5 Questions with Devon Gilfillian

Devon Gilfillian, the soulful Nashville singer-songwriter originally from Morton, Delaware County, is set to return to Philadelphia for the Philly Music Fest. He’ll be taking the stage Saturday at Underground Arts. I had the chance to chat with him about his upcoming performance, his thoughts on Philly, and more.

This interview has been condensed for length and clarity.

Ava: How does it feel to be coming back for the Philly Music Fest?

Devon: “It feels amazing. I miss it, I miss home. My parents, they moved down to Tennessee recently, so I don't have them pulling me up to Philly as often.”

What is your pre-show ritual?

“I definitely have to find some good food hours before the show. If I'm home, we are going to Ishkabibble’s or Charlie's Hamburgers in Ridley … Right before we go on stage, I huddle with everybody and take a moment to take in the gratitude of getting to play music for a living.”

What’s your favorite thing about Philly?

“You’ve got to earn people's trust. Once you do that, you have their loyalty.”

Who are your music inspirations?

“I’m all over the place. I would say Jimi Hendrix is my North Star for sure.”

What is your cheesesteak order and where do you like to go in Philly?

“I'm a weirdo, so I actually get a buffalo chicken cheese steak. I'll go to Ishkabibble’s … I don’t know why I’m a buffalo chicken guy.”