Elbphilharmonie Innerview: Derrick Gee

Inwards – in the »Elbphilharmonie Innerviews«, artists explore the Elbphilharmonie in their own unique ways, letting their thoughts run free. The result: special insights into the spaces of the concert hall and a rare opportunity to get to know the artists personally beyond the stage.

In this special episode of the video series, the star content creator and presenter Derrick Gee is on the move around the building. Hailing from Oz but known around the world, he modestly describes himself as a »professional music fan«. And now as Creator in Residence for the 2024/25 season, he is giving his millions of followers a special look behind the scenes of the Elbphilharmonie. In the »Elbphilharmonie Innerview«, he talks about his love of music and all the places it takes him.

The Elbphilharmonie’s »Innerviews« series is supported by our Principal Sponsor Julius Bär.

»A radio host with a camera on.
A record store guy whose countertop is his Instagram reels page.
A music-obsessed friend who happens to speak to hundreds of thousands of people on the daily.«

This is how Derrick, who’s built up a huge community on TikTok and Instagram, describes himself. His videos are wide-ranging – from music tips and insights into audio technology through to cultural and political issues like the impact of streaming platforms. He cannot quite believe that his videos – which are often really funny and always well-informed – now get so many people excited and watching along. »It feels strange to think that from my home office in Sydney, I can reach millions of people, and they care to listen.«

»My mum always knew I was going to do something in music – even though it took a design degree, a career in TV, radio and advertising to get there,« Derrick says. That doesn’t mean music hasn’t always been important to him though. He learned piano and electric bass, played in bands – and, of course, listened to as much music as he possibly could. »I always wanted to seek out the music others weren’t listening to,« he recalls, »and I filled up my ipod as soon as I got it.« Back home in Sydney, he now has four full-to-capacity backup hard drives, filled with his vast mp3 collection.

Music is the absolute constant in Derrick Gee’s day to day. Sometimes he’ll devote his whole attention to listening, other times he’ll be driving, or have his headphones on, or be playing music at full blast on his stereo. »I have tinnitus from listening to too much music,« he admits.

He’s completely fascinated by how music can alter us and our perceptions – and vice versa. »Music changes as you do. And that just means that your new favourite song might be the one you’ve always hated,« he says, encouraging us all to be curious: »Look forward to that sensation – it’s life changing.«