Derek is a music journalist and editor, based in London, covering independent, alternative and underground sound and culture across the world. His work has appeared in The Wire, London Review Of Books, The Guardian online, When Saturday Comes, The Quietus, Resident Advisor, and more.

Alongside journalism/writing/criticism, his recent editing work includes copy editing for books, subediting for magazines, and from 2015–2023, editing the world renowned independent music mag The Wire.

His teaching work includes modules in journalism and the music business for institutions in London.