To Devin's professional "handlers", I think I speak for all Devy fans when I say: His "oversharing" of concept art and demos is EXACTLY what gets us the most excited. It's not like, after seeing/hearing what Devin shares, we all just ignore the release dates. One of my favorite things about Lightwork is that multiple demos he was working on during streams ended up on the final album (Equinox, Precious Sardine, Dimensions). Watching him create in real time is captivating and it only adds to the appreciation of the final product.
I bought my first ever Dev album because I saw a short video of him recording the vocals for a song. 'Scuse me, I saw Pasty McBalderton recording the vocals to 'Nibz'. That made me look up the release date, when it was announced, and I ordered the album immediately. There it is now on my shelf. Still probably my fave Dev album, because I have a little story for it and because it was my first one (of many). So yeah, what this ↑ person said!
Devin: "Sorry I haven't been around last couple of years..." Meanwhile: tours around the world, releases podcasts, releases Puzzle & Snuggles, continues to launch 7 ambient dreamscapes, a new podcast, Lightwork and Nightwork and even more RUclips video's. Mr. Townsend, you are a hero. No person in the world has this much to offer to his fans as you do. We owe you for that, I hope we continue to inspire you and build some comfort in return whenever you need it. Thanks for everything!
Yeah I think those people in your professional life thinking updating fans on your work as something that is bad was the wrong call, we love to hear what artists are working on!
I was thinking they need to pick their asses up and do more, if they think Devin is doing too much. 😂 It's supposed to be their problem that we love to hear from him?
“Big things coming soon” same shit every time. Sure, new music is always cool and it’s awesome to see big tours… But when you share your process with the audience, it leads to a genuine connection. Radio silence followed by big things coming soon might as well be from a corporation.
Your sensitivity, transparency, and vulnerability are virtues Thank you for not just being willing, but seeing it as essential to your artistic process Here's to the Ruby Quaker and her space pilot
I saw you live in Cambridge UK a few years ago., you're a legend. I don't know if you ever got the golden 'trophy' i made for you that day. Good luck Devin. The legend. do content that's up to YOUR standards. You're the one and only Townsend.
I vastly prefer to get updates / behind scenes / sneak peaks directly from the source than a marketing team. The artist is actually excited about it, the artist actually knows about it, the artist can explain and tell things / experiences the marketing team will never know. Also with making ads. Just be true to yourself. Only make them if you love the product. Just make a video explaining how you use it and how it helps you. If the company is fine with that then send it. If not then too bad. We would all appreciate that much more than a scripted bs video too. It's real, it's how it actually applies to you, it will tell us the things we would actually be interested in.
Devin referring to the camera being in focus as being “in pitch” naturally by accident illustrates just part of what makes him so unique and irreplaceable
I had the massive privilege of seeing you live... on my birthday... April 1st, 2023... Rock City, Nottingham, UK! You're clearly a very sensitive soul, and a very intelligent guy... and boy do you know how to entertain!! With regards to your ambient work, absolutely a must to at least take some of the weight off of whatever it is that's weighing down... for me it's being 60+ and after 35 years of being a pretty much self employed graphic designer, COVID kind of killed it so I'm having to find a real job... that's not going too well at the moment, but knowing that there are folks like yourself that are conscious of the situation, and are trying to help lighten the load in any way they can is tonic in itself... thank you sir, and apologies for the ramble! ❤😎👍
Devin is like a creative volcano, spewing tons of liquid rock, and trying to sculpt all the magma into beauty before it solidifies. "The eruption is coming, how do I make it coherent?" It's so cool to be here in this timeline with him.
People that tell you not to speak about your creative process don’t know what creativity is. Just talking allows you to reflect on what you do, and generates answers in your mind to questions you have. This is your confession room. And we appreciate everything you do and will always support you, as we waited and supported Ziltoid, or your book Half way there. You have all the creative freedom in the world and all the support from your fan base. Love ya Dev, keep on channeling that beautiful gift through music . A fan since 93❤
Mate, you created Empath for a reason. Be true to yourself. You are that Empath. I am too, so I relate to how you 'feed' off those around you. Choose your diet carefully (yes, you can use that haha) because there's too much toxicity in the world today. You're an amazing artist, and an inspiring human being. I'm no-one in your life, or at least not literally, but ive fed from your work and I say thank you. Keep up what you know to he right. Us Aussies are sending a ton of love.
about The Puzzle: I loved the record, it's one of the best concept albums I've ever heard and I come back to it from time to time. It's just not an album you'd wanna hear every day, nor the songs work on their own. In a consumer way of thinking, it's not very accessible. However it's an amazing peace of art for which the world is a better place to live in
The corporate world always thinks that by communicating before something is ready, you might jeopardize, water down, or otherwise affect how the eventual work might be received in a negative way. Talking has the potential to set expectations in the audience, ones that the people in the corporate side of things feel like your content may not be able to match when it comes out. Things of that nature. It's out of an abundance of caution, more than anything else. It's kind of understandable. They aren't the one doing the creating, but they stand to gain (or lose) a lot of money depending on how things go, so they'd much prefer not taking a risk whenever possible. But because they're not the one creating, and creation is such an idiosyncratic process, unique to each individual creator, they cannot possibly understand how something like communicating affects your process. As fans, we almost universally appreciate insight into your process and your work. It creates a sense of connection distinct from that which we feel through appreciating your creations.
This is a good direction Devin has veered into. As a long-term fan, I always appreciate listening to Devin just talk, about whatever. It's very soothing.
It's kinda funny and endearing to hear Devin talk about how he doesnt know anything about cameras. His homeade concerts during quarantine with the multiple camera angles using a playstation controller were amazing. I think you'll get the hang of the new cameras, Dev.
I’m new. Almost 47 outta Cleveland. Saw you on the Dreamsonic tour. You commented the outdoor venue’s roof looked like a diaper. I came for Animals and didn’t know what to expect. Huge thanks… Thanks to you tube and Spotify I’ve been listening to it all. From SYL to now. I doubt you will read this but I want to say I ❤❤ for Deadhead. Ive been listening to any version you do of it. Can’t wait to see what yah got next
Hey Devin, no need to apologize for anything. Everything you put out is a gift. It's not a requirement. Take care of yourself and your family. Then after that do what you enjoy. You don't owe us anything. Thank you for all of your gifts to us. Your music is wonderful and I love your interviews. I hope I get to meet you someday.
In the programming world we have something called The Rubber Ducky which basically boils down to having an actual rubber ducky (I have an IKEA turtle lol) on your desk that you explain your process/problems/solutions to. A lot of what you said sounds very familiar, when I'm developing something I often have an (imaginary) conversation with myself or some object and it often speeds up my process greatly or creates solutions that I never would've thought of before. I experience the same thing often when making a RUclips video, as I'm talking about a subject (be it technical or musical) I often start realizing new things about it. Though I personally don't really do this when making music, I can absolutely see that it can work really well to talk to an audience about what you do and how you do it. "just had another idea, let me write this down" is what we love to hear from you :D because it means more from you and we love you for who you are and what you do!
The Puzzle is a great album, I thought it was the right album, and it captured an important moment in the darkest part of the pandemic. Super looking forward to The Puzzle movie.
I know I can’t be the only one who thinks The Puzzle is actually a really cohesive musical project. It’s one of my favorites, though I am honestly a new fan, so that might change. I can’t wait to see and hear what’s coming and look forward to your next tour!
I lost my dad, lost my best friend, had a bad break up and child custody issue all in this last year.... a great number of your songs helped me thru all of that. And I got too see you live with dream theater a couple months back.... I just wanna say thank you for helping me get thru this year dev.... things have been looking up again. And you'll still be a part of the soundtrack in better days to come
Devin,...I could listen to you speak about ANYthing for hours and hours. You are endlessly fascinating. I have talked to you several times in person and you are just a kick-ass person! Love you man!
Honestly Devy, if people are watching your content they're interested in what you're doing and will like and subscribe without you asking. I appreciate the way you are putting a little of yourself out here. I know I don't speak for anyone but myself. I'll be watching what you put out. Peace
With my dad passing five days ago Dream Peace helped again as well as this update did. You say you have our heart - I carry you in mine as well, Sir. Keep being you
Social media blows. I more or less went radio silent myself in 2017 and my mental health might not have survived if I hadn't. I, for one, love hearing about what you're doing, for the same reason I love watching Rick Beato's channel (seeing you there was amazing btw) -- it inspires ME in what I'm doing.
I cannot imagine living in the social-media/content-creator spotlight for any duration of time. The performative nature must be both draining and transformative (in ways you can't anticipate). The toxicity of online fandoms can be both deafening and disheartening. I wish you peace, love, and happiness, and I can't wait to see where the Ruby Quaker takes us.
Hevy Devy! I am 100% certain that there are a huge number of fans who, like me, just keep checking in and what ever comes down the pike we accept with open arms, ingest it, let it take us where ever it wants us to go, listen and enjoy, and the music itself will move and bend me to its will and 99.99(repeating, for course) of emotions experienced by hearing each note, sound and eargasm, will always bring, lift and leave me in a higher state than I had been at the start of the musical experience!! Love you Devin, this World has been made better and brighter for having you been in it and very grateful it was during my time here as well. Missed the DT Hartford Ct show, was bummed, but work, hope to find you in the wild over the next couple years so I can thank you personally. I wish you and yours nothing but the best possible that this adventure, we are all on together, can give. Its 1000X better for having you in it and glad I found you when I did, better than never!
No need to apologise - we are your crewmates and will always have your back :) I think it's a great idea to build a jam spaceship for having fun being creative with gear 🚀
I have an idea for what to name this project. How about "The Devin Townsend Project". Good for you for doing you. We love you and just want to see you enjoy yourself. It's so entertaining to watch.
I see it as so, the way you talk about your projects Devin. It justnshows you are passionate about what you're doing. You want the fans to be passionate about it with you.
When my mom passed away for almost 3 years ago i discovered your music and as a long time Frank Zappa and Steve Vai fan i can't understand how i missed your music so late in my life but your music helped me when i was down and sad and nowdays your music is a big part of my life.
Just want to say... regarding The Puzzle... because it breaks my heart hearing you describe the reaction to it in such a negative light... it is in my top 3 things you've ever done, rotating the top 1 position with the other 2 in there. I adore it profoundly. Thank you for it and please know that for as many people as apparently didn't like it or get it... it was deeply and thoroughly appreciated and loved. I've been listening to your music for a very long time now... thank you for all of it... but especially thank you for The Puzzle.
You'll miss this comment, but The Puzzle was my fave release of yours since Casualties of Cool. I tend to like your heavy stuff and ambient stuff and technical stuff, so The Puzzle felt like a real middle of all that. You have diff'rent aspects that work more for diff'rent folks, and your diversity and openness is one of your main strengths as an artist. You always do what you want, and that's what matters. It might be your "1. Outside", where critics are divided at hte time but given a decade and people come around. Glad to know you took some time offline. My PC died and I'm on a naff laptop, and I think it's what I need to just disentangle from meaningless stuff and focus.
Don't worry I will always go see you when you come to my area, don't care about the social media content at all! I think artists should share when and how they want to, not be forced to do that stupid shit! Love your honesty!
Seen him live 5 times,his genius can't be overstated. Ocean Machine was the soundtrack to my 20's. Had the immeasurable joy of having him *yoink* a Ziltoid hat I had custom made and he pranced about the stage with it on.
Talking about how you create things is not stupid or how others may do things but it is part of who you are, I know very few other musicians/artists who create such a broad range of everything that you do. I know it seems like I am blowing smoke but of all the gigs I have been to in the last year or so none have left me with such a great feeling even months afterwards. The Lightworks shows were fantastic and seeing you having fun on stage while producing such varied music was wonderful, hearing how you create your music is interesting and gives a greater understanding of the music. I have a handful of bands and artists that I can always listen to, you are always in the mix without DT I would probably have given up, Big Love
The post-pandemic times sure have been very weird and strange. Puzzle / Snuggles is a great album. Puzzles is music you need to listen to face your problems. Snuggles are the healing part of fixing and healing from those problems. That is how it feels to me honestly.
Hope it all works out for you 🖤 The kind of music you’ve been making lately, and the kind of fans you now have, are unlikely to follow what the mainstream music industry wants. I’m glad to see you carving out your own space and doing things your way - go for it! (Also, new artists are involving fans more than previous generations, so I think by asking for feedback rather than pumping out meaningless one-sided content, you’re more on trend than they think.)
Someone described me The Puzzle as a metal version of things like Frank Zappa's Lumpy Gravy and Chuck Person's Eccojams Vol. 1, a vaporware album of 2010. It's the kind of reflective music that has a way to find an audience over time.
I just got into you recently, but it's been really life changing. Thank you for everything, I appreciate hearing from you. You sound tired. Definitely take care of yourself first.
You create much more "momentum" being honest and vulnerable with your fans and followers than any "conversion-oriented" marketing department could ever do. Please keep building in public. You're a beacon of authenticity in a world of superficial self-presentation. Also, what a great way to deal with sponsored content - making it happen wihout making you feel sick about it. Thanks so much for sharing your thought process here, in so many ways.
You may say that you are not special, or "anymore special then the rest of you". But you make us feel special by letting us in on your process and showing us your humanity. My 6-year old daughter and I listen to DreamPeace when she goes to slepp. She struggles with emotinal overload, and she loves drifting off to sleep while listening to DreamPeace. And I get to explore all aspects of my own emotional tapestry with all your work. So, thank you.
I am so excited for The Puzzle film to get a RUclips release. I have bought the album but don't have a way to watch from the disc in my current living situation. The Puzzle I think is the most fascinating thing you have ever released and I am happy to re explore it as much as possible. I'd get the box set if I could. Thank you for the update , it is so exciting to engage in the journey with you and I look forward to you rambling as much as you need to
To Devin's professional "handlers", I think I speak for all Devy fans when I say: His "oversharing" of concept art and demos is EXACTLY what gets us the most excited. It's not like, after seeing/hearing what Devin shares, we all just ignore the release dates.
One of my favorite things about Lightwork is that multiple demos he was working on during streams ended up on the final album (Equinox, Precious Sardine, Dimensions). Watching him create in real time is captivating and it only adds to the appreciation of the final product.
I bought my first ever Dev album because I saw a short video of him recording the vocals for a song. 'Scuse me, I saw Pasty McBalderton recording the vocals to 'Nibz'. That made me look up the release date, when it was announced, and I ordered the album immediately. There it is now on my shelf. Still probably my fave Dev album, because I have a little story for it and because it was my first one (of many).
So yeah, what this ↑ person said!
Don't worry - we, the audience, never left.
We still listen to your music and are following even if you're not active on social media🧡
seconded again, so "thirded"?
fourthed
I'll take the 5th 😝
Sixthed!
Emm...seventhed?
Devin: "Sorry I haven't been around last couple of years..."
Meanwhile: tours around the world, releases podcasts, releases Puzzle & Snuggles, continues to launch 7 ambient dreamscapes, a new podcast, Lightwork and Nightwork and even more RUclips video's.
Mr. Townsend, you are a hero. No person in the world has this much to offer to his fans as you do. We owe you for that, I hope we continue to inspire you and build some comfort in return whenever you need it. Thanks for everything!
Dev: "So I built a spaceship"
I didn't think I could adore this man any more than I already did. ❤
"..spaceship's gonna be called The Ruby Quaker"
"It's a cool spaceship name, but it's also a kind of moth"
Just more endearing with each comment lol.
Yeah I think those people in your professional life thinking updating fans on your work as something that is bad was the wrong call, we love to hear what artists are working on!
Yea, same for pretty much all forms of media
My favorite author has made it a priority to keep fans updated and he's been doing great
I was thinking they need to pick their asses up and do more, if they think Devin is doing too much. 😂 It's supposed to be their problem that we love to hear from him?
It builds a human connection between us and Devin. And that's what can help sell records!
“Big things coming soon” same shit every time. Sure, new music is always cool and it’s awesome to see big tours… But when you share your process with the audience, it leads to a genuine connection. Radio silence followed by big things coming soon might as well be from a corporation.
Your sensitivity, transparency, and vulnerability are virtues
Thank you for not just being willing, but seeing it as essential to your artistic process
Here's to the Ruby Quaker and her space pilot
His scalp is extra shinny in that lighting. Gorgeous.
The fact that the first thing you say you've been working on is a spaceship is...pretty much exactly the sort of update I hoped for.
I saw you live in Cambridge UK a few years ago., you're a legend. I don't know if you ever got the golden 'trophy' i made for you that day. Good luck Devin. The legend. do content that's up to YOUR standards. You're the one and only Townsend.
Love n hugs from the Uk! ❤❤❤
Bro.... you're such a REAL dude for a rock star... no bullshit.... that why we love the shit outta you...
Social media is bad for all of us, but we appreciate you communicating, especially if it helps you in the creative process
Good attitude, never comply with the demand to make 'stupid content' keep making the real deal that's why we admire you and your music.
Devin is a hero. His music alone has helped guide me through some of my darkest years.
Devin hates social media. He is a national treasure!
"All we need to do is make sure we keep talking".
Glad hearing more from your side!
I vastly prefer to get updates / behind scenes / sneak peaks directly from the source than a marketing team. The artist is actually excited about it, the artist actually knows about it, the artist can explain and tell things / experiences the marketing team will never know. Also with making ads. Just be true to yourself. Only make them if you love the product. Just make a video explaining how you use it and how it helps you. If the company is fine with that then send it. If not then too bad. We would all appreciate that much more than a scripted bs video too. It's real, it's how it actually applies to you, it will tell us the things we would actually be interested in.
Lightwork is such a wonder, thank you for an amazing year ❤️
Devin referring to the camera being in focus as being “in pitch” naturally by accident illustrates just part of what makes him so unique and irreplaceable
hahah I came to say the same thing
Meaning clarity or definition huh
I had the massive privilege of seeing you live... on my birthday... April 1st, 2023... Rock City, Nottingham, UK! You're clearly a very sensitive soul, and a very intelligent guy... and boy do you know how to entertain!! With regards to your ambient work, absolutely a must to at least take some of the weight off of whatever it is that's weighing down... for me it's being 60+ and after 35 years of being a pretty much self employed graphic designer, COVID kind of killed it so I'm having to find a real job... that's not going too well at the moment, but knowing that there are folks like yourself that are conscious of the situation, and are trying to help lighten the load in any way they can is tonic in itself... thank you sir, and apologies for the ramble! ❤😎👍
Devin is like a creative volcano, spewing tons of liquid rock, and trying to sculpt all the magma into beauty before it solidifies. "The eruption is coming, how do I make it coherent?" It's so cool to be here in this timeline with him.
People that tell you not to speak about your creative process don’t know what creativity is. Just talking allows you to reflect on what you do, and generates answers in your mind to questions you have. This is your confession room. And we appreciate everything you do and will always support you, as we waited and supported Ziltoid, or your book Half way there. You have all the creative freedom in the world and all the support from your fan base. Love ya Dev, keep on channeling that beautiful gift through music . A fan since 93❤
Mate, you created Empath for a reason. Be true to yourself. You are that Empath. I am too, so I relate to how you 'feed' off those around you. Choose your diet carefully (yes, you can use that haha) because there's too much toxicity in the world today.
You're an amazing artist, and an inspiring human being.
I'm no-one in your life, or at least not literally, but ive fed from your work and I say thank you.
Keep up what you know to he right.
Us Aussies are sending a ton of love.
Take as much time as you need, we'll be here for the music when it's ready!
about The Puzzle: I loved the record, it's one of the best concept albums I've ever heard and I come back to it from time to time. It's just not an album you'd wanna hear every day, nor the songs work on their own. In a consumer way of thinking, it's not very accessible. However it's an amazing peace of art for which the world is a better place to live in
The corporate world always thinks that by communicating before something is ready, you might jeopardize, water down, or otherwise affect how the eventual work might be received in a negative way. Talking has the potential to set expectations in the audience, ones that the people in the corporate side of things feel like your content may not be able to match when it comes out. Things of that nature. It's out of an abundance of caution, more than anything else. It's kind of understandable. They aren't the one doing the creating, but they stand to gain (or lose) a lot of money depending on how things go, so they'd much prefer not taking a risk whenever possible.
But because they're not the one creating, and creation is such an idiosyncratic process, unique to each individual creator, they cannot possibly understand how something like communicating affects your process.
As fans, we almost universally appreciate insight into your process and your work. It creates a sense of connection distinct from that which we feel through appreciating your creations.
Thanks Devin. We're always going to be here.
This is a good direction Devin has veered into. As a long-term fan, I always appreciate listening to Devin just talk, about whatever. It's very soothing.
yeah
Continue to be authentic to yourself. You don't need to play other people's games. Do what you love to do, it's what we love you doing.
I listen your music everyday. Social media is a a heavy cross, don't take it to heart. Come to South America, we are eager to see you.
Thank you for sharing with us Devin. We really appreciate it.
Share what you want. Thank you for sharing!
There will always be trolls and haters, just ignore them.
Cheers!
More Casualties of Cool? Wow, that was wonderful news!!!!!!!!!!!! 🤩
Goddamnit Dev we love ya. F*ck the haters, f*ck the game. You do YOU, everyone else can go kick rocks.
You could call it “The Devdate” 🙂 btw, we are proud of you.
It's kinda funny and endearing to hear Devin talk about how he doesnt know anything about cameras. His homeade concerts during quarantine with the multiple camera angles using a playstation controller were amazing. I think you'll get the hang of the new cameras, Dev.
I hope Ziltoid lives on that spaceship of yours 😊
I’m new. Almost 47 outta Cleveland. Saw you on the Dreamsonic tour. You commented the outdoor venue’s roof looked like a diaper.
I came for Animals and didn’t know what to expect. Huge thanks… Thanks to you tube and Spotify I’ve been listening to it all. From SYL to now. I doubt you will read this but I want to say I ❤❤ for Deadhead. Ive been listening to any version you do of it. Can’t wait to see what yah got next
Hey Devin, no need to apologize for anything. Everything you put out is a gift. It's not a requirement. Take care of yourself and your family. Then after that do what you enjoy. You don't owe us anything. Thank you for all of your gifts to us. Your music is wonderful and I love your interviews. I hope I get to meet you someday.
Awesome, Devin! Do what YOU do. Forget the BS associated with social media. You’re the best!
In the programming world we have something called The Rubber Ducky which basically boils down to having an actual rubber ducky (I have an IKEA turtle lol) on your desk that you explain your process/problems/solutions to. A lot of what you said sounds very familiar, when I'm developing something I often have an (imaginary) conversation with myself or some object and it often speeds up my process greatly or creates solutions that I never would've thought of before.
I experience the same thing often when making a RUclips video, as I'm talking about a subject (be it technical or musical) I often start realizing new things about it.
Though I personally don't really do this when making music, I can absolutely see that it can work really well to talk to an audience about what you do and how you do it.
"just had another idea, let me write this down" is what we love to hear from you :D
because it means more from you and we love you for who you are and what you do!
Good to see you, Dev! 🤍💙
The Puzzle is a great album, I thought it was the right album, and it captured an important moment in the darkest part of the pandemic. Super looking forward to The Puzzle movie.
Honestly sounds like some people in your management team don’t understand what you are doing. We love hearing from you!
I'm excited for whatever you do next, you're brilliant and inspiring
Oh my gosh! Oh my goodnes gracious! Let devin talk when he wants to talk!!! Unbelivible!
Great to hear you again!!! welcome back! can't wait for the space ship!!!❤
From a total stranger of earth to another total stranger of earth, I love you man
The Moth sounds amazing and the path it's taken is so classic Devin, hahah.
I know I can’t be the only one who thinks The Puzzle is actually a really cohesive musical project. It’s one of my favorites, though I am honestly a new fan, so that might change.
I can’t wait to see and hear what’s coming and look forward to your next tour!
I'm looking forward to the Captain's Logs from the Ruby Quaker. It'll be fun to watch Devin explore new gear and take us along for the trip.
The Puzzle is awesome. Give it time. It'll find an audience.
I had no idea Dream Peace was a thing until now. Thanks Devin.
So good to hear you speaking like this again and this new way of interaction sounds exciting. Thanks Devin.
I lost my dad, lost my best friend, had a bad break up and child custody issue all in this last year.... a great number of your songs helped me thru all of that. And I got too see you live with dream theater a couple months back....
I just wanna say thank you for helping me get thru this year dev.... things have been looking up again. And you'll still be a part of the soundtrack in better days to come
Devin,...I could listen to you speak about ANYthing for hours and hours. You are endlessly fascinating. I have talked to you several times in person and you are just a kick-ass person! Love you man!
Looking forward to the next
Honestly Devy, if people are watching your content they're interested in what you're doing and will like and subscribe without you asking. I appreciate the way you are putting a little of yourself out here. I know I don't speak for anyone but myself. I'll be watching what you put out. Peace
With my dad passing five days ago Dream Peace helped again as well as this update did. You say you have our heart - I carry you in mine as well, Sir. Keep being you
A loss all too familiar, my friend. Deeply feel for you on this, good luck dude.
❤
Thanks for the update Devin.......We wish you well in your projects......Much Love to you.🌎🌈🪐🌞🌞
Social media blows. I more or less went radio silent myself in 2017 and my mental health might not have survived if I hadn't.
I, for one, love hearing about what you're doing, for the same reason I love watching Rick Beato's channel (seeing you there was amazing btw) -- it inspires ME in what I'm doing.
I cannot imagine living in the social-media/content-creator spotlight for any duration of time. The performative nature must be both draining and transformative (in ways you can't anticipate). The toxicity of online fandoms can be both deafening and disheartening.
I wish you peace, love, and happiness, and I can't wait to see where the Ruby Quaker takes us.
Missed you Dev, what you have planned sounds fantastic!
Hevy Devy! I am 100% certain that there are a huge number of fans who, like me, just keep checking in and what ever comes down the pike we accept with open arms, ingest it, let it take us where ever it wants us to go, listen and enjoy, and the music itself will move and bend me to its will and 99.99(repeating, for course) of emotions experienced by hearing each note, sound and eargasm, will always bring, lift and leave me in a higher state than I had been at the start of the musical experience!!
Love you Devin, this World has been made better and brighter for having you been in it and very grateful it was during my time here as well. Missed the DT Hartford Ct show, was bummed, but work, hope to find you in the wild over the next couple years so I can thank you personally. I wish you and yours nothing but the best possible that this adventure, we are all on together, can give. Its 1000X better for having you in it and glad I found you when I did, better than never!
No need to apologise - we are your crewmates and will always have your back :)
I think it's a great idea to build a jam spaceship for having fun being creative with gear 🚀
Similar to how a programmer will talk their code through to a rubber ducky, we are happy to be of use to your method.
I have an idea for what to name this project. How about "The Devin Townsend Project". Good for you for doing you. We love you and just want to see you enjoy yourself. It's so entertaining to watch.
Strapping Young Lad would be much more interesting.
@@tomalophiconthat is a thing of the past
*I still listen back to the podcast episodes. They're somewhere between a dream sequence and a meditation.* ☺️✌️
A moth landed on the window next to me about a minute in. We ended up watching the video together. Wholesome!
That is so awesome!
I see it as so, the way you talk about your projects Devin. It justnshows you are passionate about what you're doing. You want the fans to be passionate about it with you.
Devin is the goat! I will support anything he does
Earth standing by for transmissions from the Ruby Quaker.
When my mom passed away for almost 3 years ago i discovered your music and as a long time Frank Zappa and Steve Vai fan i can't understand how i missed your music so late in my life but your music helped me when i was down and sad and nowdays your music is a big part of my life.
Just want to say... regarding The Puzzle... because it breaks my heart hearing you describe the reaction to it in such a negative light... it is in my top 3 things you've ever done, rotating the top 1 position with the other 2 in there. I adore it profoundly.
Thank you for it and please know that for as many people as apparently didn't like it or get it... it was deeply and thoroughly appreciated and loved.
I've been listening to your music for a very long time now... thank you for all of it... but especially thank you for The Puzzle.
Love you Dev - just be you, that's what we really want to see
Welcome back Dev! Good to see you my dude!
Happy to see you back, Dev.
You'll miss this comment, but The Puzzle was my fave release of yours since Casualties of Cool. I tend to like your heavy stuff and ambient stuff and technical stuff, so The Puzzle felt like a real middle of all that. You have diff'rent aspects that work more for diff'rent folks, and your diversity and openness is one of your main strengths as an artist. You always do what you want, and that's what matters. It might be your "1. Outside", where critics are divided at hte time but given a decade and people come around.
Glad to know you took some time offline. My PC died and I'm on a naff laptop, and I think it's what I need to just disentangle from meaningless stuff and focus.
No need to be sorry... love you man, keep up the great work 👍
Love.
Thank you.
Don't worry I will always go see you when you come to my area, don't care about the social media content at all!
I think artists should share when and how they want to, not be forced to do that stupid shit!
Love your honesty!
Seen him live 5 times,his genius can't be overstated. Ocean Machine was the soundtrack to my 20's. Had the immeasurable joy of having him *yoink* a Ziltoid hat I had custom made and he pranced about the stage with it on.
Talking about how you create things is not stupid or how others may do things but it is part of who you are, I know very few other musicians/artists who create such a broad range of everything that you do. I know it seems like I am blowing smoke but of all the gigs I have been to in the last year or so none have left me with such a great feeling even months afterwards. The Lightworks shows were fantastic and seeing you having fun on stage while producing such varied music was wonderful, hearing how you create your music is interesting and gives a greater understanding of the music. I have a handful of bands and artists that I can always listen to, you are always in the mix without DT I would probably have given up, Big Love
Love you Devin. I’d much rather hear what you’re doing straight from you instead of a label’s pr team.
Its nice to not feel alone in the "fuckedness" thanks for sharing Devin and looking forward to seeing you in space!
Good dude, right there. Keep trucking Hevi Dev!
The post-pandemic times sure have been very weird and strange. Puzzle / Snuggles is a great album. Puzzles is music you need to listen to face your problems. Snuggles are the healing part of fixing and healing from those problems. That is how it feels to me honestly.
You are with me every day. You help me get up and go to work. Even in my amount of pain. You help. You are with me. I wish I could be with you.
Great to hear from you I can’t wait to see the spaceship 🚀
Hope it all works out for you 🖤
The kind of music you’ve been making lately, and the kind of fans you now have, are unlikely to follow what the mainstream music industry wants. I’m glad to see you carving out your own space and doing things your way - go for it!
(Also, new artists are involving fans more than previous generations, so I think by asking for feedback rather than pumping out meaningless one-sided content, you’re more on trend than they think.)
Someone described me The Puzzle as a metal version of things like Frank Zappa's Lumpy Gravy and Chuck Person's Eccojams Vol. 1, a vaporware album of 2010. It's the kind of reflective music that has a way to find an audience over time.
I just got into you recently, but it's been really life changing. Thank you for everything, I appreciate hearing from you. You sound tired. Definitely take care of yourself first.
Long time Devi... Greetings From Africa... You Saved my life
You create much more "momentum" being honest and vulnerable with your fans and followers than any "conversion-oriented" marketing department could ever do. Please keep building in public. You're a beacon of authenticity in a world of superficial self-presentation. Also, what a great way to deal with sponsored content - making it happen wihout making you feel sick about it. Thanks so much for sharing your thought process here, in so many ways.
Also, the Ruby Quacker sounds a lot like what Ian M. Banks would have very much loved as a spaceship ;) Sentient AND oddly named.
I respect Devin way way more for not being on Social Media. A true maverick.
I think its a great idea that you keep in touch. I did want to know what's up and what's going on. And it was interesting to hear.
Anyone who says you speak too much can kindly stop talking themselves. You're perfect.
You may say that you are not special, or "anymore special then the rest of you". But you make us feel special by letting us in on your process and showing us your humanity. My 6-year old daughter and I listen to DreamPeace when she goes to slepp. She struggles with emotinal overload, and she loves drifting off to sleep while listening to DreamPeace. And I get to explore all aspects of my own emotional tapestry with all your work. So, thank you.
Momentum? We are gonna support you regardless Dev. Looking forward to the new stuff!!
I am so excited for The Puzzle film to get a RUclips release. I have bought the album but don't have a way to watch from the disc in my current living situation. The Puzzle I think is the most fascinating thing you have ever released and I am happy to re explore it as much as possible. I'd get the box set if I could. Thank you for the update , it is so exciting to engage in the journey with you and I look forward to you rambling as much as you need to
We all love you Devin please never change. You are a beam of light through dark clouds for so many of us. Look forward to seeing you in perth