Scillian plays many instruments
in the concert of his busy life

WDIV-TV anchor and Grosse Pointe Park resident Devin Scillian has been called "Renaissance man" so often he's probably tired of hearing it. Still, it's hard not to be impressed by his resume -- journalist, musician, writer, husband and father. GrossePointeToday.com caught up with Scillian before his gig July 29 at the War Memorial; he and his band, Arizona Son, played as part of the summer music festival.

Most people tell musicians "don't quit your day job." But for journalists, their day job is quitting them. Do you ever see a day when you'll support yourself through your music?

That’s a tough one. You’re exactly right that the lid is closing on a lot of people in this business. It’s getting harder and harder to grow old in TV news. I think of being a full-time songwriter, but that’s way down the road.

The Detroit area is known for producing music and artists from lots of different genres, but country? Not so much. You're from Oklahoma; what’s it like to play hats-and-cattle music so far from hats and cattle?

It’s funny–I was unsure of how people would take to their anchorman being a musician. But country music is so much a part of the fiber of life (in Oklahoma), it never seemed strange to people. In fact, I think the reaction was more like, “Well, of course.” Then I move to Detroit and I really wasn’t sure how country would fit into Motown. But there is a huge hub of country fans here.

What’s getting heavy play on your iPod these days? What local artist are you most keen on?

Right now, I’m head over heels for a bluegrass duo called Dailey and Vincent. Their harmonies are just beautifully pure. “People are Crazy,” by Billy Currington, and John Rich’s “Shuttin’ Detroit Down.” Local artists like Redhill, Jill Jack, Stewart Francke and the Shy.

You could live anywhere in the metro area; why did you choose Grosse Pointe, and why do you stay?

Honestly, we didn’t know anything about the east-vs.-west mentality of Detroit. We were looking for a neighborhood with good schools and the Park was closest to downtown, where I work. But what a fortunate choice. We’ve really grown into the place–the old homes, the old-style neighborhoods with sidewalks and shops, and the beauty of the lake.

Anything special about this War Memorial show?

How about the fact it’s our second one? I’m told we were the first country music act the War Memorial has had for its concert series, and even my bandmates were wondering how country would go over in Grosse Pointe. But we had a blast last year, and it seemed that the crowd felt the same way. It was so much fun.

What is the title of your most favorite song to sing/perform and why?

It probably changes from month to month. Right now I'm really enjoying what we’re doing with a song I wrote called “Too Long in the Rain." The guys let me believe that they like all of my songs, but I can tell they really enjoy playing this one. We’re also having a lot of fun with “Broken Lady,” which is an old Gatlin Brothers tune with some wonderful harmony parts. For us, great harmony is one of the cornerstones of country music.

Your career in television news has been very rewarding, including an Edward R. Murrow award and 12 Emmy awards; how do you manage to balance your obligations as an anchor at WDIV, family (wife and four children), books and music career?

Just FYI, I won a second Edward R. Murrow award this year – a real kick! I hope I’ve got my priorities straight. I’m a father and husband first. In fact, it’s only now that the kids have gotten a bit older that I’ve felt comfortable devoting more time to music. But before music or children’s books, my next priority is my job at WDIV. It’s a privilege to anchor the news at WDIV, but I also see it as quite a responsibility. When we play a concert, I always have to let the venue know that for me, free time is the space between news events, and when news warrants, the station needs me in place.

With so many accomplishments under your belt, what are your goals now? 

Corey (my wife) and I love to travel, so we’re often daydreaming about new places to see, and we sometimes toss around the idea of living abroad for a while. While I write, she can create ceramic art. On the TV front, I’ve long enjoyed the documentary format and I’d like to produce. I guess I’m endlessly curious. And I really like the place that my Sunday morning program “Flashpoint” has come to hold in the community, so I’m eager to see it continue to grow and succeed. But two long-term dreams remain: First, I really hope to write a novel. I have several in various stages of work. And second, I’d love to land a staff songwriting deal with a music publisher in Nashville.

Between news anchoring, writing books, being a husband and father and being a country music artist, which is the most rewarding?

There’s nothing quite as rewarding as watching your children accomplish something. Maybe it’s something big, like getting into college, or maybe it’s something simple, like watching them make a difficult but honorable decision. Maybe it’s just watching them develop a sense of righteousness, or a taste for something artistic. All four of our children have a passion for music and that’s really satisfying, especially since it means so very much to me.

What can we expect next from Devin Scillian?

I’m working on the songs for a new album, and a new book called “Memoirs of a Goldfish” will be published soon. That will be my 12th book, and I still can’t believe it.

• Login or register to post comments
• Printer-friendly version
• Send by email