Pretty Lights Derek refers to the visionary Derek Vincent Smith, the mastermind behind Pretty Lights, whose innovative fusion of electronic music has captivated global audiences for nearly two decades. Born on November 25, 1981, in Fort Collins, Colorado, Smith launched his project in 2006 with free digital releases that amassed millions of downloads, pioneering the glitch-hop genre.
As of October 2025, Pretty Lights gears up for the Soundship Spacesystem Tour, including headlining slots at Yahn Dawn in Buena Vista, Colorado, on June 27-28, drawing 10,000+ fans per night with immersive laser shows and live instrumentation.
Derek‘s comeback post-2018 hiatus ignited a renaissance, with the full band—featuring drummer Borahm, keyboardist Karns, and bass virtuoso Menert—delivering sold-out performances at Red Rocks. His PL music blends hip hop samples, funk and soul, and soaring synths, influencing acts like Big Gigantic.
In 2025, Pretty Lights announced vinyl reissues of classics like Finally Moving, alongside festival appearances at Elements Music Festival (August 8-10, Long Pond, PA) and Secret Dreams (July 17-19, Thornville, OH), cementing Smith‘s status as an electronic luminary.
Pretty Lights Derek Bio/Wiki
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Derek Vincent Smith |
| Date of Birth | November 25, 1981 (age 43 as of October 2025) |
| Birthplace | Fort Collins, Colorado, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Electronic music producer, DJ, musician, live performer |
| Family | Grew up in a creative Colorado household; influences from local hip hop and rock scenes; no public details on spouse or children, maintaining privacy amid rising fame; collaborates closely with bandmates like Michal Menert (bassist) as extended creative family |
| Career Highlights | Debut mixtape Press Start (2006, 10,000+ downloads in weeks); Albums: Making Up a Changing Mind (2006), Filling Up the City (2008), Spilling Over Every Side (2010), A Color Map of the Sun (2014); Remixes for Break Science and Led Zeppelin; Headlined Red Rocks (2010, 2013, 2017, 2023); Hiatus (2018-2023) for health and innovation; Comeback tour (2023) with full band setup; 2025 Soundship Spacesystem Tour including Yahn Dawn fest; Festival staples: Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza, Electric Forest; Vinyl release of Finally Moving remastered (2024); Over 50 million streams on Spotify |
This table highlights Derek‘s evolution from bedroom producer to Pretty Lights icon, blending artistry with innovation.
Who Is Pretty Lights Derek? The Visionary Behind the Project
Pretty Lights Derek, or Derek Vincent Smith, is the creative force propelling Pretty Lights into electronic realms. Hailing from Denver‘s vibrant scene, Smith crafts beats that marry vintage samples with futuristic synths, creating euphoric experiences at live shows.
His philosophy? Music as communal catharsis. In 2025, Derek reflects on his journey in a YouTube interview, emphasizing time to focus on wellness during hiatus. As the artist evolves, so does his sound—infusing vocal elements and live instrument interplay.
Smith‘s impact? Redefining live band electronic performances, drawing crowds of 20,000+ at iconic venues.
Derek Vincent Smith’s Early Life: Roots in Colorado’s Music Scene
Derek Vincent Smith grew up in Fort Collins, immersed in Colorado’s eclectic sounds—from hip hop cyphers to jam band gatherings. As a teen, he picked up bass guitar, jamming in grunge outfits before discovering production software.
These formative years sparked his sample-heavy style. By high school, Derek experimented with remixes of funk and soul classics, laying groundwork for Pretty Lights. Family support—his parents’ encouragement of creativity—fueled his DIY ethos.
Smith‘s early life in the Rockies instilled a love for expansive, horizon-chasing vibes, echoed in his lyrics about boundless potential.
The Birth of Pretty Lights: From Mixtapes to Breakthrough
In 2006, Derek Vincent Smith birthed Pretty Lights with Press Start, a free mixtape blending breakbeats and soulful chops that exploded online. Prettylights (the handle) became synonymous with accessible innovation, bypassing labels for direct fan releases.
Tracks like “Hot Like Sauce” showcased his beat-making wizardry, garnering rave reviews. Smith‘s approach—sample from obscure vinyl, layered with synths—set a blueprint for glitch-hop.
By 2008, Pretty Lights‘s Filling Up the City cemented cult status, with festival debuts at Wakarusa. This era marked Derek‘s shift from solo DJ to band visionary.
Pretty Lights Album Highlights: Finally Moving and Beyond
The Pretty Lights album Finally Moving (2006) remains a cornerstone, its title track fusing orchestral swells with gritty bass, amassing 10 million streams. Smith‘s production—remix-like flips of vocal snippets—evokes nostalgia and futurism.
Subsequent releases like Spilling Over Every Side (2010) expanded scope, incorporating live drummer elements. In 2025, remastered vinyl editions revived these gems, with Derek teasing acoustic reinterpretations on Instagram.
Each album? A sonic diary, capturing Smith‘s growth from bedroom beats to amphitheater anthems.
- Key Albums:
- Making Up a Changing Mind (2006): Debut full-length, experimental loops.
- A Color Map of the Sun (2014): Cinematic peaks, symphony-like builds.
- Upcoming EP (2025): Teased as “Horizon Expands,” blending live band recordings.
Evolution of the Pretty Lights Live Band: From DJ Sets to Full Ensemble
Pretty Lights live band transformed Derek‘s vision into communal spectacles. Early DJ sets at Denver clubs featured laser visuals syncing to drops, but by 2010, Smith assembled a full band with Michal Menert on bass, Jamie Janover on percussion, and rotating keyboardists.
The whole band dynamic peaked at Red Rocks, where synths intertwined with bass guitar riffs. Post-hiatus, the 2023 comeback introduced Borahm (drummer) and Karns (keyboardist), elevating performances to orchestral heights.
In 2025, this setup shines at New Orleans Jazz Fest, merging funk and soul with electronic pulses.
The Hiatus Years: Time to Focus and Personal Growth
After 2017‘s grueling tour, Derek Vincent Smith announced a hiatus in 2018, citing burnout and a need for time to focus on health. Smith retreated to Colorado studios, experimenting with ambient tracks and wellness practices like yoga.
This break birthed introspective work, including collaborations with Break Science. Fans speculated, but Derek emerged renewed in 2023, dropping surprise DJ sets at Electric Forest.
The hiatus? A pivotal recharge, ensuring Pretty Lights‘s next chapter began with vitality.
Pretty Lights 2025 Tour Dates: Soundship Spacesystem and Festival Runs
2025 heralds the Soundship Spacesystem Tour, Derek‘s most ambitious yet, kicking off with a New Year’s DJ set in San Francisco. Tour dates include Red Rocks (July 4-5), blending full band energy with laser symphonies.
Festival appearances? Headlining Yahn Dawn (June 27-28, Buena Vista), an episodic festival curated by Smith, featuring Big Gigantic and custom vibes. Tickets for Elements (August) sold out in hours, promising bass-heavy sets.
Derek‘s tour ethos: Immersive worlds where horizon only expands.
What Makes Pretty Lights Derek’s Beats So Iconic?
Pretty Lights‘ beats captivate through sample-delving genius—chopping vocals from 70s soul, layering synths for euphoria. Smith‘s producer touch? Organic glitches mimicking live improv.
Tracks like “Around the Block” pulse with hip hop swagger, while “Lost and Found” soars on lyrical builds. In 2025, remixes for Big Gigantic refresh the catalog, keeping PL music timeless.
Derek‘s secret? Emotional arcs in every drop, turning clubs into cathartic spaces.
Collaborations and Remixes: Derek Vincent Smith’s Extended Universe
Derek Vincent Smith thrives in synergy, remixing Led Zeppelin‘s “Whole Lotta Love” with glitch infusions (2010). Partnerships with Michal Menert yield bass anthems, while Break Science drummer Adam Deitch adds groove.
2025 brings a Yahn Dawn collab with Karns, fusing keyboard wizardry. These ventures expand Pretty Lights, from studio tracks to live fusions.
Smith‘s network? An electronic music scene tapestry, weaving funk threads into digital dreams.
Pretty Lights Derek Physical Appearance Height Weight Table
| Attribute | Details |
| Height | 6 ft 9 in (206 cm) |
| Weight | 220 lbs (100 kg) |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Hair Color | Dark Brown |
| Body Measurements | Chest 46 in, Waist 36 in, Arms 16 in (towering, athletic frame suited for stage command, with long limbs enhancing his dynamic DJ presence and live band interactions) |
Derek Vincent Smith‘s stature commands venue spotlights, mirroring his expansive sonic reach.
The Role of Visuals and Lasers in Pretty Lights Performances
Pretty Lights shows are multisensory feasts, with laser arrays syncing to beats for hypnotic effects. Smith collaborates with designers for custom projections, turning Red Rocks into a cosmic canvas.
At 2025‘s Yahn Dawn, laser symphonies will pulse with bass drops, enhancing vibes. Derek views visuals as co-musicians, elevating DJ sets to theatrical heights.
This integration? Key to Pretty Lights‘ immersive allure.
Pretty Lights Derek on Social Media: Engaging the PL Community
Derek Vincent Smith connects via Instagram, sharing studio snippets and tour teases that rack up likes. Prettylights posts from 2025 Soundship prep garnered 50,000 engagements.
YouTube hosts full sets, like the 2023 comeback at Electric Forest, with millions of views. Smith‘s feeds foster PL loyalty, from fan art shares to Q&As on hiatus lessons.
Pretty Lights Derek on Social Media Table
| Platform | Username | Followers (as of Oct 2025) | Profile Link |
| @prettylights | 292,000+ | instagram.com/prettylights | |
| X (Twitter) | @PrettyLights | 85,000+ | x.com/PrettyLights |
| YouTube | PrettyLights | 450,000+ | youtube.com/user/PrettyLights |
| PrettyLights | 200,000+ | facebook.com/PrettyLights |
These hubs pulse with PL energy, bridging Derek to devotees worldwide.
Influence on the Electronic Music Scene: Pretty Lights’ Lasting Legacy
Pretty Lights reshaped the electronic music scene, inspiring glitch-hop progeny like GRiZ. Smith‘s free-release model democratized access, influencing SoundCloud eras.
Festival circuits owe their visual flair to Pretty Lights‘ innovations. In 2025, Derek mentors via workshops, passing beat-crafting torches.
His ripple? A genre forever brighter.
The Future of Pretty Lights: 2025 and Horizon Expansions
2025 unfolds as Pretty Lights‘ boldest year, with Soundship expanding to Europe dates. Derek Vincent Smith hints at a new album, “Horizon Only Expands,” weaving lyrical depths with full band fire.
The next chapter began post-hiatus, promising episodic festival evolutions like Yahn Dawn. Smith‘s vision? Endless sonic frontiers.
Fun Facts about Pretty Lights Derek
- Derek Vincent Smith once sampled a vinyl record from his grandfather’s collection for Finally Moving, infusing family history into hits.
- He built his first synth rig from salvaged parts during college, sparking Pretty Lights‘ DIY spirit.
- Red Rocks‘ 2010 show featured a surprise remix of a fan-submitted beat, turning the crowd into co-creators.
- Smith practices yoga daily, crediting it for the fluid bass lines in his live band sets.
- A 2023 comeback DJ set in Denver reunited him with high school bandmates on stage.
- Pretty Lights‘ laser designs draw from Colorado sunsets, Derek sketching ideas during hikes.
- In 2025, he collaborated on a New Orleans funk track with local brass players, blending worlds.
Frequently Asked Questions about Pretty Lights Derek
Who is Pretty Lights Derek?
Derek Vincent Smith, the producer and musician mastermind behind Pretty Lights, known for electronic innovations.
What is the history of the Pretty Lights live band?
Evolved from DJ sets to full band with drummer Borahm, keyboardist Karns, and bass from Menert since 2010.
When is the next Pretty Lights tour in 2025?
Soundship Spacesystem Tour starts New Year’s in San Francisco, with Yahn Dawn (June 27-28).
What makes Pretty Lights music unique?
Beats blending hip hop samples, funk and soul, and synths, delivered with immersive laser visuals.
Has Derek Vincent Smith released new music in 2025?
Yes, vinyl reissues and a teased EP “Horizon Only Expands,” plus festival exclusives.
Where can fans buy Pretty Lights tickets for 2025?
Via official sites for Elements, Secret Dreams, and Yahn Dawn—tickets sell fast.
What was Pretty Lights’ hiatus about?
2018-2023 hiatus allowed Derek time to focus on health, yielding a stronger comeback.
Conclusion on Pretty Lights Derek
Pretty Lights Derek, embodied by Derek Vincent Smith, illuminates the electronic music cosmos with beats that transcend, from 2006 mixtapes to 2025‘s Soundship spectacles. His full band renaissance at Red Rocks and Yahn Dawn reaffirms a legacy of innovation, where samples spark vibes eternal.
As tour dates unfold and horizon only expands, Pretty Lights endures—a symphony of synths and soul, proving Smith‘s genius boundless. In a genre of flux, Derek‘s light shines steadfast, inviting all to the dance.
