This week, we are shining the spotlight on our Program Manager of Grants & Awards, Derek, to learn more about who he is and what he is listening to!

What are your favorite genres of music?

Indie, experimental, hip-hop, metal, punk, dance.

Do you play an instrument, if so, what and for how long?

I play bass and guitar, and could probably still play a little sax if you put one in my hand. I got my first bass 14 years ago, sax was a bit earlier than that. I’m trying to use all the current “social distancing” downtime to learn fingerstyle on my acoustic.

What appeals to you about music?

I’ve always used music to cope with, examine, and express my emotional states. Also I like to dance.

First Concert You Attended?

When I was 8 my parents took me to see The B-52s, The Go-Gos, and The Psychedelic Furs and life has never been the same since.

Listen to Derek’s Top 10 Songs, and 10 songs inspired by GRAMMY Museum exhibits, as featured in the GRAMMY Museum Weekly Staff Picks playlist: