At-a-Glance | |
Hometown | San Diego, CA |
Genres | Singer/Songwriter, Rock |
Band Members | Derren Raser (Solo) | When playing with full band, members vary. |
Upcoming Shows |
One-Sheet | |
# Years Experience Performing Live: | 9 |
# Live Perfomances Past Six-months: | 15 |
Market Draw: | Home Market: 51-75; San Diego: 76-100; Los Angeles: 31-50; Orange County: 0-30; St. Louis: 0-30; Kansas City: 51-75; Nashville: 0-30; Portland: 0-30; Seattle: 0-30; Denver: 0-30; New York: 0-30; Chicago: 31-50; Indianapolis: 0-30; San Francisco: 0-30; Santa Cruz: 0-30; Santa Barbara: 0-30; Lawrence: 0-30; Oklahoma City: 31-50 |
Venue History: | Hotel Cafe - Los Angeles, CA; The Pageant - St. Louis, MO; THE VIPER ROOM - Los Angeles, CA; Record Bar - Kansas City, MO; The Living Room - New York, NY; ROCKWOOD MUSIC HALL - New York, NY; The Bitter End - New York, NY; The Cutting Room - New York, NY; The Soiled Dove Underground - Denver, CO; Belly Up Tavern - Solana Beach, CA; House Of Blues - San Diego, CA; Czar Bar - Kansas City, MO; The Basement - Nashville, TN; bluebird cafe - Nashville, TN; 12th & Porter - Nashville, TN; Casbah - San Diego, CA; Room5 - Los Angeles, CA; Blossom Music Center - Coyhoga Falls, OH; Schubas - Chicago, IL; Uncommon Ground - Chicago, IL; George R. Brown Convention Center - Houston, TX; Cousin Andy's Coffee House - Carbondale, IL; UC DAVIS - Davis, CA; Porter's Pub - La Jolla, CA |
Opener Experience: | John Mayer; Hanson; Greg Laswell; Ben Taylor; Tyrone Wells; Garrison Star; Erin McCarley; Jay Nash; Sonya Kitchell; Gregory Page; White Buffalo; Tom Fruend; Arnold McCuller; Elizabeth & The Catapult |
Similar Artists: | John Mayer, Paul Simon, James Taylor, Joshua Radin, Elliott Smith, Civil Wars, Jason Mraz, Indigo Girls |
Performing Rights Society: | ASCAP |
Discography: | The Retelling EP—2012; Home In This Direction LP—2010; Derren Raser - Live In Solana Beach EP—2009; King Of I'll Tell You Next Week LP—2005; LIVE EP—2002 |
Reviews of Derren’s new album “Home In This Direction,” and full-bio appear below:
“Raser transcends labels, fuses different genres and influences, and creates [his] own musical niche.” “Smart and poetic lyrics, gentle melodies and hints of The Beatles. . . His vocal tenderness will move you to tears.” Janet Goodman – Music News Nashville
“Nearly every song on the richly composed ‘Home In This Direction’ attests: Raser is ready” Jason Harper — KC Pitch Weekly
“‘Home In This Direction’ is a magnificent album, man. You done good. In fact, you done great.” Frank Gultch Jr. — Rock & Reprise
“‘Home In This Direction’ is a delight!” Frank Kocher — San Diego Troubadour
**WINNER of 2009 Hollywood Music Award — Best Male Vocal
**NOMINATED for 2009 Hollywood Music In Media Award — Best Folk
**One of Music Connection Magazine’s “Hottest Indie Artists of the Year”
**Honorable Mention at the John Lennon Songwriting Contest.
**FINALIST — 2009 Unisong International Songwriting Competition.
**Recently Featured on TLC’s new show “Must Love Kids,” and on the new compilation “Chillout West Cost.”
**NEW Album “Home In This Direction,” now available!
An old soul in a new age, Derren Raser stands out from the monotonous fray of popular music. Witty, well-spoken and wise beyond his 20-something years, singer-songwriter Raser will move you with his thoughtful lyrics and haunting melodies. His ballads are old-fashioned folk stories and beautiful tributes to love lost and found.
Combining lively folk-rock and classic singer-songwriter traditions with the hard edge of contemporary pop and rock influences, he has honed a cutting edge sound that is immediately both fresh and familiar. His music has been described as "Simon and Garfunkel meets the Shins.” It is music that sounds equally at home on an old dusty hi-fi or in a sleek new iPod.
Born and raised in suburban Kansas, Derren has undertaken the Southern California music scene and emerged with his wholesome Midwestern sensibilities intact. He employs a thoughtful, sincere approach to songwriting and performing – his dynamic live performances have been described as “emotive expression that is nearly flawless in its purity" (Jake Sibley—944 Magazine). His guitar work is centered on pristine and intelligent arrangements, each note placed to complement the stark clarity of his unmistakable voice. This combination of intention and talent is rarely achieved and is not easily forgotten.
A versatile performer, Derren is at home playing intimate dives and big name venues alike. Recently relocated to the Midwest, in addition to being a regular on both the San Diego and Los Angeles music scenes, he is also performing regularly across the Midwest and is constantly working to bring his unique music to new audiences. People nationwide are taking notice. Recent winner of the Hollywood Music Award for Best Male Vocals, Derren and his music have recently been featured on TLC’s new show “Must Love Kids,” NPR’s “All Songs Considered,” and have appeared in Music New Nashville, 944 Magazine, Rock & Reprise, Union Tribune, the Troubadour, Pitch Weekly, and numerous online publications. Derren is currently promoting his self-released album, Home In This Direction, which has been hailed as “Magnificient" (Frank Gultch Jr.—Rock & Reprise) and “a Delight!" (Frank Kocher—the S.D. Troubadour).
A unique and abundant talent, Derren will continue to share the stage with well-known musicians like Hanson, John Mayer, Tryone Wells, Ben Taylor, Sonya Kitchell, Sean & Sarah Watkins, Garrison Starr, Greg Laswell, Elizabeth & The Catapult, Arnold McCuller, Richie Cannata and more. Derren Raser is gaining momentum, and you won’t want to miss his rise!
Solo -
Full Band -
If part of a regular tour stop amps and drums will be provided by players. If a fly-out show, backline will be required.