Derek O’Kanos is a transplant to the Green Mountain State from Connecticut’s Tobacco Valley. His music is authentic and familiar; reminiscent of the seekers and searchers who came before him. Themes of love, struggle, freedom, magic, darkness, truth seeking, and sarcastic humor paint scenes similar to those of: Nick Lowe, John Prine, Ben Harper, Michale Graves, Hank Williams, and Marcy Playground.
Derek entered the music scene as a teenager, cutting his teeth in Punk/Metal outfits (Strange Days, Needles and Pins, Lethal Uprise) before deciding to start writing ‘solo material’. A stint as a rapper (DMinor) while also performing solo and with backing groups (The Informative, The Wolves, and The Clueless) allowed him to explore a wide array of influences. In 2015 he returned to his rock and roll roots with power trio O’K and the Night Crew, where he is currently active. Derek is also currently active on drums for indie/post-rock/folk-punk group You Old Dog.
In the uncertainty of 2020, Derek started Oak Honest Records to self release his solo material as well as the works of other willing artists. His first official release for the label, On the Sleeve, is an EP scheduled for release on 1.23.21. OTS features five selections from the back catalog of this up and coming songwriter.
(Photo by Zachary Haberern)
Location: Brattleboro, VT
Website: www.DerekOKanos.com
Links: