Derek James

There are few places New York City based singer/songwriter Derek James hasn’t been. Performing live for the very first time in Australia, James soon found himself paving his way through the streets and clubs of Southern France with an assembled band of French musicians in toe, playing these catchy original compositions that were constantly bouncing around in his head.
His music encompasses his experiences, and his experiences have been anything but ordinary. Stray, James’ debut album, was written in the basement of a family’s home in the suburbs of New York, where he worked as a live-in nanny after returning from Europe. Unusual job yes, but you name it and he’s probably done it – bar mitzvah and wedding video’s editor, spa package salesmen, and once even passed out bottled water at malls to name a few.
Unwavering persistence, and focus, in his pursuit to create the best music possible combined with a genuine sheer love to perform and have fun while doing it, was the bases for recognition in 2005 when James was a finalist in the Williamsburg Singer/Songwriter Competition. The talents of Godfrey Diamond (Aerosmith, Lou Reed) and drummer Nir Z (John Mayer, Genesis) also saw this ability and passion exuding from James and lent their skills on Stray.
James has been called, “a bluesy, ballsy Buddy Holly for the iPod generation” with a “sultry voice is enough to make anyone’s mama blush” (SilverSpringPenguin.com). James now makes his local rounds at NYC premier venues such as Pianos, Arlene’s Grocery, and The Knitting Factory. With a consistently growing buzz and crowds growing with every show, he’s now able to prosper from his first love: music.
"...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." -- YouAintNoPicasso.com
"FREE LOVE"
"Smoky Light"