About Me
Grrr, I hate these things. I made someone else wax idiotic about me:Derek Downham is a multi-instrumentalist from Toronto. He is an accomplished drummer/producer/guitarist/pianist and possesses an inspired voice with both power and dexterity.For several years, Derek fronted the Kensigton Market based group GRINDIG. With them, he earned nationwide critical success, plus Much Music and radio airplay from their self titled debut, GRINDIG (Shoreline/EMI). In 2002, they were voted "Best Independant Band In Canada" by Canadian Music Week.Derek has sat in with many of Canada's finest bands and artists, such as Trophy, The Beautiful Unknown, Andy Kim, By Divine Right, The Hugh Dillon Redemption Choir, Hayden Neale (Jacksoul), Jeff Healey, Serena Ryder, Kim Stockwood (Shaye), Jully Black, Remote Wonder, Tomi Swick, Graph Nobel, Jeen O'Brien, Amy Millan (Stars), Ron Sexsmith, Esthero, Kurt Swinghammer, Justin Rutledge, David Celia, Blair Packham, Arlene Bishop, Sebastian Grainger (Death From Above 1979), Ivana Santilli, Matthew Barber, Emm Gryner, Revival Dear, Scott Anderson (Finger 11), Damhnait Doyle, Lukas, Stratochief, Holy F*ck w/Beans, The New Kings, Micheal O'Grady, Andy Stochansky, Danny Michel and many more. He's shared stages with The Tragically Hip, The Tea Party, Sarah Harmer, Bill Medley (Righteous Bros), The Four Tops, The Stills, The Weakerthans, Paul Revere and The Raiders, The Sadies, Matthew Good, Sloan, Roger Hodgson (of Supertramp), Big Sugar, Andrew Bird, The Trews and Billy Talent just to name a few (!).With every show, Derek gives his entire heart and soul. You can tell from the lake of sweat underneath him after each performance. Derek jumps at the opportunity to play live, and performed over 300 shows last year alone!The enormous, inspired passion within his own music - and his ability to make others sound pristine - is a gift that very few possess. Diversity personified. Once you experience him live, you will understand."Timeless pop" - Exclaim"Unforgettable" - Chart ALSO (me again), I host The Kingsway Acoustic jam.Open Stage at THE OLD SOD in Etobicoke EVERY MONDAY, The Junction jam in The Junction EVERY TUESDAY @ AXIS, and The Best Songwriters Night In Toronto. Message me for more info...
