[The Dev]

Yo guys! Thank you again

Trying to answer PMs but its pretty hectic right now... there are hundreds of pms, (and some are 3 pages long...)

I hope it's cool if I just read them all... because the workload musically is pretty heavy, and I don't want to be glib.

Reading though...some great stuff!

I'm amazed you're finding the time to do this. Thank you for validating why you are my favorite artist ever.

Even if I wasn't a fan of the music, I would still admire the dedication and respect that you give your fans. I am a huge fan of the music though, and the music is all I really expect from you, and should really be the only thing any fan should expect from an artist. The fact that you take the extra steps to connect and show your appreciation is incredible. I have a lot of respect for that. Thank you.

Don't be too hard on the folks that don't post or even read the posts on their message boards. Fans can be really prickish and insulting when there's drama in the band already (Anthrax going through singers, Peter Steels death). People get disrespectful and the mods delete posts and then the band members are assholes because they don't want to read that bullshit on their official forums.
You have to be able to roll with the punches. I'm very glad Devin can. He makes his fans feel special and appreciated.

and Dev: Thank you so much for not retiring!!! I know it's purely selfish for me but your music past and present means so much to me. I hope making music keeps you happy for a long time!

Don't be too hard on the folks that don't post or even read the posts on their message boards. Fans can be really prickish and insulting when there's drama in the band already (Anthrax going through singers, Peter Steels death). People get disrespectful and the mods delete posts and then the band members are assholes because they don't want to read that bullshit on their official forums.
You have to be able to roll with the punches. I'm very glad Devin can. He makes his fans feel special and appreciated.

That is why I said that no one should ever expect more from a musician than what that musician chooses to give. In other words, if you put down money for a CD or a concert, then you should only expect a CD or a performance. No fan should ever expect a greeting on the street to be returned, a fan letter to be answered, etc. An artist owes a fan nothing.

A lot of fans feel entitled because it was "their money" that the artists are living on, so they owe the fans. That is bullshit. A person enjoyed a CD, so they bought it. The deal ended there. Transaction completed. Many artists feel this way, and I do not blame them at all. I am satisfied with that as a fan.

If an artist chooses to go above and beyond that, I think it needs to be commended. It is not necessary, nor should it ever be expected. It should be appreciated though, because it is extra effort. It is going above and beyond. It is crossing the line between personal and professional, and that is a dangerous line to cross for "celebrities."

I have followed many bands over the years, and met quite a few of my heroes. I've been lucky in that respect, and I can honestly say that not one of those experiences were ever negative. Showing that you appreciate someone is powerful. When appreciation is shared, it can be life-changing.

100% agreed!

That is why I said that no one should ever expect more from a musician than what that musician chooses to give. In other words, if you put down money for a CD or a concert, then you should only expect a CD or a performance. No fan should ever expect a greeting on the street to be returned, a fan letter to be answered, etc. An artist owes a fan nothing.

A lot of fans feel entitled because it was "their money" that the artists are living on, so they owe the fans. That is bullshit. A person enjoyed a CD, so they bought it. The deal ended there. Transaction completed. Many artists feel this way, and I do not blame them at all. I am satisfied with that as a fan.



I have followed many bands over the years, and met quite a few of my heroes. I've been lucky in that respect, and I can honestly say that not one of those experiences were ever negative. Showing that you appreciate someone is powerful. When appreciation is shared, it can be life-changing.

Sorry but I disagree with that, I do not think there should be any business relationship between an artist and his fans. Money is only a means to make a decent living out of whatever art you're making, be it music, painting or filming. What's really important, say vital, in my humble opinion, is the vibe that goes between the performer and the spectator. (okay I know "vibe" is a very nerdy word, but we're all nerds after all
So I'm not saying that the artist has to answer every fan letter or every pm, especially when the message is negative, but showing your appreciation for the guys who enjoy your work, well, it's always good for the heart, if you know what I mean.
Just re-read my post at the beginning of the topic. I tried to contact FF in a professional way, NOT as a groupie, and I really told'em how much I appreciated their work, so it was all but negative.
All in all, I think an artist needs the fans just as much as the fans need the artist. We're not just mere groupies, who's only purpose is to fill the artist and producers wallets. And Devin understands that very well, I'm sure.
You know, I'm an artist myself, in designing and comic books, and especially now, in my early career, I'm trying first to get my work appreciated and only after that will I think about my work's financial value.
So, again, A MILION THANKS TO DEVIN for taking the time to answer to this topic after the amazing shows he pulled off in Helsinki.

Sorry but I disagree with that, I do not think there should be any business relationship between an artist and his fans. Money is only a means to make a decent living out of whatever art you're making, be it music, painting or filming. What's really important, say vital, in my humble opinion, is the vibe that goes between the performer and the spectator. (okay I know "vibe" is a very nerdy word, but we're all nerds after all

Once money has changed hands it has become a business transaction, but that is another conversation altogether.

However, I firmly believe that no one should ever expect anything more from an artist than what they choose to give.

However, I firmly believe that no one should ever expect anything more from an artist than what they choose to give.

Of course, this is true. But I would put it like this: I am more than content with what such talented artists as Devy or FF choose to give. Their music is more than enough to inspire and even drive us in our lives. But sometimes you get the feeling that some artists just don't give a pig's fuck about their fans and I think it's a shame. Because, no matter how you put it, they need us, man. And not just for our money.

t depends on the artist. They may only need to create the art. Some are lucky they can make money doing what they love.

t depends on the artist. They may only need to create the art. Some are lucky they can make money doing what they love.

True, making art is a need that cannot be controlled or measured. Although, deep inside, every artist seeks recognition from some audience, or they're deranged.
Take my word on that.

t depends on the artist. They may only need to create the art. Some are lucky they can make money doing what they love.

True, making art is a need that cannot be controlled or measured. Although, deep inside, every artist seeks recognition from some audience, or they're deranged.
Take my word on that.

I must be one fucked-up S.O.B. then. lol

t depends on the artist. They may only need to create the art. Some are lucky they can make money doing what they love.

True, making art is a need that cannot be controlled or measured. Although, deep inside, every artist seeks recognition from some audience, or they're deranged.
Take my word on that.

I must be one fucked-up S.O.B. then. lol

There's nothing wrong with that

(sorry, messed up with the post)

True, making art is a need that cannot be controlled or measured. Although, deep inside, every artist seeks recognition from some audience, or they're deranged.

This recognition, for the artist, may amount simply to the feeling of being somewhat connected to the external world.
I think some also create what others call art for solely personal needs. Communication, exorcism, whatever.