In all my years of studying, playing, and worshiping music, I’ve rarely come across a figure quite like Derek Griffin Almstead. He’s an anomaly in indie rock. How many people can say they’ve been a member of so many of the bands that shaped an entire generation of sound? The Olivia Tremor Control, Elf Power Circulatory System, The Sunshine Fix, of Montreal, The Glands, The Ladybug Transistor - official… the list goes on.
When my favorite band of all time, The Olivia Tremor Control, split and its two main songwriters each started new projects, who do you think they turned when traveling down a new road.. Derek was in both. And that tells you everything. He’s the musician everyone wants in their band because he has the rare trifecta: impeccable taste, a musical mind with the dexterity to play almost anything, and maybe most importantly the ability to leave room for magic. Derek doesn’t just make music of the mind; he makes music of the heart and the gut. That’s what makes him singular, not only in Elephant 6 Recording Co., but in music history.
But maybe the most remarkable chapter of his story is happening right now. Because his greatest collaboration isn’t found on a record sleeve stacked in the E6 family tree. It’s happening every day on a generational family farm, where Derek and his partner in music and in life Emily Clarke are creating something extraordinary together.
Over the last five years, Giant Day has now given us two of the most beautiful records I’ve heard. Emily’s voice, effortless, rich, and absolutely perfect for indie rock, floats above Derek’s fearless, lawless soundscapes with a touch of reverb that feels like the air itself is singing along. Their new record Alarm comes out October 10th, and it’s already a favorite of Rudy Fischmann, Mathew Bell, and mine.
Talking with Derek and Emily about their life together, their farm, and their music felt like being invited into a space where art and love aren’t separate forces but the same thing, feeding each other.
You can listen to our brand new episode of Don’t Bother Wearing Seatbelts wherever you get your podcasts.
Because for all the bands who wanted Derek to collaborate with them, and there were many, the greatest collaboration of all has been this one: the music of a life shared, where love and art are inseparable, and every song is a testament to both.
Listen to our conversation where ever you listen to Podcasts - https://open.spotify.com/episode/3A0SiIsXATC37XOmqyFZiA...
By Patrick Tape Fleming