Gigantes de Papel: Blurring the Line Between Reality and Dreams
Some bands play music; others craft entire worlds. Gigantes de Papel, an independent alternative rock band from Mexico City, falls firmly into the latter category.
Derek, a bassist-songwriter from Vancouver, BC, wasn’t born into a family of musicians, but music was always present. His mother exposed him to a vast spectrum of genres, sparking a deep appreciation for sound early on. Over time, he found solace in creating music—both as a means of expression and a personal necessity. “Having something to say and hoping people can relate is what drives my passion,” he shares. For Derek, making music isn’t just an artistic pursuit; it’s a form of self-preservation.
Dark Tones and Emotional Contrasts
Derek’s music is a layered exploration of emotion, blending dark, melancholic tones with haunting melodies and a goth-edged post-punk influence. His songs delve into personal struggles, touching on themes of depression, anxiety, and resilience. "I rely on negative thoughts and bad experiences to express the way I feel," he says, emphasizing his ability to channel life’s darker moments into a cathartic and relatable musical experience. His sound isn’t just about sadness—it’s about contrast, about finding beauty within the darkness.
The Vision Behind the Sound
One of Derek’s biggest influences is Carlos Dengler, former bassist of Interpol, whose stylized yet grounded bass lines shaped Derek’s approach to music. "He taught me to never rest and to never rely on my environment,” he explains. Other key inspirations include Colin Greenwood, Joe Casey, Joe Talbot, and electronic pioneers like Ed Simmons and Tom Rowlands. Their ability to balance depth with accessibility has guided Derek’s own creative direction.
His songwriting process is anything but straightforward. “It’s always a challenge,” he admits. Whether inspired by past experiences or fictionalized stories that reflect his emotions, every song goes through an intense process of refinement before he’s satisfied with the outcome.
Beyond Sound: The Power of Visuals
For Derek, music isn’t just about what you hear—it’s about what you see. Album artwork plays a major role in setting the tone for his releases. “I truly believe you need a strong first impression,” he explains. His collaborations with visual artists like Devan Power, Jake Kempt, and Luccianna Albarran have helped bring his sonic world to life. The artwork for his album Abuser , for example, was deeply inspired by tarot and necromancy, perfectly complementing the album’s themes.
His most successful single to date, Dortmund , was born from a vivid dream of an angelic figure guiding him into an old cathedral in Dortmund, Germany—an image that directly influenced the artwork’s yellow, white, and black palette, inspired by Borussia Dortmund’s colors.
Collaboration and the Road Ahead
Derek has already built a strong network of collaborators, including Vancouver-based band TWINN, featured on his latest release Don’t Crash , and producer-songwriter CHOISIES. Looking ahead, he has his sights set on working with industry legends like Nigel Goodrich, David Tolomei, Sylvia Massy, and Jack White.
As his creative process evolves, Derek remains committed to pushing boundaries. “I first and foremost make music for myself, for my well-being. But knowing I’m in it for the massive appeal gives me that extra spark to try new things.” He views his work as an ongoing experiment, always looking for ways to challenge his “perfect process” and create something that resonates long after the first listen.
A Message for Aspiring Artists
For those following in his footsteps, Derek’s advice is simple: "Be yourself. Don’t try to fit in or chase what others are getting. Everyone is watching, but no one really cares. Have something to say and find your own way to say it. That’s what will set you apart."
With a unique ability to blend raw emotion with carefully crafted soundscapes, Derek is carving out a space for himself in the post-punk revival—one dark, melancholic layer at a time.
