Queer Composer and Songwriter Derek Schmidt Releases Atmospheric Musical Experience

Combining his loves of songwriting, composition, and the mysticism of the tarot, Derek Schmidt creates his most ambitious work yet, the electronic dreampop project Major Arcana,  out now. Comprised of 22 original tracks, the album draws inspiration from the symbolism of all 22 trump cards in the tarot deck. Schmidt explores each card’s specific meaning through unique and enchanting electronic compositions, while also weaving together lyrics that are both personal and revelatory.

Schmidt presents a reverent offering to the concept album tradition, joyfully borrowing from a multitude of genres, and creating a singular immersive art piece meant for the active listener. Major Arcana is a five year project that saw completion through the San Francisco Arts Commission’s Individual Artist Grant, one of SF’s most prestigious awards for individual artists.

Be sure to check out Major Arcana on Bandcamp and follow Derek Schmidt on social media!

Derek Schmidt is a queer composer and songwriter that has been working and performing in the Bay Area in solo performance and as leader and writer of three different bands over 15 years: folk band All My Pretty Ones, queer electronic bandAdonisaurus, and Oakland electronic band Partyline. He has produced over 8 albums of work over many genres and has been a featured composer on independent film and performance art projects, including the feature length film Home And How To Break It.Derek Schmidt has also been a fixture in the San Francisco Bay area performing at various venues (Bottom of the Hill, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, DNA Lounge)  and festivals (SF Folk Festival, Folsom St. Fair, Castro St. Fair, Easter Sunday in Dolores Park, BYOQ, Sonoma County Pride), as well as many queer venues likeThe Stud, The Eagle, El Rio, and Oasis.

Schmidt is the founder and co-host of Martunis monthly Queer Songwriter Showcase, Homophonic for the last six years, providing a platform for both emerging and established queer songwriters, with an emphasis on underrepresented communities.

Currently, Derek Schmidt is gearing up for the release of Major Arcana, slated for early spring 2019. With over five years of dreaming, spellcasting, and creating, Schmidt is excited to release this multifaceted musical project to the world. Be sure to keep up with Derek Schmidt on social media and stay tuned for the release of Major Arcana.