Finally Moving - The Story of Pretty Lights

On April 4th, 2023, fans of Pretty Lights were overjoyed when Derek broke nearly 5 years of silence to announce his return to playing shows and festivals this year. For years, his fans have been hopeful that this time would come, though the more time passed, the more unsure people became about whether or not this would ever be a reality. In honor of his triumphant return, we’re going to take a look at the nearly 2 decade long career of one of the most influential producers of the 2010’s, a man who deserves to have his face on the Mount Rushmore of the new age electronic music boom.
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[@audioeats]

Some corrections that have been brought to my attention: - Derek was actually born in Sheridan, Wyoming, but he spent most of his childhood in Fort Collins - It was actually the track "Speaking of Happiness" that had to be removed for sampling legal issues, which explains why "Happiness (Troubled Faces) is still up on streaming platforms - Michael Menert is confirmed to be part of the upcoming tour!! Thank you all for watching and I appreciate all of the feedback! ❤️

[@Jesska214art]

*Michal, And this was a very fun watch! Bummed their rap crew Listen got slept on though. Thanks for putting this together 😊

[@audioeats]

@Lance Parsons What else did he release? I thought Rainbows & Waterfalls in 2017 was his last release

[@Stubbsified]

The Illumination Tour was in 2012.

[@rickbob6100]

everyone who was into forward thinking sounds were PL fans man. the PL discography shaped me in my formative years all thru middle school, high school, college. I’m 26 now and seeing Derek’s comeback brought me to tears. PROTECT PRETTY LIGHTS AT ALL COSTS!!!!!! Mf legendddddd

[@MrTrex54]

A Color Map Of The Sun is definitely one of the top five most Unique albums.

[@kindbeats6272]

Absolutely incredible

[@jasongravely7217]

Agreed. This album is revolutionary and beautiful. I’d love to hear another. The live performance was also AMAZING.

[@MrTrex54]

@@jasongravely7217 A Live Performance? I’d Very much like to know where that was.

[@itsjustmeweiss]

Crazy to think he could probably produce a few more albums from all the music he recorded live for that record. So many unused breaks and vocal samples in his catalog 😊

[@MrTrex54]

@@itsjustmeweiss and there are a TON of remixes that he hasn’t officially sold. Like, Did you know that he made a remix of Sexy Back? Yeah, The song from Justin Timberlake.

[@dogflirt]

Derek is one of those once in a lifetime artist. I still haven’t had the opportunity to see him live. And yet his music has had such a huge impact on me. truly one of the goats in the music industry. Derek, please give us 20 more years 😂❤❤🎉🎉 🤘

[@JB-ml6ir]

This deserves about 1000000 more views. Brilliant video and writing.

[@audioeats]

I appreciate it! Thank you for watching!

[@JB-ml6ir]

@@audioeats much love!

[@audioeats]

I just realized I didn't record one sentence from my script that's supposed to be in the video at 11:03 "He has run into other roadblocks due to sampling as well - for example, he used to sample a lot of Syl Johnson's music, and at first Syl wanted Derek to pay him a bunch of money for the use of his samples, but they were able to work something out and Syl decided he wanted Derek to sample more of his music, as he saw that it was a way of exposing his music to a new generation." That's why it jumped straight into talking about the Syl Johnson samples. I apologize if it confused anyone!

[@SelfDestruct.]

That's awesome.

[@joefyke4868]

Incredible video, thank you!

[@kadetang9988]

Pretty Lights I got my whole fam in here

[@hockinghillsalive3624]

This short doc deserves so much more attention.

[@MrTrex54]

One thing I loved about Pretty Lights from his first album to his last is that you can tell it’s the same person. You could play a song from Taking Up Your Precious Time to A Color Map Of The Sun and you could Definitely tell it’s the same person.

[@Jay-gf8tm]

PLF where ya at

[@palmer_c1377]

He came to my small town in north Idaho and played at our little venue and was super humble. Signed my hat and gave me and my wife a hug. What a G

[@nickhagin7825]

I was in high school when my older brother told me about some guy he saw on a river boat show after a concert in (I think Nashville?), and that it was one of the best shows he's ever seen. It turned out to be Derek. He's now, and has since been, one of my favorite artists. When Color Map of the Sun was released, it solidified my obsession with PL. SO HAPPY that he's returning to the scene, and hoping The Caverns show happens, still waiting on the pre-sale email.

[@audioeats]

That river boat show must have been sick! I love when artists do random performances like that

[@jesseeglington2602]

22 seconds in and loving it already. Clean and professional look and feeel. Congrats.

[@PLFBEZ]

Yes yes yaaaaaallllll iykyk

[@ColoradoStreaming]

I first saw Pretty Lights when he played at CU Welcome Fest in 2009 on Ferrand Field. I will never forget hearing Hot Like Sauce for the first time and how mind blowing it was. There was nothing at all like it at the time.

[@audioeats]

That must have been an awesome show!

[@j.r.g3548]

lmao I was the "Unpopular Opinion" post from Reddit. I have eaten my words for breakfast every day since 4/4....and I'll keep doing it, cuz LFGGGGG Pretty Lights is BACK BABY!!!!!!!

[@audioeats]

Haha! I was wondering if anyone from Reddit would see their posts on here. I think a lot of people thought the same thing, but we're all stoked he's back!

[@jackkarn1367]

Amazing documentary. Thanks so much for making this. The only point of feedback for you is that during his silence for 5 years, he made an appearance and played 2 tracks on the livestream as part of Break Science's set at the ReVibe Festival in 2020. This is an important marker in the lead up to his comeback.

[@audioeats]

I did not know that, that must have been sick! Maybe I can do a part 2 later on, I'm sure there will be a lot more to cover from the upcoming shows. I appreciate the feedback and thank you for watching!

[@jackkarn1367]

For sure. Would love that and again thank you making this documentary!

[@MrTrex54]

@@jackkarn1367 he also did one on Grizmas 2020 but, The stream was taken down.

[@jackkarn1367]

@@MrTrex54 Cool! I didn't know this. Would love to see a clip.

[@MrTrex54]

@@jackkarn1367 someone uploaded it to KZbin. It’s called Griz X pretty lights - I Came Back With Something New

[@Greeezy]

That 10KLF shout out. Those days were wild.

[@KBRZBEATS]

great documentary my guy

[@audioeats]

Appreciate it!

[@jessicabliss8600]

Best redrocks show I’ve ever seen.

[@lpz123]

I love this, I love what derek has done. I wish him everything. thank you for putting this together

[@audioeats]

Thanks for the support!

[@MothershipVR]

A Color Map of the Sun is a work of art. Great video man

[@audioeats]

Thank you!

[@beatwizerd1976]

Amazing Documentary of Pretty Lights!! I LOVE PRETTY LIGHTS Music !!! Thank you for all the Music you have made. Your Albums are Soundtracks to my LiFe!! Man your take on Country Roads!!!! OmG THAT song just hits prefect !

[@alexgunderman317]

Great video making the PLF proud

[@MrTrex54]

Oh shit, Nice documentary! I loved every second. Nice job on everything. Also, this da first comment.

[@audioeats]

Thank you, I appreciate it! 🙏🏻

[@kindbeats6272]

I will never forget hearing his music at Wakaroosa. It seriously put me on my own musical journey.

[@kenjones3070]

I woulda have loved to catch a wakaroosa😢

[@ridgethomas1998]

That’s where my uncle saw Bassnectar, my first electronic producer he introduced me to. Back in 06 he saw them there. When I moved to Colorado in 2013 I saw a Michael memory show before I found pretty lights through pandora and I was blown away. His music came at a very pivotal time for me. I grew out of his music and had the impression he was falling off around 2015, he had not the best rep due to his state of health with addiction which I completely understood. He actually moved to Hawaii shortly before I did for rehab, inspiring his rainbows and waterfall song. My best friend who moved me to Hawai’i is the biggest PL fan I know, he always had faith Derek would come back and I admittedly didn’t have faith after years. When he told me of the tour in April I was so happy for him and even happier for Derek in his comeback and how healthy he appears to be, emanating good vibes. Best musician come back I have seen all time. Most will run themselves to the ground in the scene when it comes to addiction, instead he took a much needed break and that was clearly the best move he could have made. Proud to say the least 🥲 big love for all you PL Fam!

[@alexbruce9777]

Dope documentary. Love reliving these moments and getting hyped for this upcoming tour! For the record - I believe Derek grew up in Foco, but was actually born is Sheridan, WY.

[@audioeats]

Whoops, you're right, I just found a Rolling Stone India interview where he says that. A lot of websites say Foco but I guess the internet can be pretty unreliable. Thanks for watching!

[@MrTrex54]

Also, The Chicago Bulls Remix was AMAZING. I’m so glad I got to see him play @ Ultra Miami 2013 and Europe 2014.

[@DimiGem]

Been waiting for him to come back for years thanks for the video!

[@hazy_glass]

pheomenal video dude. D's tunes mean the world to me and this information needed to be put in a solid documentary for all to see, you fufilled that need perfectly. see you @ the swirl bridge :)

[@audioeats]

Thank you so much!

[@prefix808]

I really enjoyed this, def will be on the look out for his tour dates!

[@williamknight3396]

Great video. ❤

[@PLFBEZ]

This was well done thanks for ur time PLF4LIFE

[@audioeats]

I'm glad you like it! Thank you for the support!

[@JasonJebezSam]

Very awesome video!

[@toffolo1799]

enjoying this content. subbed!

[@hannahpoland4267]

This is super well done.

[@gingerbreadmannnn]

Hell yeah. Great video

[@audioeats]

Thank you!

[@gingerbreadmannnn]

@@audioeats you should do one on Subtronic's come up or Griz maybe. This style of video essay about the EDM scene is severely lacking. I've always wanted to do something similar but don't know how to edit video and just keep procrastinating learning. Good on you though, keep it up!

[@audioeats]

I will add them both to the list!

[@DevonFrohne]

Wow I love this. So inspiring to see his journey and now his comeback!

[@christymcintyre874]

You should do more of these🎉

[@audioeats]

Next one comes out in 34 minutes!

[@tylerholzhammer7926]

Awesome video and great deep dive

[@audioeats]

Thanks!

[@thikdikriky1559]

Pretty lights got me into producing and playing instruments. I was obsessed w taking up your precious time as a young teen. So happy to see him back, he's shining brighter than ever before❤️🙏

[@DB_Roams]

Well made👏

[@rigid_]

One tiiiimmeeeeeee

[@mattrinne9662]

Man, no mention of his band Listen, or his time at Morning Wood Studios. Love you D

[@vwracer969]

thank you sharing this. Derek has been a solid member of the tribe and deserves the support from the community. stoked to see him at hulaween and glad he is healthy and vibing up.

[@simonthsamplist]

So glad I came across this video. Pretty lights was such an inspiration for me when I was doing my music production degree, can't wait to see him back in action ❤

[@sterlingshadow2]

Omgah!!! I LOVE this! You both are amazing 🥳🙌🏼😍

[@audioeats]

Thank you so much!

[@ayejaye]

I had to pause your video like 5 times to go back and listen to all the bangers you mentioned.

[@aquaticshimmybrack3730]

It was speaking of happiness that got removed for copyright issues

[@audioeats]

Ah okay that explains why happiness (troubled faces) is still up. Thank you!

[@tommysweet9935]

Brown Frown LOL Well done on this doc sir!

[@audioeats]

Lol I had never heard that term before making this, I thought it was pretty funny. And thank you!

[@galaxy_brain]

Awesome video, thanks for the research and for including so many references to releases and shows. I'll add my two thumb-notes I noticed! - Pretty Lights' radio show The Hot Sh*t, released over 7 years (2012-2018) with 200+ episodes. Put me on so many artists... - 2016 and 2018 releases Only Yesterday and Rainbows & Waterfalls (as if anyone hasn't heard them 🤣)

[@MrTrex54]

The Hot Sh*t Actually started in 2011, Not 2012.

[@oliviaquimby536]

This is such an amazing expose on PL's music journey! Thank you :) You should do Tipper next if you haven't already :)

[@audioeats]

Thank you!! I'm working on Flume right now but I will add Tipper to the list! I've never been able to catch one of his sets but I've heard they're otherworldly

[@samse1213]

At the time, Bass Lights was the best concert series of all time

[@Empress_Energy]

🌈 PL supporter strong since 2011

[@howleyboi13]

I enjoy your account of him wanting to play certain types of venues/theaters so that his audiences were more apt and positioned to listen to his intricate music! Well said! Could have covered part of the ticket scam with sold out events at all cities too... seems ilke we still have yet to figure out what can be done about bots buying up tickets...

[@audioeats]

Thank you! I didn't include the ticket/bot issues since they aren't unique to PL, unfortunately it's happening for basically any concerts that are in high demand. I could make a whole video on just that issue honestly

[@deeplasers7455]

Damn only 13,000 views?

[@MrTrex54]

Not like this actually matters but he also released So Bright as a solo E.P. in 2012.

[@audioeats]

Ah yeah I missed that one, hopefully he'll be releasing more music so I can do a part 2!

[@MrTrex54]

@@audioeats Also, Can you do a Documentary on Break Science? I’d also love to see one on them.

[@samse1213]

​@@MrTrex54 yes!!!!!

[@williamfranco7526]

Thanks for this… Pretty lights was a massive inspiration for me to start producing on ableton…. Been at it for 12 years 🤯

[@audioeats]

Keep grinding! And thanks for the support!

[@williamfranco7526]

@@audioeats KEEP MAKING VIDEOS! Great Niche. Im a huge fan! really awesome to shed light on edm artists like this!!!

[@kindbeats6272]

did anyone else see him at Red Rocks when it rained? He was with Emancipator, Zion I, and Mimosa in 2012.

[@Maurowood]

great video but the audio levels are crazy. I had ro turn it way down for your narration then had to turn it way up to hear the interviews.

[@audioeats]

Thank you for the feedback! I will pay closer attention to that moving forward

[@ianferrer5258]

Wanted to add that during the break science set at Revibed in South Carolina there was a Zoom call with Derek and the Crowd. Adam wasn't with Borahm as we was in the studio with Derek. This was the first time I know of that Derek openly announced his return. Later in a podcast Broahm said that he had been in the studio with Derek. This was the second confirmation I know of that he was returning.

[@alexpaez5924]

Any pretty lights album can you through a rough day.

[@Jakdgs1]

Great Video .... But Derek Vincent Smith was born in Wyoming

[@MsNeonDion]

I didn’t realize he was a giant

[@broncofan311]

He took a big break from music because of an opioid addiction but I think he's clean now

[@MrTrex54]

Oh, Yikes. Glad that’s over now.

[@audioeats]

Yeah I knew he was struggling with substance abuse, I just didn't know what substances though. Really glad he seems happy and healthy now, he looks totally transformed!

[@RothBury0989]

​@@audioeats when your A1 has to mute your wireless because you are so fucked that no one can understand what you are saying is a very bad look.

[@LIKADJUICE]

D zone eh...I seem recall it sounding a lot more like Uncle D...calzones!😊

[@boogie5]

good work! NOW DO THIS CONSISTANTLY!!! lol im just playin'

[@audioeats]

That's the plan! 4-5 every month

[@PLFBEZ]

I remember on that regeneration music Derek said he had a vision and Dr Ralph Stanley like a G was like well rather just do it my way lol.

[@audioeats]

Yeah Derek's reaction when he said that was hilarious lol! (If anyone would like to see the clip, it's at 1:30 on this video): kzbin.info/www/bejne/epyle4V-Z79ne68

[@PLFBEZ]

@@audioeats his heart just sank lol. Loved that we got that in the theater that was great.

[@ColoradoStreaming]

HAHAHA I remember that as well. Derek's face was priceless.

[@mutemanifesto]

No mention of Uncle-D’s band Listen. ?

[@audioeats]

Scott Morill talked a little bit about that on that podcast I showed a clip from, but I felt like I couldn't find enough information on it to confidently put it in the video. Maybe I should have briefly mentioned the name at least.

[@mutemanifesto]

They recorded 3 albums. This is the third. kzbin.info/aero/PLCHbNe9-5_9tfFsLn8x8Y7x2Uwy-dvhuk

[@zachariahgluckstern5387]

I was thinking that too!

[@elijahfranks4495]

dave tipper episode 👀

[@audioeats]

I'm going to see him for the first time at Orion, so I'll probably be inspired to make a video after that haha

[@elijahfranks4495]

@@audioeats fuck yeah dude youre in for a treat! Hope to see you there you pit or bowl?

[@forrestreed4238]

bruh you left out everything about the light rigs and Lazershark. hes called "Pretty Lights" for a reason!

[@audioeats]

Yeah I considered mentioning Lazershark but I couldn't find what year they started working together which is why I left it out. And Derek has said before that his name has nothing to do with the lights at his shows, it's inspired from the 1966 Pink Floyd & The Who NYE poster

[@driftadvocate1839]

11:55 dudes using skull candy headphones lololol

[@hommie422]

Bring Corey back

[@gravitasrecordings]

The part about Michael leaving the band is not correct. There is a much bigger story to that.

[@audioeats]

What's incorrect about it? I left it vague intentionally, but I'd say it's accurate to say that he was dealing with things in his personal life. He had been stabbed, was on house arrest, and was taking care of his dad, so I'd say all those things fall under the category of things he was dealing with in his personal life. I wanted to be vague about that as well as the reason Derek took a break from PL, just out of respect for both of them.

[@cosmicnug]

DVS is really 6’9?????

[@RothBury0989]

He didn't take 5 years off because touring was a hardship. He stopped touring because he went into a downward spirial of substance abuse. Dont try and make like he needed a 5 year vacation because he was working to hard. 2017-2018 his team had enough. Showing up to your sets fucked up on heroin and ketamine when your team has been working multiple days to set up your show is such a disrespect to the stagehands, lighting designer, audio engineers, and management. Also having his team go out and bring girls back to him after his shows is extremely classless. Hoping that he has turned his act around, but he burned his whole team with his immaturity.

[@audioeats]

I wasn't aware of the full extent of it, like the thing with the girls, but I did know about his struggle with substance abuse so I wanted to word it gently out of respect for him. I don't think he was showing up to sets intoxicated just for fun, addicts often want to stop but it's not as simple as making a decision. And addiction is just a surface level symptom of a deeper issue, which very possibly was caused by his touring/fame, which is something many artists unfortunately fall into. I agree that his actions were disrespectful to his team and all the people who depended on him, and the right move would have been going on a hiatus as soon as he realized he couldn't dependably play shows. But it is what it is, and he seems to have used his time off well and appears to be sober and much healthier, so I'm happy for him.

[@jakez1930]

Opiate Lights