In this special episode of the video series, we follow content creator and presenter Derrick Gee. The Australian has an international reputation, but modestly describes himself as a ‘professional music fan’. His millions of followers will now have a chance to see how he fares as ‘Creator in Residence’ at the Elbphilharmonie for the 2024/25 season. In the ‘Elbphilharmonie Innerviews’ he talks about his love of music and where it takes him. 

Professional music fan

“A radio presenter with a camera.
A record shop owner whose counter doubles as his Instagram page.
A music-obsessed friend who happens to speak to hundreds of thousands of people every day.”

This is Derrick Gee in his own words, who has mainly built up his huge following on TikTok and Instagram. His videos cover all sorts of different topics, ranging from music tips, audio technology, or more political and cultural issues like the impact of streaming platforms. His often humorous and extremely well-informed videos have now attracted a large and enthusiastic following, something even he struggles to believe. 

Hard drives full of music

“My mother always said I would end up doing something with music – it just took me a while to get there, after studying design and having a career in television, radio, and advertising,” explains Derrick Gee. But that said, music has always played a major role in his life. He learned piano and bass guitar and played in bands – and constantly listened to music where ever he was. “I have always sought out music that others might not be listening to,” he recalls, “and my first iPod filled up pretty quickly.” At home in Sydney his MP3 collection now takes up four backup hard drives, all full to bursting.

Music, more than anything else, is a constant presence in Derrick Gee’s day-to-day life. This might involve attentive listening, music in the background while driving, wearing headphones, or cranking the volume up on his music system: “I’ve got tinnitus from listening to all that music,” he admits.

His particular fascination is how music changes both ourselves and our perception – and the opposite is also true: “Music develops just like we do. Your new favourite song might be one you always used to hate,” he points out, and encourages us to remain curious: “Look to enjoy this feeling – it will change your life!”