Electronic music has become a popular genre in recent years. However, not all electronic music artists have what it takes to make it big in the industry. Pretty Lights, on the other hand, is one artist who has inspired electronic music lovers worldwide. The ingenious mixing of vintage samples and modern sounds to create something new and unique is what makes this artist stand out. In this post, we will take a deep dive into the life and career of Pretty Lights and explore some of his most popular work.
Derek Vincent Smith, professionally known as Pretty Lights, was born in November 1981 in Fort Collins, Colorado. He has always had an immense passion for music, and his interest in playing musical instruments such as piano and drums started at a very young age. He even formed a band named The Liquid Sound Company at the age of 15. However, the turning point in his career came when he was introduced to electronic music in the late 90s. This led to the birth of Pretty Lights, and he began his journey to become one of the pioneers of the electronic music industry.
Pretty Lights' debut album in 2006, Taking Up Your Precious Time, was the beginning of his rise to fame. The album contains tracks with a unique blend of hip hop, electronic, and soul music, which set the foundation for his signature sound. However, it was the release of his second album, Filling Up the City Skies, in 2008 that truly put him on the map. The album consists of 29 tracks divided into two parts and showcases his eclectic sound and mixing skills.
One of the most memorable tracks from Pretty Lights is Finally Moving, which was released in 2006. The track samples Etta James' song Something's Got a Hold on Me and adds a new layer of electronic music to create something wondrous. This track became his breakthrough hit and was later featured in several commercials, movies, and TV shows. Another famous track by Pretty Lights is Hot Like Sauce, a song that showcases his incredible ability to mix elements of funk and hip hop with electronic music.
Pretty Lights has been inspired by many genres of music, including funk, hip hop, soul, and jazz. He credits artists like DJ Shadow, RJD2, and Cut Chemist as his biggest influences. His music represents his diverse taste, and he expertly blends these genres in a way that stands out in the electronic music scene.
Pretty Lights has undoubtedly made a significant impact on the electronic music industry. His unique sound and mixing styles have captured the hearts of millions of music lovers worldwide. From his debut album to his most recent work, Pretty Lights continues to innovate and experiment with sound, creating timeless music that will undoubtedly stand the test of time. For fans of electronic music or for those who have yet to discover this exciting genre, Pretty Lights is definitely an artist that should not be missed.
