My name is Derson, born as Xander Gipson, and I’m a 16 year old Indie/Alternative singer from our town of Big Lake.
Q: How long have you lived and/or worked in Big Lake?
I’ve lived in Big Lake since I was 4, and ever since I’ve moved here, I’ve been surrounded by people who make music. So I would say that took a big inspiration towards music for me.
Q: Tell us about your current, past, or future career.
I plan on moving out of state so I can pursue music once I graduate high school
Q: What is a favorite Movie, Book/Podcast, & Band? (Share as many as you would like)
My favorite book/manga is Berserk. It’s one of the first books that have actually drew my attention and gained my interest. My favorite bands are Deftones and Paramore. It’s a joy I can’t really explain but I really love their songs
Q: What are 2 things you never leave the house without?
I never leave the house without my phone or wallet. My phone so I can contact my fellow musicians and family, and my wallet so I always have ID and my card.
Q: What is something about you that surprises people?
I’ve been stargazed by and making music since I was 4 years of age. I would always pick up my dad’s guitar and sing lyrics I would make up or I would just sing in my room for fun. So music has always been a big part of my life.
Q: What is your go-to comfort food?
I would have to say some kind of gummies. I don’t really have a specific, but I always pick out some sort of gummy candy when I’m at a gas station.
Q: What is one thing your Dream House would have?
I’d want my dream house to have vines growing on the sides of the house and a recording studio so I can always make music whenever I feel like it.
Q: What are some of your favorite hobbies?
I love to read, record music, skateboard, take walks, and bike around town.
Q: What is one thing on your Bucket List?
Definitely make it successful with music. It’s been a dream of mine since before I can remember
Q: What has been a challenge you’ve had to overcome? (Life, work, school, etc.)
Anxiety. I would have constant anxiety for most of my life and I’ve just recently coped and overcame that struggle. It was so bad I constantly felt withered and torn over nothing, it was so exhausting. It’s been something I’ve hoped wouldn’t be a part of my life forever, and I’m glad it isn’t.
Q: Who has been a hero, mentor, major influence in your life?
My friends, they have always seemed to cheer me up no matter what happened in life. They were always there when nobody else was.
Q: What has been your proudest accomplishment so far?
My first live performance. It was so fun and healing, I could instantly feel a connection between me and the crowd who came to see me pour my heart out on stage. I’m so glad that I got to do something I love in front of an audience. I think that was the happiest I ever have been in my life.
Q: What are some of your favorite Big Lake Establishments? (Restaurants, shops, businesses, etc.)
Dollar General, they’ve always put up with the foolishness me and my friends did there.
Q: What is one of your favorite things about Big Lake?
I love how it’s a community where you basically know everyone like a neighbor. It’s not easy to find places like that, even if you’ve lived there for a long amount of time.
Q: Who is someone that should be included in the Face of Big Lake? (Please share their contact info if you have it)
My friend Will from school.
