Meet Derek Jolley | Creator, Organizer, & Humanist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Derek Jolley and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Derek, how do you think about risk?
My Dad taught me that risk is the price you pay for opportunity. The only appropriate risks, he said, are the ones which opportunity outweighs. I’ve been playing in bands with my best friends since I was 11 years old, and have tried hard to only take appropriate risks for the sake of golden opportunities, but as fate would have it, that doesn’t always work out. As an openly queer individual, I have faced a great deal of adversity and harm while working to bolster creative communities. (disclaimer: I don’t pretend to understand the struggles of others, just sharing my own perspective with respect). Recently, I was assaulted while working as a sound engineer at a venue I love. The “F” slur was used and I was injured to the point where I had to get checked out by a doctor. The reason behind this attack, I later discovered, was because as a leader in that community, I sought the banning and removal of certain individuals who had repeatedly demonstrated harmful behavior toward at-risk members of our community (not explaining their actions in-full here for the sake of avoiding triggers, but if you were to guess how bad their actions were, multiply it by 100 and it’s still a shortfall). The owner of the establishment took my recommendation seriously and banned those individuals, even going so far as to have law enforcement follow up in some cases. Some time passed before those people and a gang of their friends showed up at my place of work to assault me. I got pretty dinged up. I was transported back to memories of middle school when my peers used to beat me up for being a queer kid in a punk band. It was not easy, but this incident ultimately resulted in several measures being taken by the community at large to ensure the safety of everyone. The outpouring of support for what happened to me was humbling, and I helped channel that support into action to help make lasting changes for the good of everyone. My Dad also told me when I was young sometimes you take a beating for standing up for what you believe in. I got beat up because I did the right thing, and to me that’s worth the risk. I feel at-risk every single day I leave my apartment wearing eyeliner, or every time I get up on stage and advocate for anti-suicide and mental health support by sharing what I went through. Nobody is perfect, and I’m certainly not a role model by any stretch of the imagination, but I’ll tell you this for certain… I don’t regret taking a single risk I’ve ever taken as a community leader, because the opportunities for growth, safety, creativity, healing, mutual aid, togetherness, and accountability were 100% worth it. I don’t plan on stopping any time soon. For anyone reading this, keep going. “Don’t let the bastards get you down.”

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I remember writing my first song ever. I was all of 6 or 7 years old or something like that, sitting at my family piano, trying like hell to write my Mom a song. She had a bad day at work or something and was trying to hide the fact she was crying. I just wanted her to feel better. I honestly think I’m still writing songs for the same reason, especially with cuddledrug. I’ve always written to process the difficult things I’ve experienced, but try to do so in an uplifting, positive way. That may be hard to see sometimes, especially when I write about themes such as suicide, loss, grief, addiction, etc., but if you listen carefully, it’s never finishes bleak or destitute. There’s always hope at the end. I stand by that idea, not only in my day-to-day life but also in the music I write. Every cent I’ve earned from my music has been donated to charities related to the themes of the music, which also helps me cope with the life experiences I’ve immortalized in song. It’s heavy, for sure, but it feels right. It at least helps me out immensely. If I didn’t have my music, my mental health outcomes would probably be much different (putting it lightly). My therapist once told me that my music is the best form of journaling he’s ever seen, and I’ve never been paid a more humbling compliment in my life.

PS: The song is called “I love you million and trillions” and I still sing it for my Mom on special occasion when she really needs me.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’m originally from Northeast Pennsylvania (specifically Wilkes-Barre). Now I live in center city Philadelphia. I have friends from all over the world visit me all the time (now that covid has been slowing down). I’m walking distance from everything. When. my international homies visit, I usually take them to all of the “America” stuff first, like Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, etc. After that, depending on the friend, there are unlimited possibilities for excellent food and nightlife. My apartment is in the Gayborhood, so safely partying in such a historical community is incredible. Phillies games are always fun as well. I’m really only into baseball as far as sports are concerned, but Go Birds! I only wanted the Eagles to win the superbowl last year so everyone would be really happy (oh well). I love little dive bars. My favorite two in Philly are the Trestle Inn on North 11th and Dirty Franks on 13th & Pine. Trestle is more for like go-go dancing (not stripping) and a marriage of old-timey and modern dance vibes. I once wore a bowtie in there any nobody blinked, haha. DF’s is just a famous spot. I like to get sushi from Sumo or Yellowtail and eat it in the bar. It’s sort of the thing to do for the townies. Aside from all the establishments, Philly has some of the most accessible and beautiful municipal parks in the US. The Wissahickon Valley Park is incredible for a hike. I used to live really close so I feel like I’ve explored every inch, haha. Aside from incredible green spaces, there are recurring events such as SIPS and Parks on Tap where you can get a drink in a fun location. Philly is also renowned for it’s art scene. The Art Museum is up there with the Met, and the Rodin might be the best kept secret. Check out the Barnes Foundation. So much to do. Oh and of course music shows. I’ll stop rambling now.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to dedicate this article to my brother, Dylan. Not only is he my best friend, but he never backs away from holding me accountable. He challenges my decisions and intentions from a place of support and love. I honestly can’t thank him enough for that. I’d be lost without him.

That being said, my best friends and bandmates Nate, Danny, Brian, Dave, Kevin, Adam, Tye, Patrick, and John all serve in similar irreplaceable capacities. None of what we achieve would be possible without us working together. I’m just bestowed the honor of leading it all, which I take very seriously and never for granted. Thanks guys. Love you so much, even from a magazine article.

Website: cuddledrug.com

Instagram: @cuddledrug

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cuddledrug

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/SummerHoldsTheEarth

Other: cuddledrug.bandcamp.com/merch

Image Credits
All images courtesy of Robin Drive Recordings.