Approach to Lightwork (part one of seven)

[@edneragnarok]

Man, I hear him say this about almost every album he makes “people are gonna be mad at me for making x type of album”, naw dude. We love your variety. That’s why we follow you my man.

[@morgancross5481]

Sadly there is and will always be a super vocal portion of the fanbase, as with any long term band/musician, that will shit on anything different. Different either from their expectations or different from what they've made before. Plus with someone as prolific and unwilling to stay in one box as Dev you'll inevitably have people falling into tons of different "camps" formed from the different eras of his music. And just as inevitably each camp will have assholes that want to argue. Spend any time on social media fan pages and you'll see arguments for and against literally every period of his career with claims of every single one either being his best/worst. Its exhausting and i'm glad Dev clearly tunes it out enough to keep doing what he's doing.

[@Ravelle17]

Some people do turn away, and I feel bad for them (and Dev, because less fans makes it harder to be profitable)

[@ronnieeuda]

Ironic how Devin speaks of "selling out", yet he did everything NOT to sell out. He is by far the last person on earth to do that. What a humble, beautiful human being.

[@harolddeschenes4640]

I fucking love this guy dearly. There's simply no one like him so genuine and human.

[@Steeny8096]

Devin creates music for every mood. If I'm in the mood to smash things you got the really heavy stuff, or in the mood to chill you got easy listening, or in the mood to vibe out and center yourself you have things like Snuggles! I love the versality of your music and very excited for this album!!

[@DDAngel1]

🖐🙂🎼

[@BillsGymSock]

110% this. Devin has this incredible ability to reach into a box of music creativity, pull out random influences and just make beautiful music. Throughout his career like SYL, like DTP and his solo stuff. We are so incredibly lucky to have someone so creative, so musically eccentric, and so spiritually grounded. Such a truly special and wonderful human being.

[@TheMeh115]

No, YOU’RE a work of the light.

[@Sincemyaccident]

Lol

[@MrNebauer]

Devin, you may be known as many different things but one of them will never be "sellout". Ever. I hope this album is huge for you!

[@skimmilksquire197]

I’ve listened to the puzzle so much this year. I’m really sad that Devin feels like it didn’t get the love that it deserves

[@robthorne2077]

Agreed! I love the puzzle! If exemplifies the time it was constructed. Totally amazing.

[@profile5]

I liked The Puzzle, it’s just hard to consume regularly. No such thing as selling out, I hope get your money man. Your contribution to rock and metal are timeless,participating in more genres is good. Thank you for your enduring dedication to creating art we can enjoy. Love what I am hearing so far for Lightwork.

[@mincentprice1041]

One of my favorite qualities in Dev, is there is so much expression of every emotion and color that turn on a dime. Most artists would have fans dropping like flies . But instead Dev has generations of fans salivating for what's next. Dev's journey and artistic paths aren't a handicap - they are honest, emotional expressions. Those qualities have bonded the listener and the artist into a rather special relationship. One that is shared by people from all over the world, that have been blessed enough to get the right Devin Townsend song between their ears BTW The Puzzle should have been nominated for a Grammy Cheers!!

[@MysticHeather]

Dev, your fans have come to expect the unexpected from you & we love you for that. Please don’t ever feel that we’ll think any less of you for expressing EVERY PART OF YOU! As an artist myself who seems to be a bundle of walking contradictions I for one really appreciate the example you set that we don’t have to boil ourselves down to *one style* . We humans are all multifaceted and we artists maybe even more so. There is so much that I want to express but the common narrative is that if you don’t “niche down” nobody will want anything to do w you, I’ve been fighting that narrative within myself and you continue to prove that the “niche down” advice doesn’t mean shit. Thank you for being your incredible multifaceted you!!

[@darkhymnsfromthecoldnorth]

I'm a fairly new Devin fan. You guys (his fans) all seem like cool people, and I think he knows that. Never seen an artist that is as appreciative of fans the way he is. I love the new song and literally can't wait to hear the entire album. Just pre-ordered it.

[@Peregrin_Took]

I feel like a simp, but I love all your music. When I heard puzzle, I was confused, but sat and listened to the whole thing and I found myself so relaxed and focused. Nowadays I listen to it and snuggles when I want to meditate or just relax. Of all the musicians in the world, you are my favorite. I listen to a wide variety of genres but you bring the most emotional fulfillment in your music.

[@kewmusician]

There's not one bad album this man has made and is totally underrated!!!!

[@kenturner367]

I enjoy listening to Devin talking about his creative process. I always watch his videos like this. I will be interested to hear Lightwork. For me, accessible can be great. Accessible AND soft/light is not my favorite, but I still respect it. For example, I much prefer Addicted to Ghost. Of course, that is just me and others will have their own preferences and likes.

[@neils123]

You just said everything I was thinking as well.

[@MrMapacheco]

you can be very very proud of Puzzle. It's technically impressive, sonically interesting and thematically accurate to extreme levels. This is just my opinion, but Puzzle is a very unique and wonderful album that resonated with me a lot even if it's not the most easily listenable music out there

[@Shlooomth]

Devin is my current #1 favorite creative person and listening to him talk about his process is like listening to god describe the nuances of the universe. We big love you Dev

[@Dustinjlarson]

Honestly devin I listen to your work because you are an artist. If I want to stay stuck inside of a perfected genre then there is bands that do that for me. I enjoy the fact that you can transform music to fit the path you walk. That’s way more honest. I enjoy being challenged by music. I can’t wait for the album. Sometimes I play my guitar and pretend like I’m off on a musical journey like devy…. And then I remember I can only do like a few chords. I still love it though!

[@micphoenix8200]

Your music speaks to my soul Dev. Thank you.

[@xMRxZEROx]

I can't wait. I could listen to this man talk all day. He truly is a one of a kind gem and true gift to the music world. Only musician I know who can run the entire gamut of musical genre and influence, ranging from soft beautiful musicals to the most hellishly rhythmic and heavy metal the world has heard, and have his entire fanbase unite behind him regardless of their personal preferences. I was always more inclined towards the heavier side of music. Having initially found Devin during his SYL years and he was amazing to me then. But then discovering this entire other side to Devin and this deep, thoughtful, emotional side of this man, creating music that has touched me in a way I didn't even realize it could. Some of my favorite works of his are his most mellow music. To this day I cannot listen/watch his performance of The Death of Music as his Royal Albert Hall show without getting chills down my spine. The power and emotion he put into that performance is legendary. I've always said I'd put his talents up against ANY musician, from ANY era, without hesitation. As well as that old question of, "If you were forced to only listen to ONE musician/band for the rest of your life, who would it be?", and I of course would pick Devin Mother Fucking Townsend, without thought. The man's musical catalog is so diverse and ranged and connected to my soul that I know I'd never get bored. My only concern would be wether or not this restriction included any new music he created after this deal was made. 🤣 I love this man.

[@vwharman]

I hope Dev can feel how appreciative the world is of his output. I often hear him speak and hear him communicating so much doubt about his output, yet for me, and I think so many others, his output is all we look forward to. His honesty in effort allows us to think and reflect on ourselves, others and the environment in which we find ourselves to have a better understanding of priorities and importance. Devin has made my mental health better. I cannot express how much I appreciate his output and the pathway it gave me to feel comfortable with not being who I felt I should be, but being comfortable with who I am. I love this man. More than my wife likes…

[@cygnusx-1375]

Oh Devy, you could never let us down. The reason we stay with you is because you ARE so unique and different every time. You just wear your emotions on your sleeve and it inspires all of us to do the same and not be ashamed of being confused. You help ground us and give us a musical lighthouse to help us navigate the beautiful and complex confusion that is existence as a whole. You and what you do means so much to us that you could never EVER let us down you sweet, thoughtful human being you. You have helped us more than you will ever know.

[@THEmikereynolds1337]

Devin is not only one of my favorite artists, but just generally one of my favorite folks to look up to period. Love you, Dev.

[@VolkorX]

Love you man, never stop doing what you do!

[@Trace75]

You've created music for every possible mood or emotion I have ever felt, and for that I will always remain eternally grateful.

[@sundaymorningsessions]

Already ordered the box set. I mean, it's Devin. I love the insight into this, looking forward to the next episodes.

[@chrisremi6526]

Devin, as a fan of your rock and metal music, I'm a huge fan of The Puzzle as well. It's nothing like you've done before, but The Puzzle is one I listen to a lot while working as it really gets my mind going and helps me disconnect in a way where I can think more outside the box. I also use Snuggles to help me go to sleep :) I'm really excited for your new stuff

[@robertclarkguitar]

Nothing beats the atmospheric feel. That sells it for me as it carries the soul....

[@theTenthlife]

I only discovered Devin about five years ago, the first song I ever heard was "The Way Home" and I immediately started listening through as much as I could. Hands down my favorite musician ever, bar none. This year I am facing some seriously frightening medical problems, and looking forward to this album is something that is genuinely helping me. I'm about to have to make some very tough choices, this is the scariest thing I've ever had to manage, and knowing there is something I'm honestly excited about on the horizon does so much for me. I can't begin to describe how much it means to me. Maybe it's silly to place that much emphasis on something like a new album but I really need something to be excited about and hearing new Devin is a beacon I'm holding on to. Seems fitting given the theme I've seen so far. I don't care what kind of album it is, I'm all in for it. Thanks for everything, both to Devin and the community around his music.

[@brycewilson1741]

Soooo looking forward to this album.

[@amuse311]

I can listen to Dev all day. I really enjoy everything he releases. Sometimes it doesn’t hit me at first, but mostly that’s because I wasn’t ready for it, so sometimes it takes me a few listens to really “get” it. Every release satisfies certain feelings and really hits home when you’re feeling them, so I’m very excited for Lightwork. Don’t let the naysayers get ya down Dev! Those of us that have open minds and enjoy the devolution of your creative process will always be here.

[@Agrajag_Guitars]

As a long time DevFan I feel like Lightwork has come directly from the DevHeart. It might be the most honest translation of his soul that I’ve heard yet. Nothing Dev ever does is a ‘sell oot’ 😁🖤 I don’t know what I would do without a big pile of Dev in my music library, we love you! 🤘🏻

[@magpie1862]

Thanks for making The Puzzle, Devin. I still listen to it at least once a week and have been doing so since it was released. I always listen to it at work as it helps me relax and concentrate. I’m still not bored of it and don’t think I ever will be. A brilliant piece of music that shows your genius.

[@stuartjohnmorrison5186]

Please keep being yourself and doing what you love. Can't wait for the album 😀👍

[@myauralfixation]

There are vast differences between the genres of music I love. So no matter what you do, you will always have a place in my life. And you are a stellar human being, the most genuine in this industry that I have ever encountered. Love you Devin. xx

[@SteveNisbet]

Devin - not heard most of your work - loved Kingdom - then Moonpeople recently, if you were to pigeon hole yourself into what you think fans will require of you - you'd only kill off your creativity - epic soundscapes, fantastic voice - impacts! Thats all thats needed

[@philbrousseauqc]

You have to do music that you want sometimes and not only think about what people wants to listen! It's your universe and we as fans, have to respect this!

[@TheSpoartsNetwork]

I love Moonpeople. I'm a fan of Phil Collins and Peter Gabriel and it really reminds me of them.

[@vsTerminus]

I really wasn't sure what to make of The Puzzle the first time I heard it, but I walked away with parts of the album stuck in my head and the next day I had a strong desire to listen to it again. It very rapidly grew on me, and now I've listened to it more than any other album since it released. The way it flows from moment to moment is just such a fun journey from start to finish. Keep doing what you're doing Devy.

[@cknick]

I can't get enough of Moonpeople. Every time that double kick comes in near the end I get goosebumps! It's, as Dev put it, easy listening but it does feel like it's about to whack you and I love it!!! I cannot wait for the whole album :)

[@GoodDealington]

Love it when Devin goes through his creative process

[@NoemiMC23]

I love Devin, your creative and love for the music its very important; your vision of music is unique and unmistakable. I admire you a lot, thank you for giving us your love through music.

[@mootkickee]

Dev worries far too much about what people think. We don’t care bro, you do you. That’s why you have the fans you do ✌🏼

[@Barkb1t]

Love love love The puzzle. It´s like a smorgasbord of very small dishes that leaves you wanting more, IE playing it again.

[@DonJoeBob]

Selling out, to me, is when someone does something they have no interest in at all - for money. And even that ain't a bad thing, it's how I make a living. As a Devin fan, I think it's impossible for him to sell out. The Puzzle was an incredible awesome experience and as a fan of 'Ghost' and 'Casualties of Cool', I'm very excited for 'Lightwork'.

[@davidsmusicbox5866]

“This is really what I wanted to do”. This has, to me, what I felt you wanted to do each album. As someone who has been a fan since Strapping, I have always felt you did what you wanted to do. At the time, I feel like it was what you wanted to do. Expectations be damned. In the best way. You’ve gone all over the board in styles, because it’s what you wanted to do. And I respect and love that. I’ve never been disappointed in an album, even when it wasn’t what I expected. Because it always feels genuine. Some of them may not have been what I wanted in the exact moment (to no fault of yours.) But even those albums ill find myself circling back to when MY mood strikes. And the fact you put out so much so often, with it so varied, to me has always been a plus. Ive never been disappointed when i see you release a new album. Even when it wasnt what i needed that day, ill still be able to listen and know it is leagues above many others, and again, circle back in a day or few and be able to fully take it in because MY mood had improved.

[@franlovelsimic8421]

As many have stated here, Puzzle was and is a part of you, the you we love. I get your insecurities and saying "Don't be insecure lmao" won't change that but know there is a horde of... well rabidly wholesome fans that border on cult-like acceptance ready for anything you throw at us. Loved Moonpeople and can't wait for Light and Nightwork. Keep being you and thanks for being pretty much the only idol I have in my life. All the best king!

[@meganesanvid]

Devin, my first time listening your music was with SYL, and here I am listening to everything you want to create as an artist.

[@Manny1222]

Just wanna say how grateful I am that you exist.

[@florianklink2961]

If it weren't for the great melodic and emotional parts, I would've never been a fan of Devins music in the first place. There are tons of bands out there doing brutal metal and there are not many artists who can mix those two worlds together and make it work like Dev. Perhaps it works so well because he's really honest and passionate about it. He also happens to be talented, which most of his fans might have noticed by now.

[@demantim]

Talking about getting back on tour with a constructive, positive album's really in line with Dev's earlier comments about being responsible and holding yourself accountable when creating. I respect that greatly and can't wait for Easy Listening Dev! (Also wish more creatives embraced their positive side, we need that at the moment!)

[@thepredator666qc4]

lightwork is by far my favorite album from him.......if it is the direction he is taking than my life is fullfilled ;)

[@DreamyCardano]

"easy listening Dev" I'm excited!!!

[@monicaash6369]

Nothing Devin does could EVER be considered "artsy fartsy BS." I do understand that The Puzzle is not something most people will crank up and cruise down the highway to, but it was SO powerful and amazing. I put it on and listened straight through, and yes, it was chaotic... but it was meant to be that way. I am so appreciative when an artist can do something just for them , when they arent compelled to control their creativity to appeal to the masses. That was inside of him, and all of us to be honest, but he channelled it and turned thw chaos into something we could hear and feel and understand even though at times it was confusing. I'm excited to hear what comes of this new album, Lightwork. Moonpeople is already sucking me - doing the classic Devy of building sound upon sound upon sound to the point of it building up emotionally inside of you as you listen. I cant wait for more!

[@johnstitt2615]

You are a dedicated man in terms of your music. If anyone deserves to take month off from it all it is you dude.

[@matcarpes]

I'm up for anything devy makes, I really appreciate his approach towards music, compositions and emotions

[@Michaelgroberts]

Honestly I clicked on this video thinking it was going to be Devs approach to setting up a lighting rig lol. But now I know there’s a new album, ah god what a nugget that was to find out😁 I probably have been under a rock if this has been news for a while.

[@CarcPazu]

I can barely listen to anything he does really, but I love the guy, he's inspiring and often have a few wise things to say that makes me think and apply that somewhere in my music life.

[@joejoetheawesome]

Hey man, I love the variety. I love that when I open your discography I have every flavour of ice cream. Who doesn't want that? Keep making fresh flavours 🙌

[@Liz-cmc313]

I can listen to Devin talk 24/7... the man is not of this world.

[@jodyovsiew3671]

Just listened to the Moonpeople through really great headphones…..sonically incredible. It sounds SO good. Very hooky song, but in a very non-traditional sense. By no means a ‘sellout’ of any kind.

[@nazer1024]

For me Devin's music brings such joy into my life, I feel forever grateful to this human for his art and will always be so.

[@calebhohneke8482]

Composing music that is true to yourself and makes you proud to listen to at the end of the day will never be "selling out". Selling out would be compromising your artistic vision to appeal to other versus yourself. What makes you so inspirational to me as a musician is that you follow your creative process down these rabbit holes and push the boundaries in various ways. Happy to hear that you are stoked on the album, and i'm excited to hear it when it comes out. 😁

[@elliusagi]

Devin, dearest, I am so proud of you. These 10 years you have been in my life, you have inspired and helped me every day with so many different ways and levels. Thank you 💜

[@toneshepherd8300]

I wrote many tunes beside a lighthouse beside the ocean..... While I looked at that lighthouse as a function of marine safety, I also looked at it as a beacon for the mess my own thoughts were at that time. Love your music, Dev, I hope to meet you someday....

[@AztecHusBone]

Looking forward to the album Devin

[@ChristinaChrisR]

See you in Sweden in February, Devin, welcome to Gothenburg! I’m so lucky to get to finally listen to you live for the first time! And, you’ve been so fantastically generous with your art and with yourself during lockdowns.🌷

[@agrojim1975]

If the first single is anything to go buy, Lightwork is going to be an awesome album. I would love it to break Devy through to the mainstream. 'Popular' music really needs a shake up. This could be the album that does it.

[@nicholasdavidson5683]

More of the world needs to hear devy :)

[@teme007]

Dev, u will newer sell out..We love you!

[@migueldefigueiredo8622]

Devin you'll never be a sell out! You're true to yourself and that's what all of us expect!! Can't wait for the record!

[@seniorzolo3433]

Yes, I know you're tired; I saw that from your Instagram. This makes you human. This is why I love you dude. You aren't a rock star somehow above everyone. You are honest.

[@dan242242]

can't wait to hear the rest of it, I've preordered my copy!!!

[@stellalink8898]

This is awesome! I love your explanations for why you do what you do... and its just amazing how far you've come. love ya

[@carlball505]

I love you so much Dev!

[@naynaynay324]

DT talking about the Puzzle/Snuggles remind me of the anecdotal story of a spectator looking at the nearly finished Guernica and commented that it was terribly ugly; to which Picasso replied something like: Exactly.

[@feaganmedia8605]

Devin you're amazing mate, big hi five for you

[@MattSatriani]

The Puzzle was amazing!

[@olelense]

If the rest of the album is similar to "Moonpeople", it's going to be epic! Can't wait!

[@d.h.754]

Love you for everythink that you are

[@benb7432]

I love The Puzzle, it's one of my favourite albums along with Deconstruction and Empath. Based on what I've heard so far I don't think I'll be into Lightwork so much, I want more crazy weird music. But I still love everything you do whatever it is! 👽👽

[@ulfingvar1]

Puzzle was great, Dev!!

[@pedroblanch4540]

I love his pursuit of goods songs (not so chaotic like the Empath album). But I think his personality (musically speaking) will always have a metalhead side and that's what fans expect. Hope he'll never lose that north, even if he continue to be creative and with good compositions (simple or complex).

[@jameskillgo]

What a wonderful surprise for a Monday morning when I should be working! Thanks Dev

[@winylowaryba]

There is no typical album made by Devin. Because he is unusual musician. One thing is obvious. You should expect everything.

[@Ravelle17]

My fave.

[@tristenhood3167]

The puzzle was amazing. I had to split it up the first time I listened to it because it was so emotionally heavy. And I loved it. And then snuggles after that was just icing on the cake. Keep doing what you're doing devy!

[@masteryoda2107]

we want you to do what you want. you have given us (fans) just so much! I thank you and encourage you to follow you instincts

[@bjornlakenstrazen2186]

Devin is a Tears for Fears fan! My day is validated for some reason

[@albertdraper1157]

Hopefully you can come to Edmonton some time again in the future! 😊 Saw you for the first time here when you did an amazing acoustic set in 2019

[@manexman4450]

Thank you devin for what you put out. My friend told me about the march of poopers....ahem poozers. Thank you for your worms.

[@munton5150]

I love it. Super positive vibes and people need this. Especially now.

[@Lucas.Heringer]

You're awesome Devin, love your work, your personality, your essence. Keep the good work as musician and as human being.

[@GahMehGrrrr]

love the Puzzle

[@baplotnik]

Man the puzzle is absolutely incredible imo and I cannot wait for light work! Already jammed out to Moonpeople countless times already lol

[@robertwhiting2965]

I loved the Puzzle/ Snuggles and Empath just rules

[@NoProHarrie]

This is what I have been hoping Devin would end up producing since Z2 I have felt for a long time that in Devins work in the past there was space for subtelty that I wanted to be explored! Devin to me seemed like a Zappa-like source for musical writing but has been exploring only a fraction of it. Excited for this! Maybe as excited as my first time watching Strapping or Devin live!

[@Stratman5150]

Thanks for doing these! Making me even more excited to hear it!

[@jichola]

Simplicity can be the highest level of complexity ever achieved. I'm looking forward this new album.

[@robinlove6981]

Devin i loved the puzzle, its really interesting, when im in a certain mind frame i enjoy sticking it on

[@Goshoonkeys]

what is he talking about? I absolutely loved "The Puzzle". It's one of the most weirdest and yet beautifully interesting pieces, he's ever done.. with all those people. Dev, don't just absorb the negative voices. I guess, the majority enjoyed it dearly. It's a gutt-feeling.