Interview with Devon Barley
Mattapoisett native, Devon Barley, took a chance, headed out for an audition to pursue his dream, singing. He landed a spot on the new show “The Voice”, hoping to make it all the way. The Voice, airing for the first time this year, with judges, Adam Levine, Cee Lo Green, Christina Aguilera and Blake Shelton, had to judge contestants with their back turned only to listen to the contestant sing, not seeing the them and making a judgment on their voice. Devon came on and sang “I’m yours” by Jason Mraz, although the judges did not turn right away, Devon kept on singing until finally Adam Levine and Cee Lo Green turned around. Impressed with his talent both judges wanted Devon to be on their team, but the choice was up to Devon himself. He chose to go with team Adam taking one spot of eight available. Once each judge filled the eight spots making a team the next step is to pair up two members of the same team and have a face off.
Devon made it past the first face off against team member Rebecca Loebe, a folk singing Berkley graduate traveling for the past four years playing at venue after venue. Feeling relieved at making it, he now knew that the stakes were higher and the competition was harder, for he was going to the next round facing Casey Weston, Jeff Jenkins, and Javiar Colon. In the quarter finals Devon chose “Stop and Stare” by One Republic, his coach Adam revealed that he had improved by showing confidence while the other judges loved his performance. On the next episode Adam Levine had to choose who will stay, while one of the other members is saved by voting. Javiar Colon won the most votes by America to stay on, it then came down to Devon, Casey, and Jeff. Adam rambled on about how “it wasn’t in his fiber to have to chose only one”, but he ultimately ended up choosing Casey Weston. Team Adam won the competition; Javiar Colon took the hearts of America and claimed the winning spot.
This isn’t the end of Devon Barley, I had the opportunity to interview Devon Barley on his experience on The Voice and this is what he revealed:
What were you thinking when you were trying out and the judges didn’t turn around right away? Or did you not even realize and just continued to sing focusing on your performance.
I definitely knew that the judges weren’t turning around. As a matter of fact I couldn’t even focus on singing because of how nervous I was. The funny part is that it didn’t get any better when they turned around, mostly because the realization that I was singing to Adam Levine and Cee Lo scared the daylights out of me.
If all the judges turned around, who would you have picked? Or did you have one in mind already?
If all the judges turned around, I still would have gone with Adam. He was always my number one choice so you can imagine how happy I was when he turned around for me.
How was it to compete against someone on your own team? Would you rather have come face to face against someone on another team?
The simple answer: very hard. Competing against someone on my team was so hard because you knew that you were working hard to get them eliminated. It’s also hard when you have to work so much together and you can’t help but to start getting close. I would have rather battled someone on a different team for sure.
Are you staying in touch with any of the other contestants?
I actually stay in touch with most of the top 16. When you live, breath and eat “The Voice” there is a huge bonding effect, especially when you live together in the same hotel for months.
Who inspired you to sing? Who is your mentor in the music industry?
I was actually inspired by my Dad to sing. Playing and singing was a hobby of his and he passed it on to me when he urged me to try out for a musical group called “Showstoppers” when I was a kid. I got hooked and since then have been singing for about 10 years.
Would you like to be judge someday on “The Voice” or some other type of show?
I would absolutely love to be a coach on “The Voice”. They get to interact with some extremely talented people and help them progress to the next level as fully fledged artist. I mean come on, who wouldn’t want to sit in those big red chairs?
Do you feel that you have a new perspective about life? Is your outlook different than before going on the show?
I would definitely say that my outlook on life has changed since the show. I gained a priceless amount of confidence, experience and knowledge that allowed me to realize that this dream of mine is not as far away as I thought.
Now that you are a local celebrity what about the band you were with before the show?
I really don’t call myself a celebrity at all. Once I do something for myself without the help of a show like this, then you can call me that. As for the band that I was with before the show, 22 Foot Drop, we are first and foremost best friends. We started taking a break because we all split to different colleges, but music is still alive in our hearts and I’m sure we’ll get back in the studio at some point.
Do you plan to relocate to follow your dream of being in the music industry?
My plans right now are in total flux. I really was expecting to go back to school without really missing a beat, but the show has opened some doors that make me question if I should go back. If it works out and I need to move because of it, I’m willing to go wherever it takes.
The best advice I have to give to aspiring singers is practice hard, play hard and work hard. If you’ve given it everything you’ve got, at the end of the day you should have something pretty special.
Will you be doing any performances or appearances locally?
As far as local appearances go, all I have to say is stay tuned. I’m workings on some things right now and definitely don’t plan on just going away so follow dcbarley on twitter and I’ll keep you guys updated!
Is it hard to go in public and not be noticed?
I still think it’s funny whenever people come up to me and want my picture or autograph. What’s even funnier is when people just stare. I know why you are staring please just come up to me and say hello. I’m a nice person and it’ll be a lot less awkward for the both of us!
Is there a singer or band you would like to work with?
I would love to work with James Morrison. I love the crazy unique tone he has and to be able to work with a guy who has that much soul in his voice would be awesome!
Now that the show is over, what are your parent’s choices? Are they pushing for college?
Right now, my dream is singing. My goals however are a little mixed because of the huge pull I have to go back to school. My parents are very supportive people and I really can’t thank them enough for everything they’ve done for me. Whatever I decide to do I know I’ll be supported and that feels good!
How did you spend the 4th of July?
Well, on 4th of July I sang the Star Spangled Banner. And between you and me, I messed up! It was so embarrassing but luckily it was only a slight trip up and I got back on track on track without too many people noticing. That song is so hard to sing for some reason, just ask Christina!