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.
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Winner of 2008 Hollywood Music Award -- Best Male Vocal Performance
One of Music Connection Magazine's "Top Unsinged Artists of the Year"
Award winner at the John Lennon Songwriting Contest
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 intelligent arrangements, carefully crafted 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. He is a regular on both the San Diego and Los Angeles music scenes, and is constantly working to bring his unique music to new audiences. People nationwide are taking notice. Derren and his music have recently been featured on NPR's "All Songs Considered," and have appeared in 944 Magazine, Northeast In-Tune Magazine, Union Tribune, the Troubadour, Olathe Daily News, and numerous online publications. Derren is currently promoting his self-released album, King of I'll Tell You Next Week, which has been hailed as "awash with talent!" (Andrew Salyer--www.upbeatmusic.com) and "wildly entertaining" (Craig Yerkes--the S.D. Troubadour).
A unique and abundant talent, Derren will continue to share the stage with greats like Nickel Creek, Hem, Ollabelle, Ben Taylor, Sonya Kitchell, Garrison Starr, Arnold McCuller, Richie Cannata and more. Derren Raser is gaining momentum, and you won't want to miss his rise!
