Janet Devlin Releases Fearless Country-Rock Album ‘Emotional Rodeo’
After soaring to No. 4 on the iTunes Country Charts earlier this year and earning a spot on the BBC Radio 2 Playlist with emotive single “Red Flag,” the incomparable Northern Irish songstress Janet Devlin has released her courageous country-rock album, Emotional Rodeo, out today via Ok!Good Records. Recorded at Martina McBride’s Blackbird Studio in Nashville with esteemed producer Roo Walker, tracked by Lowell Reynolds (Shania Twain, BoyGenius, Taylor Swift) and mixed mostly at Spotnick Studios by GRAMMY® winning producer/mixer Vance Powell (Chris Stapleton, Jack White), Devlin captures the heartfelt essence of country-rock with an authentic edge, blending sharp, witty lyrics with themes of fearless self-empowerment.
“Red Flag” was recently featured in BBC Radio 2’s Playlist, elevating Devlin’s storming UK success to a national level and showcasing the track’s universal appeal. Other notable recognitions include a special appearance on The Late Late Show Country Music Special (the world’s longest running live chat show), an interview with Ray D’Arcy on RTE1, a spin on Absolute Country and a feature on over 110 regional radio playlists.
In celebration of the release of Emotional Rodeo, Devlin will perform on TikTok UK Live Take The Mic session, which garners 60k views on its livestream. Stepping out into the spotlight, the singer will additionally perform in the UK at The Ruby Sessions, Dublin on November 19th. Held in the intimate setting of Doyle’s, College Street, this iconic, long-running acoustic night takes place every Tuesday, championing the best of emerging talent and hosting some of the biggest names in music. Previous performers include Paolo Nutini, Fred Again, Gabrielle Aplin, Hozier and Ed Sheeran.
Devlin will follow up her highly-anticipated album release with heart-rending single, “Best Life,” launching on November 29th. Produced by Roo Walker, mixed by Vance Powell and mastered by Christian Wright (Ed Sheeran, Franz Ferdinand, Blur, Coldplay, Laura Marling) at the iconic Abbey Road Studios, this heartfelt ballad closes Devlin’s first Americana chapter on an uplifting note. Showcasing the album’s introspective side, Devlin blends her signature ethereal vocals with authentic, earthy acoustics, delivering an uplifting message of gratitude and self-acceptance. The singer-songwriter is ready to “live her best life” – and she’s inspiring her listeners to do the same.
Expressing the story behind “Best Life,” Devlin shared: “I’m usually not one for sentimentalities. Especially in my writing. But on the day, when I was writing this with Ian Barter, it’s just how I was feeling. Overwhelmed with gratitude for not giving up or giving in to my own demons. To think of the many sunrises I cursed because I didn’t want to be a part of this world anymore. To come to the place where I’m truly grateful for the gift of living. This feeling, I wish I could bottle up and gift it to those who need it the most. Sadly I can’t but I could write about it instead. The song just wrote itself and I’m glad I didn’t fight it. Because I meant each and every word. I still do.”
“Best Life” follows the release of recent album highlight “Red Flag,” which captured the hearts of critics and fans alike with its classic, melodic spirit. Co-written alongside award-winning producer Jamie Sellers (Ed Sheeran, Elton John, Little Simz) and Kaity Rae (GIRLI, Beth McCarthy), this enchanting number evokes Devlin’s fearless refusal to shy away from ‘red flags’ in a partner, asserting that they are essential for building a realistic, ideal relationship. Blending soul-stirring vocals with nostalgic sliding guitars and poignant lyrics, “Red Flag” transforms a commonly negative term into something positive, crafting a lovelorn track that many listeners can resonate with.
Emotional Rodeo assembles a distinguished ensemble of collaborators and musicians, each of whom has an extensive history of working with legendary country artists. Their collective contributions were pivotal in shaping Devlin’s classic Nashville sound and fulfilling her long-held aspiration to create an authentic country album. The roster includes multiple GRAMMY® winner and Country Music Hall of Famer Charlie McCoy (Bob Dylan, Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison, Loretta Lynn), Rob McNelley (Bob Seger, Carrie Underwood, Dolly Parton, Keith Urban), Fred Eltringham (The Wallflowers, Sheryll Crow), Jerry Roe (Hardy, Luke Bryan, Morgan Whallen), Gideon Klein (Brothers Osborne, Transatlantic), Lex Price (Kacey Musgraves, Miranda Lambert), Tim Lauer (The Smashing Pumpkins, Joss Stone, Dolly Parton), and Charlie Worsham (Luke Combs, Elle King).
The album’s title track which was co-written with Ben Earle of The Shires and Kaity Rae (GIRLI, Beth McCarthy), generated high anticipation for what is to come. Powerfully merging Devlin’s Irish charm with pure rock elements, Emotional Rodeo draws influence from Americana legend Chris Stapleton. It captures the essence of loving fearlessly, despite the challenges that come with borderline personality disorder and bipolar disorder. The track made a significant mark on the charts, reaching No. 15 on the UK iTunes Charts, No. 4 on the iTunes Country Charts, and No. 31 on the Big Top 40. This success sparked national radio play on Capital and Heart, grabbing the attention of notable publications such as The Sun, The Irish Post, The Irish News, and METAL Magazine.
Throughout, Emotional Rodeo is a testament to Devlin’s devotion to country music and its prominent role in her musical upbringing. Reminiscing on her personal connection to the genre, Devlin shared: “Country music has always been a huge part of my life. It was a genre that everyone in my house agreed to listen to. I have distinct memories of driving to show-jumping competitions with my father, playing a mix tape my brother made of some of our shared favorites. Always wearing my cowboy boots to the yard until it was time to saddle up. Since I started music, I always said that after 24 I’d jump into the country music scene. It’s an odd thing to have planned out but I always knew I wanted to. For me I love the storytelling. I love that there’s almost always a clever quip in there. Mostly, I love that it doesn’t always take itself too seriously. You can stick on a country radio station and cry, laugh and sing along.”
The album marks an artistic milestone, personally and musically embracing Devlin’s full identity. Influenced by the unapologetic attitude of Megan Thee Stallion, Doja Cat and Cardi B, Emotional Rodeo embodies the ownership of womanhood, engineered in a clever, quick-witted manner. From sharing her candid sense of humor to exploring her unfiltered personality and flaws, Devlin has nothing to prove. Each track delves into a wide range of emotions, navigating the complexities of mental health and dismissing the idea of perfection. Poised to be Devlin’s most relatable body of work, this musical voyage of self-discovery is set to make listeners laugh, cry and feel empowered to be their true selves in equal measure.
Describing her modern take on country traditions, Devlin shared: “My writing used to be very self-indulgent and I don’t regret it for a second. I had to write those songs to end up in the place I am now. In the past I would have buried everything in heavy metaphors and colorful phrases whereas now I’m just out and out saying it. I know I’m not the only person who’s ever been ghosted, been a bit of a catfish with their looks or been a psychotic emotional rodeo to be in a relationship with. So even though it’s country music, I’m not singing songs about a truck or my guy leaving me (even though I listen to it and enjoy it). I wanted to make contemporary country in the old timey way; write songs for the folks in the era we’re living in with online dating, ghosting and the pitfalls and perils of social media. I want the girlies to feel ownership of their womanhood in a society that tells us we lose value for every year that passes, and for the guys who are fed up with being the breadwinner and just want to be looked after… but all in a fun way. I mean, I’m Irish so I can’t take myself too seriously. It’s in my bones.”
Born and raised in Gortin, County Tyrone, Devlin’s musical journey took off after she secured fifth place on The X Factor in 2011. Earning widespread acclaim, her debut album, Running With Scissors, reached #1 on the Indie Breakers Chart and entered the Top 50 of the Official UK Charts. Enchanting fans worldwide, her cover of The Cure’s “Friday I’m In Love” has garnered nearly 20 million plays on Spotify alone. Devlin’s second album Confessional was a brave, ambitious project released alongside her autobiography ‘My Confessional’. Together, they offer an intimate insight into a decade of the singer-songwriter’s life; uncovering the years leading from her appearance on The X Factor to the present day. Reflecting on the mental health issues she has faced, it provided hope and support for those experiencing similar issues. The release culminated in a headline UK tour in 2022 and the album hit the Billboard Top 100 in America.
In 2023, amidst the whirlwind of touring alongside Russell Crowe and his band across Australia and Europe, Devlin travelled to Nashville to begin Emotional Rodeo. This was a real “pinch me” moment for the artist. She explains: “There were two main types of music I listened to as a youngster: country and rock. When those two worlds collide, I’m as giddy as a schoolgirl. Recording in Nashville was everything I thought it would be!” This album brilliantly showcases Janet’s versatility as an artist, seamlessly transitioning from her folk-pop roots to the heartfelt narratives of country music.
Janet Devlin has found a foothold in the music industry, standing out amongst the crowd with her soul-stirring vocal prowess and introspective lyricism. Originally formed by a fusion of tender folk, indie, and quirky pop, she has crafted a discography that profoundly resonates with listeners. With the self-confessional “Emotional Rodeo”, the singer-songwriter has emerged as a distinct new voice in the country world, using her personal experiences and realizations to deliver an honest, authentic collection of songs.
Janet Devlin’s Emotional Rodeo is available today via Ok!Good Records.
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