'The Time Has Come' Pretty Lights' Long Awaited Return is Here

The last we heard of Derek Vincent Smith, better known as Pretty Lights, was a Facebook recap post on August 15th, following his final show at Red Rocks in 2018. Don’t get us wrong, we fully support artists stepping back for some much-needed R&R, but Pretty Lights’ absolute radio silence left much up to interpretation. Fans constantly remind Derek that they were still there, still supporting, and patiently waiting. But, after five years of silence, we couldn’t help but wonder if a return was even on the horizon. This was until recently…

Photo credit: Cait Falc

The internet has been buzzing the past few weeks as subtle easter eggs have been dropped left and right about a potential Pretty Lights return. Instances like his official website being down, bandmate Michal Menert tweeting “The soonest it’s ever been..” as well as Festival Owl (notoriously accurate when it comes to rumors) making an Instagram post hinting at a potential Pretty Lights headline on Hulaween’s lineup, and mic-checking “is this thing on?” in the official Pretty Lights Reddit page. Then finally, last night, the man himself updated his Facebook photo with a fresh selfie looking happy and healthy and ready to break the internet. Needless to say, the Pretty Lights Fam, who love thinking just about anything is a signal of his return, have been mind-blown by this borderline confirmation.

‘The Time Has Come’

Can’t wait to share everything that’s coming. And fam, seriously, thank you so much for your endless love and support. Thank you for all the positive energy while I took time to focus mine. It’s a new dawn and I can’t wait to see you all again shining bright. lfggggggg
— PL (@PrettyLights) April 4, 2023

We have A Color Map of the Sun on full blast as we type this, Pretty Lights is back. Of course, he had to do his return as big as possible with a beautifully pieced-together video announcing a full tour. The Soundship Spacesystem Tour will be hitting cities like Denver, Lake Dillion, New Orleans, Atlanta, San Francisco, The Caverns, Philly, Chicago, and Brooklyn. The tour will feature PL Live Dub and The Fantastic Pretty Lights put on by the typical ensemble of the Pretty Lights team, with more musical and visual guests to be announced. The video announcement also featured a track with lyrics like ‘perhaps I may become a pretty light again’ and ‘But I will remain, and I’ll be back.’ If that didn’t give you chills, you’re wrong.

We have a feeling this is only the first wave of big Pretty Lights announcements for 2023, and we can’t contain our excitement. Derek, it’s so good to have you back and shining bright again ❤️

Check out the full Soundship Spacesystem Tour below!