Columbus, Ohio’s very own Derek Petrucci, also known as Pipe Leak, is a creative powerhouse and a master of blending sounds. Genre-melting songs are nothing unusual for this producer, as he frequently pivots between dubstep, drum and bass, halftime, and glitch-hop in his sets. He is not afraid to bridge the gaps of concepts we all dance between, such as darkness and light, or heavy and gentle. He frequently and cleverly plays with the dichotomy of optimism and cynicism. Pipe Leak’s sound is exactly as one would hope – fluid, weightless, and freeform.
Pipe Leak’s latest evocative EP release, To Those Who Came Before Me, muses on another well-known human dichotomy we all must face: life and death. He began writing this piece shortly after his grandmother’s passing. He cites her funeral as a major spark for contemplating life and death, but with a new perspective. Then began to really reflect and dig deep on not only his recent loss, but what happens to someone’s spirit when they depart our Earth.
“The EP is really a call-out to my ancestry and an attempt to honor them by making a time capsule about their life, but more specifically my grandma.”
Pipe Leak
The first track on this EP is titled “To The Outer World.” The beginning of this airy and intricate song feels inquisitive, with ethereal vocals and twinkling notes throughout. Upbeat drums soon join expressive melodies that seem to mirror Pipe Leak’s sentiment on posing the question – where do we go when we leave here?
Following up is an emotively titled song called “Always Looking Backwards.” This song starts softly, with rhythmic kicks and gentle whispers of gorgeous vocals. More layers begin to blend in as the listener is taken on a pensive journey through sound. Just over midway through the song, the tempo picks up with dancing synths that instantly pique curiosity.
The final song hammers home the theme of this EP, titled “I Will Never Forget You.” Before the listener even presses play, one can already connect with this art simply through the title. It is a powerful name bursting with the emotion that runs through this EP. This song opens with atmospheric notes, gently plucking along. Playful synths carry on throughout the tune, keeping the listener afloat through this beautiful soundscape of memories. The song winds around into a detailed tribute to those we’ve lost, afloat on delicate sounds of bass.
To Those Who Came Before Me is a contemplative release, musing on deeply human themes. The music is fresh and never fails to engage the listener. Like Pipe Leak’s project itself, this EP is a masterful balancing act, walking the tightrope between lightness and darkness, depth and airiness, life and what goes beyond.
“It’s really a tribute to her and a message about living our lives in honor of our family who made it possible to be here!”
Pipe Leak
Pipe Leak has played many exciting locations, including Winter Werkout Fest (Columbus, OH), The Black Box (Denver, CO), and Synthesis Workshop and Showcase (Costa Rica). He has played shows alongside acts like LTJ Bukem, Humandala, Visages, TF Marz, and many other talents. We will be catching him next at Secret Dreams Music and Arts Festival. Keep your Hawk Eyes open for his next release!
Listen to To Those Who Come Before Me by Pipe Leak below!
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