An Interview with Devon Allman - Like Father, Like Son

Since the late 60s the name Allman has been synonymous with great music. The original ‘jam’ band, the principle architects of southern rock, Allman Brothers Duane and Gregg took the world by storm when they arrived on the scene in 1969. Now, almost forty years on, another Allman is set to do the same.

Raised in Corpus Christi, Texas, Devon fell in love with music at an early age, a love that was stoked by his relationship with his father later in life. Throughout his twenties he tried to sound anything but like his father, trying different styles and sounds to distance himself from the obvious comparisons. However, now 31 years old, Allman has realized that the music is in his blood, and he should just play what comes naturally.

Devon Allman has a voice reminiscent of his father, Gregg, and a guitar style that conjures images of a young Carlos Santana, yet he blends his influences, and impressive musical heritage into a style that is unique. In his new band, Honeytribe, and with their aptly titled debut record Torch, Devon is taking up the mantle of his forefathers and giving the name Allman a whole new meaning.

Just to get us started, could you talk us through how and where Honeytribe came about?

Devon: Honeytribe came about originally in the year 1999 as a group that would be something of a throwback band, attempting to re-visit the vibe and feel of classic blues-inspired rock music. Growing up on Santana, the Stones, the Doors, Allman Brothers, etc, it was a pretty natural road to want to walk down. We disbanded for a few years and came back together in 2005 to start Honeytribe's path as a career, making records and touring.

Where do you all come from musically within the band?

Musically I feel Honeytribe comes from the place that matters most, the heart. From the bluesy guitar, back beat feels and rhythms and soulful vocals; we've really tapped our sound from the source of what we grew up on and the type of music that makes us feel. It's not a cerebral approach at all. If the riff feels good, we work it. If the song can't be sung from a soulful place, we pitch it.

Is there a story behind the band’s name?

I was driving with my drummer, Marko, one day and we were trying to think of names. A big part of the Honeytribe sound is dynamics. We can be super smooth and delicate and also big, bad, and fierce. I told Marko that we really needed a name to reflect that dichotomy. First thing out of his mouth was "Honeytribe?", and I was like, "Yeah! Sweet like honey, fierce like a tribe, it's perfect!"

Article Author: Rhys Williams

Rhys Williams is a journalist and musician from Wales, now based in Leeds. He is a avid blues, and rock fan with an eclectic taste that renders him an authority on all things music. Heavily influenced by the works of Lester Bangs, Hunter S Thompson, …

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