Exclusive Interview: Landon DeVon on The Blue Era, Creative Freedom, and What’s Next

Landon DeVon is an artist who refuses to be confined by expectations. Blending R&B, hip-hop, and deeply introspective lyricism, he has carved a space in the industry that is uniquely his own. Since making his debut in 2016, he has continuously evolved, not just in sound but in artistic identity. With projects like Chakra 4 and his latest phase, The Blue Era, Landon uses music as a medium for both self-discovery and connection, creating raw, unapologetic work that resonates with listeners on a profound level. His ability to infuse personal growth, spirituality, and emotional honesty into his craft has set him apart in an industry often driven by trends.

In this exclusive interview with Exposed Vocals, Landon opens up about his creative journey, the inspirations behind his music, and what fans can expect next. From his signature phrase, “Look What You Made Me Do,” to his evolving artistry and upcoming projects, he speaks candidly about finding his voice and reclaiming his space. With a fearless approach to music and an unwavering commitment to authenticity, Landon DeVon is not just making songs—he’s creating anthems of self-expression, resilience, and truth.

Exposed Vocals: You’ve been making music since 2016—what has been the biggest evolution in your sound and artistry over the years?

Landon: My biggest evolution of sound would definitely be in composition. Production. Approaching music differently, but specifically with freedom. My first major song I dropped was “On Purpose” and although an ex led me to writing it, I still wanted desperately to be heard as not only a performer but a songwriter as well in duality.

My music now, (currently and soon to be released) is what I give you as me and not anyone else defining what I look like, sound like, or what I’m expected to sound like. If it’s not me, I wouldn’t give it to you; and over time, people will find out better than I can tell them. I’m making music for me, and because it’s more authentic, it’s coming out even better than what I even thought. That transparency is something I look at as important when you’re creating an audience. I’m not afraid to show the many faces I have anymore, and I see it keeps things spicy.

Exposed Vocals: Your music blends R&B and hip-hop influences with deeply personal lyricism. How do you approach songwriting and storytelling?

Landon: I grew up with R&B and hip-hop—it really just registers easily. Sometimes it’s about what I’m saying, and sometimes it’s about what the beat is saying, for me. I hear it like it’s another language.

Exposed Vocals: Chakra 4 marked a significant moment in your career. What inspired the concept behind the album?

Landon: I started my shamanic journey and reiki healings and later became attuned myself. I was ready to not only show I knew how to really show up as a serious artist but as a healing person with feelings too; that healing or hurting out loud is still a thing, but overcoming that hurt is also too a thing as well—sonically.

The 4th Chakra is the heart chakra, and a lot of hurt and untapped emotion that kept me from being able to revive myself or receive love in a health(ier)(at the time) manner, and most importantly, shed more light on myself and heal things in that space through music.

Exposed Vocals: You’ve described your current phase as The Blue Era, emphasizing the Throat Chakra. What does this era represent for you artistically and personally?

Landon:
Artistically: I’m creating art that’s for me. Music I will play on my own without anyone liking it. I feel like The Blue Era is, on its own, a mic drop of sorts, and a lot of it won’t make sense until it does.

Personally: I’ve had to find my voice on many levels in ways I didn’t think possible. I went through a lot of hell and intense rounds of people-pleasing and sacrificing so much of myself that I just said, “I’ve had enough.” Nobody is speaking up for me. I’m letting too much slide. I’m not perfect, but I’ve for damn sure been too easy to play with. And in this album, this era, this long heavy space of time, I’m just saying, “You got me f**ked up, and I deserve so much more—and you knew it, and I know it, and you didn’t want me to know—but here we are!”

Exposed Vocals: Your phrase “Look What You Made Me Do” has become a signature. What does it mean to you, and how did it originate?

Landon: It originated when I started doing music. I started saying that because I felt very unheard growing up, and I felt like people’s lack of ear—or even mental and emotional intelligence—wasn’t making them realize how much they weren’t paying attention. I figured out the one time you do (they did) is when you’re concerned I’m writing about you and shook at the quality and read. Now that time has passed, it’s really a staple. It really is a part of me. I think that is so cool, honestly.

It’s also like me saying, “I allowed this to happen in this part of life, but look at what it produced, look at how you made me see myself or the lack of, look at the healing journey you’ve set forth. Look what you’ve allowed me to do! Look at how you like that reflection or not. You’re welcome.”

Exposed Vocals: You’ve performed at major venues like Miramar, Majestic Theater, and Milwaukee’s Pride. What has been your most memorable live performance experience so far?

Landon: To be honest, this is hard because I’ve been so fortunate early on to be on so many stages. Best energy from a show would be Majestic Theater—that was truly insane. Me and my dancers made the choreography, and it was so much fun. FreakFest because it rained, and I had always wanted to perform there, and I made my own lane with LUM and who I am as an artist to make that happen. That was a real moment for me and the team.

Exposed Vocals: Your track I’m Not Coming Down became the most-streamed song on LUM during its global launch. What was that moment like for you?

Landon: We actually released Chakra 4 the album the day of the launch, and that was what really catapulted me. We came together and thought we could really do things with this album, and it was going to be the theme song of the app at one point. It showed me I was headed in the right direction and to stay the course, honestly. The song got me a lot of respect in the game, and it helped me gain a lot of network and opportunities. That song still ain’t seen its glory yet, and I’m very excited for when it does.

Exposed Vocals: Working with producers like Pdubcookin, Chetameister, 187PRODUCTIONS, and Arum Beats, how do you decide who to collaborate with?

Landon: If I can make a song to a beat you made, chances are it’s not the only good beat you have, and chances are you have the ear. If it’s not there, it’s just not. I’m very intuitive about my music. My ear has to ring, skin has to crawl or raise—there has to be an impact of energetic increase to get a vibe for me.

Exposed Vocals: You’ve cited influences ranging from Brandy and Jay-Z to Panic! At the Disco and The Fray. How do these diverse inspirations shape your sound?

Landon: I am the diverseness I listen to, so it makes it easy to just flow however the art flows. Cause I’m fluent in genres and not just one. So I never have to box myself in ways of expression, which I think is extremely important. I’m learning to unbox myself through creation—not to be boxed because you want me to make your type of creations.

Exposed Vocals: Coulda Had It marked your first major release under ISwimWithSharksInc. How has your partnership with Andre Williams and the label impacted your career?

Landon: Andre is now my manager, thankfully, and I’m very grateful for our friendship. I’ve been able to grow with a label that knows what to do and cares. It’s pretty insane to know we’ve been at this for as long as we have. So many delays and so many setbacks, but I’m able to do things in the near future that I wouldn’t have been able to had it not been for the team I have behind me and the hard work they put in behind the scenes to make everything possible. We get to show that very soon. Very excited for what’s to come. I’ve waited so very long, but it is so worth it.

Exposed Vocals: You’ve hinted at a back-to-back single release strategy. How do you maintain such a high level of creativity and consistency in your work?

Landon: Because I’m not a bop-heavy artist and more of a conceptual artist, there’s always a story I’m telling or a vibe I’m creating. If you keep those connections apart for too long without filling in blanks, you kill the chance of the whole thing or even the hint of it from being seen or grasped.

Exposed Vocals: How does your personal growth and spirituality influence your music and the messages you share with your audience?

Landon: I face myself so that others can hear somebody is facing it, somebody feels this way too, and this is how vulnerable they are in that space—“Wow, I can do that too” is kinda where I go with it.

As successful artists, people tend to paint a picture of who they perceive to be the persona of the star that you are, not realizing what it takes to be seen in such a light and care about how that light shines—maintenance and all.

Exposed Vocals: Your music often carries strong emotional themes. How do you want listeners to feel when they hear your songs?

Landon: I want them able to receive. Not even just me, but whatever it reflects when they hear it. Once it’s out of my head and into the people’s hands, it’s truly none of my business!

Exposed Vocals: You’ve built a solid reputation as both a lyricist and performer. Which aspect of being an artist do you enjoy most—writing, recording, or performing live?

Landon: I guess at this stage of my life, it’s like asking “The Father, The Son, or The Holy Spirit” (LOL). I want and love it all.

I can say I don’t wanna perform forever. I really wanna tour, make the art and stability I need to survive and thrive, and one day be one of the best songwriters to ever do it—in ALL GENRES.

Exposed Vocals: You’ve mentioned that the concept for your upcoming work is “I Said WTF I Said.” Can you elaborate on that statement and what it means for your next project?

Landon: There’s so much I haven’t said, that I will be for the respect of myself. I’m not asking to be liked by any means in this album. It was actually one of the first things I had to really sit with. I’ve let myself be so quiet and not want to shake the table or speak up for myself in ways that are safe for me. I realized I gave so many safe spaces to others, and now this album is mine. It doesn’t have to be your truth, but it is mine.

Exposed Vocals: As an independent artist making waves, what’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned about navigating the music industry?

Landon: Know your business. Know the business. Mind your own business.

The quality will speak for itself. Plant it right and let it be. You cannot make everyone a fan. Let that go. Not everyone is even supposed to be a fan; kill that ego. Quickly.

Exposed Vocals: How do you balance creative freedom with commercial appeal when creating new music?

Landon: As long as you stay true to you and know the quality behind it, it’ll be perfect. When you overthink for the sake of commercial appeal, you already stunt your growth and expansive potential because now you’re aiming for a slot or a spot or a piece of demographic instead of being your whole, reaching the others.

Exposed Vocals: If you could collaborate with any artist—past or present—who would it be and why?

Landon: Without a doubt, I can’t just answer this without saying a small list.

The only real answer there is to answer is Beyoncé.

However, I’m in deep queer love with Renee Rapp—she’s really helped me through a really rough time I’m having healing. Snow Angel (Album) and Everything to Everyone (Album) kinda literally are my life.

John Legend. Nicki Minaj. Lil Wayne. JoJo. Ariana Grande. Destin Conrad. Sasha Keable. Brandy. Hayley Williams. Tyler, The Creator. Doja Cat. Big Sean. Kehlani.

Sorry not sorry.

Exposed Vocals: With The Blue Era in full motion, what can fans expect next? Are there any upcoming projects, visuals, or live performances in the works?

Landon: Without saying too much, I really just want y’all to be prepared for music. Lots and lots and lots of music. You’ll be seeing me reintroduce myself over and over and over again.

I am going to live and die and rebirth many times before this era is over. I’ve also never held on to so much music in my life, and that’s been really hard for me to do.

Visuals are gonna be a really big thing we implement this year and next year, but you’re never gonna know what you’re getting until you get it. In my time of making music, I’ve learned the importance of not just putting out a visual just because.

People have been begging for more visuals, but baby, who is supplying the budgets for these?! Like, get real, guys! We are doing what we can. (Lol)

Exposed Vocals: What’s the ultimate message you want to leave behind through your music and legacy as an artist?

Landon: Love yourself. I just want people to feel like it’s okay to be themselves. Ultimately, I’m doing a lot of my shadow work through my music in front of everyone, so truly, I’m leaving me behind.

My declaration of timelessness. That healing looks like this. Magic looks like this.

It’s in all of us.

As Landon DeVon continues to push boundaries and evolve through The Blue Era, his music remains a testament to authenticity, resilience, and fearless self-expression. With a relentless dedication to his craft, he is not only creating music but shaping a legacy that encourages others to embrace their truth. Whether through deeply personal lyricism, innovative production, or electrifying live performances, Landon proves that his artistry is ever-growing and unapologetically his own. As he gears up for new releases, visuals, and more moments of reinvention, one thing is clear—he’s just getting started.