We were lucky to catch up with David DeVaul recently and have shared our conversation below.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My family was in music and my mom was a singer in the Smith Family Singers southern gospel group so I grew up around music at every family gathering. My uncles would jump on the piano and they would all sing gospel classics. Seeing them love music the way they did later became well known to me as I have this unusual passion for music. It drives me crazy, it fuels everything I do, it is my creative outlet, it keeps me entertained, it is a part of my overall purpose. I know God has given me this gift and there is nothing else I could do without being involved with music. I didn’t start playing guitar until I was 20 and began playing in bars with my friend and sister. After I began writing, I knew I needed to go to Nashville and Belmont University was a great reason to move here. I could learn music and be in the city that provided the best opportunities in the world for music. My greatest accomplishment has been sticking to my dual career and not giving up on either one because that’s the normal way of doing things. Keeping my banking career has helped me stay honest in my music and lyrics. I hope my example of being a writer inspires others to not give up on their dreams just because they went down a different career path. You can do both and you can succeed in both. Especially in a city like Nashville.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

One of the most pivotal moments in my Nashville life was getting into a building called The Ryman Lofts downtown Nashville that was affordable housing for creatives. After college I was not financially well and this building offered me access to the city at a very affordable price. Without that generous opportunity, I’m not even sure where I would be today. I was able to ride my bicycle to work at the bank and writing sessions. I met some of my best friends who are also creatives and still a core group for me today. All because the city put in the effort to make that a reality for us. City’s need creatives as much as massive developments. I believe city’s need to continue to invest in the artist communities like the Ryman Lofts because I am living proof that building changed my life so I can do what I’m doing today.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

They use to call Nashville a 3 year town which meant, give it three years and if nothing is cooking for you, you should look to doing something else. Then, 3 year became 5 year, then 5 year town became a 10 year town and the reality is, if you really wanna do this, it doesn’t matter how many years it takes. I’m already 15 years in. Should I give up, by rule maybe but I’m not going to and I’m going to continue to get better at guitar and crafting words and the people who have heard about me, will know about me one day.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: www.instagram.com/daviddevaul
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/daviddevaulmusic

Image Credits
Jessica Amerson