About Derek:
Well, to begin with, my full name is Derek Andrew Cecil Leisegang. I was born in the beautiful city of Cape Town, South Africa on the 26th September 1985.
I grew up in Cape Town, and stayed there until I had finished University in 2007.
I have a huge number of interests and passions, including Surfing, Soccer, Engineering, Reading, Hiking, Movies...etc etc. The list is endless, which makes me ever so thankful that I like music so much, otherwise I would be very undecided as to what to do with myself:)
I am currently living in Camden, London, having moved here in April 2008. London is where I have decided to base myself for the next few years. There is an awesome energy about the place. Music and creativity flourish in this town, and its very infectious and exactly what I need :)
Well, here goes...Hey there, name's Derek, and I hail from a place called Cape Town, South Africa. Well, to explain how I ended up a musician, as long as I can remember I have had a real need to express myself creatively in some way or another. Prior to music, I relied on things such as poetry and writing to fulfill this need, but as great as these were, they were just not enough...But then, about 6 years ago, I picked up a guitar..
A couple friends and i had decided to start a Band! Without any real musical experience, we took to the idea wholeheartedly and went for music lessons...
These lessons were exactly what I needed, they guided me from the point of not being able to play anything, to being able to play that first song. After this I was hooked and
playing guitar become my new favorite hobby. While, at first, I did really enjoy playing music from the greats; more and more, I was taking an interest in composition.
One day, while at my local music club (the barleycorn), I decided to sign up for a set. This meant I had to sit down and complete some songs. By the time the gig came, I had about 10 songs ready! That first gig at the Barleycorn was great, and started me on my musical journey. I stayed in Cape Town for the next couple of years while I finished university, playing many gigs at various venues around Cape Town.
As soon as University was done with, I started to make plans to move over to London. On April 8 2008, I touched town at Heathrow airport to begin the English part of my journey! I am living in the awesome area of Camden now, and am playing as often as I can at small venues all over this energetic, and amazing city.
I really hope you enjoy the music on this page. Please tell your friends, family and distant relatives; as this is really how these kind of things spread, by word of mouth. Also, remember that this kind of music is always best in an intimate live venue, so come and join me at a gig or two, and I would love to meet you..:)
Best wishes, and thanks for visiting my humble little page.........Derek
No worries mate, i was more than happy to lend you my guitar!!! i was glad you liked it, what guitar do you play? Yeah im studying guitar making, its so amazing to learn about it. We will definately have to meet up and have a jam mate :)
Hey dude How r u? hope u had a goodnite wen i saw u :) Im not booking any shows before christmas, but we should play together in the new year :) Love the song 'once upon a lonely street' its awsome
Dude! Absolutely love your songs. I think I've listened to Leaving about 8 times today. Awesome. Let's meet up sometime soon for a chat. Peas Soho Steve
Thanx for the add, Mate. You are right to work with teh acousticky stuff you are doing now. It is pretty awesome. Cool lyrics, and great guitarwork. Looking forward to hearing more of your stuff in teh years to come.
About Derek:
Well, to begin with, my full name is Derek Andrew Cecil Leisegang. I was born in the beautiful city of Cape Town, South Africa on the 26th September 1985.
I grew up in Cape Town, and stayed there until I had finished University in 2007.
I have a huge number of interests and passions, including Surfing, Soccer, Engineering, Reading, Hiking, Movies...etc etc. The list is endless, which makes me ever so thankful that I like music so much, otherwise I would be very undecided as to what to do with myself:)
I am currently living in Camden, London, having moved here in April 2008. London is where I have decided to base myself for the next few years. There is an awesome energy about the place. Music and creativity flourish in this town, and its very infectious and exactly what I need :)
