Devon Again: On the Precipice of Pop Stardom

Devon Johanningmeier, known to the music world as Devon Again, finds herself at a pivotal moment in her career. Recently, while observing the synchronized precision of the HYBE x Geffen supergroup KATSEYE, she was struck by the silent, collective language of artists working within the industry machine. As a solo act, her journey has been markedly different, defined by a search for grounding in an era where artists are often reduced to viral moments and data points.

The Los Angeles-based singer has rapidly ascended, recently signing with superproducer Dan Nigro’s Interscope imprint. This milestone marks a significant departure from her early days as a Paramore-obsessed teenager uploading tracks to SoundCloud from the Denver suburbs. Reflecting on her rapid trajectory, she admits to the inherent vulnerability of her position: “I wanted to do this my whole life. It's really scary to think about failing in a large capacity.”

Navigating the Spotlight

This fall, Johanningmeier is set to perform for massive arena crowds as an opening act for Olivia Rodrigo. Having cultivated relationships with peers like Chappell Roan, she is learning how to maintain personal boundaries while existing in the public eye. Watching Rodrigo navigate the pressures of fame has provided her with a blueprint for survival: “This version of life is very, very different from mine, but watching Olivia be very boundaried and still comfortable in public, shows me that you just adjust if you have to.”

“I wanted to do this my whole life.”

Her path to this point has been unconventional. From living in a Colorado sober living facility to sleeping in a "cubby for a human body" in an L.A. artist community, her resilience has been forged in varied environments. Her breakout, however, was fueled by her 2025 EP In Order, a project that captures the fleeting, sensorial nature of life on the road. Tracks like “cherry cola” have resonated deeply, serving as anthems for listeners seeking emotional authenticity.

As she prepares for her upcoming arena dates, her focus remains on the work. When the weight of expectation feels overwhelming, she returns to the simple, grounding advice offered by her peers: “All you have to do is continue.”