Derek Kehler grew up in a small town in southern manitoba. His father taught him how to enjoy the art of music through artists such as Kris Kristofferson, Johnny Cash, and Gordon Lightfoot. Derek did not inherit his musical talent from his father - for there is none to inherit.... but rather from his mother, who also became his teacher and critic.
At the age of 13, Derek began to form his own taste in music. He turned to bands such as The Smashing Pumpkins, Bleach, Big Wreck, and Radiohead for inspiration. At around this time he also started to write his own music, and play with other musicians.
In 2003, after many bands, and substantially more lessons learned, Derek decided to go it alone. He knew that he had to go back and find his roots, so he started his self-titled solo folk project.
In 2005 he released his first EP titled "Kill For Fun", and then packed up and moved to Vancouver. Vancouver wasn't very welcoming at first, but after struggling for spots at open mics for almost a year, things started to fall into place. He can be found regularly doing shows all over the city, including a monthly event at Backstage Lounge that Derek co-hosts along with the talented Adrian Glynn.
Although you can see the different influences in his writing, derek has grown his own form of meloncholy music. Lyrically, He connects intuitively with his listeners, aptly expressing a range of human experience with simply poetic words. His honesty and sarcasm will leave you unsettled, and maybe even a little bit awkward.... but always wanting more.
DiggingRoots is in the following categories this year for the Aboriginal Peoples Choice Music Awards:
★ Aboriginal Entertainer of the Year ★ Aboriginal Songwriter of the Year ★ Best Album Cover Design ★ Best Folk/Acoustic CD ★ Best Pop CD ★ Best Producer/Engineer ★ Single of the Year
WHO CAN VOTE? ► Aboriginal & Non-Aboriginal people can vote in the APCMAs. This is an online GLOBAL internet event.
Register & Vote ► www.aboriginalpeopleschoice.com
Till the next post cheers & love - ciao, ciao! The Diggers! www.diggingrootsmusic.com
We're now accepting submissions for our next mixtapes, please submit your info at www.coast2coastsubmissions.com for your chance to get a spot on the next mixtape!
Hi derek, thanks for being a new friend. I appreciate the support. Love your music especially "Heaven Above", you have a great sound. Take a listen to my music and let me know what you think. Stay in touch and have a happy week. Danielle
Wow, I'm the last one who let a comment and I saw it's been a long time since you were here... Hope it's because you're doing some new beautiful songs ;) Take care of you and see you soon Derek!!!
Hi Derek! Thanks for the add. Great gig at the Backstage Lounge. Thanks again for having us part of the songcircle. Just wanted to say I love your songwriting! Peace
Montreal is effectively a very beautiful town, I want now to see it with more sun and green ;) Here everything is great, I'm doing some new photos, the weather is awesome, almost like we already are in April!!! Happy Valentine's day by the way man ;) C u soon and take care of you!
Hey hello Derek!!! I'm back from your country, it was so great even if it was soooo cold LOL!!! Hope you're good buddy and I wish you a very GREAT new year!!! See you, Nicolas ;)
Of course I like the new song, it's too bad we can't read lyrics... But anyway I like this new song's style!!! For me life is not too bad, and by the way I forgot to say you that we'll be close for Christmas, I'll be in Montreal :D See you soon dude, LOVE&TRUTH, Nicolas
Online Now!
