Check out our exclusive interview with up and coming singer Derik Fein. His new album “Vertigo” is now streaming.
The Knockturnal: How did you get your start in music?
Derik Fein: Ever since I could remember, I needed music or sound to help me fall asleep. When I was 12, I discovered an Elvis CD while shopping with my grandmother and I was instantly intrigued. At 13, I traded in my brand new iPod for a broken guitar, I taught myself to play by watching YouTube videos and began songwriting quickly after. Since then, I haven’t looked back.
The Knockturnal: Tell us about your new album.
Derik Fein: My new album Vertigo is inspired by the rollercoaster of emotions one goes through with all of the relationships in your life. I write about being cheated on, having fantasies, falling in love and heartbreak. All I ever wanted was to release an album and I’m fortunate enough to have the opportunity to do so under my own label, Bodega Records.
The Knockturnal: How long was the creation process?
Derik Fein: Oh gosh, honestly? This album for me was 2+ years in the making. I was stuck in some bad situations with industry folks which is so common for many new artists and so much was happening to me personally that I continued to evolve as a singer-songwriter, so I wanted to wait for the perfect moment to debut my style and sound with the world.
The Knockturnal: Choose three songs from the album and tell us the inspiration behind each.
Derik Fein: Wow this is the first time I’m being asked to do this and picking only 3 is tough! Ok here goes:
Vertigo – I wrote this song about my fiancé and business partner Vanessa. Those emotions you experience when you meet someone for the first time and you have a killer connection that makes you feel all dizzy? That’s the feeling I was trying to get across in words with Vertigo. I was at home watching one of my favorite Hitchcock films, “Vertigo” and there is a scene where the main actor is essentially paralyzed with both love and fear. That’s when it clicked for me and I knew it would be the perfect title to describe how I feel.
Sad Boy – I started this song while I was on tour in California. I put it away because I couldn’t get to finishing it. Nearing to a month ago, my grandmother passed away. Her death shook me to my core and left me feeling vacant. I decided to go into her bedroom and sit there for a while when this song came back to me but in a new form. This song is about the sadness that overcomes you that you feel dead inside when someone you love so deeply dies. This song is dedicated to my grandmother.
Sedatives – This one is about a true-life experience. I was cheated and I was so pissed off that I threw her stuff out. I know that many people could relate to this kind of betrayal and I wanted to evoke that feeling of anger and confusion within the song. That’s why this song has tempo changes which is a big risk seeing as many songs don’t normally change tempo midway, but I wanted it to represent the wave of emotions one feels when they are cheated on.
The Knockturnal: What producers would you like to collaborate with?
Derik Fein: I would love the opportunity to work with legends such as Mark Ronson and Pharrell Williams because they push an artist to create magic without taking away from their artistry. I’ve met many producers who act as if the record should highlight their skills and that usually takes away from the artist but these guys focus on enhancing the artists talents which is why they are so highly regarded.
The Knockturnal: What artists inspire you?
Derik Fein: I’m very moved by artists who I could feel through song. There are some artists who I know are going through some shit based on the way they deliver the vocal performance. I have always been inspired by the 50s and those bluesy, soulful singers, and for my album and still today I’m inspired by Otis Redding, Sam Cooke, Adele, and Brandon Urie to name a few.
The Knockturnal: What’s next for you? Tour?
Derik Fein: Right now, my partner and I are working on booking shows and festivals. I’m looking forward to meeting my fans and being on the road come Spring 2019. I also have some cool collaborations with other amazing artists in the works that I can’t wait to share.
Vertigo is available on all streaming platforms.
