One of Colorado’s most innovative and popular artists will soon be releasing his latest work, but you can get a sneak peak now.

On July 2nd, Pretty Lights, AKA Derek Vincent Smith, will drop A Color Map of the Sun, the Fort Collins-born DJ’s collection of new-school tracks with an old-school twist. (Another new-school aspect is how to buy it: As always, Pretty Lights will offer free downloads of the album beginning on its release date, and you can also purchase limited-edition CD and vinyl versions—along with PL-branded t-shirts, zip drives, stickers, and other accessories—from his website.)

While Pretty Lights always churns out danceable, electronic grooves, for ACMOTS he’s employed a host of veteran R&B, rock, blues, and classical musicians to craft 21st century sounds that have a distinctly veteran vibe. (Think Moby’s Play, only funkier.)

The DJ will be touring the United States and Canada this summer, including a two-night gig at Red Rocks in mid-August that’s nearly sold out. The tip here is to do whatever you can to catch one of our state’s most unique and innovative musical talents.

—Image courtesy of Shutterstock.

Follow 5280 articles editor Luc Hatlestad on Twitter at @LucHatlestad.