VIDEOS
DEREK SIMPSON
BIO
Derek Simpson is an artist, producer, and multi-instrumentalist whose journey has taken him from Boston to the vibrant music scene of Long Beach, California. Known for his spacey guitar work, otherworldly synths, and introspective lyricism, Derek crafts immersive soundscapes that explore optimism amid uncertainty.
Derek first made waves under the moniker Planetarian, releasing a series of free albums on SoundCloud from 2013 to 2016. His official debut, KiNG SUN (2019), released via Trailing Twelve Records, showcased his singular vision—writing, producing, mixing, and composing every track himself. The album’s ethereal melodies and genre-blurring production captivated listeners, with standouts like “Nothing” and “Open Water” garnering millions of streams.
Relocating to Long Beach, Derek immersed himself in a thriving artistic community, expanding his creative pursuits beyond music. He directed and produced all of his music videos, designed a custom font for KiNG SUN, and illustrated tarot cards symbolizing each track’s deeper meaning.
His sophomore album, Signs (2021), introduced a more playful sonic palette, blending hypnotic dub, alternative R&B, and laid-back disco. Lyrically, the album explored themes of human connection, gender identity, and the supernatural—again fully self-produced, written, and mixed by Derek.
In 2024, Derek unveiled his third album, Somehow—the culmination of ten consecutive singles released weekly. The album finds Derek in his most genuine and experimental form, offering a wide-eyed exploration of romance, identity, memory, freedom, and the raw vulnerability of unconditional love. Praised by EARMILK as “an edgy, off-kilter, genre-bending body of work that blends a host of avant-garde sounds with familiar elements and engaging songwriting”, Somehow solidifies Derek’s reputation as a fearless innovator. METAL further described the album as “a pensive but liberated perspective on the continuity of life and the impermanence of our current forms.” Recognized by EARMILK and LADYGUNN as a 2025 Artist to Watch, Derek continues to push artistic boundaries.
His work has earned acclaim from Ones To Watch, Spin, Indie Shuffle, Atwood Magazine, Glide, and Dummy, while his music has been featured in Comedy Central’s Workaholics and the feature film The Wheel starring Amber Midthunder. Before his solo career, he honed his production skills working with Kevin Abstract, Dom McLennon, and Rockie Fresh, demonstrating his versatility as a collaborator.
A self-sufficient creator with an unwavering artistic vision, Derek Simpson continues to carve his own path—inviting listeners into his introspective world while redefining the boundaries of independent music.
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
2025 Artist to Watch via EARMILK and LADYGUNN
“an edgy, off-kilter, genre-bending body of work that blends a host of avant-garde sounds with familiar elements and engaging songwriting.” - EARMILK
"a pensive but liberated perspective on the continuity of life and the impermanence of our current forms." - METAL
“an effortless chunk of psychedelic pop” - Atwood Magazine
"a stunning and hypnotic musical listening experience" - Ones To Watch
"Derek Simpson transforms trope into delicious, subtle slapstick." - V13
"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 cross between dream pop and shoegaze - some saucy as hell loops that make it a truly unique and textured offering" - Indie Shuffle
