It is the new year which only means one thing, it is time to celebrate acts that you should be keeping an eye on this year! Today we speak to musician Derek Smith who is set to release more music!

Hello tell us about your band:

We are Derek Smith and the Cosmic Vultures. A rotating 5- to 6-piece rock band out of the North Shore area of Massachusetts, just outside of Boston. We dip into several different genres such as psychedelic rock, folk rock, funk rock, alternative rock and blues rock. We currently have released five studio albums, two EPs and several singles as of October 2023.

How was 2023 for you band – what were your highlights? What were the top 3 highlights? 

2023 was excellent. We were feeling the release of our album Rubedo from December 2022 and watching its steady success on Spotify as far as streams. The single from the album, “Fire in the Forest”, has over 32,000 streams as of this interview. We then released an album called Obscura in July 2023. This was sort of a sequel to Rubedo and I am very proud of both albums. Lastly, we released a single called “Black Angel” on October 13. This has been one of the best years yet.

What was the key lesson you learned from this past year?

It’s very difficult to do things on your own. Never be ashamed to ask for help or to get assistance in pushing your music. It’s worked very well for me and I am extremely grateful for it.

How did you get into music?

Both of my parents are musicians. I grew up playing piano and then switched to guitar mostly as a teenager. From there I began to write songs and have been doing it ever since. But the first time I knew I wanted to be involved in music was when I heard The Beatles at a very young age. That completely turned me on to song writing and performing.

What are your plans for the band in 2024?

At least the release of 2 to 3 singles, as well as another full length album. Topping everything off with a good number of shows. I’d like to work on continuing to get our music in front of a large number of people.

What are the bands or performers are you looking forward to seeing this year?

On a high level, I’d love to catch Jack White in concert. Maybe Paul McCartney one more time before he calls it quits, if he ever does, haha. If Zappa Plays Zappa ends up touring again next year, I’d love to see them. It’s weird because I’m not much of a concert goer anymore. I haven’t been to one in a long time. I get too wrapped up in my own writing.

What styles do you hope to see on music?

I’m a classic rock guy. That’s my style. I like modern bands that dip into that genre. I also enjoy psychedelic folk, which was a genre that one of my favourite bands was involved in: Grizzly Bear. More of that stuff makes for a happy Derek.

What band is your ones to watch in 2024 and why?

Derek Smith and the Cosmic Vultures. Because there is going to be a ton more music in our already large catalogue. I continuously try to “one up” myself and that will continue through 2024 and beyond.

Do you have any New Year’s resolutions?

I’d like to see the band get featured in some high profile magazines. A Boston Music Award nomination in 2024 is something I am aiming for as well. We’d love to get back into Cambridge club The Middle East and perform at Brighton Music Hall. Those are a few resolutions.

Are you on social media? How can people find you?

Yes – we are on Facebook under “Derek Smith and the Cosmic Vultures”, Instagram under “The Cosmic Vultures” (though that might be changing soon) and our website is cosmicvultures.space.

Three words why people should come see you this year.

Great musical experience

QUICK FIRE ROUND

The movie or television show you are looking forward to this year:

Nothing specifically this year. But I am looking forward to House of the Dragon: Season 2 in 2024.

Your favorite book:

A Song of Ice and Fire book series (Game of Thrones).

If you could paint anything what would you paint?

Something surreal. I love surrealism. I’m a big fan of Salvador Dali. Something that makes you think every time you view it.

What is the most delightful word you can think of?

Phantasmagoria

Favorite album?

Aja by Steely Dan

Where would you love to go on a holiday this year?

Vermont or somewhere up north.

What is your favorite quote from a television show?

“Power resides where men believe it resides.” – Game of Thrones

Who is your favorite film character and why?

Dr. Hannibal Lecter. He is completely unpredictable and a genius. A man of many tastes.