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  1. 01 - Writing You a Love Song

From the recording Be Kind

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01 - Writing You a Love Song

Derek Vanderhorst
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In 2024, Derek was commissioned to write an original song for the film *A Complete Unknown*, a Bob Dylan biopic released in January 2025 by Searchlight Pictures. This opportunity allowed Derek to merge his artistry with his admiration for Dylan, creating a tapestry of sound that resonates with both film and music audiences alike.

 

Derek Vanderhorst, an introspective and dynamic folk musician, currently resides in the enchanting city of Nice, France. With his distinct sound imbued with influences from legendary artists such as Bob Dylan, Tom Waits, and John Prine, Derek's music evokes a deep sense of emotion and storytelling. His journey into music wasn’t confined to mere melodies; it was intricately woven with forays into Hollywood, where he thrived as a celebrated sound designer and re-recording mixer for numerous films, including the Academy Award-nominated *No Country for Old Men*, *Hidden Figures*, and *The Eyes of Tammy Faye*. Known as the "go-to" mixer for blending dialogue and music seamlessly, Derek's unique sonic sensibilities seamlessly translated into his work as a musician, paving the way for his heartfelt solo ventures.

 

Music found Derek early, with piano lessons at the tender age of five, but it was during his teenage years that the strings of a guitar, mandolin, and banjo resonated deeply with him. These instruments became his companions as he toured with bands like Leaf and The Rosemarys. In the 1990s, Derek's talent caught the eye of industry giant Les Garland, co-founder of MTV and VH-1, who managed him as a solo artist. These formative experiences led him to Los Angeles, where his burgeoning career in film sound eventually led him to put down his guitar for two decades. Yet, the call of music never faded, and after a long period of silence, Derek returned to his roots, crafting tunes that reflected his own extraordinary journey.

 

His 2022 debut album, *Wildflower*, signaled a powerful comeback that sought to inspire others to rediscover their voices, no matter the obstacles they faced. The album was born from a time of deep personal reflection and healing, as Derek battled Stage 4 head and neck cancer. During recovery, he penned over 150 songs, distilling his voyage into the album’s eleven tracks. Supported by friends and acclaimed musicians Gabe Witcher of The Punch Brothers, Jimmy Paxson of The Chicks, and world-renowned bassist Mike Valerio, *Wildflower* captures Derek’s raw and contemplative style. From the dreamy vocals of “Baby” to the lively folk beat of “Hanging On Your Door” and the country twang of “Hillbilly Princess”, Derek showcased his versatility and heartfelt vocal expression, culminating in the light-hearted, punk-inspired “Shake Shake Shake”. This track, written during a neighborhood stroll with his fiancée, symbolizes his triumphant return to songwriting after years away from music.

 

Continuing his momentum, Derek released his second album, *Be Kind*, in July 2024. Recorded in Nashville at Oliver Wood’s esteemed studio, this album features contributions from an impressive roster of guests, including Steve Poltz, John Mailander, Frank Evans, Brook Sutton, and Jamie Dick. Each track reflects Derek's reflective outlook on life, focusing on appreciating relationships, embracing uniqueness, and, above all, advocating kindness. “I was honored to have my friend, Steve Poltz, join me on this one, as he really is the mascot for embracing the weird,” Derek shares with a smile.

 

 

 

 

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