I produce, record, mix, and master music for different artists, bands, and projects.  As an artist myself, I understand how daunting the recording process can be, and how close to your heart your music is.  Whether it be a single song that needs direction, an EP that needs to showcase your talents, or a full length album that needs to capture your sound and vision, I specialize in bringing your concepts and ideas to life, and adapting my musical and technological skills and resources to take you from a rough idea to a finished product.  I work with a vast network of support to include musicians, vocalists, photographers, art and graphic designers, CD manufacturers, and more.  If you are interested in getting your project off the ground, contact me and let's set up a time to discuss your ideas.  Below are some of the artists I've worked with; further references and examples of my work available upon request.

I started writing songs at age 13, and to date have over 250 songs in my collection (as well as over 600 iPhone voice memos of good starts).  I've released five records as Derik Nelson / Derik Nelson Band, and am currently in the studio recording my next project, a winter concept album.  The winter record, which will be released November 2011, features nine original songs and a couple of covers, all which employ seasonal imagery and winter themes.  

I have written and arranged songs for other artists, as well as for professionals in the industry for a variety of assignments.  While my specialty is emotionally driven melodic pop music with strong hooks and relatable concepts, I can write in any style, from any perspective, about any subject.  If you have a song that needs finishing, a finished song that needs critiquing, or a good idea for a song that needs a foundation to build upon, I am a willing and able collaborator as well as a work-for-hire writer.  Contact me and we'll get started.

My true love is for the spotlight.  I've been performing since I was 7, and will always have a passion for being on stage.  Whether you have a wedding to plan that needs custom music and unique arrangements, a party that needs a killer band, or a headlining act for a large-scale concert, I will provide the ultimate solution.  With an extensive network of musicians, a flexible and adaptable set of skills, top-of-the-line audio equipment, and leadership, drive, and responsibility, I guarantee to make music the least of your worries at your next event.  Contact me and let's get that company benefit thing you still haven't booked taken care of right now.

Below is a selection of artists I've worked with for various projects.  You can hear samples of the work I've done in the music player.  NOTE: The tracks were uploaded as high bitrate files, and may not play properly for all visitors.

• Produced, recorded, mixed, and mastered her 6-song EP
• Wrote her upbeat crowd-pleaser, "How Does It Feel"
• Produced, recorded, mixed, and mastered her new single, "The City" available here

Currently touring with Maroon 5, Rozzi is an extremely talented singer, songwriter, and performer.  Her resume is extensive... Just out of high school, she was already selling out clubs and opening for acts like the Steve Miller Band, Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, and Earth, Wind & Fire.  Rozzi was a stand-out in USC's prestigious Popular Music program, and toured last year internationally as a lead singer for Sergio Mendes.  It is an honor and an absolute privilege to work with such a dedicated and humble musician and friend. www.rozzicrane.com

•  Produced, co-wrote, arranged, recorded, mixed, and mastered her full-length 11 track LP, "More Like Me"
• YouTube collaboration video, "Fix You" by Coldplay

Besides being my wonderful sister, Riana is a multi-talented person with more strengths, skills, and assets than is humanly fair.  Her album was my first opportunity to produce and record for an artist other than myself.  I was living in LA and she was living in Seattle at the time of production, and she trusted me enough as her producer to record and arrange the music for all of the songs without her being there.  In fact, she didn't get to hear any of the music until all of the backing tracks were done and it was time to record her vocals.  Because of the freedom I had in such a leadership role, I challenged myself to go outside my comfort zone with this project, most significantly by exploring the writing and arranging possibilities for a string section (as heard on "Trying" and "Lost At Sea").  I wrote a couple songs specifically with her in mind as the artist ("Stop The Car" and "My Steps") as well as co-wrote a few of the other songs.  Her performance on the reprise of the jazz standard "Skylark" still gives me chills.  I love you, Riana!

• Produced, recorded, and engineered his feature on Derik Nelson Band's hit track "Next To Me"

I got the opportunity to work with Roy in San Francisco during the making of our band's album, "NORTH."  Brian "Theory" Hargrove, our keyboard player (and Roy's brother), was touring with Roy's group the RH Factor at the time, and managed to help us organize a recording session with Roy after one of the shows.  Roy is one of the most impressive performers and incredible musicians I've ever had the honor of recording with, and I'm still a little starstruck that he's playing on my song.  Not only is he a Grammy-winning legend in the jazz community, but he is massively respected among the pop music circles for his work with John Mayer, D'Angelo, and Erykah Badu.  Read more about Roy's accomplished career here.

• Produced, recorded, mixed, and mastered her self-titled 6-song EP

Christine is such a positive and spirited person, which makes the process of creation an easy one.  A lot of laughter and a lot of love went into this record (as it should) and her performances reflect the drive and honesty she maintains through everything she does in her life.  This project was a unique challenge simply because of how seamlessly Christine weaves in and out of genres and styles, all while keeping the purity and clarity of her vision and voice.  Her album is available to listen to and download here.

•  Produced, recorded, mixed, mastered her EP
• Co-wrote and performed all instruments on "Tell Me Why"

Raquel's record is a beautifully smooth mix of jazz, funk, R&B, and soul.  She has an incredible voice, which really sparkles on my favorite track "Midnight Whispers" and the co-write we did together, "Tell Me Why."  She is a hustler and a go-getter, and won't quit until the job is done right.  She's already getting radio airplay across the country... I can't wait to see what happens next in her career!

• Filmed, produced, recorded, mixed, edited video collaboration for YouTube

My friend Jayme and I got together to record a cover of Taylor Swift's "Back To December" for our YouTube fans.