Derek Simpson Reimagines His Sonic Identity with ‘Somehow (Abstracts)’ - 11 April 2025

‘Somehow (Abstracts)’ Cover Art by Jameson McEnany & Derek Simpson

Derek Simpson releases “Somehow (Abstracts)” April 11th on Digital Formats via Trailing Twelve Records.

Los Angeles based artist, producer and multi-instrumentalist, Derek Simpson follows his full-length album with Somehow (Abstracts), set for digital release on April 11th via Trailing Twelve Records. This new offering presents an introspective take on his original work, inviting listeners into a softer, more ambient realm. With its seamless flow from track to track, Somehow (Abstracts) mirrors the ebb and flow of ocean waves, immersing audiences in a lush soundscape characterized by gentle pads, emotive synth bass, and expansive reverb.

Simpson released a full length album, Somehow, over the summer of 2024 by sharing one single each week, for 10 consecutive weeks. This approach allowed fans to experience and grow with each song in real time. Somehow (Abstracts) offers a fresh perspective on Simpson’s work, contrasting the original’s energetic drum loops and dynamic sound design with a more meditative ambiance. Here, synthesizers pulse with a life of their own, and vocal chops whisper enigmatic secrets, conveying their messages through a new, ethereal medium. Standout reworks "222 (Abstract)" and "copilot (Abstract)" showcase the depth of this transformation, blending rich textures and evocative soundscapes that further expand the emotional breadth of the album.

“The abstracts for Somehow are an experiment in subtraction,” Derek says. “I would open up a song’s project file and listen to each individual instrument, voice, or sample on its own in order to wrap my head around structuring the music for some early live shows.” After hours of deciding the necessary components of his songs, Simpson created new pieces from the album’s raw materials. “What resulted are these emotional and cinematic counterparts to Somehow that express feelings from even deeper in the subconscious. If Somehow explores memory and it’s billowing out within the limitation of traditionally pop song structures, then the Abstracts journey one step further into the dreamlike inner space and surrender to its abstraction.”

On Somehow (Abstracts), Simpson embraces a deep vulnerability, reimagining his pop tracks with an honest and intense sonic palette. The release underscores a complex interplay of emotions—happiness, sadness, grief, and love—showing that these feelings coexist not as opposites but as intertwined facets of the human experience.

Somehow (Abstracts) will be available on digital formats worldwide on April 11th, 2025 through Trailing Twelve.

TRACKLIST: Somehow (Abstracts)

  1. 222 (Abstract)

  2. The Circle One (Abstract)

  3. Glitterrr (Abstract)

  4. copilot (Abstract)

  5. boytoy (Abstract)

  6. In Ur Reach (Abstract)

  7. Bonez & All (Abstract)

Written by Derek Simpson, Joshua Tarantino, Daniel August, Marvin Castro, Jasmine Navarro and John Cardoza
Produced by Derek Simpson, Daniel August, and sage ua sole
Performed by Derek Simpson
Mixed by Derek Simpson
Mastered by Matthew David McQueen
Press Contact: info@trailingtwelve.com

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© & ℗ 2025 Trailing Twelve. All Rights Reserved. Unauthorized Copying, Reproduction, Hiring, Lending, Public Performance, And Broadcasting Strictly Prohibited.

Release Date: 11 April 2025
Release Title: Somehow (Abstracts)
Artist: Derek Simpson

Socials: instagram / tiktok / spotify

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 Los Angeles, 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.

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.

ACCOLADES

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