VIDEOS
DEREK SIMPSON
BIO
Derek Simpson is an artist, producer, and multi-instrumentalist whose creative journey has taken him from the bustling city of Boston to the vibrant music scene of Long Beach, California. Known for his distinctive soundscapes, layered with spacey guitar chords and otherwordly synth lines, Derek's music delves deep into introspective wordplay, often exploring the power of maintaining a positive perspective amidst confusion and adversity.
Born and raised with a passion for music, Derek embarked on his artistic career under the pseudonym Planetarian, releasing several free albums on SoundCloud from 2013 to 2016. The success of these releases paved the way for his debut album, "KiNG SUN," which was unleashed on the world in August 2019 through Trailing Twelve Records. Demonstrating his singuluar vision Derek wrote, produced, composed, and mixed every track on the album himself. "KiNG SUN" captivated listeners with its ethereal melodies, thought-provoking lyrics, and a unique blend of genres.
Seeking new inspirations and collaborations, Derek made the decision to relocate to Long Beach, where he could immerse himself in a community of fellow up-and-coming artists and offer his expertise in songwriting and production. It was during this time that Derek expanded his creative pursuits beyond music, showcasing his versatility as a visual artist. He took on the roles of filmmaker and director, producing all of his own music videos. To further enhance the immersive experience of his music, Derek even designed his own font specifically for the "KiNG SUN" project. Demonstrating his attention to detail, he illustrated individual tarot cards to symbolize the deeper meanings embedded within each track on the album. The album, including standouts “Nothing” and “Open Water,” garnered millions of streams across platforms, solidifying Derek's growing presence in the music industry.
In 2021, Derek Simpson unveiled his second album, "Signs.”. This release showcased a more playful approach to both production and thematic content. Within its tracks, listeners were transported to a mesmerizing world where hypnotizing dub revival, alternative R&B, and laid-back disco converged. Derek's musical vision was accompanied by thought-provoking messages exploring human connection, gender identity, and the supernatural. Once again, Derek proved his dedication to his craft, single-handedly writing, producing, composing, and mixing every song on the album.
Derek's talent and unique creative vision have earned him recognition from numerous esteemed publications such as Ones To Watch, Spin, Indie Shuffle, Atwood Magazine, Glide, and Dummy. His music has also found its way into popular culture, with his tracks being featured in Comedy Central's hit series, "Workaholics” and the feature film The Wheel starring Amber Midhunter.
Prior to his solo success, Derek had already made a mark in the music industry as a sought-after producer. In the early stages of their careers, he worked closely with artists such as Kevin Abstract, Dom McLennon, and Rockie Fresh, honing his production skills and contributing to their musical endeavors. Through his collaborations with these artists, Derek showcased his ability to add depth and flair to their music, solidifying his position as a versatile and innovative collaborator.
Derek Simpson's artistic journey is a testament to his unwavering dedication to his craft. Through his music, he invites listeners into his introspective world, challenging them to find strength and positivity amidst the complexities of life. With his self-sufficiency and an unwavering commitment to his artistic vision, Derek continues to leave an indelible mark on the music industry, captivating audiences and forging a path of his own.
Origin: Boston, MA
Currently: Los Angeles, CA
Genres: Indie Pop, Dream Pop, Alternative R&B, Psychedelic Rock
Label: Trailing Twelve Records
Press: info@trailingtwelve.com
Management: info@trailingtwelve.com
Booking: dereksimpsonmgmt@gmail.com
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PRESS & FEATURES
“an effortless chunk of psychedelic pop” - Atwood Magazine
"carries a multitude of introspective scenes that outline his inner thoughts, embellished by his mesmerizing guitar playing. These conversations between his sentiments and the music make for a tasteful cocktail made of all the feel-good human stuff." - Spin
"a stunning and hypnotic musical listening experience" - Ones To Watch
"a cross between dream pop and shoegaze - some saucy as hell loops that make it a truly unique and textured offering" - Indie Shuffle
“With a laidback, dreamlike atmosphere, it pulls the listener into his untethered mind, free-flowing and associating as it drifts into parts unknown.” - Atwood Magazine
