Right Brain, Derren Raser

Derren Raser

• Type of art: Songwriting and performing

• Personality: Extrovert/Introvert: Introvert

• Hours per week dedicated to art: Anywhere from 10 to 40 hours a week (depending on number of shows)

• Favorite artist/mentor: James Taylor

• Sensitivity: 1-10 , 10 being highest: 7



Derren Raser, a Southern California musician, found his musical voice when he heard the stylings of singer and songwriter James Taylor.

"All my favorite musicians are singer/songwriters," he said. Looking through this lens, he was able to develop his own style.

Raser will be in Denver this weekend, participating in the Colorado Music Summit, where musicians gather to hear seminars, and also perform at various venues in the city. During his time in Colorado he will also make a stop to play in Summit County, which he calls "like a second home."

Raser grew in Kansas City, visiting Summit County during the summers with his parents.

Raser favors a description of his music he once heard: Simon Garfunkel meets the Shins.

"It's an older sort of style, which is really influenced by the older singer/songwriters. It's music that's more based in folk music, but also has a contemporary influence," he said.

He recently saw the end of his Derren Raser Band, leaving him free to explore his music and traveling possibilities in greater depth.

As a substitute teacher in San Diego, Raser is able to work on his music when inspiration strikes. He said, however, he has been developing his songwriting so that he is not always reliant on random muses.

Raser will play at the Cala Inn in Summit Cove on Saturday at 8:30 p.m. Check out his music at www.drbonline.com.



What are your dreams/what would you like to do with your art?

I would really love to write and perform for a living. In this day and age that might very well end up being as an independent artist, however if it seems right, I wouldn't be opposed to ending up with a label.

What does art give you/why do you do it?

My songwriting comes first and most often as an outpouring of an emotional response to something, or the release of an thought or musical idea - which can be cathartic. Also, I simply love to sing and love playing guitar - I enjoy myself wholly whenever I get a chance to do either - or especially both at the same time. There is also an amazing connection that occurs between performer and audience, songwriter/storyteller and listener, that I think is unique to live performance and is a really amazing aspect to what I do. There's nothing quite like it.



What do you try to convey through your art?

Though a lot of my music is the result of an emotional stimulus, I am also a Christian, and I believe that there is ultimately hope in life. I also believe in the healing power of love and feel strongly that we should serve the poor and marginalized as much as we can and also care for our natural world. Lately these themes have been weaving their way through a lot of my songs. There are so many songs about hopelessness - I think people need hopeful songs, which is what I've been trying to write.



What is/has been your biggest challenge, and how do/did you deal with it?

The biggest challenge for me, and for most musicians I know, is turning what I love to do into something that can support me financially (I would play for free all the time if I could). Being an independent musician these days is very similar to being an entrepreneur I think. You really have to be creative with your vision and in the ways that you fashion your career. The great thing is that in the current market there are so many more avenues for music to make it to listeners, and for listeners to purchase music, that it is now a lot easier for musicians like myself to be supported in what they do.

What are you most proud of regarding your art (and/or greatest accomplishment)?

I really feel like my ability in and love for music is an incredible gift. I have been grateful for the ways that I have been able to grow as a songwriter over the past few years, and hope that I can continue to write songs that give a message of hope and resonate with people who love music and great stories. Probably one of the highest moments I've had yet as a result of my music was an opportunity I had to meet and hang out with James Taylor after a show I attended in my hometown of Kansas City. He was shy and very pleasant, as I expected he would be.



How do you stay fresh/motivated?

I stay fresh and motivated by listening to the music of other great songwriters. I'll never cease to find inspiration in the songwriting of Paul Simon and Emily Saliers of the Indigo Girls. I also love listening to new music - I often hear a sound, or an idea and I think "Hey, I can do that." As a result I incorporate a wide variety of styles and influences into my music.



What do you do when you're not making art?

I am a substitute teacher for the San Diego Unified School District. I also love to read and to travel.