#15 - Powernerd!

[@georgetoivo7092]

Dude your singing and guitar playing is unbelievable. Your video with Rick Beato was absolutely amazing. I am now a serious fan. Carry on sir.

[@baplotnik]

You mean you haven't been a fan since 1994 when he was barely accessible to the Canadian populous let alone most other humans? Not even close to a real fan, get lost scrub, OG's only

[@stevemueller4703]

Awesome. I was really hoping that the Rick Beato video would bring some new fans into the mix. Dev is such a treasure.

[@mattsimper5011]

'It's somewhere between Metallica and Enya' - possibly the best description of your music I've heard!

[@kikarias79]

🇵🇹 Thank YOU Dev for all that you have given us. I follow every step of yours since 1994…and what a ride!!! Always evolving, always suprinsing us with the gift of music. Whatever it may be…it’s your music, your soul, your passion. From you to earth. Thank you for everything. 🙏🏼

[@partom24]

I really appreciate these videos. I’ve struggled with adhd and the creativity that comes with it for almost 40 years. Knowing the struggle that can appear around the creative process and watching someone with the same struggle finding success and finishing projects is definitely something that makes me hopeful.

[@Wumbo85]

spoke my mind

[@samcrorie]

Same here. Trying to find that balance with responsibility with being creative is tough. I was diagnosed with ADHD in my thirties.

[@The_Crooked_Step]

I'm really looking forward to Powernerd, which is an awesome name btw! Everything you describe it as seems like my cup of tea.

[@foxbat1766]

Thanks for letting us know where you're at today! Keep up the great work! And PowerNerd... 👍👍

[@verncassell3269]

Music is so powerful in ways that we don't yet understand and may actually never totally get. It lights up the brain and even more so if you're not just listening but also making it. Musical frequencies are floating through the universe and maybe tie it together in ways that science is just beginning to look at. Maybe we don't really need to understand it all. Maybe just being in its influence is all that we need to know. Just keep doing what you do Dev. It's good for all of us!

[@baplotnik]

I know enough about sound to know that's very convoluted. Listening to something like Bach tunes your mind upright to good things, strapping can tend kinda do the opposite, this isn't because of your brain lighting up though, it's not that complicated it's very simple

[@baplotnik]

We understand every aspect of how music can be powerful, in fact we have it down to a science

[@Liz-cmc313]

Hello Devin, you beautiful Soul. Always appreciate the updates. Your sleep cycle sounds like mine.

[@mikewachna4799]

Dev you are the most Dynamic, Thoughtful and In-Tune ADHD person I know.

[@danielbertram3867]

Dev! Your struggles switching out of creative mode are so relatable! I'm a founder building a deeply creative tech product - I have the exact same issue switching between the creative and practical tasks. Now I just need to find my own 1910s music reset button :D thanks so much for sharing! Sleep tip.. your nervous system has a massive impact on your ability to stay asleep, an accupressure mat (shakti mat is the brand) can help "reset" your nervous system before sleep. It's a little painful at first but it helps immensely with sleep, and in turn fatigue. Cold water on the face is another good "reset". Dip your face in a basin/bowl of cold water for a few minutes. There are many other techniques, but these are the most obviously impactful two I've come across. It can be hard to calm your nerves when everything is exciting, so you have to hack it! If your nervous system is calm, everything gets easier :)

[@brattonross]

Focusing on doing small, simple things really well can produce brilliant results. I'm very much looking forward to listening to Powernerd!

[@baplotnik]

Idk what small and simple mean to most people, but if you are wise simplicity is purely divinity, not literally, but like, it's close enough to being literal it may as well be. Let me ask you this, can a child understand your music, and then recognize that it's good? Siiiiimple way to check ✔️✅ does the baby cry, or does the baby be happy

[@baplotnik]

Babies aren't lab rats lol, but they have pure recognition of beauty vs evil, this is proven time and time again with real experiments

[@StephenD71]

Omg!!! I’ve been watching people’s reaction to the song Kingdom There are like 15 different people giving all great reviews But it’s priceless too see how blown away they are by Devin’s singing and his range from operatic to metal and all points in between. I’ve been playing guitar since the 80s and am a huge fan I would love to meet him one day

[@newbreednet]

You have conviction now! I remember the story about you being bummed when someone described The Hummer as a "weapon"... but it sounds like now you wouldn't care, you would be like "fuck yeah it's a weapon!!!!". Thanks Dev. Cheers.

[@baplotnik]

He was convicted a long time ago bro like for real, before we started listening

[@newbreednet]

for crimes against ice cream trucks?@@baplotnik

[@Hastenforthedawm]

​@@newbreednet Satan's Ice Cream Truck's?

[@newbreednet]

@@Hastenforthedawm kids come running for it!

[@rjones6801]

I'm a musician and a video editor/motion graphics designer (the latter is my career, and how I've paid my bills for 25 years). I had a stupid habit of only letting myself work on one project at a time. I felt like I shouldn't allow myself to work on another project because I didn't finish the one before. So instead I'd simply fuck around because I was losing interest in the project, and wouldn't let myself start a new one. It wasn't until I was 40 that I was like, "Why the hell do I do this? You're burnt out on this project. Work on something else and come back to it." In retrospect it seems like such a stupid way to be. I wish I'd been like I am now in my 20s. I feel happier and more productive than I have in years.

[@johnchristopher0music]

This might be a hot take, but Addicted! is one of my absolute favourite Devin records period, as great as Ocean Machine, even. Simple songwriting is fantastic, it's easy to get sucked into the music snob "not enough technique to be good" sort of mentality that drags us all down into a big sweaty hole filled with assholes. I love direct, to the point and passionate. It's the thing I feel has been missing from Devin lately, some directness, peeling back the layers of keys and choirs and getting the song out the door in as few overdubs as possible. This video series has been something of point of contact, a muse even. I found myself a musician at the age of forty with almost no songs to feel proud of to my name, so I challenged myself to write as much as possible (the prolific DT as one of my reference points) and so far Ive managed to write a song a week for the last 4 months. I'm not saying it's going to change the world or anything, but with everything the man himself has been saying about leaning into the creative process and letting yourself get into creative momentum has been an absolute life-changer for my sense of pride and self-worth. That's all. I guess I'll go back to my basement.

[@sanctuarydelete6-6-6]

this is the third time in my life that i have stumbled onto something i love and it turns out to be devin townsend...well done sir.!

[@sdamon]

So very much looking forward to hearing the end result of your efforts. ❤

[@deanbasham946]

One of the things I love about you Dev is you're like a box of chocolates 😂 I never know what I'm gonna get next from you and that's always exciting for me. I can't wait to hear Power Nerd and The Moth and everything else you have planned. Love ya lots, keep on smiling and have a great week x 🤘🖤🤘 x

[@artsolomon202]

Got the same non-problem, a few hours of sleep, a lot of hours in the studio, the dogs and family, its a blessing!❤

[@MiguelAgredaEarth]

The Renaissance Virtuoso did this, Leonardo Da Vinci, Miguel Angel, and others... You're a true gift to our kind. From Hate to wisdom going through crazyness. I and all the other fans love what you're able to create. Tons of respect from this humble Architect/Drummer/Father. Much Love \m/

[@1289AUstIN]

I just want to put this out there, because after watching this I experienced the realization that even an absolute powerhouse such as Devin Townsend has the help of many other people to create such wonderful music. As a musician I have been to caught up lately in thinking I have to do everything myself, but this helped me realize that. Thank you 🖤

[@euskir]

Very interesting your perspective connecting your sleeping cycles, creativity, everyday life. Another great video update to be thankful for.

[@guitarslinger16]

Devin, you make my life better. thank you for everything you do.

[@Jbthehut]

All of these albums are going to be amazing. Keep up the good work sir!

[@matsveg2080]

Devin Your Ziltoid helped me define my darker side... man.. thank you! It helped me a lot through the toughest times!

[@baplotnik]

Haha I love ziltoid, what an asshole he is too, trying to get all the coffee. Yeah right. War princess? Well, she had a better attempt that's for sure

[@matsveg2080]

ha! :) yes, divert all power to sonar awakening device, we must summon, the planet smasher!@@baplotnik

[@carlypajaron9308]

First of all I love you, second Powernerd! is a pretty strong and evocative title. Last but not least thanks for everything man.

[@ULTRALOUDofficial]

Thank you for this insight Devin! It is refreshing to hear that an amazing musician such as yourself struggles with the same type of challenges that I experience. Can't wait to hear your new music and please come back to Calgary when you tour again!!

[@Rerved]

Hey Devin, I'm pushing through some of my own creative work, and understand thoroughly what you have been saying these past updates. With that said, you are my favourite person to listen to in terms of creative struggles and finding your own identity in life. All of your work and the way you speak influence me and are of the greatest importance to me. The day you cease to do your work and be yourself is the day of my demise, or at least profound sadness and gratitude for your contributions. Keep doing these. I enjoy them.

[@lyricbread]

You know Devin is deep in creating a new masterpiece when he’s growing facial hair.

[@baplotnik]

Oh shit your right 🤔 shit is getting real when the talented Mr Townsend has a gross matted hairball on his face lol

[@lyricbread]

@@baplotnik 😂

[@Hastenforthedawm]

Can't wait for the long beard phase

[@chadm4976]

I call it eustress, its knowing shit needs to get done and you have ability to do it. Its a great feeling, very different from distress!

[@reisselpud]

Love the name "Powernerd", can't wait !

[@Phlesh]

I can’t wait Dev !!! As my favourite Non SYL Albums of yours are - Ocean Machine - Accelerated Evolution - Physicist - Epicloud - Infinity But every single album you do is life-changing !!!! (To say the least) In my opinion, Strapping Young Lad: City Is STILL !!! The HEAVIEST ALBUM EVER CREATED !!! 27 years later !!!

[@intraterrestrial5035]

Putting on Devlab during the wee hours of the night might be one of my favorite things

[@ApacheUy]

You are an inspiring person. When we are with struggling with our projects, and watch Devin Townsend himself talking about this, this make us stronger than you think. Because we are just people. We are always learning from you. Thank you for sharing.

[@Roddrummer]

'Putting out a record this year', highly unexpected words, but music to my ears! In the 'Addicted' and 'Epicloud' vein, even better!!!

[@sarafisher5502]

Thank you because that's exactly the same sleep pattern as me! I thought I was a weirdo but it's a relief to hear someone else out there has the same issue. I chalk a lot of it up to my anxiety unfortunately.

[@JoshParkerDrums]

If you think it’ll be awesome, then we’ll think it’ll be awesome and then it’ll be awesome. We’re here for it.

[@jeremythornton433]

I totally get what you're saying about not sleeping because too many musical ideas are flying through your head. I'm married and i am totally in love with my wife, but if I was where I am today and single, and could afford the time; not having to work a day job; then every time a musical idea woke me, I'd be able to walk into my little home studio and record it. Reality being what it is, I lay in bed hoping that when i get home from work the following day, I haven't forgotten the idea. It has yet to happen.

[@GumtreeRoadResins]

Your background music rocks too! Thanks for all the music Dev! From Perth Aus.

[@DerekMarshall]

Really appreciate the diary … it is inspiring and helping me think through my own work

[@brendanhoffmann8402]

I think Dev has helped me overcome my anger and hate with his own growth, my own music helped most though probably (I wrote an album about hate). I have come to a point where I don't want to write or listen to angry music anymore. It's good for you to help you express and understand your own anger but once you let the worst of it go you just want peace. Thanks Dev!

[@HeadhuntersUnion]

Devin it must be amazing to have so many people to bounce ideas off of. I envy you for that. Also, I am very curious how you stay organized. I have 2 projects going at once and it's chaos for me. Mentally and spiritually. Makes me sick at times. Thanks for everything Devin.

[@daveking9393]

Sorry to be late to your party. Just found you with Lightwork. It definitely connected with me... Thanks for that part of your journey. Provides a pocket for me to start with you and see where it goes...

[@jamescocorikis8595]

The ifs are your biggest doubt, but those also really make us grow exponentially because we reflect on the if, and that becomes the past. Thank you for being inspirational and sharing.

[@1289AUstIN]

We really do all love that thing you do between Metallica and Enya ♥️

[@hawkeyeeagle5280]

All I can say is...thank you Devin

[@BurpleRX7]

Keep on keeping on my guy, Boats rocking this side right now but hey what’s the worst that happens we get a bit wet

[@richardembery]

These talks have been so inspiring as I’ve been writing a very personal song. I play all the instruments and between work, surfing and family it took me 7 months to record. I’ve just had a near mental breakdown mixing it. I’ve made two rookie errors and ruined two mixes that took around 15 hours each. . God I was nearly in tears haha. I made myself so sick with the anxiety on how it would turn out. I finally finished the third mix yesterday and I think it may be all worth it. I’m looking forward to sending it to the mastering engineer tomorrow. Love the chats Dev. Your emotional intelligence astounds me. Have a great day.

[@krister-guitar26]

Anything in the vein of Addicted would tickle my fancy. Indeed it would.

[@kyleagnew4699]

I love your videos. I always look forward to them. Thank you Devin

[@geraldinemullally4565]

Good luck Devy got the coming week really excited to see the the Ruby Quaker project and Power Nerd sounds like an amazing album title xx

[@carpentemusic]

Juggling projects can seem daunting, but then they magically get done.

[@StephenD71]

The transformation of the moth into the butterfly 🦋

[@stewiepid4385]

Frickin' Gear Nerd! Love U Brother!

[@theddrums2083]

I know my input doesn't matter, but I love "Power Nerd".

[@KirkpatrickSounds]

Super excited to hear this project! Massive fan of Epicloud and Addicted so it sounds very exciting. Thanks Dev.

[@Alejandrold2379]

HEY DEVIN SALUDOS DESDE CHILE...!!! thanks for give us you part of you life and feelings.

[@treaclesmith]

I've always wondered how you be a Husband & Father while constantly working Your wife must be very understanding, you never seem to have any family time, but what do i know ? You & your wife probably figured that out long ago. I saw you at Manchester Academy in 2017, fantastic gig !!!

[@mattmain237]

Im so hyped for powernerd

[@garytackett8426]

Your confidence makes me (as a fan from '93 on) happy!! Have fun and do your thing! METAL!!! Lol

[@Gavrev]

I feel the whole tapestry of creative endeavour really causes a lot of either complex inner conflict or has a very direct feeling line that goes from conception to completion without any hassle. All these little thoughts and things you talk about and identify always seems to tickle a nerve somehow, and cause a sympathetic resonance. Good luck with the stuff coming over the horizon and I'm looking forward to enjoying it without any judgement or expectations 😎👍

[@pinkenbajedi2119]

Looking forward to powernerd to tide me over while I wait for the moth and axolotyl!! Keep it up buddy ❤ this podcast has been driving me to keep going with my own music releases. Second ep comes out next month, not sure I would’ve actually done it without your inspiration. Love ya buddy 🫡

[@ConstantineG]

Heheh I found the music playing when switching workspace quite amusing and ingenious, kind of like elevator music for the brain

[@Vigrith]

I relate on the insomnia but mine is totally different. No matter how tired I am I will sometimes lay in bed for 2-3 hours before I can fall asleep but once I am there I sleep like the dead. Also I love that hoodie.

[@chriskondracki7398]

In my opinion one of the most talented artists on this 🌍 👏👏👏

[@baplotnik]

That could be possible

[@DaapDaap22]

The sleeping thing i can relate to so much, cause i also sleep like that, i wake up many times during the night, to fall asleep again.

[@janviggoneubergjohansen]

Love❤❤❤ Do it!! You are an inspitation in my life. & i just play music to relax. Slæpp some bass here , shred some guitar there.

[@t3hgir]

Devin, try Formula One onboard footage for inspiration (like the train videos). Preferably from past decades, something about the flow of a pro racing driver encourages me in a way. Also the undeniable attraction to the sound and timbres of a race car.

[@dustinkozak2466]

Dude I love you and you just need more Rhodiola and Tulsi tea 💙💚💜

[@shopmunkey]

I love the idea of hiding the interface in between tasks to allow the brain to congeal and sort in the background. I bet I can add that to my routine as a fabricator For memory, have you considered adding lions mane and reishi mushroom supplements? Maybe microdosing magic ones (check your local laws), as it helps form stronger connections in the brain and promote neuroplasticity. I can only say that after having ADHD/anxiety brain for 40 years, that's helped me immensely. Other nootropics might help in conjunction, though those have to be tested, as each person seems to respond to different ones

[@JohnHenry1331]

Thank you for your floating music. ❤

[@DoesHeDieded]

I too sleep in blocks of 2-3 hours. I just chalked it up to being middle-aged.

[@wolfMetall]

I do recommend getting checked for sleep apnea. It is a bitch to live with but the treatment is supper effective and easy.

[@geraldmerkowitz4360]

Wish you luck ? You don't need luck. You're gonna ace it we know it.

[@kjellhallgreen7075]

I am actually super excited for powernerd 😊❤

[@cowsaysmoo51]

Metallica crossed with Enya is such a wonderful combo

[@EricBoren]

It sounds like you're naturally gravitating toward a polyphasic sleep schedule. I've had sleep problems my whole life and I experimented with polyphasic sleep during covid. It was a game changer. I'd sleep from 10pm to 1am, be awake from 1-4, and then sleep from 3-7am, with a 20-minute nap from 1:40-2pm. It got me falling asleep a lot faster and I had a lot more energy than ever before. Unfortunately, it requires rigid adherence to the schedule and once things started opening up again it became impractical. Anyway, it might be something to look into for you.

[@VirginiaBluesOG]

The Nightlife is calling again.

[@philsayer9797]

I'm sure Dev knows, but there's already a synthwave artist called Powernerd (without the exclamation mark!). Hopefully there's no issues using the name?

[@PenguinDT]

Interesting, I have a similar thing with working on technical stuff, be it programming or sorting assets - my brain refuses 'start up' unless I put music on. It's weird - I'm basically staring at the desktop with mind gone blank, but the moment I turn on he music my brain boots up.

[@salladbanks2603]

you do not look 52, the stress has not taken hold of your physical yet, be grateful for that!

[@onbedoeldekut1515]

Align your bed with or against the magnetic poles, I've been getting my best sleep head pointing west the past few years.

[@malcolmtucker5225]

Hi Devin Love you and your work!!!!

[@PrimitiveInTheExtreme]

💚

[@ambientmagic2113]

Mad love

[@900dr34u]

Hemi-sync and/or 40hz works very well for my over active frontal part of the brain.

[@JohnnyGTar]

I admire everything you do and of course your creative mind that may be keeping you up,but you may want to consider take some magnesium supplements before sleep. It worked wonders for me

[@paulmccabe2966]

Yep...I'm 53...that's my sleep pattern exactly...

[@DavelyDriven]

It's just a different wall of sound; a different texture of fuzzy wall as it were

[@chadm4976]

Also 2 other things... 1. Eat the Frog. 2. The Pareto effect or 80/20 rule.

[@DadRockProject]

I have a new puppy. So that is exactly my sleep schedule.

[@ehcmier]

Pignose, yeah!

[@reinsphoenix]

[@dragontamer3254]

Devy + Kroger = best podcast of my entire life.

[@danielnaberhaus5337]

Try cutting back on coffee to sleep better

[@rlm4471]

Dev, I feel like you would make better music if you cut your release rate in half. I love your work in general, but from the outside, a lot of these projects seem rushed.

[@scotfirehamer4247]

Devy!

[@alexc.c.4025]

'Powernerd is an easy record, it's going to be around the Epicloud, Addicted vain' 😮 Yes please!!!! I already love it then ❤ About sleep, I take 1 melatonin pill & 1 sleeping pill & hopefully sleep for 5-6 hours 😄 I have a 9-6 job but get up at 6.50am to run 10k in the morning or I will never wake up. BEST WISHES DAVID!!!! Take care

[@warrenlayne1594]

Metalenya Metaenya Metenya Meenya Menya 😊

[@warrenlayne1594]

Naming is almost always a vibe thing. Powernerd is an awesome working title, though. #Powernerd3000

[@warrenlayne1594]

Looking forward to hearing your brain's fartings and meanderings. All the best dude.

[@amelieverantes]

Still no comic 😔

[@YewrinePish]

Hey man wanna join my band? You're pretty good