MEET NEW ENGLAND INDIE POP SINGER SONGWRITER DEREK SMITH
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.
How did this project come about?
Derek Smith: As just a solo artist, I decided to take the approach to work and write by myself for a number of albums and singles. I’m the frontman of The Cosmic Vultures and now my solo work will be listed under my name Derek Smith and will also have a backing band called Derek Smith & The Sparrows.
Previous musical projects? How’d you first get into music?
I made my own little solo albums from 2006-2009. Most of the material is unreleased. In 2012 I formed a band that eventually became The Cosmic Vultures. But I first got into music because of my parents: my father is a bassist that has played with a lot of top notch bands and singers and my mother is a piano teacher. I used to wake up, go downstairs and see my dad painting and listening to The Beatles. It just became embedded into my DNA.
First concert that you ever went to? (
The Monkees in 1997. My sister and I used to watch the show and listen to the CDs we had of them. My mom won tickets on the radio. It was such a cool experience for me. Best concert I’ve ever been to was Grizzly Bear in 2012. They blew me away.
What’s your writing process like?
Usually just grabbing my guitar and start noodling. Then I start singing and improvising. If I like it, I’ll keep crafting it. Sometimes my wife will give me a “ooo what’s that!?” That’s how I know if it’s tasty haha.
What other artists or songs inspire your music?
I sound like a broken record when answering this haha, but The Beatles are the reason why I write music. They’ll always be my biggest influence. It’s amazing how in 2023, they still feel fresh. There is so much I am influenced by: Frank Zappa, Steely Dan, Bob Dylan, Grizzly Bear, Stevie Wonder, Pink Floyd. I could make a list a mile long. I am also massively influenced by show tunes and Broadway. I am a massive fan of musicals.
What’s the live experience like and your philosophy on playing live? Do you think the music live should be identical to the recorded version or should it be its own thing?
Live music is so important. It’s a different avenue than recorded music. I love seeing different versions of songs live. Zappa had this super cool theory on live music where he would play a different solo for every song every night. So that the people watching get an exclusive show. It’ll only happen that way, that one night. If people want to hear the music exactly the same, just stay home and play the records!
Has the band toured? What has the touring experience been, best shows? Worst shows?
As a solo performer, I’m still getting used to playing by myself. It’s very foreign. I’m used to being able to turn to a bandmate next to me for reassurance. One of the best shows I’ve ever played with my band The Cosmic Vultures was Middle East: Downstairs in 2018. I can’t think of any shows I would label the worst. I guess whichever ones I wasn’t feeling well during. That’s always the worst. But as a solo artist, I plan to play a lot more with and without my backup band The Sparrows - stay tuned for dates!
What’s up next for the band?
Well for me, it’s more LPs, EPs, singles. The sky is the limit. I’ve been dumping music out to the public since 2017. Whether it be solo or with The Cosmic Vultures. As long as I’m breathing, I’ll be releasing music and playing out where I can!
