"I've found I feel most like myself when I'm at the piano or with a guitar in my lap, singing about how I feel to people who feel the same way. Music is one of the deepest expressions of emotion, and writing and performing original music is as personal and naked as you can get.  It makes it that much more meaningful, and to have people appreciate and relate to the feelings I'm putting out there makes me feel truly privileged to be a songwriter."

DERIK'S START...
Derik first began performing at age 7 when he sang "Where Is Love?" from the musical OLIVER! for an audience of 500. Derik continued his theatrical interests and by the age of 18, performed in over 60 productions. He stepped into theatrical lead roles including Captain VonTrapp in THE SOUND OF MUSIC, Bottom in A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM, and the Artful Dodger in OLIVER!. His performance as Joe Hapgood in HAPGOOD earned him a place in the Lincoln Center Archives in New York City. His roll as Danny Zuko in GREASE earned him a nomination for Best Actor in Washington State by The 5th Avenue Theatre in Seattle, WA. In addition to acting and vocals, Derik began playing saxophone at age 10, guitar at age 12, and piano at 14. Writing and composing music became a passion at an early age. He engineered and produced his first and second full length original albums in high school, several more in college, and is releasing his sixth full length album in November 2011.

Derik spent his first year of college studying Performing Arts Technology at The University of Michigan, but discovered that his dreams and goals as a pop singer/songwriter exceeded what Ann Arbor, Michigan had to offer.  He made the difficult decision to transfer, and made a fresh start in Los Angeles, where he graduated in December 2010 from the University of Southern California with a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Industry, and was named the honorary Graduate of the Year in the USC Popular Music degree program.

IN LOS ANGELES...
Derik formed Derik Nelson Band while at USC, and simultaneously continued pursuing his solo career, working with writer/musician/producer Tim Kobza as a producer and recording engineer. Derik has performed at venues across LA, most notably The Troubadour, Key Club, Room 5, and the Huntington Beach Jazz Festival. He has shared the stage with Rozzi Crane, Courtney Fortune, Pinot, Riana Nelson, Ernie Halter, Kina Grannis, Jayme Dee, Marcy Playground, Tommy King, Kenton Chen, and more. He has received recognition from such audience members as Steven Sample (USC President), Lamont Dozier, Brian Wilson, and Patrice Rushen.

In the spring of 2011, Derik received national attention in articles in The Washington Post and the Salt Lake Tribune for his song "Take Chances," which he was asked by USC to compose as the Commencement anthem for the Class of 2011. "Better Days," an original song written by Derik, was selected as a finalist in a songwriting contest for the Invisible Children Foundation. Derik seeks ways to give back to organizations he supports: he is an active supporter and sponsor for Relay For Life, and has performed at and supported Free The Slaves foundation events. Derik spends time working as the on-screen guitarist/band member for FOX's hit TV show, "Glee."
  
GRATITUDE
"The only thing missing from my brief life story is a BIG thank you to my family.  I feel so lucky to have them as my biggest fans... and thank you to everyone who has helped me, on stage and off. I'm honored to share my music with you. My parents are nothing but supportive and motivating, and my younger brother Dalten is a talented actor, vocalist, and video director/engineer. My sister Riana is a stunning actress, singer, performer, writer, artist, and educator in her own right.  She does all the photography for my promo material (including this website), as well as the graphic design for all of my albums. Please check her out at riananelson.com."

To contact Derik directly, please send him a message on the contact page.