Kevin Devine is one of those dudes who seems like he should be huge. Sure, he’s had some buzz in the last year or so, but it’s really not commensurate with his potential. He has that rare combination of teeny bopper/Alt. Press appeal (i.e. the ability to make money) and the chops that attract indie kids and people with, you know, actual taste (which will get you respect). Plus I personally like the dude more because of his relentless DIY work ethic, which he takes to an extreme.

Even when Devine was opening up for The Get Up Kids on their reunion tour — which likely paid well enough to afford him at least a few luxuries, or the ability to bring along a tour manager or some road companion to help along the way — he handled merch sales by himself and did all his own PR. Here’s what he recently told Spinner about being in the driver seat:

I do wear a lot of different hats. The hat where I’m arguing with a club promoter about the catering budget then where I’m playing his club for 90 minutes, well, those hats don’t always look good together. But I get to exist in a way that feels comfortable and not separated from reality.

Kevin Devine – I Could Be With Anyone
Kevin Devine – Wolf’s Mouth

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