Image Credit: Jack Lue
Today we’d like to introduce you to Derek Day.
Hi Derek, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I dabbled on the guitar somewhere between the age of five and nine but decided to play on the streets of Santa Monica at age 13. I was the only one performing tunes like Deep Purple and Led Zeppelin. I sort of got my chops there and learned how to make a dime with doing what I love. I then started multiple, stylistically different bands throughout high school, releasing a few recordings and playing the slums of LA. Later, hitting the LA scene hard in my early 20s, I gained enough recognition to open for Steve Vai during the 25th anniversary of his Passion and Warfare tour, followed by a run with Ted Nugent and later Living Colour all throughout the States. Amidst all this, I’ve done one-off support for Steel Panther, Lynch Mob and even got to be on stage with Vai and Moby. Vernon Reid invited me over to Staten Island to write a bunch of tunes and we ended up writing CLICK ON ME. He produced it here in LA and stays a mentor to this day. I was also fortunate enough to play outside the USA; places like Mexico, Kenya, Sweden, Ireland, Poland and England ~ so really, every day is an adventurous, musical wonder.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There have certainly been many struggles. I am always extremely grateful for my health and all oh which my family has done for me, but truthfully, we never had financial stability. Four brothers, one room, always. But that’s quite amazing for immigrant parents living in Los Angeles. And in this line of business, you don’t make much money, just a lot of “scumbag” connections. Playing on the streets, I’ve dealt with multiple thieves, sound police and tough competition. Most of my life, and to this day, I live in Cypress Park, which can get dangerous if you’re not keeping a steady lookout. I’ve signed two bogus contracts, gave a lot of time away to the wrong people and had to start over repeatedly. But things are looking up.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am mainly a Songwriter/Performer. I specialize in Lead Contralto Vocals and Lead electric guitar. I am most proud of my lust for Honesty and Improvement. I suppose what sets me apart from others is my energy and vision. The two infused creates an eclectic demonstration of present being. All for Art’s Sake
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Success is your deepest desire succinctly set in place. My deepest desire: to artistically create/perform in the form of music (mainly) in which it pays all my bills, keeps my personal/business relationships positive, and my heart true to itself. I’d say I am two thirds the way there (bills).
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.derekdaymusic.com
- Instagram: @derekdaymusic
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/derekdaymusic
- Twitter: @derekdaymusic
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCy1XSf7HSaF-8q-YGQACAoA?view_as=subscriber
- Other: https://derekday.bandcamp.com
Image Credits
Michael Eivaz Hannah Mayorga JPMPhotography Andi Lipo Debra L Rothenberg Sheri Hastings Mica Schettini
