Born in Aotearoa, and based in Eora (Sydney), DEVAURA is a rising star in the emerging Australian music scene, known for her ethereal vocals and innovative soundscapes. She burst onto the scene in 2023, captivating audiences with her powerful performances and charismatic lyricism. A versatile artist with a background in both singing and rapping, DEVAURA has quickly gained recognition for her unique style and authentic storytelling. Her recent accolades include being named a ‘Triple J unearthed 2024 Draft Pick’ and receiving the 2024 Acclaim Magazine x PUMA Wildcard Award, and delivering standout performances for her debut at the 2024 Big Sound music showcase.
Overcoming significant challenges as a queer, first-generation immigrant, and formerly houseless, DEVAURA’s resilience shines through in her music. Her songs explore themes of love, loss, and self-discovery, inviting listeners to connect with her personal journey. DEVAURA’s live performances are nothing short of mesmerising, with her seamless transitions between beats and soulful vocals, combining with her magnetic stage presence. DEVAURA’s electrifying performances have also seen her debut at SXSW, Fest by Inner West (Factory Theatre, Sydney)and Parramatta Lanes Festival in 2024 and Party in the Paddock (TAS) in 2025 so far.
Irresistible asked DEVAURA about her music, ahead of checking her out at Womadelaide 2025.
It has shaped me in every conceivable way. Grief has been a familiar theme for me but the truth and intentionality of creating art and telling stories has been transformative. A re-forging has been taking place. I’m learning and unlearning so much and, you know, the loss of something so integral as family, love, security, belonging in some of it’s most recognisable forms definitely doesn’t leave you with a lot of choice or a feeling of autonomy. I’ve regained that through the beautiful friends and chosen family I’ve made along this journey. I’m so grateful to have survived the things that I have. I’m the oldest I’ve ever been, let alone, thought I would ever live to be, and the youngest I’ll ever be again, so the idea of having little pockets of myself, and the world that I exist in being reflected in the music and through performance is such a sacred treasure for me.
Attending a Yawdoesitall performance in 2021 was a pivotal moment that led you to immerse yourself in the music world. Can you share more about how that experience influenced your artistic direction and the steps you took afterward?
I didn’t know that live music could be done that way. I had never experienced live music from an Australian artist ever up until that point. It garnered curiosity within myself for what the scene was like here, and then also re–awakened the curiosity of my capacity to participate. That performance showed me that so much is possible here artistically. You don’t have to perform in one specific way or completely succumb to the limitations that either society or your internal voice may attempt to enforce upon you.It made me want to be brave, and I’m so grateful because it honestly saved my life. It made me aware of options I didn’t think I had access to (a lie by virtue of ignorance/lack of knowledge.)
The cost of living!!! Also the circumstances I’ve been in have afforded me a resilience. That gateway to my hunger to share stories and just listen and create great music.
Your music blends neo–soul, hip–hop, and rhythm–driven rap, which is such a unique sound. How do you approach integrating these genres, and what influences have been most significant in developing your style?
The first album I ever bought was Never be the Same by Jessica Mauboy. That album was rinsed by me. I had a mini CD player and that album would play non-stop. It was one of the first commercial albums that I ever owned and I just remember my preteen self feeling so seen and enamoured by her ability to tell her own experiences with love and belonging and growth. Yeah, I just love that album. It chemically altered my brain. I also grew up listening to a lot of Afro Gospel music. I loved watching musicals or TV shows that were musical – big shout out to GLEE!!!
Community seems to play a vital role in your life, especially within the Western Sydney music scene. How has this community influenced your artistry?
Community has re–introduced me to love. And the idea that anything is possible when you communicate effectively, when you are committed, and when you truly love something. I love it here.
Storytelling and world–building are central to your music. Can you share withus your your creative process when crafting these narratives?
Sometimes it’s listening to a beat or just chords sounds, and listening out for what my internal voice feels like saying. Other times it’s when I’ve already written something, or I have a hook line, and I draw inspiration from that and form a character that can live in the sonic world that is being conjured in that session. It’s slightly chaotic, a little therapeutic, but always honest.
Do you have a concert or a festival that you performed at that is a favourite memory either because you particularly enjoyed it, or were especially moved by it or something funny that happened?
I really enjoyed SXSW. It was the most chaotic week of my life, but it strengthened the relationship I have with my band and with performing so much. For a long time I didn’t think I was comfortable with being perceived, but when the mission is inviting people in to relate or witness or question their own relationships with MUSIC and performance, that all goes away, and I am just absolutely honoured by the fact that I got to experience that, let alone win an award for it. I received the Justin Cosby prize for best emerging act for the SXSW Sydney 2024 festival and I’m just grateful that I get to say that this is what I do.
WOMADELAIDE
7-10 March 2025
Botanic Park/ Tainmuntilla
