Feel the adoration of Derek Simpson’s dub-influenced ‘U-Turn’ (Song & Music Video) - (3/31/21)

Derek Simpson shares their new single and music video “U-Turn,” available March 31st on Digital Formats via Trailing Twelve Records.

Long Beach bedroom-pop wunderkind Derek Simpson presents his latest dub-influenced single “U-Turn” via Trailing Twelve Records. The song is a welcomed addition to the slate of relaxed and groove-laden compositions by Simpson (“Hide & Seek”, “Naked Forever”, “Kid The Moon”).

“U-Turn” finds Simpson using hypnotic dub as a base layer for melodic and romantic brush strokes. The mellow sonic landscape acts as a harmonious accompaniment to the song’s lyrical themes. Simpson describes a tender evening between two lovers, focusing on minute details [“Feet on the carpet / We’re findin’ the friction”] as well as the more existential [“Watchin’ you turn / Just like Earth”].

To further contextualize, Simpson shared the following:

My introduction to the world of dub came once I'd stumbled across the work of King Tubby. The music was so hypnotic, calming, and groovy that I couldn't help but play what I had heard on repeat for days, nights, weeks, years, or however long it's been. This song must've blossomed from that place of wonderment in a sweet blur because as I try to recall the writing process, it projects in my skull only as a fuzzy-edged dream.

The accompanying music video, edited by Simpson with visual effects by Groovecheese, visualizes the aforementioned fuzzy-edged dream. It begins with a warning label for viewers with photosensitive epilepsy - an intriguing introduction for what might follow. We find various forms of Simpson singing and swaying, in and out of hazy shadows and colorful light flashes. The graininess of the imagery feels like an intercepted alien transmission, an uncovered relic, something dreamlike and otherworldly (for the full effect, we recommend viewing it in complete darkness with headphones on).

Simpson could teach a masterclass on how to capture a groove with minimal instrumentation. All throughout “U-Turn” there is a gentle feeling of affection and adoration - a warm auditory blanket to soften the harder edges of the day.

Watch the music video for “U-Turn” below, out March 31, 2021 on Trailing Twelve Records.

Written by Derek Simpson & Ry Weston Mohon
Performed, and Mixed by Derek Simpson (BMI)
Mastered by Vincent Mazza

Music Video edited by Derek Simpson, Visual Effects by Groovecheese

© & ℗ 2021 Trailing Twelve Records. All Rights Reserved. Unauthorized Copying, Reproduction, Hiring, Lending, Public Performance, And Broadcasting Strictly Prohibited.

DEREK SIMPSON - U-Turn
TTR-015
Released 31 March 2021
Length: 03:55

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BIO

Derek Simpson is an American recording artist, producer, and multi-instrumentalist. After gaining success with multiple free album releases on Soundcloud (under the pseudonym Planetarian) from 2013 to 2016, Derek moved from Boston to Long Beach to continue recording his own music and surround himself with other up-and-coming artists in need of songwriting help and production. Layering spacey guitar chords and electric piano lines with dense and introspective wordplay, Derek's music often explores the value of holding a positive perspective in the face of confusion or adversity. His respect for focus and hard work shows in his recordings, all of which are fully written, produced, composed, and mixed by himself.

Derek has produced music for Kevin Abstract, Dom McLennon, Rockie Fresh and more. His music has also been featured in Comedy Central's Workaholics.