Today we’d like to introduce you to Derek Crider.
Derek, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I was born in Philadelphia PA and raised in the backwoods of Southern NJ. At a very earlier age, I took an interest in music. Growing up in my house, my parents listened to a very eclectic mix of music. My mom listened to a lot of Motown, and music from the ’50s and ’60s. My dad was into a lot of country and rock, everything from Hank Williams Jr. to Black Sabbath. As a kid I’d go around singing a lot of these songs, then I started to make up my own lol. I would make up my own melodies and lyrics even tho I didn’t play an instrument at that point.
I started playing guitar around 13, shortly after I started my first band with my brother and some high school buddies. We performed at local parties for friends and family. This is where I honed my singing and performance skills. Our first official gig was at a local V.F.W in my hometown of Mays Landing, New Jersey
After graduating high school I attended Rowan University in Glassboro NJ where I received my Bachelor’s in Communications. During this period I spent a lot of time writing songs and playing locally in popular bars around campus. “I would play a gig, be out till 4 am in the morning and then I would have to go to class at 8 am, I almost flunked out of college.” After graduating, I finally hunkered down and pursued my love for playing and songwriting. I released my debut album “Lost & Found” in March 2015 independently.
Between 2015-2017 I released 2 albums and several singles and had the pleasure of opening for some of the Country’s top acts’s including Tracey Lawrence, Lee Greenwood, Phil Vassar, and even a stint with Bret Michaels. I moved to Nashville in 2017 and focused heavily on writing. 2017 through 2019 I got to share the stage with a slew of great artists including Gary Allan, Joe Nichols, Tyler Farr, Michael Ray, Carly Pearce, and even a sold-out show with Brandy Clark at NYC’s Mercury Lounge. I also played festivals featuring Blake Shelton, Rascal Flatts, Sam Hunt, and Zac Brown. In 2018 & 2019 I was voted to perform at the Citadel Country Spirit USA festival in Chester County PA, with headliners Toby Keith and Billy Currington.
2020 I released my song “Ghost Town” which was highly received. It was a song about the pandemic. I continued my work in the studio working with some great Musicians here in Nashville including members of 3 Doors Down, Craig’s Morgan’s Band, and Luke Combs Band. One big highlight from this past year was playing at Country Fest with Jason Aldean in Wisconsin. I’m currently trying to put the finishing touches on a new album to be released in 2023.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Absolutely it’s been a struggle I think I’ve been turned down by every label and publishing company here in Nashville you can think of, twice lol I think my dream would be to get a publishing deal. I would love to write for other artists and there’s no better place to do it than here in Nashville.
What do you think about happiness?
I love writing a song then taking it in the studio with other musicians and watching it come to life. It’s always fun to see what shape the song takes.
Contact Info:
- Website: derekcrider.com
- Instagram: @derekcrider
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/derekcridermusic?ref=hl
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGTCXQlAzjassPc3bkE-ZJw
