“Underdog” opens in a charming foot-stomping rhythm with the scent of countryside road, grass, dirt, and a swing from side to side filling up your mind’s eyes. Derek Lee Goodreid evokes a hearty on-the-road aesthetic—a bit of carefree and stubborn but every word counts. With heartfelt lyricism drenched in grits and wits and a sharp edge like the bleak wind occasionally brushing against your cheek, there’s a hint of punk spirit in the song intertwined with the twangy solo that recalls the warmth of blues, country, roots and rock.

“Underdog” is story-soaked and road-worn. You can hear the stories behind the biting lyrics, though they are not spoken. The concentration of life results in wisdom, and Goodreid is here to share with you. “Underdog” is not really about the story, but an attitude to face life and its hardship. Worn, but undefeated. Fall hard, but always find the way up. “It’s not the size of the dog in the fight, it’s the size of the fight in the dog”—the opening line of the lyrics is spot-on. Goodreid’s voice in full of soul. He sings about perseverance and hard-earned rewards and encourages listeners to rise above their own personal struggles and keep a head on.

In a brilliant and keen backdrop, “Underdog” draws you in with its rich and vibrant colors. Life is bittersweet. Every taste that worth lingering upon inevitable would bear a bitter undertone, but that’s what makes it brilliant. “Underdog” is like a really good whiskey that has a vast volume. It’s complex and layered. It has stories underneath the obvious. It compresses the worst and the marvelous, where you can sit and savor its every taste that linger.

To Goodreid, “Underdog” is a celebration. To others, it’s an anthem that inspires change. Read our interview with Goodreid and learn more about “Underdog.”

Punk Head: I love how rich "Underdog" is and how it speaks about hope and resilience. Tell me more about it. Is there a real-life event that inspired the song?

Derek Lee Goodreid: Unfortunately, there are several traumatic and painful experiences that have happened in my life especially in my childhood and teen years that have left both physical and mental scars. Some of them are a challenge to talk about to this day. I don’t really want to go into specific details as the lyrics are a good idea of some of the pain I have been through. Fortunately I have had some great professional help in working through them and dealing with them in a healthy way. “Underdog” is a celebration of coming through the other side of it and finding that I am stronger and more capable than I thought possible and that I am worthy of good things in my life in spite of how I have been treated in the past.

PH: What do you like the best about this track?

Goodreid: The best thing about this track is the collaboration. Brandon’s banjo gave it a beautiful, bouncy feel to it that complemented Stephen’s upright bass playing. It also includes an amazing guitar solo from my friend, mentor and guitar teacher Adrian Whyte.

PH: Are there any specific musical or lyrical influences that played a role in the creation of this single?

Goodreid: Adrian is one of my biggest influences when it comes to music and is usually the first person I show a new song to. His enthusiasm really pushes me to write better songs. Another influence was Hank Williams, his songs and songwriting really capture my imagination and it’s no wonder he is such a huge influence on other artists that I follow including Johnny Cash. There is something primal when he sings songs of loneliness and isolation that calls to my spirit.

PH: Was there a pivotal moment in your life when you decided to follow your path as a musician?

Goodreid: I started getting into music when I was around sixteen writing raps like my favourite groups Wu Tang Clan and A Tribe Called Quest. Then it evolved into hardcore punk and then eventually into what I do today which doesn’t make much sense but here we are.

PH: What is your creative vision as an artist?

Goodreid: To keep writing new songs and have fun. If it inspires someone then that’s great too. I have started working with an upright bass player and we have formed a duo called Rattlin’ Bones and am enjoying jamming and collaborating and writing new material. My vision would be to collaborate more with other musicians and perform live more in the new year.