DEVEN & NED are in Harmonious Collaboration

If you have yet to experience Deven and The Handsome Ned, here is your invitation to do so. I met this dynamic duo about eight years ago, and it was an instant bond. They are both so uniquely themselves that most people that encounter them are drawn in immediately to their effervescent vibe. Their musical talents appeal to all different age groups (if needed for child’s birthday party or something) and their material from the American Song Book goes on for weeks.

I was overjoyed that they took time out of their busy schedule to answer some questions about themselves as a couple and as individuals.

Both of you are transplants from outside the United States of America. What life events brought each of you here?

Ned: I was the musical director for Dave Stewart of Eurythmics. When he immigrated to America, he asked me to come and run his studio. I had been to Los Angeles for a film school course, and I fell in love with it.

Deven: I heard it was warm! (Deven is originally from Canada.)

Was music the catalyst that brought the two of you together, or did your paths cross in some other way?

Deven: Here is the heartfelt version: Music possesses an extraordinary power to unite. As Ned was producing a particular album, fate intertwined our paths. I found myself fully immersed in a harmonious collaboration with Ned, playing and co-writing on the same album. The anticipation grew as our creative endeavors converged within the walls of the studio, marking the long-awaited moment of our personal encounter.

Ned: Absolutely!

You have both had highly successful careers and recently relocated from the City of Angels to our beautiful desert oasis of Palm Springs. Most people would think that, in your line of work, LA would be the place to be and to be seen. Have you seen an increase or decrease in work opportunities since the move, and how have things changed for both of you?

Ned: Most of our creative work can be done remotely. However, performing our live music or bingo shows in the valley is great because the audiences here are always up for fun. There is also an abundance of talent out here. Deven and I had a fantastic time in Los Angeles and continue to experience professional and personal success in this new chapter.

Deven: The desert has a magical allure. Ethyl, remember when you invited us to judge the “Queen of the Desert” competition in Palm Springs in 2018? That planted the seed for our move here. Then David Marvel brought it to full realization for us.

Both of you have had the opportunity to perform and be a part of various shows in different locations. If you had to choose, what are your top two moments that made you feel like you were dreaming?

Deven: When Nancy Sinatra said our version of “These Boots Are Made for Walkin'” was AMAZING!

Ned: Listening to firsthand stories from old-school musicians who played with some of the greats. It’s just so rich.

Not only are you both highly entertaining, but you also have some pretty kick-ass merchandise under your brand. Tell us about your top sellers and where some of the ideas came from.

Deven: We love creating casually filthy, lighthearted items. We are grateful that Palm Springs Bottle Shop, PS Homeboys, and Peepa’s are into carrying our merchandise. We’re also thrilled about our upcoming hardcover book, “Bitch Face” which will be released soon.

Mrs. Betty Bowers, “America’s Best Christian.” Please discuss…

Always plenty to say right here: Youtube.com/MrsBettyBowers

You are both considered to be allies of the LGBTQIA+ community. What advice do you have for other allies who want to help combat the recent surge of hateful legislation popping up in almost every state?

Deven: Ned and I strongly believe that none of our friends should be merely “tolerated,” so we do not fight for tolerance. We fight for, and will continue to fight for, 100% acceptance and equality.

What upcoming engagements do you have on the calendar where all your friends, family, and fans can gather to support you and your artistry?

Ned: Deven is fantastic online, so please visit DevenGreen.com to find out what the hell we are up to!

Deven: Thank you friends for the tremendous love you have shown us. Living in the Coachella Valley really makes us ‘put out.’

Hope to see you at a show soon!

Joyfully,

Ethyl