Devon Cole

Queer singer Devon Cole is ready for the big time with a string of new pop melodies ready for radio play. Two Shades Blonder is her current EP and among the catchy tracks are “Sugar Daddy” and “Good Guy.”

Her clever writing skills continue to shine such as her hit single based on the acronym W.I.T.C.H. (Woman in Total Control of Herself) and her funky guitar song “Hey Cowboy.”

Originally from Canada, Cole recently performed in Chicago for the first time at Vault Gallerie in the Pilsen neighborhood. She met up for a private interview before her set to discuss her music and goals for the future.

JN: (Jerry Nunn) Is this the first time you have visited Chicago?

DC: (Devon Cole) Yes!

JN: Do you still live in Canada where you are originally from?

DC: I just moved from Canada to Los Angeles four months ago. I grew up in Calgary and Toronto.

JN: I attended World Pride in Toronto years ago. I might return there for the film festival next year.

DC: You should. It’s so fun and Toronto’s Pride every year is amazing. It covers so many streets there and is always expanding.

JN: Did you always want to be a singer?

DC: Yes, I have severe middle-child syndrome, so I had to become a performer to get attention. I love to sing and was in show choirs growing up.

JN: What is your favorite musical?

DC: Chicago is my favorite musical.

JN: Well, that’s appropriate.

DC: I also like the musical Hairspray.

JN: Oh, good one. Who were your musical influences at an early age?

DC: I grew up listening to Shania Twain and she’s a Canadian queen as well. I was so proud of myself at six years old that I could take a bath by myself and listen to her music.

JN: She has some adult lyrics for a six-year-old.

DC: Oh, I felt like a badass when I listened to her and I appreciate her even more now that I am older. There are some songs that are funnier than I gave them credit for and her play on words really spoke to me.

JN: I see that reflected in your lyrics, which focus on female empowerment.

DC: It is a through line in my music. I think we can never have enough empowering music for women out in the world and that is what I like to listen to.

JN: What are the plans for your appearance today in Chicago?

DC: I have never headlined in the United States before, so this is my first time playing for my fans here. I wanted to give everyone a unique and intimate experience with me before I start doing club tours where I won’t be able to everybody. I am taking time with each fan and getting to know them.

It’s a full-hour set with music from both of my EPs. We had the first one in New York two days ago and I shed tears of joy. It’s nice to play for my own crowd because I have been an opening act for the past few years. The crowds know the words and sing along with the tracks these days.

JN: Does that inspire you to write even more powerful lyrics when you see them mouthing the words in front of you?

DC: Yes and it’s interesting to see which songs resonate. I keep that in the back of my mind when I am writing something new.

JN: “Sugar Daddy” resonated with me with the lyrics “You might be packing, but you can’t spell.” We have all been there…

DC: It’s a universal experience when someone has so much potential but we have to mold them and educate them. I didn’t sign up for that and I don’t have time for it either.

JN: It takes too much energy, doesn’t it?

DC: Yes, that’s why I think men who have grown up with sisters give them an appreciation of what a real woman is like.

JN: I like that and you also talk about being attracted to the bad boy which is another commonality.

DC: My song “Good Guy” is about that. It is something that I try to outgrow but it can be challenging. I do think someone can have sexy bad-boy energy and still be a good person though.

JN: Yes, anyone can add a sexy tattoo to be a bad boy! [both laugh] Let’s discuss your different looks through hair color. I have seen blonde and purple, but this is your natural color in front of me now?

DC: Yes, this is my natural color of brown. The new theory is that no one can be a superstar without having identifiable hair. Hollywood hair seems to only apply to women, so that might be misogyny.

JN: Your lyrics talk about looking in the mirror and not being too hard on ourselves.

DC: I feel that is our culture’s affliction at the moment, where people don’t feel good enough about themselves and compare themselves to others. People need to love each other and love themselves more. We only have one life and I don’t want to spend it being hard on myself. I struggle with it, but I try to give myself unconditional love and acceptance.

JN: “Superglue” is my jam! How was taking off the tape after the photo shoot?

DC: It came off pretty quickly. I had some diva behavior before it was all over because my feet were hurting. I was sweating and dehydrated too.

JN: Who are you currently obsessed with in the music world?

DC: I am living for Chappell Roan. I think we all need pure fun and escapism. She fills that void that the world is craving right now. She’s a powerhouse of a vocalist and I am inspired by her. She has different looks and themes at her shows. She has a vision and that's my takeaway. I want to create a world for people to step into. Chappell has been so unifying for the queer community. She’s a touchstone for me and all of my queer friends to gab about.

JN: Do you identify as queer?

DC: I am bisexual. I made a coming-out song on TikTok and it turned out really cute.

JN: That’s adorable.

DC: Sorry I am crying, but I came out in high school and I was bullied for it. I went back to the closet after that then when I was at a dinner with some girls I confessed, “I have a secret and I am bicurious.” I didn’t even know what that meant at the time, but I knew that it resonated with me. It wasn’t until I went to college and became friends with openly queer people that I allowed myself to have fun finally.

I know people have faced worse discrimination when they came out, but it still makes me emotional to think about my journey.

JN: I understand and if I watch a coming out story on TV I bawl like a baby. I was bullied as well and wasn’t even brave enough to come out until after college, so I understand. It’s important for musicians to come out like the Indigo Girls did to create safe spaces at their concerts.

DC: You can feel it in the room. I just played in New York a few days ago and there were so many queer people there. It felt like I could faint onstage and the crowd would take care of me.

JN: It’s because we take care of our tribe.

DC: I felt so supported at that show and it had the loudest claps I have heard so far. It was so cool and I really loved that show. I am sure there will be lots of queer people at the show in Chicago tonight and I am so excited to make new friends!

JN: What is next for you?

DC: I am working on a debut album right now. I am touring in Canada at the top of the year next year. I want to continue to grow my fanbase. Whether my album hits big or not I am going to continue to release music until the day I die!