DEREK DEMUTH
Percussive Fingerstyle Guitarist, Songwriter, Producer, Performer, Visionary
Derek has played many genres of music over the years but has recently gravitated to percussive fingerstyle guitar.
This cutting-edge genre of guitar involves using the instrument in ways to incorporate percussion, bass and melody, all at the same time. The result is a one-man-band on guitar. What makes this so uniques is that no live looping is done. Everything is woven together on the spot. Other notable artists in the genre include Michael Hedges, Andy McKee, Jon Gomm, Alexandr Misko and many others.
Percussive guitar is a sonic architecture like no other. The multi-layered, harmonics, bass lines and percussive sound that emanates from Derek's instrument is both visually and audibly stunning.
Book Derek today and understand what Beethoven meant when he said "The Guitar is an Orchestra."
ABOUT DEREK
Musician Info
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Years active:
2013-present
Website:
Genres:
Percussive fingerstyle guitar, alternative, classical, rock
Origin:
Boulder, Colorado
Visit Derek's website for much more info
Labels:
Un-signed
Discography:
Just a few of Derek's best songs are above. The link takes you to Bandcamp. Scroll down for videos.
Associated acts:
Andy Mckee, Preston Reed, Jon Gomm, Alexandr Misko, Adrian Bellue, Michael Hedges
Videos
MUSIC
NEWS AND REVIEWS
REVIEWS
Boulder-based Derek DeMuth plays percussive fingerstyle guitar. The tapping, slapping melodies that flow from his fingers are visually and sonically impressive. With his two hands, he produces a sound that suggests the presence of a full band. In addition to his own compositions, he plays classical favorites from Carcassi, Brouwer, Tarrega, Legnani and Chopin, as well as cover songs from the Beatles, Queen, Toto and other popular artists. - Westword, July 1, 2019
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DeMuth's guitar skills, at once dazzling and eerily meditative, employ a wide range of tools: rumbling bass lines, percussive punctuation, tender and engaging melodies, and fleeting harmonic murmurs, all performed solo on a single six-string acoustic guitar. And unlike many of his contemporaries, DeMuth also composes and performs on the Spanish/nylon string guitar--a vestige of his studies as a music student at CU (Colorado University). - Boulder Magazine, September 2019
From finger-picked melodic rolls, percussive raps, taps and knocks, strummed chords, and resonating harmonics, DeMuth wraps around his guitar entirely like a twisted vine. He doesn’t focus on the neck, he uses every part of the instrument to cast forth his spell of sounds, and does so with such apparent ease that he creates a style that’s part EDM, part acoustic guitar. - The Marquee, July 1, 2019
Derek DeMuth is a professionally trained guitarist whose work is both technically advanced and beautifully composed. DeMuth combines his undeniable control over the instrument with his ability to craft euphonious rhythms for a listening experience that’s certainly on a different wavelength from the rest. - 303 Magazine, July 1, 2019
"I'm mesmerized by your playing. I've been a fan of Andy McKee and I've always loved this style. Keep up the amazing work!"
- Erwin Schemankewitz, Ever Upward Entertainment, LLC
"Very impressive. You are an amazing artist. The way you transgress your higher thought process into a musical journey is breath taking. The time you have taken to hone the craft speaks volumes. Love the music vocabulary you have built over your years of life. Keep at it bro!” - Cerebral Pisces
“I really like your music - you've got a great ear for composition and melodies, it's clear that you spend a lot of time focusing on perfecting your tracks, and giving them some dynamic lift and dimension” - Bitplex
“Your music rocks, keep up the great work, I love it. The sounds you produce are totally awesome!” - YT Subscriber
In July 2017, Derek DeMuth was featured in Vail Daily (while a member of the guitar duo Derek y Daniel).
In June 2019, Derek DeMuth was featured in Westword, The Marquee, 303 Magazine, Boulder Weekly (solo artist).
In September 2019, Derek DeMuth was featured in Boulder Magazine and Golden Transcript.
In September 2019, Derek DeMuth was one of only 25 guitarists selected worldwide to compete in the Fingerstyle Collective Guitar Competition in Arkansas. The event was hosted by CandyRat and Fretmonkey Records. He didn't take first prize, but it was a great opportunity to connect with phenomenal musicians from around the globe.
PHOTO GALLERY
UPCOMING EVENTS
DECEMBER 21, 2019 - 5-8 PM - Last Chance Gift Fest, Boulder County Fairgrounds, 9595 Nelson Road, Longmont, CO
JANUARY 27, 2020 - 7 PM - Boulder Guitar Society Master Class on "Percussive Guitar Techniques" - United Methodist Church, 1421 Spruce Street, Boulder
