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BASIC INFO

NAME

Derek James

GENRE

Country

LOCATION

San Luis Obispo, CA

CONTACT

derek@derekjmusic.com

(209) 324-5433

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COMMON BOOKINGS

Bars, Breweries, Wineries

SOUNDS LIKE 

Kenny Chesney, Jake Owen

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PRESS

AWARDS

"By combining engaging storytelling techniques typical of tradition country music with the tranquil, easygoing sounds of the ocean shore, Derek James delivers an undeniably infectious score that plays well anywhere."

-SLO LIFE MAGAZINE

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2020 New Times Music Awards

FINALIST

COUNTRY GENRE

"Derek's infusion of beach and coastal inspiration with country music has branded him within the San Luis Obispo community."

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-MUSTANG NEWS

2018 Nash Next Competition

LOCAL WINNER

KAT COUNTRY 103

MUSIC

Odd Man OutDerek James
00:00 / 03:52
Anchor-Down TownDerek James
00:00 / 02:24
How It SoundsDerek James
00:00 / 03:14

VIDEO

BIO

Derek James was born and raised in Modesto California. An agricultural town in California's central valley, the valley lifestyle taught Derek the values of grit and hard work. After moving to San Luis Obispo to attend college at Cal Poly, Derek developed a passion for songwriting and performing.

During his college years is sunny San Luis Obispo, Derek took a liking to the coastal lifestyle that the central coast offered. His country roots from the valley paired with this laid back beachy charm created the idea for a new kind of country music - coastal country. Coastal country combines traditional country storytelling and instrumentation with a fresh, west coast flair.

Acts like the Beach Boys and Eagles impacted Derek greatly as a kid. His love of harmonies and complex vocal arrangements have made their way into his music. On the country side of things, artist such as Kenny Chesney and Jake Owen inspire Derek.

Today, Derek continues to gig all over the state of California and put out original music that he writes, produces, and releases himself. 

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