Devin Oliver: I See Stars, Coping Through Distraction, Healthy Competition, and Then Vs. Now

Get ready for a killer episode with my good friend, Devin Oliver, frontman of the band I See Stars and the man behind his solo project, shYbeast. With the charisma of a born performer and the wisdom of a seasoned artist, he delves into his life story, tracing his path from an early age with a difficult parent dynamic, to his long and rewarding career in the music industry. Devin brings to light the profound influence of his early musical experiences, the role of rivalry in nurturing talent, and the complex challenges that come with maintaining longevity in a band.
Our conversation goes beyond music, as Devin explores the larger dimensions of his life. He shares his experiences with redefining success, finding personal joy in pursuing fulfillment in what he does daily, and the power of expressing his truth. He underscores the importance of maintaining a balance between mental and physical health amidst the high-stakes and high-stress world of music. If you're a music enthusiast or an aspiring artist, this episode is a goldmine of valuable insights, practical tips, and inspiration.
Our conversation also covers a wide array of topics including his journey from building a dedicated fan base in Michigan, to I See Stars signing their first record deal, to going on several Warped Tours. We also talk a bit about their two new singles Drift and Anomaly. We dive into the influence of raw, unrefined music on the band's choice in sound selection and mixes. We talk about the strategic importance of finding the right mixing engineer for your project based on the sound and vibe you're looking for.
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[@Drake45100]

Man Devin has a surprisingly deep voice for that range he's hitting.

[@GroundsForSuccess]

Hahaha, he does!

[@Bakesterbaker]

It's so weird because I vividly remember seeing interviews of him in his 20s and his voice was way higher than this 😂

[@TheLostRiverDriveIn]

Being a fan of iSS for well over a decade now, and growing up with Devin, this was such a great listen. He is so wise beyond his years, and I hope he knows how much his music means to people like me. Im not sure I’d still be here without it. So, I’d say no matter what money or level of fame may or may not come with it, he is very successful. And we’ve been waiting for their return for so long. Thank you, Devin. For everything. We’ve been here for years, and we won’t be going anywhere. Great interview. Absolutely brilliant. PS: Treehouse is a top 10 album for me all time.

[@GroundsForSuccess]

Thanks so much for sharing this! I'm so happy they mean that much to you and that I was able to bring someone on who means so much to you!

[@drummerTBM]

Yes I am so happy I found this interview. Just wow

[@GroundsForSuccess]

Yay!! @@drummerTBM

[@HAJJ101]

Well said, I couldn’t agree more, and I’m glad Devin hits your heart so deep🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@catmans95]

I see stars is awesome. They have a niche sound that they keep improving in with every release. Are we 3ven particularly is such a great well made song. Glad they’re back!

[@GroundsForSuccess]

I'm glad you dig their newest single! This interview was so much fun to have. Glad you liked it!

[@nessyrose6673]

I saw ISS last week live in Montreal, and today I found this interview. The band literally blew my brains out with their performance, and Devin blew my brains out with his mindset and the way he expresses himself. That was a great interview, I loved your questions and how cozy it felt, even for the listener. The band definitely has a new fan now, and I’ll keep on watching your interviews, they’re really insightful! ❤

[@GroundsForSuccess]

I'm so glad you loved the show and the talk I had with Devin on the podcast! The aim is definitely to make the guest and listener feel cozy so that they feel like having a deep conversation with me. I'm glad it felt that way to you!

[@tankbxy7609]

0:54 enter shikari, attack attack, skyeatsairplane, etc have all entered the chat

[@Camosmusic89]

Love this episode, Devin is HIM, hands down

[@GroundsForSuccess]

He absolutely is HIM

[@cellarghostmusic]

i love this. i really hope this podcast picks up a lot of traction! well produced, insightful, and all around well done. cant wait for the new stars record :)

[@GroundsForSuccess]

Thanks so much for the kind words. I’m going to keep going with it until it does! Please share it to help bring some viewers our way :)

[@cellarghostmusic]

@@GroundsForSuccess of course my dude. 💜

[@GroundsForSuccess]

[@MrClashell]

You know, Devin has never posted a meme on his Instagram.

[@GroundsForSuccess]

He really, really should though 🤔

[@OPAIK]

Devon, you are incredibly loved I hope you keep crushing the scene I cannot wait to hear more music from you. I see stars changed my life and continues to change my life forever! This podcast is phenominal too it feels like a good hang with a bud with a high end touch. Keep them coming!

[@GroundsForSuccess]

Thanks so much for listening! Devin is a special dude and I'm glad their music touched your life!

[@heyflo1]

"We've had that name since I was 12 you know, so it's been 11 years..." Yeah no, feels bad man when you realize you've aged faster haha. It's been close to 20 years 😅🤣

[@GroundsForSuccess]

LMFAOO, yeah... Devin texted me and said "how old do I think I am!?" hahaha

[@lidshhjojsh1733]

Snafu

[@GroundsForSuccess]

I still need to figure out what this properly means or how to use it in a sentence hahaha.

[@robemanuel7140]

Devin said he googled it so he should know. It’s a military (Marines I think) acronym. Situation Normal, All Fucked Up. Not to be confused with FUBAR. (Fucked Up Beyond all Repair) All Devin needed to do was ask his Dad who is one of the great singer/frontmen of all time. Devin is the coolest.

[@benshukri4945]

Big for me *as someone with a higher pitched voice* that he talked about his own experience being someone with that higher pitch range!! 🤘🤘 Ty for sharing this!!

[@GroundsForSuccess]

Im so glad you got to hear this interview!

[@Metaldaddy32]

I'm so upset you did not ask about loosing Zach (ex screamer) and how ISS evolved from then

[@GroundsForSuccess]

I totally understand. Maybe in a future episode, I can have Devin back on and talk with him about that, or do a micro-segment where we discuss this!

[@shayla_davenport]

God that man Is SOO beautiful. Soo talented. His shYbeast side project is even amazing.

[@GroundsForSuccess]

He's beautiful and a lovely human and he's my boyfriend. Don't make me fight you for him!

[@shayla_davenport]

@@GroundsForSuccess those are literally fighting words. Would definitely be worth the fight. 😂😉

[@T4Rlvr]

He’s my new unattainable crush 😅

[@bastianlopez458]

"electroniccore" i call it dance core 😂

[@GroundsForSuccess]

Hahaha, that works too! Who are some other artists you like in this genre?

[@JC-nb7wj]

Wow thank you so much for this deep dive interview, I've always been a fan of ISS and always wondered where their authenticity and passion came from because that is what attracts me to their music. Raw, real, and authentic just like this interview. I've read a few books on music engineering because I wanted to learn WHY do I like the music I like? I am also a student at UCB and really am interested in the neurological angle of music. Doing so made me have a newfound appreciation for the topics you hit in this interview such as the constant listening to artists that inspire us, will always keep listening to this band as long as they keep putting out records. It's almost a need or a craving to keep listening.

[@GroundsForSuccess]

I'm so glad you found this podcast! Keep going with audio engineering!

[@78gravedigger]

Great interview! ❤

[@Bandido666Tienda]

Attack attack?

[@6ftShelby]

I've been a fan since 2010 and adore ISS. So stoked to see you guys live again soon; I missed the music so much! Super dope pod.

[@GroundsForSuccess]

Thanks so much for the kind words. You've got to catch them on this tour they're on!

[@philjones8482]

Absolutely loved this show. I really enjoy hearing from Devin on a more personal basis because I've followed 'Stars since the beginning. Great production on the podcast, on the music, keep goin man. Cheers from Ohio!

[@GroundsForSuccess]

Thanks so much for saying this! I will certainly keep it going. It was awesome having Devin on!

[@philjones8482]

Everything you said while you were speculating about the "best" way to build a following. Playing local shows, connecting with your audience, being genuinely human, that is the secret sauce. You figured it out 100%. I am the guy who saw them live once and was absofuckinglutely hooked for life. I'll never put these guys down as long as they keep pouring their soul into their music, which I know they are.@@GroundsForSuccess

[@GroundsForSuccess]

I can absolutely promise they are. Being close with Devin for a while now I can assure you how much love he puts into literally everything he does!@@philjones8482

[@GodHand1999]

at the 43:50 mark he says he was the best in his band in school.. I watched the Zach Johnson interview that he did 2 years ago with another podcaster and he said he was the best in the hand in regards to school and apparently the only one to graduate.. interesting both points came up in the interviews and both give differing answers but I think Devin is intentionally leaving Zach out since he’s not in the band anymore.. should’ve asked about the departing of their former members.. both were huge and when they left the sound changed dramatically.

[@GroundsForSuccess]

That's a great point you make! I am generally much more focused on learning about my guest and their own story and less about doing research and picking into things like that. Maybe if I have Devin back I can bring that up!

[@tails2490]

I'm his biggest fan and I'm not arguing about it.

[@GroundsForSuccess]

I will argue with you. I am!

[@unholeyplanting11]

What was the band he was trying to think of?!

[@GroundsForSuccess]

What is the time stamp and I will ask him!

[@nullnetizen]

Enjoy the crisis. 🖤

[@GroundsForSuccess]

WATTT

[@tails2490]

Coheed and chiodos 😍

[@GroundsForSuccess]

Yassss

[@jasonradeke4571]

I was at that show with DRUGS and BVB (bvb had to cancel in SLC) but that was a defining moment for me in deciding to pursue music.

[@GroundsForSuccess]

Incredible! I'm sure Devin would love to hear that he was a part in that for you! What was your favorite part of this talk?

[@brana94]

I feel uncomfortably comfortable getting to know Devin through this interview. It feels so sad to hear about a broken childhood, watching him shaking and getting nervous a couple of times during recreation of his past. 🫂On the other hand he seems to be mentally strong and open-minded when it comes to learning new stuff which is great for his own evolution as a musician. It looks like he is the person that could be a real friend no matter the time or the situation.☺️ P.S. This was a hell of an interview 🙃

[@GroundsForSuccess]

I’m so glad you found this interview. Devin is the real deal. He opened up about so much with me and I’m glad he showed his vulnerable side to us all :)

[@jenkem69]

I'm so tired of intros for podcats....just get to it! Why did you sit there and talk about what your gonna talk about? That's just dumb....

[@Xan1ver]

This was awesome! Hope you get to chat with Noah or any of the Bad Omens guys some day.

[@GroundsForSuccess]

Yeah, I'd love to get Noah on at some point. I'll try and make that happen for you!

[@PurdumMantis007]

What a great interview been waiting years for new I see stars soooo pumped for the return

[@GroundsForSuccess]

Thanks so much for the kind words! I'm so stoked they are back in action as well!

[@xtheyan]

Such a great podcast.. I mean.. very heartwarming and calming experience. Always been a big fan of Devin, thank you for that ! 🤘🏻💜

[@GroundsForSuccess]

I'm so glad that you loved it! What is your favorite song of ISS?

[@xtheyan]

@@GroundsForSuccess I love “What this means to me” & “3D” , I’m all about the “MySpace Era” haha

[@GroundsForSuccess]

I have a safe little space in my mind for all of the incredible music I found on myspace. What a time to be alive.@@xtheyan

[@Rob_Cary]

Is damage done anywhere near as good as most of the songs on treehouse? No. Did they write such a ridiculously catchy song that I've replayed damage done a bunch anyway? Absolutely.

[@GroundsForSuccess]

I’m glad you like the track!

[@kayliejean2466]

Can we get noah sebastian on this? 🥰

[@GroundsForSuccess]

I'm sure I could make that work for next season! I will add him to my list. Thanks for the feedback!

[@kltan512]

freakin enjoyed that a super lot. top notch musical content. I feel like they just keep getting better and better. 😍😍😍One request. React to Dark by October Ends 😍

[@GroundsForSuccess]

I’m so glad you liked the interview and that you love the ISS guys!

[@kyard7164]

Extremely under-rated podcast you've got going here. I hope your channel gets the attention it deserves! New sub from NZ

[@GroundsForSuccess]

Thank you so much! We’re starting up very soon on the next season!

[@volpe_sol]

KZbin just recommended me this podcast.. love it so much! Subscribed 🤘❤️

[@GroundsForSuccess]

Welcome! So glad you dig the podcast. What was your favorite thing from this episode?

[@ginapetolicchio2684]

Wow he's so sexy like I don't think I've ever heard him talk his voice is so damn deep for someone who sings as high as Kellin Quinn lol and that's a compliment because he's an awesome vocalist as well

[@GroundsForSuccess]

Hahaha, yes, without a doubt Devin is a sexy dude and great vocalist!

[@michelleziegelmann658]

❤ it's good to see all the facets of Devin. Looking so forward to the upcoming release. ISS fan for 10yrs +

[@GroundsForSuccess]

Hell yeah! What's your favorite ISS track?

[@michelleziegelmann658]

@GroundsForSuccess There's so many. Right now I'm crushing on Anamoly, are we 3ven? And Drift. Digging the new stuff hardcore!

[@Dropearth]

Do you guys wanna hang out? For real? You gotta peep this new stuff we got going on. 🎉

[@Dropearth]

Digital renegade is that heat bruh

[@GroundsForSuccess]

For sure!!

[@feistypug1]

Very nice production and interview

[@GroundsForSuccess]

Thank you so much for the kind words!

[@mzchavez87]

Thank you for this podcast ❤

[@GroundsForSuccess]

You're so welcome!

[@abstractfitness1282]

This is awesome thanks for the interview

[@GroundsForSuccess]

Thanks for watching! What was your favorite part of the talk?

[@shawnhussain7713]

Big Falling in Reverse fan, obviously wasn’t fond of them for some time 😂 got into them a few years back & im stoked they’re back

[@GroundsForSuccess]

[@shawnhussain7713]

@@GroundsForSuccess great interview boss, looking forward to the next!

[@GroundsForSuccess]

Thanks so much! @@shawnhussain7713

[@IqbalAgung]

We want Noah Sebastian next episode 😁😁

[@GroundsForSuccess]

I keep hearing this haha. I will try!

[@joyp3481]

That would be great! Anyone from bad omens would be sweet.... nick f, nick r, and jolly would be awesome too... we hear mostly about noah and folio but never hear from nick or jolly. Sending love to all ❤ awesome work with the interview above ❤ good vibes and success to you, Devin and I see stars. 🎉

[@goodapolloimburningstariv7539]

Messed up how they refused to talk about the best member of the band. They talked about how when you lose one member’s input, the band loses something that brought fans to them in the first place. The best example of that being Zach, and why Treehouse is their worst album. Devin is ridiculously gifted, but Zach’s unique and amazing screams are what really made the band. With him gone, they will never be as great as they were. Put some respect on his name.

[@GroundsForSuccess]

I respect your point of view here. Thanks for listening to the podcast. I'd like to say though, that Devin didn't refuse to talk about Zach, I just didn't ask about him because truthfully I didn't know that someone wasn't in the band any longer. I host my podcast without doing significant research so that I can have an organic conversation with my guest and allow it to flow in whichever way it goes.

[@robertcrawford6469]

I need to hear the other dozen songs that don’t make it on the albums😭

[@GroundsForSuccess]

What kind of songs would you love to hear from them?

[@Babebee99]

Mi esposo 😂❤

[@GroundsForSuccess]

Mine!

[@cesarcosta2701]

I lov ISS

[@GroundsForSuccess]

Same!

[@davest.pierre]

😍

[@GroundsForSuccess]

[@sex_BOB_omb]

Good to see a Jason Hale mention!

[@GroundsForSuccess]

Let's go! What was your favorite thing from this episode?