DEREK DELACROIX IS THIS WEEK’S MUSICIAN OF THE WEEK.

As an older member of the baby boomer generation, I’ve just about made it to the end of decent electronica, which I refer to as an umbrella “catch-all” term for any music that can be created using instruments like the thermin, a sound synthesizer, or even a computer. Derek Delacroix, a new musician (at least new to me), has shown me that they are only the fundamentals of the instrument. When you combine elements of a variety of different musical styles, you get something I term “derekanama.” While I was growing up, the Moog synthesizer was the only instrument that could be used to make music like that. My cousin used one in my band. But in today’s day and age, there are a dizzying variety of subgenres that I refer to as electronica music. Today, Derek transported me into the 21st century by introducing me to an innovative subgenre of music that, in my opinion, he was the first person to ever develop. Some examples of contemporary music styles include ambient, ambient dub (along with a few other ambients), breakbeat, down tempo, acid jazz, techno, down tempo (including acid jazz), and a multitude of other styles. There were just a few bands who were experimenting with any of it while I was growing up and performing music; sting (then called the police), yes, and elp were the ones that come to mind (emerson lake & palmer). A new artist has arisen who fuses the feel of electronica with hip-hop, jazz, reggae, soul, and dance to produce a unique sound that is unlike anything you have heard before and that you will not forget. You would be doing yourself a favor by doing yourself a favor by downloading a few of this San Diego artist’s well crafted originals such as his opening number “so mellow,” “dance city,” “night song of the jungle,” and “dub dynamite,” which is my personal favorite of his songs. Today, there is an up and coming artist in this San Diego artist. To my ears, dub dynamite seems like it could easily serve as the background music (or maybe the theme music) to the most recent blockbuster science fiction picture, or even a hitchcock program from the 1960s. Derek has certainly moved beyond the period of experimentation. Many electronica musicians, in my opinion, are more interested in experimenting with new technologies than they are in really making music. The impression that is left after listening to Derek is that the technology is really an instrument that he has learnt to use in order to make people want to listen to him. I am now one of your fans. Located in San Diego, artist Derek Delacroix offers a wide variety of free downloads on his soundcloud page. Author Rick London is also a cartoonist and designer, in addition to being a music critic.