Q&A: From Gortin to Nashville - Janet Devlin’s Journey to ‘Emotional Rodeo’
INTERVIEW
INTERVIEW
☆ BY DANIELLE HOLIAN ☆
Photo By Emma-Jane Lewis
JANET DEVLIN HAS COME A LONG WAY — since her breakout appearance on The X Factor in 2011, where she captured the hearts of viewers and finished in fifth place. Born and raised in the quiet village of Gortin, County Tyrone, Janet’s musical journey began long before the cameras were rolling. From a young age, her voice was something special—rich, emotional, and unmistakable. But it wasn’t until The X Factor gave her a national stage that the world truly began to notice.
What followed was a whirlwind of success. Her debut album Running with Scissors soared to #1 on the Indie Breakers Chart and cracked the Top 50 of the UK Official Albums Chart. Meanwhile, her enchanting cover of The Cure’s "Friday I’m In Love" became a Spotify sensation, earning nearly 20 million streams and capturing the essence of Janet's soulful voice. But what truly set her apart was her willingness to open up—through her music, her stories, and even her struggles.
In Confessional, her second album released alongside her autobiography “My Confessional,” Janet bared her soul. The album explored themes of mental health, self-reflection, and resilience, offering listeners a raw and honest perspective of her journey—from the intense pressures of early fame to navigating adulthood and carving out her own path. It resonated with so many, inspiring hope for those facing their own mental health battles, and saw her embark on a headline UK tour in 2022. The album even made its way to the Billboard Top 100, a milestone that solidified her place as an artist who wasn’t just in the game, but making a difference.
But Janet Devlin is not one to sit still. As 2023 rolled around, she took her tour schedule international, performing alongside Russell Crowe and his band across Australia and Europe. Between the exhilarating concerts and the constant travel, Janet found herself in one of those “pinch me” moments: recording her latest album in Nashville.
“It was a dream come true,” Janet recalls. “There were two main types of music I listened to as a youngster: country and rock. When those two worlds collide, I’m as giddy as a schoolgirl. Recording in Nashville was everything I thought it would be!”
And so, Emotional Rodeo was born—an album that finds Janet Devlin transitioning seamlessly from her folk-pop roots into the soulful storytelling of country music. This isn’t the country of broad stereotypes and cowboy hats; this is a modern take, steeped in emotional depth and vulnerability. What Janet has created is a collection of songs that feel both deeply personal and universally relatable, a true reflection of her evolving sound and identity as an artist.
The making of Emotional Rodeo was a dream collaboration. Janet brought together a team of seasoned musicians, many of whom have worked with some of the biggest names in country music, including Bob Dylan, Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton, and Carrie Underwood. With the likes of Charlie McCoy, Rob McNelley, and Fred Eltringham at her side, it’s no wonder the album captures the timeless feel of classic Nashville country with a fresh, contemporary twist. Janet describes it as a “collaboration of musical magic”—a fusion of seasoned expertise and her own unique flair that produced something extraordinary.
For Janet, country music isn’t just a genre; it’s a deep, personal connection. Growing up, country tunes were always playing in the background of family life, especially on long drives to horse competitions with her dad. She remembers wearing her cowboy boots around the house and dreaming of one day stepping into the world of country music. "It’s always been a huge part of my life,” she says with a smile. “I’ve always loved the storytelling aspect of it. It’s like a conversation—you get a bit of everything: joy, sorrow, and those clever lines that make you laugh.”
Now, with Emotional Rodeo, Janet has firmly planted her boots in the country music scene, claiming her place in a space that has long felt like home. Yet, she hasn’t left behind her roots. The album is a stunning representation of her personal evolution, both musically and emotionally. Songs like "The Only One" and "Penny Drops" reflect a more mature, reflective Janet who has spent the last decade figuring out who she is, both on and off stage.
But what truly makes Emotional Rodeo stand out is its authenticity. Janet isn’t just playing in the country genre because it’s trendy or because it’s expected. She’s in it because it feels true to her. There’s a vulnerability in her music that isn’t just about personal confession; it’s about offering a glimpse of herself to her fans, so they might find a little piece of themselves in her songs. Janet says it best herself: “you can stick on a country radio station and cry, laugh, and sing along—it’s about the human experience, the highs, and the lows.”
For Janet Devlin, country music is not just a genre she’s adopted; it’s a part of her story—a soundtrack to the journey she’s been on since her teenage years in Gortin. As Emotional Rodeo hits shelves and speakers worldwide, it’s clear that Janet has only just begun to scratch the surface of what she’s capable of. This album is the next step in an ongoing evolution, one where Janet Devlin finds herself exactly where she’s always dreamed of being: in the heart of the music she loves, telling stories that matter, and making music that feels like home.
Luna sat down with Janet Devlin to discuss her musical journey, influences, and the creation of her new album Emotional Rodeo. Her evolution as an artist, her openness about her journey with mental health, and her passion for sharing stories that connect with her audience is on full display.
Photo By Emma-Jane Lewis
LUNA: Thank you for joining us at Luna! Our readers are excited to learn more about you and your music. For those who may be new to your work, could you share some of the main influences and inspirations behind your unique sound and artistic style?
DEVLIN: I grew up in the middle of nowhere in the countryside of Ireland. Some are shocked to hear that country is the biggest genre of music there. I grew up listening to the greats: Hal Ketchum, Dolly Parton, Kenny Rogers, Alan Jackson, Johnny Cash etc. I also loved bluegrass, predominantly the soundtrack of “Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?” I played it so much I had to buy it five times. I love telling stories - as do most of the Irish. That is one of the reasons why I love country so much.
LUNA: Congratulations on your new album! Emotional Rodeo explores themes of self-discovery and empowerment. Can you tell us what inspired you to create an album so deeply personal and raw?
DEVLIN: As for all of my music, I write about what I know best - my life and my experiences. I haven’t written about love/heartbreak since my first album ten years ago. So, there are quite a few vulnerable numbers on this record. I [also] feel like this album shows off the other side of me. The silly, fun-loving side that I’ve never gotten to show before. Songs like "Catfishing," "Daddy," "Country Singer" etc. I’m not a very serious person in my everyday life and I’m glad that’s finally being displayed in my music too.
LUNA: Recording Emotional Rodeo in Nashville, the heart of country music, must have been an incredible experience. How did the city’s energy and culture influence the sound or spirit of the album?
DEVLIN: It was the experience of a lifetime. Something I’d always dreamed of but didn’t think possible. Obviously, it was nerve-wracking. It’s in those moments I’m reminded that I’m just a little nobody from the middle of nowhere in Ireland. But in the best way. To get to work with world-class musicians like that in one of the best studios in the world was mind-blowing. What I wanted to capture for a lot of the tracks was this element of fun that I hadn’t had before. When I started this album, that’s what I wanted. Fun. I sure as heck got it. Not only were they a laugh to be around but they all brought so much authentic character to the tracks. In the week that I was there I had so many jumping up and down with joy moments. To get to watch your songs get played live and recorded in front of you is truly something else!
LUNA: Working with renowned producers like Roo Walker, Lowell Reynolds, and Vance Powell must have brought something special to the album. What was it like collaborating with such iconic figures in the industry?
DEVLIN: Roo was my first ever guitar player I hired 12 years ago. If anyone was going to get my vision and understand what I liked and didn’t like - it was him. Also, having known each other for so long, I didn’t have to dance around my words when I didn’t like something. I met Lowell on my first trip to Nashville when I was road-testing the concept of doing the album there. I think I could’ve been swayed by the whole notion just from meeting him. Nothing was ever too much and no question was ever too silly. I’m a big fan of his work, but also his nature. Lowell definitely knows how to get the best out of everyone but also knows all the best spots for food and bars. Working with Vance was something I never thought I’d get to do. He’s worked a lot with one of my biggest heroes - Chris Stapleton. To be frank I never thought he’d say yes to the project, and when he did I absolutely screamed the house down with joy! Talk about someone with a wealth of stories. Naturally, he’s been a cornerstone of the industry for so long. I loved what he did to the album but also I feel like I learned a lot from working with him. Which is always a bonus!
LUNA: Is there an ideal way to experience your music? Whether it’s a specific setting, mood, or time of day, what would you recommend for the best listening experience?
DEVLIN: I would just say anywhere that you can hear the lyrics... be that in the car, on a record player or just while you’re cleaning the house! I’ve been told it’s a good album to run to - in case there’s any avid runners reading!
LUNA: Your music navigates complex emotions, from humour to heartbreak. Was there a particular track on Emotional Rodeo that was especially challenging or therapeutic to write?
DEVLIN: It’s probably the song that I wasn’t going to write and that was “Funeral For My Best Friend." I wrote it with my mate Maddox Jones. It must’ve been the 10th song we’d done together when he asked, “what do you want to write about?” I was playing nonchalant and listed a bunch of up-tempo track ideas. Since he’s a friend, I was met with, “so you don’t want to write about the breakup you’re going through?” No one else would’ve known about it. I’m glad he did. It was the day after the event. Everything was still raw. I was very much in the "spraying their cologne" and "sleeping on their pillow" part of the breakup. I’m glad I was able to write it when it was still raw and not a distant memory.
LUNA: Mental health is an important theme in your work. Can you share how your own journey has shaped your approach to songwriting and storytelling in this album?
DEVLIN: I will always try to use my platform in whatever way I can to remove stigma from issues like addiction andmental health. I never shy away from telling anyone the dark corners of my life. But I think I want to prove that just because you have issues it doesn’t mean you can’t follow your dreams. That you can recover and go on to be happy. I also wanted there to be moments of levity in the album. Loving and living with BPD is exhausting. The person you’re dating very quickly becomes the centre of your universe and their moods can determine the tone of your day. That’s clearly expressed in the ballads. But also “Emotional Rodeo” the song discusses the BPD in a lighthearted way. I don’t think anything will top the honesty within my last album/book Confessional. But thankfully, putting that darker record out, allowed me to be in the happier place I’m in now. Getting the heavy stuff out there really freed me. Now I’ve been able to show a little bit more of my personality and silly side through music on this record. Songs I couldn’t have written five years ago because life was too heavy.
LUNA: Your fans connect deeply with your unfiltered and honest approach. How do you balance sharing your personal experiences with maintaining some boundaries for yourself?
DEVLIN: Essentially I only share about me. I used to overshare on everything going on in my life - but that wasn’t fair to everyone in it. Especially with the BPD it’s easy for the people in my life to be perceived as the bad guy. Even if they’d not really done anything wrong. I don’t share my relationship status just in case I got in one and told everyone our business. I also don’t share stories about my friends and family without their permission. Again, so I don’t just give a one sided rendition of events. Anything to do with just me though is all good!
LUNA: Emotional Rodeo has a strong country-rock influence, something you credit to your musical upbringing. Are there specific artists or songs that inspired you during the making of this album?
DEVLIN: In 2015 or so I started discovering modern country/bluegrass artists. Up until that point I was just listening to the ones I grew up on. I’m so glad I did, because the genre of country especially is so vast and far-reaching! I fell in love with the country mixed with heavy rock, swamp rock, Americana, pop etc. I love the works of Chris Stapleton. I originally found him in The SteelDrivers. Then, I’d later discover his solo work in 2016. I absolutely love Blackjack Billy as well. One of my favourite parts about country music is the well-produced but jockey lyrical content-filled songs. They do a sick job of keeping that part of the genre alive and well. Jackson Dean and Cory Marks are inspirations for their rock interpretation of country as well.
LUNA: The title Emotional Rodeo has such a bold, vibrant feel to it. How did you land on this name, and what does it mean to you personally?
DEVLIN: It sums up not only the album listening journey but also myself. I’m filled with emotional ups and downs every day. I’ve learnt how to hold on tight and just enjoy the ride. No point in fighting it when you can make the most of it. The phrase itself came from an appointment with my shrink where he asked how things were going and I said “well, it’s definitely a bit of an emotional rodeo” followed by “I’m going to write that down because that’d make a great song.”
LUNA: The themes of womanhood and self-acceptance are woven throughout Emotional Rodeo. How do you hope these messages impact listeners, especially young women?
DEVLIN: I just hope that they too become inspired to be the most unapologetically authentic version of themselves.
LUNA: What’s been one of the biggest lessons you’ve learned about yourself as both an artist and an individual while creating this album?
DEVLIN: The biggest lesson for me is a phrase I say to myself every day at least. “Less thinking, more doing!” It’s a great way to get myself to zoom out. To stop hyperfixating on the “how.” Just do it and figure it out along the way!
LUNA: How have you matured as an artist with Emotional Rodeo since your previous releases?
DEVLIN: I definitely feel like I’ve found my sound and my way of writing. I’ve never felt as at home as an artist as I do now. I allowed myself the freedom to experiment with my sound, my style, my look etc for the last ten years. I’m glad I did, as it led me to who I am now.
LUNA: Finally, if there’s one takeaway you want fans to have from Emotional Rodeo, what would it be?
DEVLIN: That it’s okay to be loud. To be angry, emotional, and goofy. To be you. Not everyone’s going to like it, but they’ll be envious of the fun you’re having!
Photo By Emma-Jane Lewis
