epiTUNES: What’s the most embarrassing thing that’s ever happened to you on stage?
Derek: I was singing at Schuss Mountain resort near Traverse City Michigan. I chipped my front tooth off on the microphone and shocked, I spit the piece into my hand mid-phrase. I finished the song, and the set.
e: If you’re life was a song, what song would it be?
Derek: "Bigger Than My Body" by John Mayer. I can't say that it's my favorite song, but it sums me up musically and lyrically. It has the right amount of funkiness, pop, drum/bass relationship. Lyrically, it uses some everyday words with exceptionally positive, hopeful metaphors. I'm an everyday guy with an
exceptional certainty of goodness, especially good that arises from adversity and discomfort.
e: Have you read any great books lately?
Derek: Yes. Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert.
e: Do you support any charities?
Derek: Telling on Trixie donated money from performances this year to AIDS Walk New York and the American Cancer Society. Personally, I also strongly support my former employer- Sanctuary for Families.
e: If you could create your own fantasy music festival, who would the top 6 headliners be?
Derek: Telling on Trixie, Sheryl Crow, Fleetwood Mac, Duran Duran (Brad is going to kill me for saying them), U2 , Madonna (again, I'm going to get killed). Note: my bandmates and I vary greatly on this
answer.
e: Do you think Gwen Stefani can really sing?
Derek: Yes, she can definitely sing. I love No Doubt's Tragic Kingdom, but can't stand her any of her solo songwriting.
e: When and why did you stop believing in Santa?
Derek: I reluctantly stopped believing in him when my mother asked me in the same breath what I wanted from her and what I wanted from him.
e: What’s the one food you won’t eat under any circumstance?
Derek: Human.
e: What’s your favorite restaurant and why?
Derek: Babbo because it's expensive and across the street from my house.
e: Do you read any online music magazines? If so, which ones?
Derek: I read EW online , INFUZE, Soulof Rock and Roll, blender, CMJ
e: Is cheerleading a sport?
Derek: GOD yes. Have you seen those national competitions on TV? Also, three years ago I was in Orlando at my yearly visit to Disneyworld and the national cheerleading competitions were there. The cheerleaders were practicing and preparing all over Lake Buena Vista. It tripled the energy in that area. Just watching them rehearse made me want to join in immediately. I had some choreographic tips that I found were not entirely welcome, however.
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