Derrick Kinsey

My cousin, more like my brother, died and it was a total surprise. We were close and both took a large interest in music at an early age. He was more technical and I came from the creative perspective. We made songs up in a tent so that we didn’t disturb my mother who worked long shifts. An extension cord, a Casio keyboard, a very basic Boss drum machine, and a Fostex four track recorder that his dad found at a flea market, made our evenings together special. We were going to be famous. Times are different and here I am. Mrs Callahan, my high school English teacher, once told me that you can never work from a blank piece of paper. Using that philosophy, I attempt to write about every subject under the sun crossing multiple genres. Sometimes I like poetic songs and other times I wish to get straight to the point. Being on a stage has always intrigued me and writing songs is one of my strongest passions. I have been influenced by U2, Brad Paisley, Steven Curtis Chapman, Cold Play, Toby Keith, Travis Tritt, Gavin Degraw, Billy Joel, Jason Mraz, and Quincy Jones. I want to leave a legacy for my children as a recognized songwriter. Knowing that many great artists were rejected during their early stages, I wonder who will give me an opportunity.