Daily Discovery: Derek Norsworthy, “No Contest”

Derek Norsworthy writes music that reflects a life that is accessible to everyone. He has toured the college town circuit, connecting with the people he encounters.

ARTIST: Derek Norsworthy

SONG: “No Contest”

BIRTHDATE: 10/02/86

HOMETOWN: Escatawpa, Ms

CURRENT LOCATION: Escatawpa, Ms

AMBITIONS: I want to create things in life that others think is impossible. I am not one to settle for status quo, as I feel the world is full of opportunity and experiences.

TURN-OFFS:  Ego’s

TURN-ONS:  People who are passionate, ambitious and aren’t afraid to dream outside of the box.

DREAM GIG: Red Rocks has always seemed like the coolest gig to me.

FAVORITE LYRIC:  “there’s a man who walks beside me, he is who I used to be I wonder if she see’s him and confuses him with me” -Jason Isbell

CRAZIEST PERSON I KNOW: The craziest person I know is my friend Jason. I’ve known him since I was 3 and he seriously has no fear in life. Jason is the kind of person that lives for the story (mainly random crazy ones), so whatever the case is he’s always good for a laugh.

SONG I WISH I WROTE: Hotel California

5 PEOPLE I’D MOST LIKE TO HAVE DINNER WITH: Rick Rubin, Kacey Musgraves, Tom Petty, Taylor Swift and Don Henley

MY FAVORITE CONCERT EXPERIENCE: I got the chance to see the Eagles perform Hotel California in concert a while back. It was definitely a bucket list kind of thing for me since I grew up hearing my dad talk about old 70’s concerts and how great the Eagles were live. I’d have to say he was right.

I WROTE THIS SONG: I wrote this song at a very vulnerable point in my life and tried to focus on not sacrificing the lyrics for rhyme but rather holding them true to the situation. I believe as a songwriter vulnerability is the key. To me, music often speaks on behalf of those who are afraid to say what they really feel or think, so it’s important for writers to open up. When I read the lyrics to No Contest, I often visualize the entire situation of this love that is so hard to let go but only out of habit rather than affection. It’s a white flag statement for those who are directionally challenged in a relationship and I believe many can relate to the content.