Emerging as an artist to watch, Derek Chan has built a strong fan base in his home town near Hong Kong, while drawing in new fans across the world. Derek’s organic voice is paired with hypnotically charged beats that keeps listeners wanting more.
What inspired you to begin a career in music?
I fell in love with a feeling that music gave me, maybe you’ve felt it too. It’s a spark, perhaps it’s called hope? This feeling alone inspired me to create. It wasn’t something that I decided to do, actually in a way I feel like music chose me and I’m inspired to pass this feeling on to others.
What differs you and your sound from other upcoming artists in the music industry?
My goal is always to be as true and honest as possible to myself and the music. Everyone is unique and has their own sound and voice and I feel we should embrace that
We are loving your latest release ‘L-O-V-E’. Please describe the creative process and inspiration behind the single?
I just wanted to spread some L-O-V-E into this world. For the writing process I actually wrote this in an Airbnb, which I booked out for a couple days to get away from distractions and just focus on writing and recording.
Everyone experiences good days and bad days, as an artist. When you have a bad day, what motivates you to keep moving and look ahead to the future?
I’ve found that practicing daily gratitude is very helpful for giving perspective on bad days. Just being healthy, and alive is a blessing. There’s a lot of people who have it way worse. With that said, bad days are normally good for writing because u have a lot of things to get off your chest. I got a lot of bad day songs. To be released in the future.
In your own opinion, what is the most meaningful song you wrote? What makes you say that one?
I wrote a song called sick of goodbyes a couple months ago. It’s one of those bad day songs. But it feels honest and true.
What personal advice would you give to someone wanting to pursue this career?
There’s a lot but here are my top 3:
- Seek inspiration, it won’t just come to you.
- Write down 3 things to do everyday that you would feel proud of if you completed.
- Go towards feelings of pain, fear and discomfort it’s the only way forward and will build your courage.
What does the foreseeable future hold for you as an artist?
I’m working towards releasing a bigger project in the near future. Recently I’ve been releasing singles, but the goal is to create a world that people can live in, and that can’t be done with single releases.
Anything else you would like to add?
Growing up in Hong Kong, the younger kids aren’t encouraged to be creative. Everything is by the textbook. The goal is to get to a level where I can say that I’ve done it, and so can they.
‘L-O-V-E’ is available now via all major platforms.
Connect with Derek Chan
Credits: Photos taken by Mandy Lau | Photos edited by Momo
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