Devon Ross has always inhabited her own unique space. Growing up in a world infused with music and traveling extensively, she has mastered the art of crafting her own sanctuary. After a considerable wait, she feels ready to share it with others.
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Devon reflects on her earliest recollections. Throughout her childhood, she labeled numerous cities as her ‘home’—her father, a musician, meant the family was constantly on the move. Establishing roots was challenging, which is where music came into play, as her musical idols provided the support she longed for. “Music was constantly playing from dawn till dusk,” she reminisces. “I joined him on tours. I was surrounded by roadies and crew members. That was my norm. It felt as natural as breathing.”
One particular band captured her heart: The Beatles. Devon adores the Fab Four, holding a deep reverence for their music; it influences her life profoundly, serving both as a support system and a stimulant for her creativity. Speaking with CLASH over Zoom from her bedroom, she has iconic images of John and Yoko, along with portraits of Paul, George, and Ringo, in view. Her fandom is not a performance; it is a fundamental part of her existence. “I grew up watching their films,” she recalls. “I can’t remember the first time I heard them, but their music has always been a part of my life.”
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Devon’s formative years were characterized by constant movement. “We relocated frequently,” she notes. “We lived in Woodstock, Canada, the Bahamas, and France. Constant changes were the norm for me. It was a wonderful way to grow up. I witnessed so much and matured quickly. I learned to be self-sufficient at an early age. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”
Pursuing her aspirations, Devon moved to London as a teenager—her personal Mecca, as she describes it—and the city embraced her wholeheartedly. Finding her community, she frequented laid-back reggae nights hosted by the legendary Clash bassist Paul Simonon and spotted her musical heroes on the streets. The Beatles continued to play a significant role in her journey. “They were a major influence on my decision to move to London,” Devon explains. “I’ve always been an Anglophile, with a love for British music. The very first day I arrived, I made sure to visit Abbey Road!”
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Catapulted into the limelight as a model, Devon quickly garnered acclaim as an actress. She finds joy in both fields, appreciating the challenges and opportunities they offer. However, music is deeply ingrained in her essence. “Before anything else, I wanted to start a band,” she asserts. “I was eager to form a band even before venturing into modeling. As a teenager, my friends and I would create imaginary bands—coming up with names and pretending we were part of one.”
“I always knew I would eventually pursue music,” Devon adds. “I was obsessed with learning the guitar and wanted to master every chord. I held this notion that I could only join a band if I could perform a specific type of solo! Then I realized that none of that truly matters. I discovered Sonic Youth, Pavement, and The Breeders—all immensely talented musicians who operate from a place of freedom.”
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As a young woman navigating her way through music, Devon often found herself overthinking and feeling intimidated by the exceptional skills of those around her. “I grew up with my Dad, surrounded by classic rock, which limited my perception of music. But listening to those bands made me realize I could create a 12-minute feedback loop if I wished. It opened my mind and showed me that you don’t need to be a genius to create something. I don’t have to wait until I’m ‘good’—my talent can develop organically.”
Life continued to unfold its path, albeit a challenging one. After experiencing a harsh breakup, Devon was overwhelmed by her emotions. At that time, her father was in Paris, so she packed her guitar, laptop, and passport, and fled to the French city. Setting up her gear in the closet of a spare room, she turned up the volume and—miraculously—songs began to surface.
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“I just knew I had to take action,” she recalls. “So, I wrote my first song and thought: oh my God, I’ve actually written a song! Then I wrote another, and another. I kept producing songs, and they started to resemble real music. I’d only ever sung in the shower. I never deemed myself a singer. I didn’t think I was good enough until I crafted my own songs and sang them in a way that felt right to me. But heartbreak became the catalyst. Classic heartbreak art,” she smiles, adding, “I think it’s better to write poetry than to send a rage text to someone.”
Emerging from her emotional cocoon, Devon Ross
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