The Making of Pretty Lights' New Album: A Color Map of the Sun

The documentary follows Pretty Lights over two+ years as he lovingly crafted his new album A Color Map of the Sun. Go behind-the-scenes and in the studio with the "electro-hip-hop-soul" producer in this exclusive THUMP documentary.
Producer: Greg Eggebeen
Director of Photography: Krystle Blackburn
Editor / Additional Camera: Adam Sauermilch
Pre-order A Color Map of the Sun on vinyl, CD or special merchandise bundles now at prettylightsmus.... For more info on Pretty Lights and to download all Pretty Lights music at no cost visit prettylightsmus....
Watch Pretty Lights -- Behind The Scenes "Around The Block" Video Shoot:
• Pretty Lights -- Behin...
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[@prettylights]

So much props to Krystle Blackburn and THUMP for making this documentary awesome. It was most definitely a positive creative collaboration. It was an awesome experience to work with everyone involved. "A Color Map of the Sun" - July 2.

[@03ct9a]

Miss you dad

[@jordhuga271]

Glad i own it on vinyl wish i didn't have to buy on secondary market. Amazing.

[@Roses_R_redeR]

Lights Bluegrass hasn't had its rebirth 🪕🎻🎚🎛🎹 🥀🥀🥀🥀 RCGM

[@Roses_R_redeR]

@@03ct9a lights is your dad?

[@03ct9a]

@@Roses_R_redeR unfortunately… no. just a funny thing me and the homies say! 😭😭😭😭 miss you dad :p

[@OpusTheLeftie]

So glad I'm not the only one who regards this doc as a comfort film.

[@lung_licker]

totally, i can‘t stop coming back to the singer at 17:28

[@StudioCuts]

SO sick!! It's June 2021 - about the 9th or 10th time watching this over the last 6 years. I envy this journey - We need you back Pretty Lights!!

[@ITPhilK]

Ditto man. I have come back to this video numerous times since 2014. So damn good!

[@kcrowder7]

Please come back!!

[@SplooshBlaster]

He's coming back!

[@StudioCuts]

@@SplooshBlaster fr?

[@cocococo4000]

@@StudioCuts fr!

[@Ciaurrix]

This guy is so damn good. It's the little things that he does, stuff I pick up on after listening to a song for the 20th time or so, that I notice that make me smile. Little instruments that come and go, or the way a vocal and an instrument work together. This guy gets it.

[@meagannola1001]

(: couldn't agree more

[@Ciaurrix]

I miss this dude wtf make some music bro we love you

[@Daggroth]

@@Ciaurrix He mostly does live shows unless that's changed since when iw as out there before

[@MrTrex54]

I’m so Glad that this Album got a Documentary, It definitely Deserved it.

[@kyzrsosay]

His passion for his music is f&%kin' crazy. Seeing his vision come to life at a live show is on of the most unique and trippy concert experiences I've ever had.

[@ricksaunders]

I have to say, I have the ultimate respect for Derek/Pretty Lights. The making of video is a an incredible dream realized, and it inspires me. I think I've watched 3-4 times. Cheers!

[@rahwokurka356]

The talent of this man is NOT EVEN COMPREHENDABLE.... living for the comeback PLM!!! 💖

[@toke1727]

PL is on tour again and i hope releasing a new record at the end of it!

[@dahawk891]

This is truly an amazing album, I don't think it could have been executed any better. After seeing this video this is my new favorite music

[@biggiemollzz]

Watching this again after the most incredible Red Rocks weekend. Amazing to see the growth and to know where we are at now. So happy it’s back and better than ever!

[@jrbaconcheez]

incredible method of production

[@videoparker28]

Brother....You just made history. No other music has put that lump in my throat and moved me to feel so inspired. My uncle was a professional Jazz Trombonist and he passed this year but I know he would have given you mad respect for what you did on this album. I'm ready to hear it all together. Great Job brother man....

[@tpestell1]

So jealous, this guy lives the dream! Working with the most amazing musicians, creating and molding the world around him to CREATE truly amazing tunes. much love.

[@sawedoffbastard8078]

Wow. Just wow. I had no idea. I've listened to these songs sooo many times. I had no idea. RESPECT

[@Banger_Fire]

this is like my 3rd time

[@neogenesisnewdawn514]

i lost count

[@lung_licker]

ninth i think????? i‘m just now coming back to him after his hiatus but i used to be OBSESSED with this album

[@steamedyam]

but wow i wanna listen to those 22 albums he made :o

[@spaghettisession7460]

yes... you do

[@just_jertie]

I know this is several years late but you can. In the extended edition of this album, the "reel breaks" are precisely that, those sessions in which the sounds to create the album were made.

[@tobysmith5661]

One of the best albums ever made . It has such a classic sound to it, you can tell it’s real instruments

[@r34dybr34k]

I feel like i've just discovered the best album I have ever heard. and i haven't even heard it yet.

[@GoProBro]

Pretty Lights is unique, gifted and an incredible visionary. He is a true musician and this is why I like him most.

[@ocruadlaoic]

Of all the guys doin music out there, this guy really gets it. His sound is so clean and consistent. I love this album, a little melancholy but really beautiful. So much garbage in the electronic genre but this is a guy who takes the best of all genres and his recipe is all about moderation. That balance really shines in the finished product. Hats off to pretty lights for his vision and work ethic.

[@planetice]

Pretty lights is the Garbage of Electronic music...... How does he have work ethic if he can't even play an instrument correctly? He obviously never learned the difference between 3/4/ and 4/4, cause all of his songs sound the exact same boring way

[@ocruadlaoic]

planetice ok. Let me hear your music

[@planetice]

My music has already been heard! I've got plenty of songs on soundcloud, beatport, Spotify and iTunes. Let's hear YOUR music.

[@ocruadlaoic]

planetice u gona give me a link or u gona talk about yourself?

[@kurodamakoto2316]

planetice dude shut up already lol nobody cares about your irrelevant opinions much less where your music is apparently streaming. real recognize real and you ain't lookin familiar homie

[@taitrauen7795]

I saw this years ago, but this was the perfect hype video leading up to seeing him at the Mission in Denver for his big return this Friday!! See you in a couple days... I've missed you all so much.

[@_FullSpeedAhead_]

This man is a blessing

[@glizzyreview7539]

Some of the best years of my life watching this dood play these tracks live

[@tommykesh]

He's a musical genius, once in a life time kind of stuff.

[@planetice]

He's a drug addict and a complete idiot that makes every song sound the exact same.......

[@MitjaMarosa]

Amazing! He's just great. First I really thought he sampled some old vinyl. But now I'm even more impressed.

[@TmacIsMyIdol]

This is amazing every time I watch this. Simply a genius

[@epash00]

I wish everyone was this meticulous and dedicated to their passion. what a world we'd live in.

[@NowyouknowMusic]

This video was the perfect inspiration I needed to get to work today.

[@samaireoctober5584]

This is great! Seriously, I'm in awe

[@Shookonemusic]

Part 2: The Making of Pretty Lights Hats

[@lung_licker]

we need to make a petition

[@bluntfoster]

Less than a week away till the legend is back. Cant wait to sees ya in CO

[@brandonknight6575]

This documentary gave me the chills,smiles and even tears of happiness more than once. As one of my favorite all time MASTERPIECE albums, this was a joy to see and to all those incredible talented musicians that poured there heart and soul into this,THANK YOU! PL hope to see you back and doing what u love. In any lucky it will be in a simular formatt too.

[@zsanterre]

nice! great vid. love this guys style. you can tell hes trippin sack in some of these scenes.

[@careywiedenbeck8867]

FIRST TIME seeing this! Getting pumped up for this ATL settt!!! 2023 LFG!! So much soul poured into all of this by so many people! Mad ❤️🫡🏆🙏🏼

[@hazy_glass]

an absolute musical mastermind of our generation. so excited to reunite with the fam in LESS THAN A MONTH. see you all under the swirl bridge 🤍🤍

[@hankryan3197]

I just can't stop playing the new album!! It's amazing how many of my friends who don't like anything electronic ask "what is thiiiiiiis?!" Color Map of the Sun is so eclectic there are elements anyone can enjoy. I'm so happy to see so many new people venture into electronic music.

[@Enzo6006]

this documentary about douchy hats was great

[@ginobeltran]

Piety Street. Been there, recorded there, filmed there. Mark Bingham and Shawn Hall are some of my favorite people. Spent a week in that studio and I miss it!! Can't wait to hear the full album!!

[@theshazman]

Can't wait to grab that 24/96 and bump to some Pretty Lights!

[@TheSoundEngineAF]

Thank you sir. You are a true hero. thank you for the future

[@sasan8800]

why would you dislike this?? its so much funk n soul!

[@planetice]

I dislike this video because Derek Vincent Smith STOLE the performances of real musicians and gave them 0 credit on his album. It is so sad that people think that he plays instruments or has any musical skill whatsoever. I wish I could dislike this video 100,000 times because Pretty Lights makes boring music, uses the same exact hip hop beat in every song, so every song is in 4/4 time, and has the WORST stage presence of all time. All this video shows is that some drug addict can get rich off of stealing other peoples hard work. Its really sad that he profits off of selling and performing music that he did not create......

[@wesleyb_92]

Just saw PL at the mirage in Brooklyn. The world is right again now the PL is back and making live music again.

[@tylertn10]

So stoked on this. This is music in its purest form. this is what im talking about. its not all about reading sheet music, its about the feeling. the idea, the creation, bending the rules, and going with a feeling and idea.

[@ligersbruh2290]

Music is so beautiful, and so universal. What this man has done here, and shown us to this video is truly inspirational, and leaves me speechless. It's so fucking beautiful.

[@TheMicadEOfficial]

Wow, one comment on a guy who wears a hat purposelessly on his head in a studio where there is no sun and youtube goes djas. Love it :) Peeps, I mean this man or his music not one bit of disrespect. The effort and time he put in to create this timeless dirty funk music blows my mind. Honestly, 10/10 for effort and it shows. His tracks are phenomenal.

[@ryan11cw]

This man is taking music to places that it's never been before. And, to be SO original in todays music world is almost impossible, and my tilted hat is off to you sir! Keep making the freshest, funkiest, soulful beats and music you've been making. KEEP IT MOVING. Peace

[@HarmonicInventions]

So awesome to see a bit of the creative process behind this record. I'm totally hooked on it! VERY inspiring!

[@SpunGotomer42]

WOW!!! You can really tell he loves music....

[@jwashington1992]

it cant get any better than this

[@amchavoya]

I usually download his albums for free on his site, but after watching this will be buying the CD for sure. Mad respect.

[@jonnpow]

By far the best display of Derek's music O-face. Can't wait to hear whats in his head

[@mikehobi]

What a humble dude. Presenting this album as a 'learning' experience, when really he's amazing.

[@erikschaffer1053]

Color Map...as a first time listener of Pretty Lights I dug the music...after watching this I dig it even more and have the most respect. Keep doing what your doing brother. To the makers of the video...well done.

[@fromtheworldwithlove1797]

Man... Would love one of those vinyls. Amazing, much love for the Pretty Lights movement.

[@TheCollector7]

For those that don't know... now you know. This is massive can't wait for Color Map

[@jonathane7373]

mad respect to pretty lights yo! so much hard work and dedication to this album!

[@SirsWubCat]

Yup, listening to it now! Thanks

[@TDKCT]

Derek, sincere respect for your work. Collaborating with such great artists without the need of sheet music shows a great ability to percolate the true essence of music from within. Best wishes!

[@Ivolution367]

This guy is a mad scientist!! Can't wait to hear this

[@MarcFreccero]

Just snagged tickets for PL at Dillon and now I'm re-watching this video to get ready

[@tylerboddy]

The New Orleans 15 person horn session with the slide guitar is so heavy! it really is SOOOO hypnotic! Such a cool project! you never cease to amaze me! Looking forward to what the live show will be like. Mad LOVE

[@iamlabrador6044]

I downloaded the album when It came out, and now I have a renewed interest and respect for Pretty Lights.

[@StephenLee529]

Yeah...I'm looking forward to this one...! Awesome stuff

[@LEPHANTOMBEATS]

a fine piece of hip hop is being crafted in this documentary. very inspiring

[@GoonFilm]

im speechless. so much talent and so much respect for him as a musician

[@BrunoGuerra-Rivias]

MUSIC NEED´S MORE PEOPLE AND ENERGIE LIKE THE ONE YOU HAVE !!! I SEE YOU´RE LOVING EVERY MILISECOND OFF THE MUSIC YOU MAKE AND I THANK GOD THAT I´VE DISCOVERED YOU AND YOUR MUSIC BECAUSE I ALSO LOVE MUSIC THE WAY YOU DO .-)

[@xXxMETALISFOREVERxXx]

Also to all the people that love this new album, make sure you donate to pretty lights!! He needs to make more music like this and the money helps so he can get more musicians like this.

[@pranav1390]

Eagerly waiting for your next record!! It's time to drop the color map of the sun unreleased sessions !!!

[@todddunnigan]

So psyched to see more electronic musicians getting down with real instruments and grooving with groups of talented players. Loving this direction

[@brandonhamilton5422]

Wow. Amazing talent and vision.

[@jelig72]

This week, pure magic drops!

[@bayleyodonnell5580]

Honestly I had never hear of this guy before, I listen to a lot of good music in my opinion, lots of variety and genres but this, this is something else. There is something phenomenal about this album, its something i am yet to find anywhere else, someone who puts this much effort into something that they obviously love and having it come out this brilliantly is a tribute to modern music today. I know it means nothing but this is amazing and i recommend it to anyone who enjoys good music.

[@youtime18]

Hey it's been a while since you commented but if you haven't yet you should check out Daft Punk's album Random Access Memories. It was made in a similar way using old school equipment and techniques. They recorded everything analog and used those recordings to construct the album as a whole. It's an amazing album. I was sitting thinking about how much effort they put into it and it made me think of this album.

[@punkjunkie420]

So much love and respect for Derrick. He should be so proud of this album. Can't wait for the 3 night Chicago run!!

[@portnoyjr59]

Saw him last night. Absolutely breathtaking

[@sgreen2011]

AND IT WAS WORTH EVERY SECOND OF THOSE 2 1/2 YEARS. I am amazed by the quality of this album!

[@ToddPritch]

this guy's a fucking genius. One of the best producers out there..

[@writerstevens]

What a process ... what a process : and what a great disc.

[@Tradecricket]

Inspired. Awwed. Amazed. A true Musician in True form.

[@alexzimmerman1390]

Damn, I was 19 when I saw my first PL... Almost 8 years ago now. This video came out when I was on college . Still can't believe this was the last album he has released... Come back Derek!

[@gauthierlieber292]

There are not many people doing so much work to do an album, using old-stuff shit instead of computers. And moreover Pretty Lights gives his music for free. THIS is pure love for music. Thanks for being a genius, Derek :)

[@kellancooper1]

ELIGH!!!! extra large ups on that colab. can't wait to hear the album

[@mcdangles26]

Soul Music. Absolutely amazing

[@LPdude71789]

I've always really liked his stuff, and his show I went to this past year was on the best I've ever been to. But seeing the process he went through to come up with this album really makes me respect him, and its obvious how much of a musician he really is. Dude is a pure genius, I can't wait for the album to come out.

[@123string4]

This is going to be the dopest PL album of all time. The color of my soul is already one of my favourite songs of all time.

[@ohioravers9619]

What a genius!

[@MisterDopeTunes]

Cant wait till the album drops!!

[@rmusicization]

love it bro. your approch is pionnering a new frontier. keeping creativity well alive. great work, peace

[@Initiatrix01]

Derek is has mastered the art of musical fusion. So much respect.

[@JamesLydon1]

I love what hes doin, really shines the light both ends of the music industry

[@zachshult]

dude is such an inspiration. gonna have to go back and give color map another listen with a new perspective

[@ccudder123]

Love how this guy feels the music

[@RetroactiveNZ]

I've seen many a musician show the kind of moving he was making, he was really just feeling the music, right down to his soul.

[@Freezkime]

OMG I AM SO READY FOR RED ROCKS !!!!

[@BusyBeatz1]

so inspirational! Can't wait to hear!

[@havokcc]

This is amazing, such an amazing work, and the most impressive is that his album is for free download! This guy rocks

[@cobrider2]

can't wait

[@AustinCooper]

Really looking forward to this new album! Already pre-ordered...it's gonna be so sick! I love how he keeps things minimalistic but when everything is all together, you just have raw energy...

[@kank22]

Saying this guy is musically gifted would be an understatement. He gets to do what he loves for a living, and we get to enjoy the results. Win-Win

[@STOFEL_UK]

Ah! so much creativity and talent it blows my mind!

[@mariomushroom21]

Hell yeah it is, Deitch kills it, and they're a great blend