MR Fest Artist Profile: Deville San Ramos

By Allison Belcher
Music Journalist

Deville San Ramos, a folk-pop trio band originating from San Marcos, are moving up in the ranks as “local favorites.” The band consists of vocalist and uke/guitar player Ben Deville, cajon player Gabriel Ramos and stand up bass player Derek Thigpen.

Ben and Gabriel met December of 2013 at their job, soon realizing that their shared love of music could be turned into something greater – Deville San Ramos. After a few months of collaborating and churning out new songs, the then “duo” performed their first show on April 2014 at Triple Crown. Not long after, Derek Thigpen joined the band, meeting through a connection of mutual friends, and Deville San Ramos soon became a trio.

Deville San Ramos produces fresh and lively music. The upbeat, organic sound of the cajon and upright bass combined with the energetic and booming voice of Deville creates a movement of folk music that contains positivity, whether the lyrics aim to make you feel that way or not. In more serious and melancholy songs such as “Marigold” and “Full Sail,” the lighthearted sound of Ben’s ukelele keeps the air light.

“I would say our band is inspired a lot by the music of Bombay Bicycle Club, Local Natives and Hiatus Coyote,” Deville, Ramos and Thigmen replied when asked about bands that inspire their sound.

The trio have progressed tremendously over the past two years, booking around 60 shows in the past year. The band has played in popular venues such as Triple Crown, Kiva, Gold Crown, Willie’s Joint, Valentino’s and Cheatham Street Warehouse. Deville San Ramos has even performed a Lunch Box Series concert for KTSW 89.9 and has appeared on Other Side Drive, KTSW’s specialty weekday show from 4 to 6.

“Really, we are just wanting to have fun. There are no definite plans for the future right now, but in the end what really matters is if you’re having fun with it,” The band responded when asked about future goals and plans. “We would love to eventually do a tour around Texas, because there’s so much to see and expand on just in this state alone.”

Deville, Ramos, and Thigmen plan on continuing to play at venues around San Marcos and Austin, and are currently working on a five song EP release in the near future. Come check out Deville San Ramos and other artist on April 30 at MR Fest 16.