Combining elements of country, rock, and soul, Derek Crider has forged a sound all of his own. Hailing from the backwoods of Southern New Jersey, Derek started playing guitar and writing songs at age 13. He was influenced by everything ranging from Motown to Country. “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 50’s and 60’s. My dad was into a lot of country and rock, everything from Hank Williams Jr. to Black Sabbath.” Shortly after he started his first band with his brother and some high school buddies. They performed at local parties for friends and family. This is where Derek honed his singing and performance skills. Their first official gig was at a local V.F.W in Derek's home town of Mays Landing, New Jersey. “I fell in love with songwriting and storytelling, that’s the one thing I always reveled in when listening to Country music, not only the great musicianship but always the amazing lyrical content and the incredible way those artists told their stories.” It was at this point Derek realized his love for performing and writing his own songs.

 

After graduating high school Derek attended Rowan University in Glassboro NJ where he received his Bachelors in Communications. During this period Derek spent a lot of time writing songs and playing locally in popular bars around campus. “I would play a gig, be out till 4am in the morning and then I would have to go to class at 8am, I almost flunked out of college.” After graduating, Derek pursued his love for playing and songwriting. He released his debut album “Lost & Found” in March 2015.

 

The album spawned three singles and videos, which were received extremely well by fans and critics alike. Supporting the record on the road saw Derek opening for some of Country's top act's including Tracey Lawrence, Lee Greenwood, Phil Vassar, and even a stint with Bret Michaels. Winning over fans from town to town with his onstage banter and the ability to engage with the crowd, gained Derek a very reputable following. 

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His second album "Burning Down The Night" was released in 2017 and saw well over 50,000 downloads and streams within the first month. The first single "Still Remember Those Times" debuted in spring of that year and quickly became a fan favorite. 

"It's great being out on the road and meeting all these amazing people. I can't thank the fans enough for there constant support and loyalty. Without them there would be no reason to be doing this, the energy they bring out to the gigs is incredible"  

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 2017 through 2019 saw Derek share the stage with a slew of 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. Derek also played festivals featuring Blake Shelton, Rascal Flatts, Sam Hunt, and Zac Brown. In 2018 & 2019 Derek was voted to perform at the Citadel Country Spirit USA festival in Chester County PA, with headliners Toby Keith and Billy Currington. 

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Derek's new single "Ghost Town' will be released on June 22nd and a new album of material is slated for the fall of 2020

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“I’m looking forward to getting back out there and playing for all the folks who just want to get out and have a good time.”