Auckland-based, UK-born newcomer deryk first arrested us with her affecting voice on her debut single “Call You Out” earlier this summer. She has since shared the moving follow up “One Star,” alongside announcing plans for her debut EP release WOMb out on October 2nd.
The EP focus track, “goodtimes” is a heart-on-sleeve account of a time in deryk’s life that she invites us to share with her. The song, which is at times almost uncomfortably intimate, succinctly showcases her impeccable ability to harness a mature understanding of life’s common experiences. A tale of heartache and lessons learnt, “goodtimes” manages to be both melancholic and uplifting—like only the best multidimensional pop music can.
LISTEN TO “goodtimes” HERE!
“‘goodtimes’ is about not being able to reminisce or enjoy looking back on a time period in your life because it turned out to be a complete waste of time. It’s like Good Times, except the tainted, bitter version. I don’t believe in regret because ‘everything is a learning experience blah blah blah’ but reminiscing and only seeing your oblivious, vulnerable self. Wearing rose tinted glasses can be self-destructive. Accepting defeat and letting ‘the goodtimes go’ is a healthy next step. At least you know better now,” says deryk.
The sound of deryk is unique and captivating, molding distinctive, rhythmic vocal phrasings and visceral lyrics around craftily submerged melodies and ghostly modular tones. Slow music for fast times, space and solace amongst the confusion, a gentle reveal in the age of instant gratification, mordant lines over sumptuous melodies—deryk is something special.
deryk is heavily influenced by British culture in all aspects for her creativity thanks to her mum. Musically, she draws inspiration from powerful female artists like PJ Harvey, Fiona Apple, Esperanza Spalding, Kate Bush, Joni Mitchell and Bjork, as well as her love for Bristol and its culture in the 90’s, deryk has crafted her own sound that feels utterly contemporary while still retaining a hazy, timeless quality. Contributing to that is production and writing spar, Justyn Pilbrow, whose extensive experience with artists like The Neighbourhood, Chelsea Jade and Halsey helped deryk capture her vision.
