After receiving an invitation to perform at Santa Monica’s Pride event last Saturday, local music artist DEVMO was ecstatic to share her tunes with the thousands of viewers who were expected to attend.
But with the cancellation of this year’s celebration now official, DEVMO is trying to keep spirits high with her new song titled, “Santa Monica.”
“I’d written half of it a while ago. But once I found out I was going to be part of Santa Monica Pride, I thought, ‘You know what? I’m going to finish that song and put it out on the day of Pride in dedication of the city and people that I love,’” DEVMO said in an interview Wednesday.
Of course, the young artist finished her song in time to debut it at the virtual Pride celebration originally scheduled for Saturday, June 20, but with the festival canceled, she decided she would wait to release it.
“I was hesitant to put up a song, because I didn’t want to interfere with the movement. But then I thought there’s so much going on in the world right now, and I’m not working so why don’t I just take the proceeds from this song and donate it to an organization that’s going to help,” DEVMO said, mentioning all proceeds received from iTunes purchases will be donated to Colin Kaepernick’s Know Your Rights Camp. She also intends to make a matching donation up to $500.
“I think art is super important right now and this was a chance for me to make a contribution,” she said. “It is summer and we’re all fighting this battle for revolution, and I think that’s really amazing and impressive. At the same time, I wanted to give everybody a chance to enjoy some music, take a breather and relax.”
“It’s a fun summer song at the end of the day that I feel like everybody can enjoy,” DEVMO added. “The song itself is a sort of time capsule into my young adult life in Santa Monica, and I try to capture the essence of many beautiful memories spent growing up here,” and it’s hard not to daydream about the Westside when you hear the beachy, summery vibes of “Santa Monica.”
“I wanted this to be a song for the people of Santa Monica,” DEVMO said. “Although it’s a strange time to put out music given the political and social climate of the world, I truly think art is what is needed right now.”
brennon@smdp.com
