Pretty Lights is the musical vision of Colorado-based producer and composer Derek Vincent Smith, who has been a prominent figure in the electronic music scene since the mid-2000s. Smith's project, which seamlessly blends elements of hip-hop, funk, soul, and glitch, has been known for pushing the boundaries of digital music while maintaining a strong foundation in organic sounds and samples. His approach often involves the meticulous reconstruction of vintage sounds, which he achieves by sampling a vast array of vinyl records and employing live instrumentation.

Pretty Lights came to fame with a distinctive style marked by lush soundscapes and a heavy dose of bass, all wrapped in a psychedelic aesthetic. Smith has been recognized for his dynamic live shows, which often feature a full band and an elaborate light show, alongside his self-released music that he frequently offers to fans for free. Albums such as "A Color Map of the Sun," which was nominated for a Grammy for Best Dance/Electronica Album, showcase Smith's dedication to crafting not just music, but a sensory experience. Concurrently, tracks like "Rainbows & Waterfalls" and "Only Yesterday" illustrate his evolution as an artist, continually honing his distinctive sound while remaining connected to the roots of sample-based production.

Genres

Glitch Hop

Jazztronica

Livetronica

Related Artists

Gramatik

Emancipator

Big Gigantic

Bonobo

Bassnectar

Flume

The Glitch Mob

GRiZ

RÜFÜS DU SOL

STS9

ODESZA

Four Tet

Latest Release

Rainbows & Waterfalls

Pretty Lights

Single - Released October 20, 2017