Daily Inspiration: Meet Dillon DeVoe

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dillon DeVoe.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Growing up in the heart of Johnson County, Kansas, I always felt like an outlier—a square peg in a world designed for circles. While my peers conformed to the norm, I was consumed by dreams woven with guitar riffs, thunderous drums, and lyrics that could stir the soul. I yearned to be a rockstar, not just in name but in spirit, to ignite stages with raw passion and unapologetic sound.

Doubt was a constant companion. Authority figures raised skeptical eyebrows, and peers whispered their disbelief, portraying my ambitions as mere fantasies destined to fade. Yet, I clung to my dreams like a lifeline, strumming chords in my bedroom and writing songs that felt like secret messages to a world I hadn’t yet encountered.

Then, everything changed. An unassuming yet electrifying message arrived from none other than John Feldmann, the legendary voice of the iconic ska band, Goldfinger. His words didn’t merely acknowledge me; they validated every note I had played, every lyric I had penned. That message wasn’t just correspondence; it was the spark that ignited the fuse of my journey.

Working with John Feldmann led to our signing with Warner Bros. Records, the production of a full-length record he had produced, and a nationwide tour with bands like The Used and Story of the Year. From that moment on, my life underwent a profound transformation. The shadows of doubt receded as I embarked on an odyssey fueled by passion, defiance, and an unwavering belief that music was my destiny. The journey hasn’t always been smooth, but it has been mine—a testament to the dreamer who never quite fit in, but who found a place on the stage, where belonging is defined by the courage to be unapologetically oneself.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I’ve grappled with the intense attention and pressure that came with being part of everyone’s favorite band. At first, it was exhilarating—the rush of the crowd, the unspoken promise of endless possibilities. But beneath the surface, it became overwhelming, a weight I didn’t know how to carry. Partying seemed like the easiest escape, a temporary refuge from expectations I couldn’t articulate, let alone meet. That path led me somewhere I hadn’t intended—into excess, into moments I wish I could undo.

But here I am, almost two years sober now. Sobriety didn’t just mean giving up the substances; it meant facing myself without the noise, without the haze. It’s been a raw, honest reckoning with who I am beneath the persona, beneath the music.

The band fell apart before we ever quite became what we could’ve been. There’s a lingering ache in that, a sense of something unfinished, like a song without its final verse. But I’ve come to see that not all stories find their perfect ending, and that’s okay. The beauty was in the moments we had, fleeting as they were. And maybe, just maybe, in the lessons learned from what slipped through our fingers

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Having experienced the ups and downs of my own musical journey, I’ve discovered a new purpose as a producer, mentoring other musicians. My years of songwriting, shaped by personal triumphs and lessons learned, combined with my newly acquired skills in audio engineering and production, provide me with a unique perspective and a holistic approach to working with artists pursuing their music dreams. I empathize with the thrill, doubt, and relentless drive because I’ve lived it myself. Now, I channel that experience to help others shape their sound and stories.

While guiding these artists, I haven’t abandoned my own creative path. I continue to release new music under the moniker XO Teague, pouring my heart into songs that reflect my journey. This dual role—both creator and mentor—fuels my passion for music in ways I never imagined, and it’s a privilege to support others as they write their own chapters in this ever-evolving journey.

Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
It’s crucial to embrace your uniqueness and not conform to societal norms. Let your passion and authenticity be your guiding light. Hold onto your dreams as a lifeline, even when doubt and skepticism creep in. Surround yourself with people who believe in your talent, as their validation and support can truly ignite your journey. Be ready to face the challenges and pressures that come with success, and find healthy ways to cope with them. Sobriety and self-reflection can offer a deeper understanding of yourself and your music. Lastly, accept that not all stories have perfect endings, but cherish the moments and lessons you learn along the way.

Contact Info:

• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@xoteague
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/xoteague