Northern Irish songstress Janet Devlin is back with a new single, Red Flag, offering a tantalizing taste of her upcoming country-rock album, Emotional Rodeo, dropping on November 15th via OkGood Records. Following the success of her chart-topping single that soared to No. 4 on the iTunes Country Charts earlier this year, Devlin’s latest track showcases her distinct, ethereal vocals and storytelling prowess.
Red Flag, co-written with renowned producer Jamie Sellers (known for his work with Ed Sheeran, Elton John, and Little Simz) and rising songwriter Kaity Rae (GIRLI, Beth McCarthy), dives into the concept of embracing “red flags” in relationships. Devlin explains that red flags—often seen as warning signs—are, in her view, essential to building realistic and meaningful connections. In Red Flag, Devlin flips the narrative, transforming a term typically associated with negativity into one of self-awareness and resilience. Set against a backdrop of nostalgic sliding guitars and stirring Americana instrumentation, the track delivers a relatable message for listeners looking for love that isn’t afraid to embrace imperfections.
Reflecting on the song’s theme, Devlin says, “They say manifesting is a powerful tool. If you speak of the things you want, as if you already have them, they’ll come. So I guess this song is me manifesting my dream man. A strait-laced, future family man who wants a wife, not a girlfriend. His only flaw? That he’s into someone as crazy as me.” She adds that earlier in life, dating someone genuinely “good” would seem almost out of reach, leading her to now seek someone who genuinely embraces her quirks. With her characteristic wit and vulnerability, Devlin turns Red Flag into a reflection of personal growth and self-acceptance.
The single was recorded at Nashville’s Blackbird Studios, home to some of country music’s greatest productions. Working with producer Roo Walker and renowned engineer Lowell Reynolds (who has collaborated with Shania Twain, BoyGenius, and Taylor Swift), Devlin’s team crafted an emotionally charged track that sounds as vibrant as it does authentic. Notably, Grammy Award-winning mixer Vance Powell (Chris Stapleton, Jack White) mixed most of the album, lending it a crisp, polished sound that aligns perfectly with Devlin’s vocal delivery. Originally, Red Flag was an unfinished demo recorded in Australia with Kaity Rae, but Devlin was determined to see the track completed, saying, “I just knew it needed to be done because I loved it too much for it to stay in the ‘unfinished’ pile.”
Red Flag is just one highlight on Emotional Rodeo, an album that embodies Devlin’s journey through love, self-acceptance, and mental health struggles. Collaborating with Ben Earle from The Shires, Devlin brings a blend of Irish charm and rock influences, drawing inspiration from Americana legends like Chris Stapleton. Reflecting on love’s highs and lows, Emotional Rodeo explores themes of resilience and identity, painting a moving portrait of the artist’s emotional world.
Devlin’s musical journey began in Gortin, County Tyrone, before she gained fame on The X Factor in 2011, where she finished fifth and captured the public’s attention with her distinctive voice. Her debut album, Running With Scissors, reached No. 1 on the Indie Breakers Chart and earned a spot in the UK Top 50. Her 2022 album, Confessional, met with widespread acclaim and even charted on Billboard’s Top 100 in the U.S.
With the release of Red Flag and her upcoming album, Janet Devlin reaffirms her place in country music, delivering a sound that’s as introspective as it is captivating.
