Artist: Martin Devaney
Originated: St. Paul, MN. 2001
Website: martindevaney.com
Facebook: facebook.com/martindevaney
Bio: In a community saturated with talented musicians, few respected artists have worn as many hats as Martin Devaney. A classically trained musician with a jazz sax background, the accomplished singer-songwriter got his start playing with revered hip hop ensemble Heiruspecs before embarking on a solo career. After self-releasing an EP in 2001, Martin followed with four full length albums, each garnering more praise and attention from press and fans. Described as “a charming, bushy haired, sweet voiced tunesmith” by No Depression, Martin became quickly known for his poetic, yet unpretentious songs and inspired live performances.
Devaney has always embraced his localness, literally dubbed the Mayor of St. Paul by friends and compatriots in the music scene. In 2002 he formed Eclectone Records, providing emerging local artists like The Tisdales, Little Man and JoAnna James, a professional, experienced MN inidie label that quickly gained national respect.
Now, over four years after his last release, Martin Devaney unveils his best work yet. The West End, another project with Mark Stockert and Underwood Studios, is a sweet, lilting and unabashedly local affair. Due out the end of this year, the LP pulls from early rock and roll as much as the Americana folk traditions that have become Devaney’s trademark. The album features an all-star cast of musicians Dave Boquist (Son Volt), Steve Murray (Molly Maher and Her Disbelievers), and Mick Wirtz (Bellwether), as well as highlighting the long-time collaboration with musician Jake Hyer (vocals, violin, mandolins). Harmonies with Hyer provide the bread and butter to Devaney’s artful, sincere songs, and obviously guided much of The West End’s creative energy.
In addition to his own band, Devaney heads the pop rock band Crossing Guards, co-writes in the folk duo Fan Fiction and plays sax with Twin Cities’ indie-folk darlings Roma Di Luna.
In the past decade of performing, Martin Devaney has shared the stage with an impressive list of national acts including Andrew Bird, Mason Jennings, The Jayhawks, Semisonic, Soul Asylum, Billy Bragg, Evan Dando, Damien Jurado, Rhett Miller, Mike Doughty, Mary Lou Lord, The Roots, Southern Culture on the Skids, and Richard Buckner.