Derek Simpson Explores Love's Vulnerability on “wonka” - 5 April 2024

Derek Simpson shares his single “wonka,” available April 5th on Digital Formats via Trailing Twelve Records.

Following the release of his sophomore album Signs, Los Angeles-based Derek Simpson shares his new single & lyric video “wonka” set for digital release on April 5th via Trailing Twelve Records.

The song portrays love as a risky, disorienting journey of self-exposure and uncertainty.

“wonka” fuses elements of IDM and electronica into an intimate singer/songwriter structure, creating a captivating piece that invites repeated listens. The production keeps a slow and steady heartbeat through the syncopation of electronic keys, guitars, and various samples. Ethereal textures permeate the track, transitioning seamlessly between organic and manipulated elements. Simpson’s delicate, almost whisper-like, vocals ground the song as ghostly artifacts weave in and out.

Wonka turned a fall into a somersault / Maybe I can make it look like, look like / I am thinking about somethin' else

The lyrics explore the vulnerability of love, capturing the feeling of being exposed and disoriented, yet ultimately finding solace in the magic of the experience. The music mirrors this journey, contorting from organic acoustic elements to a central synth motif, with elegant textural layers adding depth and intrigue.

It’s an unsafe place you go to when you allow yourself to be in love. You’re putting clothes on and taking clothes off trying to imagine how your beloved will see you. You’re on exhibition all the time. And no matter your choices, you’re exposed. Right before you remember to breathe out & inevitably everything takes care of itself, the magic will disorient you. - Derek Simpson

The accompanying lyric video, directed and edited by Simpson, features abstract long-exposure light elements, archival studio footage, and playfully handwritten lyrics. A barely visible silhouette of Simpson briefly becomes illuminated before the [instrumental break] takes center stage.

“wonka” is out on April 5, 2024, on Digital Formats via Trailing Twelve. Watch the official lyric video below.

Album Art and Press Photos by Derek Simpson

Written, Performed, and Produced by Derek Simpson
Mixed by Derek Simpson & Daniel O'Rourke
Mastered by Daniel O'Rourke
Press Contact: info@trailingtwelve.com

TTRS-063
© & ℗ 2024 Trailing Twelve Records. All Rights Reserved. Unauthorized Copying, Reproduction, Hiring, Lending, Public Performance, And Broadcasting Strictly Prohibited.

Derek Simpson - wonka
TTRS-063
Release Date: 5 April 2024
Length: 3:49

Socials: instagram / twitter / 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 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.

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

“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