Here at Music in SF™, we’re always looking to promote local bands and musicians that are doing great things in the Bay Area music scene. Devin Santi is one of those people and he’ll be releasing an EP entitled Temporary Solutions to Permanent Problems on Feb. 13 of this year, so be sure to grab a copy when it drops.
To help get the word out he spoke to us about when his interest in music first began, where he likes to hang out most in the Bay Area and what people would be surprised to find out about him. Check it out below and give this local Bay Area musician a listen.
How would you describe your sound?
All of my work is self-produced in my bedroom using Ableton Live, so I tend to lean down the pop / electronic sounds even though my songwriting background is more inspired by some 2000’s rock. I like to play around with different genres and styles as well, so sometimes it can be difficult to pinpoint a definitive sound of my music aside from my voice and writing style.
When did you first become interested in playing music?
I’ve been told by family members that I was singing around the house before I even learned how to speak proper English. There was always an inclination inside of me to make music, but I started taking proper guitar and piano lessons when I was about 11.
What’s the funniest that’s ever happened to you at a show?
No one showed up… I wouldn’t say it was funny in the moment of occurring, but I always have a laugh when I look back at it. It’s good for every musician to experience this at least once in their life though because it helps build character. It makes you realize that just because you have dreams, it doesn’t automatically make you special. It hurt, but I definitely needed that feeling at the time.
Where do you like to hang out most in San Francisco?
When I go into the city, I’m usually pretty casual, usually, just a bite to eat or to the movies.
What’s your favorite place to eat in the Bay Area?
If I could pick one place, I think it’d be Shadow Brook in Capitola. I like to be fancy sometimes.
What do you say to people who think that the music scene in the Bay Area is dead?
I think it’s about supply and demand. If a rich music scene is what people want, they’ll make it so. I think everyone who cares has the power to contribute in some way, but complaining as to whether the scene is dead or not isn’t necessarily contributing to bringing it back to life unless there’s some kind of objectiveness to their claim. From my perspective, all I can do is make the music I feel passionate about and hope people like it.
If you could put your own version of a supergroup, who would be in it and why?
DMX and the B-52s. I think it speaks for itself.
What’s one thing that people would be surprised to find out about you?
It depends on who the person is I think. When I meet people in real life they’re usually surprised by the whole “music thing”. I always try and see how long I can go before revealing that side of myself to someone. When it happens though, it’s always pretty funny. Sometimes it makes me feel like a superhero revealing their secret identity or something along those lines… I don’t know, that may sound a bit vain at first, but doing that definitely made me realize a few things. If anyone reading this has a secret talent or something interesting that they do, don’t try and give it away to someone at first. Make an effort to build friendships and relationships without using those skills as a crutch. It may make things harder at first, but it’ll help you find the best people in life I believe.
Is there anything you’d like to plug?
I have a new EP Temporary Solutions to Permanent Problems that will be released Feb. 13, 2018, on all music stores and platforms. The EP includes my single “See Myself Lose” which is available everywhere now.
This EP was a learning experience for me to say the least. These four tracks kind of tell a story when played in order, but it’s not literal. It’s more of an artistic story. As a songwriter and producer, It was an incredible learning experience for me while making these songs, so when heard in full, the listener will be able to hear where my progression as an artist is leading towards. Even though I believe Temporary Solutions is my best work, I can’t wait to start working on my next project, apply everything I’ve learned so far, and make even greater music.
