By Wade Coggeshall
DANVILLE — Janis Joplin is one of those incomparable artists. But if you had to draw parallels to today, Indianapolis’ Jennie DeVoe would quickly come to the fore.
Like her bluesy, soulful ancestor, DeVoe’s rugged sonance fills any-size room. From the beginning, she’s been a fiercely independent artist, comfortable in any setting, a gypsy sort that can charm the pants off the most straitlaced parochialist. Her uncanny blend of what she calls “Americana-hippie-gospel-soul” attracts numerous strata of the music-listening audience.
DeVoe is no best-kept secret in her hometown, having been repeatedly voted as one of the top artists by local publications. So when a show like Saturday’s at the Royal Theater comes along, don’t wait to get tickets.
This is DeVoe’s third year performing at the Royal during Christmas time.
“The time of year is a cool time for us to go there,” she said. “We started this cool little tradition. We only do a few Christmas songs. It’s not like it’s a full-out Christmas show.”
Because DeVoe long ago called the Royal her favorite venue, her concerts there are always in demand.
“I think everybody feels like they get more than their money’s worth,” DeVoe said.
She’s played everything from theaters to amphitheaters, but it’s the former DeVoe likes best. That’s because they attract “listening audiences.”
“They’re the most gratifying for me as an artist because people come to listen,” she said. “It’s less of a chatty crowd. For an artist, it’s good to indulge yourself in that sometimes. It makes you be a better entertainer.”
Saturday’s attendees also may get treated to songs gracing DeVoe’s latest project, which she hopes to have available by March. She recently returned from Bath, England, where she recorded her fourth studio CD. She also produced 2004’s “Fireworks and Karate Supplies” there.
“It’s good for myself and my band to get out of our comfort zone,” DeVoe said in explaining why she goes to England. “Rather than going home every night, it’s better to stay in a frame of mind while you’re creating something. If you get into this comfort area, it seems to diffuse creativity.”
She’s certainly found her niche as a self-sufficient musician. Her songs have been added to radio station rotations nationwide, as well as licensed by TV shows like “Dawson’s Creek” and “Joan of Arcadia” — all without the promotional power of a record label. DeVoe has received her share of offers, but none have ever felt right.
“It’s a career I’ve built from the center out,” she said. “It’s on my shoulders, so it can be a lot of pressure because I have a band. I like them to be happy, and some of them have been with me for 10 years. We feed off each other as far as keeping the independent thing going.”
Not only is she happy being a free agent, she’s content to remain in the Midwest rather than move to New York or California with stars in her eyes. She’s been to both coasts plenty of times.
“There’s nothing special except the rent’s higher,” DeVoe said. “I don’t think it’s necessary to live in the middle of an arts scene. I do think it’s necessary to travel around and spread your music. We do that already; I’ve played everywhere from New York to Colorado to Toronto. I like to say everybody’s from somewhere. I love Indiana and I love the people, so I have no qualms about living here.”
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Online:
www.jenniedevoe.com
wade.coggeshall@flyergroup.com
