No disrespect to the members of the Devin Townsend Project who aren’t Devin Townsend, but: I usually think of the Devin Townsend Project just as Devin Townsend, and I imagine most other people do, too. In our defense, until 2016’s Transcendence, the band members weren’t really racking up songwriting credits. They’re clearly very talented guys, but their names aren’t the ones above the marquee, and they never felt indispensable.

Still, this new update from Devy, in which he announces plans to step away from DTP to concentrate on other albums he wants to make, will probably interest fans:

“Hey guys, Devin here. “So after 8 years of touring with DTP, I’ve decided to take a break from this band and focus on a number of other projects I’ve been really wanting to do for some time now. The band have been there with me through thick and thin and we’ve shared some pretty great moments – I can’t say enough good things about them – And in the future, I’m sure we’ll work again. “I have 4 new albums I am currently working on. I am currently in the finishing stages one of the grandest and most overwhelming projects that I have been fortunate to do. It’s certainly my favourite DVD release of them all and is a powerful moment, if I can say so myself. Ocean Machine Live In Plovdiv (tentative name) Mixing the orchestras, choirs, the ‘by-request’ set and the full Ocean Machine album in that magnificent setting has been hugely rewarding. Seeing this spectacle come to life is a testament to this period of work and I can’t wait for you to see and hear it. “Life is short and I have a lot I need to say in some new and different avenues. I will certainly continue to play live in several new ways (starting next year) and I’m excited about some collaborative things that have also come up as well. “I salute the band, the team, and the audience for allowing us to do what we have done and the patience to accommodate my persistent morphing. As someone who’s music is connected to his personal growth, I feel an obligation to follow this muse wherever it leads. To not do so would be in direct opposition to what it is I have fundamentally done for all these years. “Peace and respect,

Devin Townsend “If you are interested in working with any of the guys in the DTP, they are working musicians. Please contact them below with requests: “Mike St-Jean:

Lighting and visual design, Drums, Keyboards, session work: contact@mikestjean.com “Dave Young:

for production, mixing, mastering:

youngbrosproductions@gmail .com “Brian Waddell: https://www.facebook.com/ Brian-Beav-Waddell-15130110 42266976/ “Ryan VanPoederooyen:

Drumming Session work or live work, Teaching: ‘Hire Ryan’ section at www.rvpdrums.com“

I’m confident that Mike, Dave, Brian, and Ryan will all land on their feet, as they just received pretty much the best endorsement one could hope for. I’m also confident that Townsend’s music will continue to rule, whether it’s released as Devin Townsend, The Devin Townsend Project, The Devin Townsend Band, Devin Townsend and the Two-Tone Townsmen, or any other name he chooses. Just a hunch. Not a prediction based on his entire career up until now or anything.

[via Metal Injection]