Legendary musician Dereck Higgins is my guest in this week’s show. He talks about his life at the vanguard of musical creativity, his origins in a musical family, music as a form of spiritual expression, and his personal journey with grief and with depression through the healing power of music.

Inducted into the Nebraska Music Hall of Fame in 2019, Dereck Higgins is a self taught music creator and a multi-instrumentalist, primarily known as a bass player. His award winning experience ranges from classic rock to reggae to punk to jazz to electronic to improvisation, and more. In his craft, he is dedicated to the moment of music making, listening to allow the music to speak. Some bands, past and present, that Higgins has performed with include: David Nance Mowed Sound, Digital Sex, Son Ambulance, RAF, Hotlines, InDreama, Chemicals, Norman & The Rockwells, Icky Blossoms, and many others. Higgins’ creativity extends to visual art, which he exhibits, and a deep involvement in the vinyl community that finds expression on his YouTube channel. With over 28,000 subscribers and nearly 6 million video views, Higgins shares his appreciation for music and for vinyl records drawing on his 10,000 strong record collection.

This week’s program contains discussion of attempts at suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide help is available by connecting with the 988 suicide and crisis lifeline.