Devyn McHugh

Tell us a bit about the career path that led to where you are now.

I’ve wanted to work in music for a long time, even creating my own major in school that allowed me to take as many music-related classes as possible. When I graduated I hoped to work in promotion, to help build up the platforms of independent artists. I moved to LA to stay close to the industry and be around the most shows, and a family friend recommended I apply at Planetary. These days, I help with the digital promotion for our artists at radio!

What is your favorite experience you’ve had in your career? Perhaps a musical idol you got to meet? A festival you were able to attend? A project you were involved with promoting?

Working with Planetary has allowed me to see so many shows and work with a ton of really great new records, from some of my favorite artists. It’s hard to pick just one, but Soccer Mommy’s album release show at Amoeba Records comes to mind. I was obsessed with her new album (still am) and had never seen her live, and it was simply a great show. Plus, I didn’t know it at the time, but it was the last show I would ever see there, so it’s always going to be a stand out moment for me.

What have been some new challenges (and perhaps any solutions to them) you’ve faced promoting music during this pandemic?

One of the biggest challenges we faced as a team was balancing what was going on in the world, with trying to continue doing our jobs well and giving the records we were working the best chance to be heard. We all were hurting in different ways and trying to deal with the shock, but at the same time, our jobs and the music we were working with every day was so helpful in getting us through such a wild time. So, we have been doing our best to keep promotion on a really human level and be there for our clients and radio contacts as friends and supporters, not just promoters.

What band/artist or style of music outside the realm of college/community radio would people be most intrigued to hear you love?

Country Oldies, baby!

What job do you think you would have if you weren’t in this industry?

I love working with new campaigns and projects every week, so probably something in advertising!

What destination would you most like to visit and why?

I just watched (Jon Favreau’s masterpiece film) Chef, so lately I’ve been thinking about a road trip to New Orleans once COVID is a distant memory.

You just won a million dollars. What are you going to do with it?

Pick up a six pack of Stella’s to celebrate!

What is/are your current favorite TV obsession(s)?   What’s a great movie (new or old) you’ve watched recently?  What is your current favorite album?

I recently discovered Odezenne’s 2018 album, and that’s been a daily listen ever since. As for TV, I just binged the Michael Jordan docu-series on Netflix and now consider myself a huge basketball fan.

Back when dining out was more common, what was your favorite restaurant in town to take out-of-town guests to?

Pizzanista! in downtown LA! It’s the best pizza I’ve ever had outside of Brooklyn (I recommend the white slice!), and they’re always blaring some deep cut punk albums. Plus, its connected to Tony’s saloon so you can grab a slice and then head to the back for an Old Fashioned.

You’re stranded on a desert island (or in your own home!)  What five well known people (dead or alive) would you like to have there with you?

Not sure about a desert island, but for a dinner party I’m going with Mitski Miyawaki, AOC, Lana Del Rey, Daniel Radcliffe, and Bernie Sanders.