Pretty Lights describes the genre of his music as 'ElectroHiphopSoul' and that term couldn't be any more valid. The soulful essence of Pretty Lights' tunes consist of abstract hip-hop beats that fuse electro qualities with vintage vocal samples, potent hooks and bold synthesizer patterns. The output of Pretty Light's music features digital sampling that crosses different genres together, forming a brilliant combination of electronic roots with funk, soul and hip-hop influences.
Derek Smith, better known as Pretty Lights, is an electronic music artist and producer from Colorado. Growing up, Smith was involved in a few different music groups ranging from punk to funk. While attending high school in Colorado, Smith created and produced hip-hop music but always had an interest in electronic based music. He used music production software for a few years until he felt that his music was mastered enough to finally put a project together.
Timeless music (music that has the ability to stand the test of time) such as Pink Floyd, The Beatles and Led Zeppelin were all very influential in Smith's process of creating his own style of music. Smith references the name 'Pretty Lights' from a 1966 New Years concert poster with Pink Floyd and The Who that read “Come and watch the pretty lights!” Derek Smith explained in a Spinner.com interview,
“Throughout your life, there are moments that inspire you as an artist -- and creative people sort of have this eye for the world where they're always looking for things that are beautiful, cool or inspirational. It's the little things throughout your day that can turn into a big inspiration creatively.” — Pretty Lights
Unlike most artists, Pretty Lights has all of his albums and EPs available for free downloads on his website with the option to donate. Smith has been remarkably productive in creating music for his growing fan base. He has released many albums and EPs across the span of the last decade. Smith recently released two albums on his newly formed record label, Pretty Lights Music. The record label offers free downloads for any of Pretty Lights' albums plus Michal Menert, Paper Diamond and Break Science, all currently on Pretty Lights Music.
Pretty Lights puts on a real show when he is performing at concerts and spends thousands of dollars on his LED light shows alone. Pretty Lights has been touring across the United States while taking over music festivals. As a result, he has picked up an exponentially growing fan base in which most of his shows are sold out weeks before the day of the concert.
Below is a video by Pretty Lights for song, 'We Must Go On'
