Devin Townsend, the operatic prog-metal maestro is as busy as ever. Putting mere mortals to shame with his productivity, the Canadian force of nature has recently released not only a brand new record - Powernerd - but also a biographical photobook, Overexposed & Underdeveloped. This is whilst also working on a full-on musical (Moth) and another mysterious body of work called Axolotl.
Phew! I normally expect a high level of productivity from Devin but this is next level! One of rock’s boldest and most uncompromising artists, Townsend’s music is a vast and epic canvas upon which he feels his way through the modern world, facing the same devils we all do: fear, uncertainty, relationship issues, loss, identity…it’s all there, inside music that is by turns glacial and volcanic.
Never dull, a Devin Townsend record is often a white-knuckle roller coaster ride, and Powernerd is certainly that, but there’s a tightness of intention here too, and a very ‘available’ rendering of the enormous choruses offered. In short, it’s a magnificent listen, and when taken in alongside the book, a very emotional & revealing one.
Overexposed & Underdeveloped is Devin’s second volume of autobiography, after Only Half There, a more traditional text-based biography. This new book is a beautifully constructed hardback with over 200 pages of photos from Devin’s personal collection, each one complete with accompanying text. You’ll find pictures of childhood scribblings alongside family holidays, early tours with Steve Vai, Strapping Young Lad and lots more. You’ll see pet dogs, puppets, guitars galore and the Royal Albert Hall. You’ll see awesomeness, and you’ll see awkwardness: you’ll see it all. Fans will know that he always gives a lot, but we’ve never had this level of depth into his life before. It’s fascinating and quite lovely to look through, and the man’s trademark self-deprecating sarcasm is fully in evidence throughout the text.
Devin Townsend Interview
Long-time Devin fans may have read and watched previous interviews with Devin on here. I’ve been fortunate enough to have built up a decade-plus working relationship with him, and I’m glad to report that I was able to chat to him about all of this new art. We have a 32 minute video for you to check out below! This conversation occurred less than two weeks ago, and we meet Devin early during his morning over in western Canada.
As always, there were many questions that didn’t make it into our tight window of time, but I feel that what we did get was valuable. Dev was as articulate, open, sharing and funny as ever, and once again, it was my privilege and pleasure to be able to have another conversation with him. Here it is!
I hope you enjoyed our conversation! If you’ve not yet checked out Devin’s previous interviews with us, then this Devin Townsend Interview blog will link you to them all.
I’d like to take a second to thank Devin for fitting me into his busy morning (and for being a great laugh as always), and to Sharon Chevin for putting us in touch this time.
Devin’s book Overexposed & Underdeveloped is available from Rocket 88 books. Head to the Devin Townsend official website for the new Powernerd album, merch, tour dates and more! Finally, head across to the guitarguitar Interviews page for over 200 exclusive interviews just like this one! See you next time!
