Photo by Emmanuel Afolabi 

Today, soul singer and songwriter Devon Gilfillian and indie singer-songwriter Sammy Rae released a moving and collaborative rendition of the former’s song “Love You Anway.” The original recording of the song is the title track of Gilfillian’s acclaimed new LP, which was released on April 7, 2023.

The euphonious song is a balanced effort, with Gilfillian and Rae’s voices distinct and vivid as they trade off verses before uniting on the chorus. Both are backed by vocals and distant guitar, which flow and grow in volume as the lyrics and their meaning unfold.

“My dream is for this song to bring all communities together to have a conversation,” said Gilfillian of the song. “There’s so much hate in this world that we could lessen just truly getting to know each other. I’m honored that Sammy Rae has added her incredible voice to this song. I saw her perform at Bonnaroo and fell in love with her music and her message. I know it may be idealistic, but I hope this song brings some change and light to the world.” 

The backing found on the track is a gift from Sammy Rae & The Friends, a Brooklyn, N.Y.-based collective of dreamers and artists who consider themselves a family first. Fronted by Connecticut native, singer and songwriter Sammy Rae, the group’s influences run from classic rock to folk, funk, soul and jazz.

“It’s my honor to be featured on a song as beautiful, close-to-the heart and relevant as this one,” added Sammy Rae. “The melody and lyrics speak to any and all of us, and Devon’s compassionate voice and writing are so comforting.” 

Gilfillian is currently on a headlining tour across the country. The Love You Anyway Tour, which kicked off earlier this week in Columbus, will include a hometown performance at Brooklyn Bowl in Philadelphia on Sept. 28 and an evening at the Los Angeles’ legendary venue, The Troubadour, on Oct. 27. The tour will wrap on Nov. 29 in Santa Fe, N.M. Learn more and find tickets here.

Read Relix‘s spotlight piece with Gilfillian here.

Listen to “Love You Anyway (Feat. Sammy Rae & The Friends)” below.

Devon Gilfillian – Love You Anyway Tour Dates:

SEP 22 – Ann Arbor, MI – The Ark 

SEP 23 – Toronto, ON – The Drake, Underground 

SEP 25 – New York, NY – Racket 

SEP 27 – Cambridge, MA – The Sinclair 

SEP 28 – Philadelphia, PA – Brooklyn Bowl 

SEP 29 – Ocean City, MD – Oceans Calling Festival

SEP 29-OCT 1 – Memphis, TN – Mempho Music Festival

SEP 30 – Columbia, MO – Treeline Music Fest

OCT 6-8 – Austin, TX – Austin City Limits Music Festival

OCT 13-15 – Austin, TX – Austin City Limits Music Festival

OCT 16 – Denver, CO – Cervantes’ Other Side 

OCT 18 – Boise, ID – 9th St. Paralle

OCT 19 – Portland, OR – Polaris Hall 

OCT 21 – Seattle, WA – Tractor Tavern

OCT 24 – Healdsburg, CA – Little Saint 

OCT 25 – San Francisco, CA – Cafe du Nord 

OCT 27 – Los Angeles, CA – Troubadour 

OCT 28 – Phoenix, AZ – Valley Bar

OCT 29 – Santa Fe, NM – Meow Wolf

NOV 03 – Atlanta, GA – Fox Theatre (supporting My Morning Jacket)

NOV 04 – Atlanta, GA – Fox Theatre (supporting My Morning Jacket)

NOV 07 – St. Louis, MO – Stifel Theatre (supporting My Morning Jacket)

NOV 09 – Chicago, IL – The Chicago Theatre (supporting My Morning Jacket)

NOV 10 – Chicago, IL – The Chicago Theatre (supporting My Morning Jacket)

NOV 11 – Chicago, IL – The Chicago Theatre (supporting My Morning Jacket)

DEC 31 – Nashville, TN – Eastside Bowl