Download our App
Celebrity Info

Pretty Lights

DJ

Interests

Music

Characteristics

Generous Idealistic Great Sense Of Humor Optimistic Philosophical Adventurous

OverView

Country
Born
1981-11-25
Zodiac Sign

MiniBio

Derek Vincent Smith, widely known as Pretty Lights, is a Grammy-nominated electronic music artist who has made a significant impact on the industry. As the founder and owner of the record label Pretty Lights Music, he’s built not just a sound but a whole movement around his artistry. Over the years, Pretty Lights has collaborated with notable acts like The Disco Biscuits, showcasing his versatility and deep roots in the live electronic scene. One of the major highlights of his career was being featured at the 2012 Electric Daisy Carnival in Las Vegas—a moment that solidified his presence on the national stage.

Before all the fame and festival lights, Pretty Lights was just Derek, honing his craft in high school by recording and writing hip hop tracks. Music always came first for him, so much so that when he enrolled at the University of Chicago, he quickly realized college wasn’t the right path. He left during his freshman year, choosing to focus entirely on his passion rather than let academics distract him from his musical journey.

Growing up in Colorado, Derek developed a unique sonic style that would later define the Pretty Lights project. Throughout the growth of his label, Pretty Lights Music, he received key support from his then-girlfriend, Krystle Blackburn, who played an instrumental role in its operations. Their personal and professional partnership lasted for several years before they eventually parted ways in 2015. Even after the breakup, the legacy of their collaboration lives on through the continued success of Pretty Lights Music and the enduring influence of Pretty Lights himself.

Trivia

His Pretty Lights Music label made it possible for fans to download Pretty Lights music and tracks from other artists completely free of charge. Through his initiative, he really emphasized accessibility, letting people enjoy high-quality music without any cost. The Pretty Lights Music label, founded by him, became well-known not just for its unique sound but also for this generous approach. By offering free downloads, his vision encouraged a deeper connection between artists and listeners. His belief in sharing music freely helped shape the identity of the Pretty Lights Music label and inspired many others in the industry.

Similar Celebrities

P.J. Hogan
P.J. Hogan
Actor Film

P.J. Hogan is another standout among Australian filmmakers whose impressive success back home eventually caught the attention of Hollywood. It was really P.J. Hogan’s debut feature—both written and directed by him, *Muriel's Wedding*—that put him firmly on the global map. The film premiered at the 1994 Cannes Film Festival during the Directors' Fortnight and received a thunderous 15-minute standing ovation, instantly making waves. Not just a critical darling, *Muriel's Wedding* also became a box-office sensation in Australia, sweeping the Australian Film Institute Awards with eleven nominations and four wins. At its heart, the story follows a classic ugly-duckling arc, using bold, often exaggerated humor to drive its emotional core. But what truly elevated the film was P.J. Hogan’s skill in drawing out powerful performances from his cast. In fact, it was under P.J. Hogan’s direction that Toni Collette delivered her breakout role, with strong support from Rachel Griffiths, both earning widespread acclaim. Thanks to this early triumph, P.J. Hogan was soon tapped to helm *My Best Friend's Wedding* (1997), a romantic comedy starring Julia Roberts. Written by Ronald Bass, this film marked Julia Roberts’ successful return to the comedy genre—a move that paid off thanks in no small part to P.J. Hogan’s confident touch behind the camera. The movie featured memorable performances, particularly from Cameron Diaz as the charming rival and Rupert Everett, whose witty portrayal of Roberts’ gay editor stole many scenes. Once again, music played a pivotal role: while ABBA’s infectious hits powered the emotional journey in *Muriel's Wedding*, Burt Bacharach classics gave *My Best Friend's Wedding* its sophisticated charm. Over these two major films, P.J. Hogan demonstrated not only a knack for balancing humor and heart but also clear artistic growth in handling varied comedic tones. And honestly, it’s hard to overlook how much P.J. Hogan shaped each project with such distinct yet effective storytelling flair.

Ask Higo Singles Anything