Coming back strong on his first release of 2021, Derek Alexander Smith has just let loose a pair of singles titled “The Wheel” and “Saint Peter” that are just lovely. Please read along with us as we break down our thoughts on the tracks, in addition to a background on the artist as well.

Currently based out of Brooklyn, New York, Derek Alexander Smith is a guitar player and songwriter who is effortlessly putting out music that blends up rock, folk, and country. Influenced by the likes of Sturgill Simpson, Grateful Dead, Peter Tosh, among many others, his newest double single release of “The Wheel” and “Saint Peter” are a fantastic representation of his overarching musical style.

Originally trained to play trombone and piano as a child, he didn’t fully commit to learn guitar until the age of 18. As guitar players ourselves, picking up a new instrument that “late” in your life feels like an impossible task, but thankfully Derek figured it out quite quickly and it shows within his music. Like so many over the past year, he’s felt this massive surge in creative output that has resulted in 2 new EP’s and other isolated singles that you can check out too. We highly recommend it all!

These last two singles were released just a little over a month ago, but they are still sounding about as fresh as can possibly be. Leaning more on the folk rock side of things, straight up, get ready to experience an all out 10 minute jam fest that will tickle your ears. While both songs are certainly separate from each other in sound, they still managed to have a cohesive feel that lines them up wonderfully to be played back to back.

Seriously though, this listen was a fine piece of instrumentation and overall musicianship that is overtly pure. You can audibly and physically feel the joy oozing out of the instruments. While it may feel like a guitar-forward listen, don’t forget to focus in on those drums either, because specifically on “The Wheel”, that’s what sucked us in at first and didn’t let go until its final moments.

As busy as the artist has been over the last year, we sincerely hope his output keeps up or at least becomes consistent like this here on out. For us, this was such enjoyable and purposeful music that we can’t wait for the next proper release. We hope you love it!

For all things Derek Alexander Smith, to listen, and to keep up with all future releases and information, please check out the following links below.

Listen to “The Wheel/Saint Peter”

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Derek Alexander Smith jams out on double single release, "The Wheel" and "Saint Peter"