Meet Derek Nyquist | Music Producer and Teacher

We had the good fortune of connecting with Derek Nyquist and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Derek, what habits do you feel helped you succeed?
Consistency and balance are some of my most important habits for helping me write more music, stay healthy, and make sure I don’t do too much as well! If you do something everyday, and keep up with it, the sky’s the limit!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
For my production, I have always strived to push the envelope of sound and create a story by using any thing I see fit. I will use and play a range of live instruments (Drums, guitar, keys, violin) and mash it with heaving hitting sound design. I always want to push the envelope of my creativity so I use many recordings from going on hikes, field recording, or just messing around with household items. At the moment I am really excited for this summer because I have been starting to travel more to play shows in other states. I grew up playing music, all my life I messed around with many instruments in school and outside as well. Music as a kid was tough, but as I have grown, learned and gained more experience music seemed to become more second nature! After enough practice you can get a good understanding of anything! The most important lesson I have learned that is absolutely crucial to get where you want to go, is never quit! Even if you have no idea where to go or what to do, just do what you love everyday. I want the world to know that my mission as a performing artist is to create an experience through each one of my songs, create an imaginary environment for my listeners to really jump into a different space when it’s played. That’s always how I’ve felt listening to my favorite types of music (Pink Floyd, Charlesthefirst, Pretty Lights).

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Im a nature guy, the other reason I am in Colorado is because of that so I would take them to all the state parks close by, probably do some sort of longer road trip and adventure because of being out west, Like Pagosa springs, CO. It’s about 5 hours from where I live but such a beautiful area to camp (Moab in Utah is one I haven’t gotten to go to yet but would love to), there’s so many amazing places that are not too far, and the biggest plus is losing cell phone service. Boulder would be a big part of the time spent as well. Thats always been my favorite place to live. You can walk anywhere there’s really no need for a vehicle, as well as being so close to so many hikes or even going higher up the canyon to more! I cannot suggest enough if you are down in boulder, take the canyon drive bus up to Nederland, Co. The most stunning small town that has the best pizza on earth. Its called Krosskut pizza. After a nice hike going there is always a must.

They woodfire their pizza and put honey under the crust it’s the best around. Of course being in Colorado you need to go see a show at Red Rocks, but Id also take them to a show at the Mishawaka Ampitheatre. You have to take a shuttle up to the venue that’s next to the river, it’s a smaller capacity but has one of the best views to go along with loud music.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to dedicate a shout out to KMG, The school I was taught how to produce music at. That place changed my life. I had the opportunity to work with some wonderful people who inspired me to push what I was doing with creatively at any time I was a student there. Also, a book that changed my life and the way I write music, Victor Wootens “The Music Lesson”

Website: http://nyquiststheory.bandcamp.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nyquist.music/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nyquistderek

Other: https://linktr.ee/nyquistmusic

Image Credits
Danny Lucia (Performance Photos)