Celebrating Androgyny with Derek Simpson’s playful ‘XING’ (Music Video) - (5/12/21)
Derek Simpson shares their new single and music video “XING,” available May 12th on Digital Formats via Trailing Twelve Records.
Long Beach bedroom-pop auteur Derek Simpson shares his latest song and video “XING” via Trailing Twelve Records. The piece follows a steady output of infectiously groovy long-form compositions from Simpson (“Hide & Seek”, “Sofia”, “Kid The Moon”).
“XING” finds Simpson straddling a groove that feels both relaxed and kinetic. A dazzling loop of guitars become the prominent texture for which everything else surrounds. The wavy and undulating loop is given endearing structure from a confident and driving rhythm section. The seemingly contrasting layers form a playful sonic tapestry for which Simpson’s vocal effortlessly weave within.
“XING” explores the conversation around gender and free expression. We can hear this message reveal itself as Simpson sings [“No, I don’t belong to no club”] and [“some draw the lines / we see the lies in crossin”]. Within this context, the yin and yang of the instrumentation feel all the more intentional - balancing free-flowing guitar and synth textures with firm and unwavering drums.
To further contextualize, Simpson shares the following:
The conversation around gender and gender roles these days has remained pretty serious and rightfully so. We should all have the right to feel safe living in a free expression of our innermost truths. XING is my own attempt to carry a different conversation though, a lighter one that shines in celebration of androgyny and a liberating playfulness that comes with the decision to remain outside of any specific definitions.
The accompanying music video, edited by Simpson, depicts a masked skateboarder navigating the streets of Long Beach. Separately we find Simpson dancing and singing along in various ensembles (yes there is a crossing guard vest - get it?) or lack thereof. Images of birds, flowers, and various psychedelia are spliced throughout. The hazy and blurred quality of the footage further lends itself to the song’s intention - allowing the soft visual components to blend into one another without the need for definition.
Watch the music video for “XING” below, out May 12, 2021 on Trailing Twelve Records.
Written by Derek Simpson
Performed, and Mixed by Derek Simpson (BMI)
Mastered by Vincent Mazza
© & ℗ 2021 Trailing Twelve Records. All Rights Reserved. Unauthorized Copying, Reproduction, Hiring, Lending, Public Performance, And Broadcasting Strictly Prohibited.
DEREK SIMPSON - XING
TTR-015
Released 12 May 2021
Length: 05:56
BIO
Derek Simpson is an American recording artist, producer, and multi-instrumentalist. After gaining success with multiple free album releases on Soundcloud (under the pseudonym Planetarian) from 2013 to 2016, Derek moved from Boston to Long Beach to continue recording his own music and surround himself with other up-and-coming artists in need of songwriting help and production. Layering spacey guitar chords and electric piano lines with dense and introspective wordplay, Derek's music often explores the value of holding a positive perspective in the face of confusion or adversity. His respect for focus and hard work shows in his recordings, all of which are fully written, produced, composed, and mixed by himself.
Derek has produced music for Kevin Abstract, Dom McLennon, Rockie Fresh and more. His music has also been featured in Comedy Central's Workaholics.