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Devon Allen Johnson & Ruff Creek

Interview

 1.Seems you have been in the music industry for some time now, with that do you find it easier to navigate challenges you may face while touring?

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  I have been in the music industry long enough to see the landscape change pretty dramatically. In some ways it is easier to navigate, while also harder in others. Unfortunately there are way fewer venues to play now than there used to be. So booking gigs has become more difficult. It has also become harder to travel longer distances, due to rising overhead with little increase in pay. However, it has become considerably easier to market yourself at little cost with the use of social media.

 

 2.Your band has a new single coming out February 14, 2024, Where can listeners find your music at?

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  Our new single “Again” was released on February 14th on all major streaming platforms. Such as Itunes, Spotify, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, etc.  

 

 3.How did you come up with the band name Devon Allen Johnson, Ruff Creek?

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When I was forming the band while in college in Erie, I would come home to Southwest PA for rehearsals and gigs. We would rehearse at my bass player’s house in Jefferson. I would take 79 South to the Ruff Creek exit more times than not. I would see the name and it became synonymous with band practice, and it sounded country enough, so it just made sense. It started out as Devon Allen Johnson and Ruff Creek because I had built up a decent following doing solo gigs before the band was together. Once Ruff Creek had become a popular name, I removed my name, and we went solely by Ruff Creek for a long time. When Covid hit it became even harder to book the full band, but my solo gigs picked up dramatically and has stayed that way, so I returned to using my name with the band so that it was easily known that Ruff Creek was me vice versa.

 

4.What would you say inspired you to be a country artist?

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I get that question a lot, and it’s a simple answer, but not exactly what most people expect. I grew up in a home that was full of music. Although my parents were not musicians, they had a deep love of music. There was scarcely a time that you could drive past my house and not hear music. No specific genre mind you, it was a very eclectic mix of everything from R&B to country, and everything in between. I have been singing for as long as I can remember being able. I sang everything but country it seemed. When country music changed in the 90’s I began to gravitate more that direction. It seemed to fit my vocal style more than anything else. But it was never because it was my favorite genre. I am not even sure I know what is. If its good music and it speaks to me, then I like it. Genre makes little difference to me.

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5.Is Devon Allen Johnson, Ruff Creek currently getting radio airplay on any major radio stations?

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As of right now our radio airplay is limited to the local stations. Mostly Froggy here in Pittsburgh.

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6.When writing lyrics for songs, do you find it easy or difficult to dive into past memories to find the inspiration that makes a good song?

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I think past memories and experiences are the main inspiration for my music. I find I work best when I collaborate with other writers. I had the privilege of working with some great songwriters, like Frank Vieira, Jackson Gardner, and Dave Pahanish.

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7.Some say it can be difficult to "Love That Hard", Which also "Love That Hard" was on the EP called Forward On Faith in 2022. Did this song have a personal effect on many listeners?

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“Love That Hard” is more of a question that asks, how can you love someone that hard, but yet leave so easily. I think many people can relate to that. I would say most people have been in a similar situation at some point in their lives.

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