Derek hails from the small Northern mining town of Flin Flon, Manitoba, where he began playing guitar and singing at an early age. In a town where the choices were either a hockey stick or a guitar, music quickly became his creative outlet.

As his family moved from town to town, they eventually settled in Medicine Hat, Alberta, where Derek’s love for country and rock music truly flourished. It was here that the sound and passion shaping his music today began to take form.

Alongside his musical journey, hockey played a significant role in Derek's life, leading to a decade-long career as a scout for the NHL's Columbus Blue Jackets and New York Rangers. However, as his musical career continued to grow, Derek made the bold decision to fully dedicate himself to his passion. With fresh, original songs in hand, he's now eager to hit the road and share his sound with audiences everywhere.