Quinn DeVeaux | Leisure

His origin story is almost too good to be true. As a teenager, Quinn was raised on a healthy diet of his mom’s '80s R&B favorites and dad’s classic rock leanings. Leaving his hometown of Gary, Indiana, he set off on a journey across the country when he first truly heard Muddy Waters. He recalls, “I couldn't believe it. Didn't seem real - that bone-raw emotion.”

Quinn was no stranger to the important legacy of American roots music; it was entwined with his family’s heritage. His jazz singer grandmother mentored him on church songs and harmonies, nudging him into piano lessons. His uncle booked shows in northern Indiana, coaxing the likes of Chicago-based blues giant Howlin’ Wolf 30 miles south to Gary. By the time Quinn started digging into Chess Records artists like Chuck Berry and Bo Diddley, he felt a powerful call to action.

“USA” digs into Quinn’s Midwestern story with evocative precision: “wake up early on a Sunday morning, put on a cotton suit / I didn’t mind the songs we sang, but preachin’ I could never do,” before resigning to “bow my head and roll my eyes - oh, USA.” This track encapsulates Quinn’s ability to weave personal narrative with broader social commentary, reflecting his journey and the complex relationship many have with their homeland.

Quinn DeVeaux’s latest album, Leisure, which dropped this summer, finds the singer-songwriter refining his soul while injecting new elements into his work. Here are familiar DeVeaux calling cards: the appropriately swampy New Orleans funk of “Bayou,” “You Got Soul”’s joyous gospel vamp, and the epic ballad “Give Love a Try,” a sure-bet future live showstopper. However, Leisure also revels in a broader palette, as seen in the unique “Evil Woman,” which features an organ versus synclavier showdown, and the smoky '50s lounge vibe of “Many Days,” where horns launch the tune into Ennio Morricone terrain.

The album’s most compelling moments, however, are found in DeVeaux’s restless songwriting, exploring new stylistic lanes and tackling weightier themes. Tracks like “Bayou” and “Give Love a Try” highlight his knack for blending genres, while others delve into personal and societal narratives, inviting listeners into his world with authenticity and emotional depth.

In Leisure, Quinn not only pays homage to the musical influences of his past but also forges a path forward, creating a sound that is distinctly his own. With each note, he invites listeners to join him on a journey through the diverse landscape of American music, connecting the threads of blues, soul, and funk that have shaped his artistry. As he continues to grow and evolve, Quinn DeVeaux stands poised to make his mark as a vital voice in contemporary music, breathing new life into the roots that have informed his journey.

As the release date approaches, fans eagerly await the opportunity to experience Quinn's artistic evolution in Leisure, a testament to the power of music to capture the essence of personal and collective stories.

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