Devon Gilfillian talks about writing and recording 'Love You Anyway' : World Cafe The Nashville-based musician talks about writing and recording Love You Anyway.

Devon Gilfillian's latest album is a bold declaration of Black joy

Devon Gilfillian on World Cafe

  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/1174974543/1174981675" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">

Devon Gilfillian Emmanuel Afolabi/Courtesy of the artist hide caption

toggle caption
Emmanuel Afolabi/Courtesy of the artist

Devon Gilfillian

Emmanuel Afolabi/Courtesy of the artist

Set List

  • "All I Really Wanna Do"
  • "Right Kind of Crazy"
  • "The Recipe"
  • "Love You Anyway"

Devon Gilfillian's new album, Love You Anyway, is just as much a celebration as it is a declaration. The musician's third studio album addresses the widening political gap in American culture, chronicling his last three years living in Nashville. The album broaches tough subjects like voter suppression, but it's also a groovy soundtrack to late nights and good times.

Gilfillian clearly has taken to heart the ideas of Marvin Gaye. He covered the whole of What's Going On in 2021, and on Love You Anyway, he draws inspiration from Gaye's 1976 album, I Want You, a disco-influenced seductive soul record.

In this session, Gilfillian talks about blending both influences, jamming with Nathaniel Rateliff, and his close relationship with his father.

Episode Playlist