DEVIN CECCHETTO TALKS OFF MY MIND

Interviewed by Culture Coast Talks editor Daniel John. Interview transcripts might have been edited for length and clarity.

Just in time for spring, ‘Off My Mind’ brings an undeniably cheerful, rejuvenating vibe, like feeling the warmth of the sun after a long winter?

What you explained is exactly what I hope people find from it. It's a song to let go of the old and just dance around and have fun!

While your first two singles from last year were both made with Jesse Maxwell Perez and Jordy Benattar, this song was done with Keegan Beach. What was it like writing it with him?

I love Jordy and Jesse. They were so helpful with getting me to just jump and get stuff out there. I later spent some time in Los Angeles writing and making songs with lots of different artists. When I came back to Toronto, I met Keggan and really loved his sound! When 'Off My Mind' was made it just felt like the perfect thing to release at the time.

How did the idea for the music video come to life?

I am huge for collaboration, my mind has lots of thoughts and ideas so I find it so fun to work with others to center ideas. The music video kind of just came to be as me and Brandon chatted, and then we played around, I really love to work organically and just see what shows up!

It’s pretty much just over a year since we got your first single. But you, seemingly have had this passion for the arts, singing, dancing as well as acting, for most if not all your life?

Honestly, I have been performing since the day I was born. My family always encouraged me to stand on chairs or on the back of couches and sing my heart out. I have been very lucky to have parents that are deeply supportive of me being fully expressed. I started singing 'Oh Canada' at Kew Beach at the age of six and never stopped performing after that! Later moving into doing musicals going to Etobicoke School of the Arts for high school and then got a degree in musical theatre from Sheridan College. I was lucky enough to leave school a little early to do professional theater just before the pandemic hit. Once the pandemic hit I pivoted over to film and TV. I am now just slowly releasing songs as it feels right. Hoping to perform live soon. I truly just miss performing.

Can we get ready for lots more music this year?

I have a new single coming out on June 9th for my birthday that I am pumped about, I think I will just keep releasing stuff as it feels right. I am also in the process of writing and developing a new series that I am in love with, with a really good friend of mine. We are headed down to LA at the end of June to pitch and get a sizzle recorded! I am always up to stuff!

Will you have time auditioning doing so much?

I split my time. I am always auditioning and have had a lot of close calls recently! Honestly I'm super excited about this project I am working on. We are developing some really cool characters that I think audiences will fall in love with!

Life moves fast, and sometimes those first rays of sunshine in springtime vanish as soon as they appear, it feels like. All the more reason to soak it up while it's here. How do you stay present and make the most of it all?

I love life! Every day is a blessing. I think the best way to create is to just be present. I honestly have no idea what I am building. I just do it. Follow your passion and surround yourself with people you love! Magic is everywhere, keep your heart open.