An Interview With Edward Sylvan
One of the ways I try to impact the world is to support LGBTQIA youth and stories. I believe it is so important to create art that other queer kids can relate to and find hope in. My first debut album dropping in the fall really deals with my own coming-out story and how that impacted my life.
As a part of our series about stars who are making an important social impact, I had the pleasure of interviewing DeVries.
DeVries’ ability to tell stories through music began as a child and has carried her around the world. At the age of 15, she began writing and performing her original music and released her debut album, Wishing, in 2011 that featured 13 original songs. She was also among the elite handful of artists to make it to American Idol’s Top 24. Additionally, on America’s Got Talent, she earned three separate standing ovations from both the judges and the audience.
Often performing the Nashville and Atlanta music circuit, DeVries is known for giving audiences a fearless and contagious energy without fail. With dynamic vocals and an undeniable stage presence — DeVries effortlessly captures a room. She doesn’t restrain her lyrics when it comes to leveling up from unhealthy relationships and living with fearless intention.
DeVries is quickly earning her stripes in the Nashville singer-songwriter community where she works with Emmy-award-winning songwriter and producer, Trey Bruce. She has also performed with legendary hit songwriter Matraca Berg, and co-written with Grammy-winning performer, songwriter, and producer Richard Marx.
She has plans to release more music this year, with a full-length project coming in fall.
Thank you so much for joining us on this interview series. Can you share with us the backstory that led you to this career path?
I started singing in church when I was very young. Music was always the place I felt most myself. As I got older, I started writing my own music. My parents had me in piano lessons from the age of 5, so I was very comfortable writing on that instrument. I wrote my first full song at 14 and haven’t stopped writing music since!
Can you share the funniest or most interesting story that occurred to you in the course of your career? What was the lesson or takeaway you took out of that story?
One of the funniest things that ever happened to me was when Jennifer Lopez yelled at me for taking my heels off on American Idol. We had been shooting all day, and I took my heels off during a break. She quickly informed me that we NEVER take off our shoes. I haven’t done it since.
What would you advise a young person who wants to emulate your success?
Write music that you would want to listen to. Be authentic. Don’t spend time comparing yourself to other artists — define what success and happiness mean for YOU and chase those things.
How are you using your success to bring goodness to the world? Can you share with us the meaningful or exciting causes you’re working on right now?
One of the ways I try to impact the world is to support LGBTQIA youth and stories. I believe it is so important to create art that other queer kids can relate to and find hope in. My first debut album dropping in the fall really deals with my own coming-out story and how that impacted my life.
Can you share with us a story behind why you chose to take up this particular cause? Can you share with us a story about a person who was impacted by your cause?
As a queer artist, I know firsthand how hard it can be to live your life openly and honestly. My family was not supportive when I came out and married my wife. I lost my community, friends, and family when I made the decision to come out publicly. I want to be able to help other queer kids feel less alone.
Are there three things or are there things that individuals, society, or the government can do to support you in this effort?
Support indie artists! Follow, like, share! It is the best thing you can do! (Society and the Government are a whole different story. Support the separation of church and state. Defend LGBTQ youth. Be a true ALLY. VOTE.)
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started,” and why? Please share a story or example for each.
Write music that you would want to listen to. Be authentic. Don’t spend time comparing yourself to other artists — define what success and happiness mean for YOU and chase those things.
You’re a person of enormous influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger.
We seem to be backtracking towards a society that is segregated and disinterested in equality for everyone. I want to start a movement where love is love and all people respect each other as equals.
Can you please give us your favorite life lesson quote? And can you explain how that was relevant in your life?
In love and death, we don’t decide. It is a song lyric by Dermot Kennedy that I think about every day. We don’t choose who we love or how long we are here, so make it count. I also have the Glennon Doyle quote, “No Love is Wasted” on my arm. It reminds me that no matter what happens, every person deserves the love you can give them. The love you give is never wasted.
We are blessed that some very prominent names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch, and why? He or she might just see this if we tag them.
I would absolutely LOVE to have breakfast with Glennon Doyle. Our stories are very similar and her book Untamed changed my life. I would love to talk with her and Abby. (Also, Abby is from my hometown, Rochester!)
This was very inspiring. Thank you so much for joining us!
Stars Making A Social Impact: Why & How DeVries Is Helping To Change Our World was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.