DEVON DUTCHMASTER | ARTIST SPOTLIGHT
In a small yet powerful studio, Devon Dutchmaster and Sky Splitter—two artists with a shared passion for storytelling through music—sat down to reflect on their journey and the creation of their upcoming album, Puzzle Pieces. Their conversation revealed a deeply personal and creative partnership built on resilience, emotion, and a love for their craft.
Devon, an emerging rap talent, shared how his journey began with casual rhyming inspired by old-school legends like Ludacris, 50 Cent, and NAS. His drive to turn those early verses into something more solidified two years ago, thanks to the encouragement of his longtime friend and collaborator, Zach, aka Sky Splitter.
Zach, a seasoned producer, audio engineer, and multi-instrumentalist, started his career playing guitar and drums in punk rock bands. He brought his technical expertise and diverse musical background to their partnership, which Devon described as “hip-hop with soul.” Together, they’ve been crafting deeply personal and universally relatable tracks.
The album’s title, Puzzle Pieces, reflects the ups and downs of life and the work it takes to make something whole. “You see a beautiful puzzle put together,” Devon explained, “but you really appreciate the individual pieces—the trials and triumphs that shaped it.” For him, the album is not just about the music but about self-reflection and finding beauty in imperfection.
Zach shared how their recording setup—a basement studio in an Airbnb in Fairfax, Vermont—shaped the album’s sound. “I tore these beats apart and put them back together,” he said.
For Devon, the album carries even deeper meaning. Much of it is inspired by his late friend, Rich, whose memory fuels the emotional core of the project. “I get inspired by my emotions,” Devon said. “It motivates me to create.” Though Zach never met Rich, he connected with Devon’s stories through their work, calling it a “beautiful thing.”
With Puzzle Pieces, Devon Dutchmaster and Sky Splitter prove that music is more than entertainment—it’s a way to heal, inspire, and bring people together.
