Five years in the making, The Devin Cuddy band have finally released their brand new album, Dear Jane, alongside the title track single and a live video. We caught up with Devin Cuddy to chat about the new music, his favourite thing about being a musician, and the artists he’s listening to most right now.
From The Strait: Tell us about the new single, “Dear Jane”.
Devin Cuddy: Dear Jane is a song I wrote during the pandemic while I, like many, spent a lot of quality time with my TV. I was watching MASH and this theme of Dear John and Dear Jane letters appeared in several episodes. These are letters written during war time from the service member’s spouse essentially saying they are leaving them while they are serving, that they won’t be there when they get home. So the song is in the form of a Dear Jane letter.
From The Strait: If you had to pick a personal favourite song on your new album, which would it be and why?
Devin Cuddy: I am not sure I have a favourite song on the record. Many of the songs were recorded years ago and we have been playing them for quite a while now. So for that reason I would be inclined to say the single Dear Jane because it is the newest song and feels the freshest. I am also very happy with the cover we did of Barney Bentall’s Come Back To Me, as I have always loved that song and it is one I have had the pleasure of playing with Barney for years.
From The Strait: What is your favourite – and least favourite – thing about being a musician?
Devin Cuddy: My favourite thing about being a musician is being able to travel across this great country and meet people from all different parts of it, all different walks of life. I draw a lot of inspiration from the stories I hear and the people I meet during our tours. The spectrum of human experience I am able to learn about is definitely a highlight for me. I am not sure I have a least favourite part, often it is just a culmination of little things. I hate being late, which happens a lot in this biz haha.
From The Strait: What bands and artists have you been listening to the most lately?
Devin Cuddy: I have been listening to Lukas Nelson a lot these days, and had the pleasure of seeing him play recently which was just so great. An amazing band with great songs and immense talent, it was an inspiring experience. I am also a huge fan of Terra Lightfoot, Bahamas and Andy Shauf. I really love Canadian music and think pound for pound it is the best in the world.
From The Strait: What would you say has been the highlight of your career thus far?
Devin Cuddy: I am not sure I can point to one highlight as I have been very lucky over the years. But off the top of my head it would have to be playing Massey Hall in Toronto with my Dad and brother. It is an amazing venue and playing it with my family made it even more special. Just thinking of who has graced that stage while you walk out is an amazing feeling.
From The Strait: If you weren’t a musician, what would you be doing right now?
Devin Cuddy: This is always a hard one for me. I have chased being a musician my whole life, since I was playing trumpet in the high school symphonic band, since I was at York University for music and since I first performed my own music on stage. The only other thing I have done is work in restaurants and bars, which I do enjoy so I would have to say that. But I would still want to work at a music venue.
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Check out “Dear Jane”, the latest single from The Devin Cuddy Band!
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