new album in X years so you had to get a new album out.
So grateful for your willingness to share these thoughts Devin. Be kind to yourself where you can - because others would love to be kind to you if they could...
Thank you for your enormously giving performance in Perth. It was lovely to connect with you, the audience, your band and the vibe; went home happy, but also touched. Very few artists can span such a broad cross-section of people, emotions and sensations in one settings. And hearing your multi-level, multi-cellular voice in person is a great privilege. Thank you.
Thanks for the update. Due to life things I can't see you this time around. But these updates are so raw, so insightful - even if you stop them now I have got so much to unpack... Thank you Dev.
Thank you ever so much for your music, I only knew very little, but that changed last night when I got to see your wonderful performace in Sydney. Hopefully you got some time today (Sunday) to rest in Sydney. When you come back, the botanical gardens in the city have some truly beautiful calm places to relax in. Thank you.
You are awesome! Thank God i came across you & in this stage of my life! I'm older than you Devin & just discovered Lightwork album & your podcasts....blown away!
I have seen two of your shows and as mad as it might sound, they are real high points in my life. I felt a deep catharsis, a healing through the experience. Thanks so much, I hope it heals you too.
Hey! Nice camera! In reference to the lines you mentioned, you can change the shutter speed to avoid the black lines. It has something to do with the frequency of the lights in the room.
I got emotional listening to you now. I'm feeling really low lately and I relate to some of the things you are saying. It's fascinating to know the human behind the (brilliant) artist. Thanks❤
I can relate to everything being overwhelming. Got birthdays and holidays coming up and i don't do well in those situations, but we get through them because they're worth it. Social media being what it is too can just have me stunned if i pay it too much attention. It's like the concept of Spoon theory turned up to 11 where some days even breathing seems like too much stimulus.
Thanks for taking the time right before a show on the other end of the world to talk with us, Dev. The banding you’re experiencing has to do with your camera’s framerate and shutter speed in a country where the power system is different which causes the lights to cycle at different frequencies. Try shooting at 24 fps and 1/50th of a sec while you’re in Australia. Then swap back to 30 fps 1/60 when you get back to Canada. Good luck in the shows out there!
I think you nailed it on the head. The pressure to stay relevant in society - especially on social media - these days is insane. But for what purpose? It just ends up becoming a never-ending cycle of rushing around and scrambling to create "content" - a word that (for me, anyway) is just slightly adjacent to "filler." And who wants that? What kind of life is that? Sometimes it's good to figure it out, let it simmer before it's ready. IMO anyway. Thanks for all you do, man - travel safe! ✌😎
Dev, I was in that Sydney crowd and would like to extend a heartfelt thank you. For the energy, for the music, for your kind words in-between songs. I never thought I'd make it past 20 years old. When I did, I thought, "I've made it this far, but I don't think I can make it past 25...". I'm in my early/mid 30s now. Life isn't easy... existing can feel tiresome... navigating basic interactions on a daily basis often feels exhausting... but I'm glad I'm still here. I'm glad you shared your evening together with us in the crowd. I'm glad _all of us_ are still here. Take care of yourself, and thank you for a night I'll remember for a very long time.
I tried to make it in music for a few years when I was younger Devin but then I caved as I was too afraid to not succeed and became a dentist (one person at a time!) I now play in my free time. I am the same age as you and have exactly the same problems: hypervigilence, difficulty with human interaction (exhausting). I would never have been able to put up with touring etc I absolutely get it.
Thank you for coming to Sydney, saw you last night and it was great, great Setlist and personality, Loved every minute of it. Thank you again, wish I could buy you a beer and have a chat, you seem like an interesting person. Enjoy the rest of your tour.
I love the 70's horizontal lines, its like I used an oscilloscope to get early scramblevision tuned. Must be Oz. Kudos for continuing the vibe of connection that started from your vids during pandemic to now.
