derrenraser.com, the site of the musician Derren Raser. San Diego based artist combines classic folk with pop style, great lyrics and memorable melodies. His music has been called "Urban-Folk" and likened to Elliot Smith, James Taylor and John Mayer.
Greg Laswell, Producer and Vanguard Recording Artist
"Derren is just an expert song writer, period. His guitar is an extension of himself and his voice is perfectly flawed and honest. The music is new and familiar all at once. His use of melody and lyrics is inspiring and it seems that every new song he shows me is better than the last"
Northeast In-Tune Magazine
"In today's music world, it's refreshing to hear an artist commit to writing good, quality songs with heart-felt lyrics and moving music." "Artists like Derren Raser should be given their due. The pop world would do very well to have him."
www.fusicmedia.com, by Steve Booth
Raser can write! "Honest Truth" is a stark Leonard Cohen-type confessional, brightened only by Raser's sweet voice, while "Tender like Arsenic' has some of Elvis Costello's sardonic humor thrown in. Raser can sing, also. On "Strongest Suit" he sounds soulful, matching up well to his band's jazzy riffs, while on "Outgrew" his voice is a perfect narrator for the wistful ode to growing up. The best song is "History" which has the melancholy lyrics and gentle atmospheres of classic Elliott Smith.
San Diego Troubadour: Album Review, by Craig Yerkes
"Wildly entertained, intrigued, and wondering which direction this young talent will decide to focus his impressive talents."
www.upbeetmusic.com review, by Andrew Salyer
"awash in talent!"
"intelligently crafted, jazz-tinged pop songs that are undoubtedly impressive when performed live. Even more satisfying is the fact that these songs seem to grow on the listener over time, a feat that most artists today simply lack the subtlety to accomplish."
Marquee Magazine: Album Review, June 2007
"This indie release is really good. . . definitely worth checking out!"
BJ Barrett/ B Sharp Showcase: Show Review
"I don't know how old Derren is, but he looks all of 19 to me, or at least he looks way too young to have such chops. There is a maturity of lyric/style/presentation/even melody that seems to surpass what one would expect of the slight and shy figure"
"Derren has written some amazing material that runs the gamut from styles like Richard Marx to Elliot Smith"
"Derren's voice is sharp and clear with his own special nuances that are reflective of a trained and experienced musician. . . if the Derren Raser band comes to your town....GO! - you will not be disappointed."
944 Magazine, by Jake Sibley, November, 2005
"honest, emotive expression that is nearly flawless in its purity."
San Diego Union Tribune, by David L. Coddon
Quoting Anya Marina, Nationally known DJ and Songwriter -- "Derren has a beautiful, clean quality to his voice."
