Devon Gilfillian Released New Track Ways to Go
The song debuted at the XPoNential Music Festival as part of an upcoming project.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in R&B
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Musician Devon Gilfillian has released his new song Ways to Go, which premiered at the XPoNential Music Festival. Co-written by Julie Williams, the track serves as the fifth installment of the Philly Anthems project.
Why it matters
Gilfillian crafted the song following a conversation with his percussionist father to express his personal hope for the future of the country. The project is supported by The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage.
Ways to Go marks the fifth release in the Philly Anthems project. The song was recorded with bassist Antoine Katz and drummer Jonathan Smalt, who also co-produced the track.
The players
Devon Gilfillian
He is a musician and songwriter who collaborated with Julie Williams on the track.
WXPN
This is a Philadelphia-based public radio station that is spearheading the Philly Anthems project.
The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage
This organization provides financial support and resources for the Philly Anthems music project.
The details
The song was engineered and mixed by Reid Leslie at Summit Sound Studios. It represents a collaborative effort aimed at highlighting musical voices through the WXPN-led project.
Timeline
September 18, 2026: Ways to Go debuted at the XPoNential Music Festival.
October 2026: WXPN will premiere songs by six additional artists.
April 2027: The Philly Anthems album is scheduled for release.
Industry Dynamics
The Philly Anthems project represents a growing trend of institutional support for regional music curation. By partnering with organizations like The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage, radio stations are increasingly acting as curators to bridge the gap between local artists and national reach.
Listeners can currently access the new track following its festival premiere. Fans should watch for further premieres throughout October 2026 ahead of the full album release in the spring.
The takeaway
Gilfillian's latest work highlights the intersection of personal narrative and regional arts advocacy. Listeners interested in emerging local sounds should monitor WXPN's upcoming project releases for a broader look at the city's musical landscape.
What happens next
WXPN will release the complete Philly Anthems album in April 2027, which will feature the song Workman's Song #1 among others.
Further reading
Discover more regional talent in the Philadelphia R&B section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WXPN | Vinyl At Heart.
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