This edition of The Franklin Theatre Songwriters Series will also feature a special appearance by Ben Wagner!
David DeVaul
David DeVaul hails from Britt, IA, a small farming town near the Minnesota border. Growing up, music was something David enjoyed but never seemed like a possible real life option until he was accepted into Belmont University’s School of Music. After he graduated, David appeared on the 14th season of American Idol but not long thereafter found himself back in the workforce as a private banker. David has continued to write songs all along and has been able to find a life balance of songwriting/private banking that has supported his family and provided meaningful moments of success along the way. As a writer, he has found a niche as someone who has a unique knack for writing with and helping artists find and develop their sound. Artists such as Tiera Kennedy, Abby Anderson Teddy Robb and Island Records newcomer Wyatt Flores have all been recent parts of David’s songwriting journey, with Wyatt Flores cutting several songs that he has written with David. David’s love of storytelling continues to drive him and those around him to greater and greater heights every day.
Sevy
If the face looks familiar, it’s because millions welcomed him into their homes each week as he captivated audiences all over the country on season 16 of the hit NBC competition series, The Voice. With Classic Rock, Pop and Country influences, Andrew Sevener is unapologetically authentic with powerhouse vocals.
His time on The Voice has led to over 3 million YouTube views and an active and engaged social media following of over 30,000. Even with impressive chart-topping abilities including securing the #2 slot on iTunes with his performance of “Rural Route Raising”, his humble roots are firmly planted in Texas. Born to a family of singers, music was just a normal part of the daily family life for Andrew. The family found local acclaim with their band, Helluvanote. Featuring Andrew on lead and rhythm guitar as well as his mom, dad, and aunt, the band performed throughout north Texas and even landed opening slots for Tracy Byrd and Aaron Tippin.
Now going by the stagename “Sevy”, he is in the midst of completing his upcoming project for OEG Music. Debut single “Don’t Give Me Hope” was released on Feb 8, 2024 with several other singles and EP to follow. Sevy recently spent several months redefining his sound, along with the help of producers Brian Bunn and Tyler Woodward, and has landed a rock-influenced sound that harkens back to some of the power pop-punk he cut his teeth on growing up. Beefed up guitars and in your face lyrical approach have brought Sevy to a place where he feels the most authentically himself in his musical journey to date. Sevy is currently on the road in support of Tayler Holder with more road dates and an upcoming EP release on the docket for 2024 and beyond.
Kaitlyn Kilian
Hailing from the wheat fields of northern Oklahoma, Kaitlyn Kilian infuses a homegrown, barefoot approach to her country/folk music style. A proud third-generation farmer, Kaitlyn developed her skills as a small-town storyteller while working on her family’s farm. This unique perspective and deep-rooted connection to the world around her has significantly shaped her sound.
Kaitlyn moved to Nashville in 2022 to pursue a full-time career as an artist and songwriter. She is currently signed to OEG Music and most recently landed a cut with Island Records newcomer Wyatt Flores, on the song “Life Lessons”, (co-written with Wyatt Flores and Ben Wagner).
February 2nd saw the release of Kaitlyn’s second single from her upcoming project, “Golden Picture Frames”, preceded by first single “Hey Highway”. Throughout her career, Kaitlyn has opened for renowned artists such as Wyatt Flores, Deana Carter, Riley Greene, Granger Smith, Jake Worthington, and Aaron Watson. The road ahead for Kaitlyn in 2024 includes more tour dates and the release of her debut EP in the springtime, followed by more music in the fall.
Ben Wagner
Ben Wagner is an award-winning singer and songwriter in Nashville. He has released two full length albums and earned placements in shows including Netflix's Virgin River and the new movie Ordinary Angels. As a songwriter he has gotten cuts with artists like Wyatt Flores, Savannah Burrows, and Maura Streppa. He took first place in the Great American Song Contest in 2019 and 2023.