Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Devin Vargo. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Devin , thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I learned to play instruments initially by ear, followed by schooling. The same can be said for audio-engineering, as I began by experimenting in free software and later found mentors and further education.
To speed up my learning process I think seeking out mentors/education earlier would’ve shaped a clearer direction toward the paths I wanted to take.
The skills that were (and still are) the most essential to progressing were patience, open-mindedness, and keeping a “student mentality!”

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m currently a member of the bands City Sun, OVRGRXWTH, and Rebel Noire.
I also serve as a hired gun for those that need it live or in studio sessions!
Outside of the live music and band realm, I’m an audio engineer that tracks, mixes, and masters.

I began learning instruments at a young age (3), playing them whether alone or in front of an audience has always kept me pursuing the art on a daily basis. Really the love of playing and for music itself has always been the catalyst to being a part of the music industry whether as an artist, or behind the scenes!

As a musician, I always strive to bring the audience a feeling of escape from whatever they may be going through outside of that show. It truly is a special time where we can all connect and be in the moment together.
City Sun, for example, does a lot of jam/improv with our original tunes to bring a unique show every time where ourselves as well as the audience are having an experience at the same time!

As an engineer, my main priority is to aid the artist in bringing their creative vision to life. I want anyone who works with me to be able to be proud of their art, and that it truly sounds the way they intend it to sound!

I am most proud of being allowed the opportunity to work as much as I do (with writing, performing, and engineering). Especially working with all original music, the odds can be very intimidating and being afforded the ability to do it everyday is wonderful.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

In a lot of settings that I’ve personally experienced, some write off unknown or smaller musicians simply because they aren’t a known name or legacy act.
I think that going out to support local or smaller shows is a key factor in how far and long bands can go. In a lot of cases, the show down the street is more fun and engaging!

Distribution for music at this moment in history is also not fairing too well for artists, so picking up merch from a group you like is going to help immensely. Whether it’s a shirt, vinyl, or buying a digital copy of their album this can help in things like recording costs for the next single or album!

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being a creative for me personally is getting to create music with my best friends! I’d also like to honorably mention meeting new people in new places! Being able to have an expanded perspective from that is such a treasure.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://citysun.bandcamp.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/citysunband?igsh=MXU4Zmp0ZHg3eDd4MA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1ECit8un2T/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• Other: More Band Links:
  OVRGRXWTH: Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/artist/1Uwg2kltXd0UKedntbZBkD?si=NwBEcLOETxaLkZPLLkYlPg

  Rebel Noire and the Accomplices:
  Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/artist/14YDhAgUEimtADHfbVfOCu?si=CAAVOa2lR2q9GOm7VT9Xng

Image Credits

Simon Scheer
Madeline Walczak
Jenna Vargo
Courtney Frick