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Five Questions: Devon Sproule

Devon Sproule sings about clawfoot tubs and vintage dresses the way some people sing about palm trees and sunsets. To this 24-year-old Virginia native, the trappings of a simple, old-fashioned life are as close to paradise as a girl can get. She wraps her relaxed vocal delivery and keenly observed lyrics in old-timey touches, too—an odd clarinet here, the occasional fiddle there. It all makes her latest album, Keep Your Silver Shined, feel like the work of an artist twice her age. But then again, Sproule is no spring chicken, despite her age; the precocious singer-songwriter recorded the first of her four albums when she was just 16.

Her love of all things vintage notwithstanding, Sproule also keeps up with her email. She was quick to reply to our five questions and tell us more about what inspires this old soul and her timeless tunes.

1. Name a musician who has influenced your sound, but that people may not expect.

Matt Curreri & The Ex-Friends. They're based in San Diego, CA and they sound something like a rough, indie version of the Beach Boys to me—nothing close to the rest of what I listen to: old swing, jazz, rock 'n' roll and a choice songwriter here and there. Matt Curreri, the frontdude, happens to be the younger brother of my more obvious influence, Paul Curreri, who is also my husband.

2. Who or what inspires you to make music?

I guess I'm pretty influenced by my surroundings, and the tangible things around me—would you call those things "sensual"? The things that your senses pick up? This next one ain't romantic, but since making music is my job, and it's a great job, that alone is usually inspiration enough.

3. Was there a driving concept behind your new album?

Virginia...getting married...old swing tunes...and my producer, Jeff Romano, who was responsible for most of the creative ideas and sounds on Keep Your Silver Shined.

4. What's the most exciting part of the actual music-making process for you?

Once I get a refrain, or idea for the song, the writing and melody building become a little puzzle for me to solve. This is probably my favorite part of the process...it's certainly the least intimidating!

5. If you could pick a dream band or artist to open for, past or present, who would it be?

I think I already did—and have! His name is Jesse Winchester and he is a superb writer and splendid performer. Superb! Splendid! And his audiences (I know, because I've been among them) are always in good spirits.

Devon Sproule's latest album, Keep Your Silver Shined, is available now in the ARTISTdirect Store. For more of Devon and her music, visit her official website.