Derek James wears a fedora. A Frank Sinatra, Buddy Holly, Johnny Cash sing-a-long, his boots can be heard stomping to his old-time rhythms. Having worked with producers Roger Greenawalt (Crosby/Nash, Rufus Wainwright) and Godfrey Diamond (Frank Sinatra, Kool and the Gang), Derek's retro pop sound, hummable melodies and jug-band spirit will have you swinging in your skivvies.
His song "Smoky Light," an upbeat ragtime toe-tapper, was recently featured on the Travel Channel. Derek's songs have also been featured on MTV, Lifetime, A&E, and the upcoming "Nude America the Movie." He has performed with Blues Traveler, Eric Hutchinson, Ben Kweller, Sugar Ray, OK Go, Gin Blossoms and many more. Touring both as a solo troubadour with his guitar, kazoo and ukulele in tow, as well as with his band the Lovely Fools, Derek James spends a good portion of his life rolling over gravel.
"...there we were at the Knitting Factory, watching this quite enigmatic performer on stage. His songs side with more rock tendencies than pop, but with extremely catchy hooks that had the crowd dancing through the entire set..."
-- Underrated Magazine
"And me, being a bit older than the audience, and a bit more jaded-- and having already played years of music, dealt with thousands of bands, booked a million forgettable shows-- I have to say that Derek still made a heck of an impression on me. He seems to be one of those rare talents who intuitively understands the need for simple chord loops and old-time, foot-stomping rhythms. Those are the songs that readily connect with people, and that leave a lasting impression."
-- Steven Capozzola, Revolution Records
"Move over, Mraz. Take a seat, Mr. Mayer. There's a new kid in town and he's poised to take over the pop-rock, singer-songwriter throne. And he's no Jason or John or even Dave. Derek James is his name, and his debut disc, Stray, is full of eleven perfectly poppy songs that are succinct, snappy, and damn sexy."
-- FeelingAnxious.com
"Derek's musical canvas is at once a streak of vintage icons, at other times shades of contemporary flavor, but primarily, a whole lotta fresh charisma."
-- Relevant Magazine
"The eclectic, roots-rock-flavored music of Derek James takes style notes from singer/songwriters like Jack Johnson and John Mayer, and rings of rock 'n' roll bands like Coldplay."
-- OKGScene.com
"But just when you think you've easily got him pegged as a one trick act, he goes and does a complete musical 180. I'm really impressed with the versatility shown on this album, and it's making me wonder where he'll go from here."
still smiling from your fabulous show last night. your music would make a great soundtrack for life, it makes me want to dance everywhere I go. :) hope life is spectacular for you!
ahh derek james!! you were so amazing last night ON THE BOATTT! i tried to find you at the end to tell you i loved your set, but i couldn't find you :( seriously though, you are brilliantttt <3
Hello Derek! It was absolutely wonderful playing with you last night(ish-- it's only 1:23am...) You're set was wonderful and I am uploading your CD to my iTunes now! :) (Thank you again for giving me one! :) I'll be sticking your sticker on my guitar case soon, and I'll be sure to check in with you when I come out to NY!
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