I'm not 100% sure on where exactly the money for purchasing the CD goes (record company, chain stores, artist, etc...), but I figure that if any money at all goes to the artist themselves, then the $10-15 i spend on their art is more than worth it to keep them plugging away. I personally have downloaded 2 albums in my music listening career, eMotive and mer de noms by A perfect Circle. And I later bought mer do noms (but not emotive, because it was pretty terrible) anyway. I have several friends who just download absolutely everything and refuse to purchase CDs. I just don't get it. You have to support the artists, especially in metal where not many albums are sold anyhoo. So in short, Dev, I have purchased all your prior solo and SYL material and will continue to do so because your music means a lot to me and you should be compensated for all the hard work you put into it.

Music is a drug and we're the addicts.
Nowadays, getting the euphoria you need is only one click away - who can resist?
I'm an unsigned dude who makes music as a some sort of hobby / weird obsession, so illegal downloading can't hurt me. But if music was to be my main source of income, I would be afraid..

I found Tevin by listening to his vocals in Vai's Sex&Religion and went out and bought Infinity.

But there's one solution to help musicians make a living: establishing your own record label so you can keep all the moolah you make. Would it work? At the same time you could sign some newbies and get some more cash outta their sales. And when your underlings have gotten same fame, those guys will form their own record label as well (that way it's win-win for everyone). If everyone had their own record label, things would get better. Right?

If you don't have merch designed yet. I'd totally be up for it.

I'm not professional though... Learning!

I joke of course.

I still haven't downloading Ki. I wanna wait to buy it. I have a nice large pair of good speakers and sound set up, so I wana make sure it sounds good.

I'm gonna buy out your whole fucking merch store Dev. Gogogo Ki t-shirts for summer! Or... MEATBALL merch?

Oh lawd if there was such thing as meatball merch.. I... I think my world would implode from the awesomeness

My opinion, though unneeded:

Thoughts on downloading:
TheBruce states largely how I feel. If I hadn't downloaded a few thousand songs, I would be incredibly limited, especially since the radio is tripe and I'd be buying based on reviews and samples alone. There would be plenty of disappointment. That said, when an artist "moves" me, as Devin does, I feel strongly encouraged, if not obligated, to buy the albums. That's why I own the Dev catalog and the SYL stuff. It's just so powerful that I didn't feel right saying "fuck it." That's not to say I buy everything I like--just things I really want to support. But I suppose that's how it's constructed--some sort of vague investment. The politics of music.

Thoughts on religion:
Typically, I find that there's nothing personal about it unless you make it so. I was raised as a Christian, rejected it pretty early on, went through some brief flings with it, but eventually became an atheist and never went back to religion. Logical fallacies and such were just overpowering. But, I only rejected it because I made it personal, and thought that if I was supposed to believe it, I had to reason it out. There are tons of arguments for Christianity and God (and all religions), but in general, I find them to be shallow and self-contradictory. I suppose in that respect, I'm a bit intolerant--you can believe what you want, but I'm likely to believe you're wrong. Not to say that I'm right. I don't think anyone is.

I can understand why people want (not need) religion in their lives, though. Gives them meaning, purpose, interconnectedness, etc. But, I found all those things to be much more fulfilling without a permanent, angry (yet "benevolent") father figure to watch everything I do. I don't need the pressure to be something I'm not to make me a "better" person. To be honest, Dev, I'm really with you (in some respects) on the concepts involving the infinite nature of things and nature as a "god" of sorts. I'm keen on the sum of all physical laws as god, too (see Einstein). Philosophical questions such as these tend only to have answers insofar as those answers have meaning to us, though. Personally, I think it's all connected (I mean, all--infinitely), and it's impossible to escape that. But a lot of times in this cosmic soup, the effects of my actions are so infinitesimal that they might as well be independent. No fate, unless you like to call the reality you've ended up in fate. But free will doesn't make too much sense to me, either. Chemicals, objectively. Life demands a little more, somehow, I suppose.

I'm very tight on time, and this is all rambling and sort of stream of consciousness, but I have so much to say on this subject. This is neither the time, nor the place, anyway. I know I haven't expressed myself well, and I'm not trying to fight with anyone. Take it as you will.

Oh, btw, I just stumbled upon Terminal on youtube. Wow, this song is absolutely fantastic. Can't wait for this record to come out.

Dev,

I know that a few years ago you said that it was just as good to buy your cd's from the local record store and other outlets as it was to buy from HevyDevy. Something to do with getting the record companys to in turn help promte you more (ok its been awhile)

As fans we all wanted to know what helped you out the best. I just want to know, has that changed any for you. Believe me I want to pre-order from Hevy Devy, but I also want to do my part to help support the inevitable system so long as its whats best for you. Music is such an important entitiy (sounds like an 80's sci fi movie) to everyone in an infinite way! Im to old to be say DOWN WITH THE MAN!! Meaning i'm not going to waste the breath on it. Can you just tell me whats the best way to support you and your family. Diapers alone kicks my wallet!!!

If its by 10 cd's of Ki and a shirt from Hevy Devy then so be it! You've earned it!

Devin, I have two words for you. KI BEDSHEETS. And another three words (I would purchase so many of these, you have no idea); OCEAN MACHINE BEDSHEETS.

[The Dev]

Yeah, sorry to be such a dinosaur, just had a shitty morning and ranted like an 8 year old.

As long as people listen I'm happy.

This is incredible! Any chance of like a package pre-order deal? The CD with a shirt or something?

Dev cant wait for the merch, i hope its cool! need a new hoody. Im gonna buy all these 4 albums even though ive downloaded Ki. I cant stop listening to Ki man once its started i just dont want to turn it off until its finished. If i have my ipod on repeat i have to stop it quick before the 1st track starts again or i cant turn it off. There isnt any of it that i feel like i want to skip and i like every track as much as the next, the crushing to the beautiful delicate parts which make you feel like your tiny in such a huge universe.

Keep it real man

Law

Yeah, sorry to be such a dinosaur, just had a shitty morning and ranted like an 8 year old.

As long as people listen I'm happy.

Well, some dinosaurs die hard Here's one too... and absolutely 100% agree with your opinions on downloading. But hey, i think that Ki is going to sell plenty. Talk about bad mornings.. don't get me started...

Dunno about morals, downloading, religion or the universe, but I like dinosaurs, tho.

Devin, I love everything you have ever written (that i have heard of) and I personally am on my way to owning the complete set of you works, I will always purchase every album you create they have a huge impact on me emotional and mentally, I would be honoured to know and to help in the fact that purchasing your album, puts food on the table for you and your family. I want nothing more...(as I am sure many of your fans would agree with)...then for you to be happy. weither it is listening carefuly to you when your in need or, weither thats all of us spending a little extra to buy your merch or CD, or weither that would be you retiring happily (If possible with your current financial state) I am not 100% sure what it is you want. but just know that I and many of your fans I beiieve i can speak for will be more then happy to do what ever is needed to make you happy..

I will dedinatly be buying merch, your albums, boxsets, future dvds?, vinyl copies?. Anything i can do to help devin, I will.

Please make some hoodies with your face on it some t-shirts with pictures of you on it would be amazing.

Can you make some KI pants? I need a pair of Dev jeans

Yeah, sorry to be such a dinosaur, just had a shitty morning and ranted like an 8 year old.

As long as people listen I'm happy.

Devin, you are only human, keep your chin up, and stay strong. Never give up doing what you love and I among with everyone else will do what we can.

OFFICIAL MERCH JUST ARRIVED: