Derek Raven Songs
....Singer and songwriter Derek Raven never planned to play an instrument. Derek’s musical theatre resume includes productions of “A Chorus Line†and “Hairâ€; he is a self-taught musician on both the guitar and his favorite instrument, the piano. The musician, actor and Texas native moved to Los Angeles to pursue his music and acting endeavors, eventually landing a Co-Starring role on the internationally syndicated television series "High Tide". Inspired by the finger picking guitar work of Merle Travis and Chet Atkins and the harmony singing The Bee Gees, Derek set out to hone his songwriting and producing skills. Derek’s compositions draw on many styles of music †from Rock, Pop, Disco and Rumba Catalana, a pop-oriented version of traditional flamenco music popularized by the Gipsy Kings. Producing demos of over 50 original works, Derek is currently self-producing 12 songs from his catalog for his debut album.
Have you performed live in front of an audience? Any special memories?
Yes. Kids are so much fun in the audience, so carefree. Once I walked off stage and this little boy screamed, "that was great!" Priceless.
Your musical influences
the natural world, trees, words, the color blue, mustangs, tigers, ravens, dolphins, the word "amazing", sunlight streaming through branches, my doggie, Jesus, President Ronald Reagan, thunderstorms, blue roses, laughing and Darth Vader Kate Bush, Burt Bacharach, Elvis Presley, Timothy B. Schmit, The Eagles, Barry White, Al Greene, The Bee Gees, Andy Gibb, Hall & Oates, America, Lennon/McCartney, Christine McVie, Stevie Nicks, Fleetwood Mac, Little Big Town, Duran Duran
What equipment do you use?
Ibanez Koa bodied nylon stringed, Acoustic Jumbo bodied Ibanez (I call her Vesper), Electric Samick Greg Bennett Interceptor, Studio Project C1 mic, Pro Tools, Reason, Sampletank, Amplitube
