Derek Smith took time out of his busy schedule to answer questions about his music and how he makes it. Let’s see what he has to say!
First off, What’s up with your name? Is there a story behind it?
Derek Smith: Derek Smith. That’s my birth name. The story is as follows: My parents gave me that name when I was birthed. But I like it so much that I just kept it when I started to make solo music outside of my band, The Cosmic Vultures.
Tell us about your musical past, would you tell us about your early years?
I grew up playing mostly piano. My mother is a piano teacher, but I sort of always credited myself as teaching myself. I refused to read. Not sure if it was out of laziness or what. I spent a lot of time listening to music. The Beatles were a big influence on my songwriting. I found myself using a lot of their chords and chord progressions.
How would you describe your sound?
My sound is definitely a mix of things – acoustic, folk, rock. I feel like singer-songwriter has now become a sound [laughs], so I guess that. A lot of people have trouble pinning down a sound for me. I guess we can call it Derek Smith Sheik.
Which artists have the biggest influence on your sound?
The Beatles, Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Crosby Stills and Nash, Billy Joel, Nick Drake. Those artists directly influence my sound, however, there are artists that influence me just to start writing: Steely Dan, Frank Zappa, The Smashing Pumpkins. Though you might not hear those artists in my sound.
What’s the last song you listened to?
The last song I listened to was “Mama, Open Up” by Flo & Eddie. Might be my favorite rock song ever. It’s very real.
What’s your source for hearing new music?
Definitely Spotify. I love the playlists they make and such. It makes it so easy to discover new stuff. Though going to a record shop is something I want to experience more often.
Who is your dream producer?
Working with someone like George Martin would have been a dream. Rick Rubin would also be awesome.
If you could collaborate with anyone, who would it be?
Anyone of all time? Frank Zappa. And that’s of course, if he would allow it [laughs]. Genius composer. Speaking of composers, Stephen Sondheim would have also been a dream. Living collaborator would have to be Paul McCartney.
What led you to music, and what motivates you to keep making it?
The Beatles. It was a Sunday morning, I was about 5. My father was painting a seascape and listening to Rubber Soul. It felt like home. I’ll never forget that feeling for the rest of my life. I just remembered wanting to be a part of that world. My love for crafting albums will always keep me going. At the end of the day, I just love making them.
Tell us about the songwriting process. How does it all come together?
Usually just picking up my acoustic and fiddling around. Most of the time the music comes first and then the words. But just trying to develop something catchy or that I would listen to. I write for myself, always have. If I finish a song, it means I really like it and will start the process of recording it at home or bringing it to Woolly Mammoth Sound.
How do you connect with your audience?
Connecting with an audience l, for me, is just being real. I can get pretty snarky in my music. I write for the people who like the realness. I don’t write for the Top 40 people. That just ain’t my bag.
What is the easiest way for them to connect with you?
Connecting with me through social media is the easiest. Messaging me. Or approaching me at shows. I love talking. I’m the ultimate chatterbox.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/serderek12/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3V4yMO9qBp3B94nPnmn5Ff?si=J358H_EXTu6EcabcpRQJOg&nd=1
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DxzSIypk1rQ
What’s next for you?
After my second record, Obscura, I am recording a new batch of songs at Woolly Mammoth Sound with David Minehan. Might be a few back to back EPs.
Anything else you’d like to add or let us know about?
Please check out my music on all streaming platforms! Thank you!
BIO: Derek Smith is an up and coming force in the northeastern US music scene. In addition to being the front-man and primary songwriter for The Cosmic Vultures, he writes and records solo material. His first release for the label was a wildly successful single, Fire in the Forest, which has over 25,000 plays to date. The corresponding album Rubedo only fueled the demand for more music and lucky for his fans, Derek is a prolific writer. His next album, Obscura, is due to be released on July 12.
