GRIST MIL
One of the harder things to do in life, regardless of career or direction, is to live authentically. It’s a pretty old adage to hear that no matter the success, loneliness can be found in the midst of all the glitter, bringing the importance of living a life of love, and gratitude - not to mention pursuing what brings genuine happiness. But even despite being told this a million times over by those full of wisdom, it’s easy to push aside the purpose of the story, and imagine that regardless of the pains it may brings, glittering success + fame definitely take the cake of dreams. Derrick Shephard (aka Grist Mil) actually speaks to this in his interview with host, Eddy Barco. Having successfully accomplished what so many musicians dream of, Derrick is able to come from a place of experience + honesty regarding decisions that ultimately helped him find his inner happiness.
Derrick lived a chunk of his life rather well known in the Long Island Music Scene. Beginning his claim to fame in his teenage years, he found himself playing guitar as a member of successful bands, such as Brand New and Tiger Jaw; as well as worked on his own national success with independent projects, such as The Reunion Show, and Sainthood Reps. Throughout his journey to the top, Derrick would find himself taking on various small jobs, including bartending. While many bartenders are artists who dream of the stage; Derrick was living his life on stage, and eyeing bartending, ultimately recognizing a new found passion.
With recent life events resulting in a change of priorities, and recognizing the variety of connections recently made in the Craft Beer Industry, Derrick decided to turn things around for a bit. Staying true to his own personal desires and yearning for that fulfillment, Derrick decided to check out his new passion. He purchased a 60 year old store front in Long Island, and renovated it into a successful Craft Beer and Retail store. While to many, it may seem obvious to pursue what is loved (passions and dreams); but it’s important to highlight that Derrick was in the height of his career when he made this decision. It couldn’t have been easy to put down the guitar, and shove away all that he spent his life building.
In interviewing Derrick, Eddy asked about this, inquiring why he would choose to open a Craft Beer Store when music was going so well. Derrick explained that it was always a part of his plan to open a store in the second half of his life - he never quite knew what he wanted to sell, but he knew he wanted to have a business of some sort, considering the entrepreneurial spirit within him.
He continued to explain that aside from this, while he was aware he was living the dream as a touring musician, it became wildly apparent that his life lacked that deep connection he had originally always felt with his community. He reveals that being on tour as often as he was, it comes with certain sacrifices, including our closer relationships with friends, family, and loved ones. Everything in life has to be put on pause until the tour has ended, which can range from months to a year. In fact, while it probably isn’t as talked about as it should be, many artists and musicians find themselves rather alienated when touring.
“When you tour for a long time, you become unrelatable to those at home. They’re all in the grind of things, having families, working on their careers. Yes you have great stories from the tour, but none of your friends or family can relate.”
Desiring to normalize his life, making a massive shift in the name of stabilization and community, Derrick took a chance, and remained 100% authentic to his soul. He had absolutely no idea if his shop would succeed, but in demonstrating a practice we should all participate in, he chose to bet on himself.
Now his shop is 5 years old, and even with the pandemic, it’s doing rather well. In the midst of his store’s success, he found himself eyeing the guitar again. He couldn’t say what compelled him to, but once he placed the guitar back into his arms, it was as if his perspective of music had transcended, and it was time to be in front of the world yet again. Something within him had been unlocked, and he was reborn into a new mission. In following his passions and listening to his soul, Derrick continues to up-level himself with each risk and leap he takes.
Currently, Derrick is approaching his music in a more authentic way. Having lived both lives, one as a touring artist/musician, and one as the average family man, he finds that these experiences have shaped his perspective into a new direction - one that he believes will resonate with audiences everywhere.
Hoping to connect with any and all, his songs on his EP serve as a therapy tape, displaying his past struggles openly, in an effort to advance his life and those around him. Operating as a singer-songwriter, Derrick exemplifies the importance of going with the flow of direction our spirit and soul require; take the leaps that are felt within, bet on yourself; you’ll likely end up as Derrick did, successful in all measures of the passions he pursues.
Listen to Grist Mil’s new ep:
YOUNG DUDLEY
Connect with Grist Mil:
| Instagram | Soundcloud | YouTube | Spotify | Apple Music |
