Derek Stroker : the Indie Rocker at heart

Derek Stroker is those singer that once you put them on the mic you won’t want let him stop singing. He is such a great artist and professional, it drops of any doubt you’d have about whether he had the talents or experience or the maturity to make it. He definitely is one of the best in the business right now. All he need now is the best producer to collaborate and tune up more great single for a full length album. His style is versatile, his range is wide as the ocean, his arrangement is impeccable, and that voice, can you say S.E.X.Y.?! HAHA! OMFG!

Here are our conversation from last week.

Hey there Derek, Great to see you again. How’s everything going?

Hey Jonathan, I'm doing great! Thanks so much for this opportunity man. The pleasure is all mine.

Q: So Let us start our session by telling everyone who you are and how this all started?

A: My name is Derek Stroker, a singer/songwriter born and raised in Miami, FL. I moved to Nashville about a year ago from Orlando, FL where I studied Music Production Technology. I’ve been playing, and listening music ever since I can remember. Whether it be jamming to Zeppelin or The Beatles in the car on family trips, or playing in my Middle School Jazz band. I have been fortunate enough to know that music was my calling from a very young age.

Q: How would you describe your music?

A: I try to take a Blues infused Soulful approach to Pop/Rock music. The blues elements come out more in my live performances, where there is more room for solo breaks and inventive interludes. As for my Pop sensibilities, I love trying to write either a lyrical hook or melody that will stick in the listeners’ ear long after the song is over. As for the Rock and Roll in my music, what guitar player doesn’t like turning his amp up to 11 and jamming out? Haha.

Q: Well everyone says that midnight is the best time to write a love song. You are about to release your new EP. What can your fans expect from this new album?

A: Yes, the new EP is called ‘Rise and Shine’ produced by Stephen Gause here in Nashville. Fans can expect a mix of well-crafted songs that range from a Beatles-esque ballad to an intimate uncovered acoustic number, and everything else in-between. As for any new project, I feel like my sound has matured a great deal since my last release. I came to Stephen with a request to put out a record with Timeless music and I feel that we have achieved our goal with my new EP.

Q: It’s clear that you have a band with you at the moment. Are you going on any tour? Where can any of your fans catch you?

A: I have actually been playing a lot of shows solo acoustic these days. Though I do have a few bands that I love playing with when the occasion arises. I have been playing a lot around Nashville and the surrounding areas lately (in Murfreesboro and Franklin). For a full listing of upcoming gigs you can check out my myspace page at http://www.myspace.com/derekstroker. As far as tours in the future, I do plan on touring over the SE and beyond over the next year. I am currently looking for the right booking agency.

Q: What kind of things that could be your inspiration when you are writing?

A: I am a type of person that can draw inspiration for just about anywhere. Whether it be something that is happening or has happened in my Life, a random line that comes into my head, or a melody that sticks with me throughout the day. Inspiration can hit me at anytime and when it hits, it normally hits pretty hard. When I am in the zone, I can’t really focus on much else until I get the thought out. Lately, I have been writing songs to keep myself in control. Life can be a roller coaster, sometime you have to stop and re-evaluate your situation. I feel that some people have a jaded prospective of a musician, and don’t realize how hard it actually is to wear your heart on your sleeve. Writing a song that is being published can be compared to telling the world your deepest secret. It’s not something that just anyone can do.

Q: Do you have any Idol or musical mentor?

A: Easy, Eric Clapton. There is just something about his music that touches my soul. In my eyes, Eric Clapton has shaped today’s guitar player. I still remember the first time I heard Layla, that riff is probably the reason I started playing music. Simply Amazing!

Q: Well, no wonder you music is fantastic. Learn from the best and be the best. As a singer/songwriter, what is your impression of the music industry lately? Do you think it’s harder now to navigate to success as a musician? Does a musician really have to write their own stuff in order to get their music out there?

A: This subject is very subjective. In my opinion the state of the industry is ok. A lot of people are saying that the industry is in trouble due to all the illegal downloads and whatnot. What they don’t know is that the music industry is very adaptable. No matter the problem the music industry will always have a solution. Instead of them making money off the record (how the used to recoup) they are not offering deals with a greater advance and taking more in backend from touring, merchandise, excreta. Record labels will never die. It has always been difficult for a musician to be successful. It takes years and years of dedication, devotion and persistence. As for writing your own material, there is a huge industry for songwriting. Most artists nowadays don’t write their own songs. I’m always surprised when I look at the liner notes of a CD and realized that a different person wrote almost every song on the album. On the other hand, it does give us musicians that pride themselves in writing songs an advantage to artists that don’t write their own music.

Q: Any advice for those that’s trying to make it out there?

A; Well everyone has a different Idea of making it. If playing music is your passion and you can’t see yourself being happy in any other profession, reach for the stars. The only reason I say this, is because it is so easy to get discouraged and give up. Especially in the music business where everyone is trying to do the same thing you are doing. You need to have skin as thick as a rhino and the heart of a loin. HAHA (I know that was cheesy, but true) you must have Dedication, Persistence, Networking skills, and no fear. If you do choose to pursue a career in the music industry get ready for a wild ride. Nothing is set in stone, and there are no rules, you need to try and find creative, inventive ways to reach the people that will help you get ahead in the industry.
Q: When you have the chance, who would you be most interested to be collaborating with musically?

A: I would love to collaborate with Marc Broussard, I think that he is an amazing vocalist and songwriter. I have met him and he seems to be a real down to earth type of dude, I feel like it would be a good hang and a great time.

Q: Now let us goes a bit deeper to your personal. Are you still single?

A: I am taken, This month I have been with my girlfriend Melissa for 3 years.

Q: what a pity for all the girls out there. HAHA! So, what is your deepest hope in the near 5 years?

A: In 5 years I hope to achieve greatness! Some short-term goals that I have set are to sell 500 CD’s in the next 2 years. Also to play Rock the Boat 10, there are so many wonderful artists that play this event. I think it would be a great time. Of course the obvious touring and playing for any and everyone who is willing to lend an ear.

Q: Would you like to say anything to your supporters and fans out there?

A: I LOVE YOU GUYS!! You are the reason I am where I am today, and I honestly can’t thank you guys enough. For everyone who supports me and believes in my music, I am forever grateful. You Rock!!

Thanks again Derek for the opportunity, for taking the time to talk to us. We wish you all the best man and we’ll be seeing you on the road and records rack real soon.

Signing off,
Jonathan