Meet Derek Jolley

Today we’d like to introduce you to Derek Jolley.

Derek, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I am 27 years old. I am a mental health advocate, community organizer, health care worker, field researcher, and creative based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. I started the bands cuddledrug (2010-current) and Ticket To Ride (2007-current), both of which have undertaken extensive campaigns aimed at benefitting and promoting emotional wellness, food availability, reproductive rights protection, mental health advocacy, and addiction recovery access both through our music and also through our album and merchandise sales. I also am the owner/operator of a small independent record studio and label based in Larksville, Pennsylvania, called Robin Drive Recordings and Silverwood Records.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I have struggled with mental health challenges since I was just a kid, which is why I’m so passionate about helping people get the help they need. I’ll always use my platform to remind people that help is always available and growth is within reach, Three strikes and you are NOT out. There is always one more thing that you can do. You are not alone, trust me.

Also, my queer identity has at times made life more difficult than it needs to be, which is why we do so much work aimed at helping mutual aid and queer youth protection organizations.

I also face a terminal heart condition that unfortunately runs in my family. I’m inspired to do as much good as I can do with the time I have left, be it 20 years or 20 minutes.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Here’s a few highlights of my creative outreach… – I started the bands cuddledrug & Ticket To Ride
– I’m a live sound and recording engineer, producer, arranger, and composer
– I run the record label Silverwood Records and own the recording studio Robin Drive Recordings
– I’m senior sound engineer and recordings manager at the Grape Room in Philly

www.cuddledrug.com
www.TicketToRide.band
www.silverwoodrecords.com
www.RobinDriveRecordings.com

Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I believe that people make their own luck. Some people might perceive that luck plays a big role in how successful a person can be, which may indeed be true, but I’m a believer in work ethic and moral-driven hard work. I believe that doing good work is intrinsically valuable and that luck is something that happens to those who believe in goodness.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.cuddledrug.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/djoll/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cuddledrug
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/SummerHoldsTheEarth
• Other: www.TicketToRide.band

Image Credits
Images courtesy of Robin Drive Recordings and Silverwood Records