Derek Smith told us about his music and his latest project. We’re glad he did! Let’s see what he has to say.
Do you have a story behind your artist name?
At this very moment, I am going by my real name Derek Smith. However, I am working on combining my solo catalog with my band catalog to ultimately be called Derek Smith and the Cosmic Vultures. So hopefully soon that change will be in effect.
Tell us a bit about your music journey. How has it shaped you?
I grew up with parents who are musicians. My father is a well known bassist in the North Shore area of Boston. He was in a band with Billy Squier and played in a back up band with Tina Turner and The Drifters on a few occasions. He was in several bands growing up. And my mother is a piano teacher. I grew up idolizing The Beatles and learned to play piano at a young age. Finally decided to learn rhythm guitar. Started writing at 16 and now at 36 I feel like I have accomplished a lot with 5 albums, two EPs and 3 singles released as of October 13, 2023.
How would you describe your sound to someone unfamiliar with it?
I would say my sound can be described as living on the outskirts of a major city. Rock is the city. My music is very much alternative versions of rock. You get some folk, soft rock, Southern rock, pop pock. Different flavors of rock is the ultimate definition.
What drew you to the genre /instruments you’re playing right now?
Well, playing piano was because my mom and my dad bought me an electric guitar and a small amp. And I started to play more guitar because I wanted to stand up and perform, rather than sitting and playing piano. I switched strictly to acoustic guitar and it’s really become my sound. Listening to classic rock growing up has definitely helped imbed the genre into my blood. I also really enjoy classic soul, like Motown and have been writing songs in that genre as well. Maybe there will be an EP or album in the future with that style.
What inspires you to write music?
I am inspired by so much music I hear. I love hearing a song and then saying “Oh man… I need to write something now.” I really love that feeling. Growing up with The Beatles, I saw how they put albums together. How songs were interwoven with each other and how every album had such a great flow. Like one big piece of art. It made me want to make albums. The feeling of holding a record in your hands, looking at the artwork and the pictures and the lyrics… there’s nothing like it for me. It’s my favorite subject on the planet. I’m a bit obsessed.
Would you tell us about your current project, album/EP, or song you’re promoting?
“Black Angel” is the new single. I recorded the song with some of the Vultures at Woolly Mammoth Sound in Waltham, MA with the great David Minehan. I wrote the tune back in 2012. I recorded a few versions of it over the years but I felt like it needed big studio production.
The song is about questioning why someone would believe in something. Blindly following something. I’m a big believer in doing your own research and figuring out who you are and what you believe through knowledge. So it’s a bit of a sarcastic song with an upbeat feel [laughs]. It’s been a very popular number when playing it live with The Cosmic Vultures and probably could have been released under the band. But things just fall where they fall and hopefully everything will just fall under Derek Smith and the Cosmic Vultures soon.
What do you want listeners to take away from listening to your music?
I would like listeners to hear my passion. I love songwriting. It’s everything to me. My catalog is getting big because I can’t stop writing. With both catalogs combined, I have released 56 songs since 2017 and I have another 50 at least in a spreadsheet ready to go. I think there’s something for everybody. And there are songs from past albums that never got any attention that I believe were really good. I am very proud of the music I have released this far. Maybe someday I can do some sort of a re-release of albums like Mariana and Too Many Shapes. But, ultimately, I think listeners can hear the sometimes playful or sarcastic lyrics and it’ll give them the idea that I’m just having fun.
Who are your top three artists right now? If that’s not a fair question, what’s your favorite song right now?
My top 3 artists of all time are The Beatles, Steely Dan and Frank Zappa. It’s been that way for years. They are my go-to artists. I know the catalogs of the first two inside and out. Zappa is a little harder to know inside and out haha. His catalog is a black hole.
Yeah it’s an impossible thing to answer and be ok with it a few days later [laughs]. But right now there is a song by Flo and Eddie (former lead vocalists of The Turtles and also toured and recorded with Zappa for a few years) called “Mama, Open Up.” It’s the most accurate depiction of “stardom” or I guess lack of “stardom” I’ve ever heard in a song. It’s so raw and real. It scared me and made me cry. The chorus is enormous and the chord progression is amazing. I wish they got more publicity in their hay day.
What’s the easiest way for fans to connect with you?
If fans want to connect with me, I am always available on Facebook or Instagram messenger. Also, they can always reach out to me via email: serderek12@gmail.com or thecosmicvultures@gmail.com. I love chatting and discussing music!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/serderek12/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063733160337
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3V4yMO9qBp3B94nPnmn5Ff?si=J358H_EXTu6EcabcpRQJOg&nd=1
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@therealdereksmith1
What’s next for you?
Soooo many songs to record. The plan in my head is to release a new single every three months for at least the next year. And then hopefully releasing a new album by Fall 2024. Sifting through the catalog of songs right now is difficult. I honestly have so many things I want to do. But new music is coming and it’s not going away. Also you’ll be able to catch Derek Smith and the Cosmic Vultures at the Jungle in Somerville on October 28. We are doing a special acoustic set. Then on November 17 at Starlite in Southbridge.
Anything else you’d like to add or let us know about?
I’m available for bookings and interviews. I’d like to chat, so please don’t be shy!
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 luckily for his fans, Derek is a prolific writer. His sophomore album, Obscura, was released on July 12 just seven months later. As Smith continues to release material, his sonic identity comes increasingly into focus.
