DEVMO: Rap Gawdess Supreme

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Devmo is someone you should check out

Interview conducted on July 15, 2019

by Dan Locke

Devin Moses aka DEVMO is everything but a typical rap artist. As a petite red-head from Santa Monica, audiences are in pure shock when she starts flowing with fluidity and bite while also delivering a message she is experiencing in her daily life. DEVMO strives for authenticity and entertainment, and on that alone, she’s opened locally and internationally for artists like Angel Haze, Snow Tha Product, Elle King, and more.

Dan Locke: What does Rap Gawdess Supreme mean?

Devmo: I’m not sure. A female rapper eating taco bell. Like a mix between a female rapper and a crunch wrap supreme? That’s definitely me.

How was it growing up in Santa Monica, CA?

Well, I moved to Santa Monica from Chicago was I was 13 and went to High School there and it was a huge culture shock. I went from living in a northern suburban Jewish community to a high school of 4 thousand kids of all different backgrounds. I loved it. I was too scared to tell my friends in Chicago my parents split up but starting over in Santa Monica was a fresh start for me and everyone came from “dysfunctional” or “broken” families. I felt that I fit in, except everyone made fun of my Chicago accent.
I was in guitar lessons as early as 7 years old. My parents, and family in general, encouraged the arts. My dad is an architect and fine artist, and my mom is a photographer. My sister and I grew up doing Irish dancing, and ballet, and taking up guitar. I think my music abilities were first inspired by Britney Spears and then my rap addiction was sparked by Tupac Shakur.

How did you get your name?

My name is Devin Moses, so when I was in high school, my sister’s boyfriend would call me DevMo like BevMo! It sorts of caught on and a lot of my friends were calling me that. Once I started to take music seriously, it was the only logical choice for my artist name lol.

Since you are from Santa Monica, I am going to name off some bands from that location. I would like you to make a statement about each band?

Traveling Wilburys
Not gonna lie, I had to google them lol. They’re from Malibu (Santa Monica High School rivals) and consisted of Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Jeff Lynne, Roy Orbison, and Tom Petty. WOW. loads of legends in there! A little before my time but the music is undeniably sweet to the ears.
Charlotte Caffey- (The Go-Gos)
I had no idea any of these people were from Santa Monica! That’s really amazing. Charlotte Caffey is an icon, and the Go-Gos are amazing with their happy California music. They sort of remind me of the female Beach Boys in away.
Teena Marie
You are asking me about people way before my time. The name was familiar but I didn’t know any of her songs. Am I in trouble? lol. Her range is insane and she’s clearly a badass. She absolutely shreds on guitar!!! Thank you for showing her to me.
Gaelic Storm
My mom used to host an Irish radio show in Chicago while I was growing up. It was called The Celtic Garden. So, I knew about Gaelic Storm. I love traditional Irish music. I grew up listening to it because my mother was raised in Ireland. I think that’s where my love of rhythm comes from. The Irish are very musical and rhythm-driven people.

What made you relocate to LA?

My parents divorced and my mom wanted to move back to California, where I was born. My dad ended up following, as he didn’t want to be far from my sister and me.

What was your first gig like and where was it?

House of Blues Hollywood before it got torn down. I did a feature on my friend’s show and half of my high school came just to see. It was my first taste of performing and I was instantly addicted.

Who would you like to make a record with and why?

I’d love to make a record with loads of different people, Logic, Lorde, K Flay, Joey Bada$$, Token, Dram. If I had to pick one, I’d say Lorde because I’m such a big fan of her layered poetry and her simplistic production. She’s incredible.

You have opened up for the likes of Azealia Banks and Elle King. How as it. And did they teach you anything new about the music business?

I’ve never opened for Azealia Banks, but I performed at Dinah Shore a few years back and so did Elle King. I didn’t get to meet her in person. I’ve learned a lot from watching people I’ve opened for. I’ve learned what I want to do when I’m in their place and what I won’t do. A lot of what I’ve learned in the music industry this far is trial and error but I mostly have learned to be kind to everyone because music is a very difficult business to be a part of.

How do you stay healthy on tour?

I don’t lol. I told myself before the tour I was gonna exercise every morning and eat healthily and that is NOT what happened. Your body is tired from driving so much, it’s incredibly difficult to be motivated to work out, and all along these huge American high ways are fast food joints. It’s pretty much your only option. When I had a chance to eat a salad on tour, it was heavenly. Plus, I like to have a few drinks at my shows. So, consider you driving 8-12-hour days, barely any sleep, no exercise, fast food, and a hangover. I was pretty grumpy except for when I got to perform and meet fans.

What is your favorite comfort food?

Sushi

Why do you feel it was time for you to release “Pride” last year?

I just released Pride this month. I wrote it last year. I thought it was good for Pride season and there aren’t many songs about LGBT heartbreak so I was giving my gay girls something they can cry to lol.

You are heading to Chicago in the next couple of weeks for Bourbon on Division. Are you going to have any Chicago style pizza while you are there?

I currently live in Chicago; I have been since April. I needed a break from Hollywood. I have my birthday show Poppin’ at Bourbon on Division on July 26th, even though my birthday is the 23rd, and I also have a show with Treble.FM.

How do you see yourself in 5 years?

That’s a difficult question. Ideally, I’d have a song that goes viral and headline a world tour! I’d love to put a down payment on a home and live close to my family. I see myself being very happy.

Anything you would like to say to your fans?