Derick Sebastian, Maui’s small town ukulele virtuoso, has taken this once simple Hawaiian instrument and infused it with the sounds of Latin Jazz, Classical, Pop, Reggae, and Contemporary Soft Rock, to produce a mixture of harmonies that can only be found in the Hawaiian Islands.
Not only is Derick known as a ukulele virtuoso, singer, and songwriter, but he is also well-known around the island as a “standout performer” with “great stage presence” and “on-stage charisma”.
Currently, Derick is looking to continue creating a distinctive new sound with the ukulele, one that will bring Hawaii’s foremost instrument to audiences around the world. His progressive style of music will surely put this ambitious small town musician into a league of his own.
As producer and composer, Tommy Hopkins states, “Derick plays and sings with fire. His amazing facility and sheer virtuosity are only surpassed by his bondless heart and soul. He is incredibly entertaining to watch and listen to."
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Major Contests/Performances
1996
•Hula Grill’s Ukulele Players Contest, Maui, Hawaii
2nd Place Solo
1997
•Brown Bags to Stardom, Maui, Hawaii
1st Place Solo, High School Division
•Brown Bags to Stardom, Maui, Hawaii
2nd Place Solo, Maui County Division
•Hula Grill’s Ukulele Players Contest, Maui Hawaii
1st Place Solo, 1st Place Group
•KCCN’s Pride of the Islands II--Statewide Ukulele Competition, Oahu, Hawaii
1st Place Solo
•Northern California’s Ukulele Festival, Hayward, California
Group Appearance
1998
•Brown Bags to Stardom, Maui, Hawaii
1st Place Solo, High School Division
•Hula Grill’s Ukulele Players Contest, Maui, Hawaii
1st Place Solo
1999
•Hula Grill’s Ukulele Players Contest, Maui, Hawaii
3rd Place
2000
•DARE Program, Kauai, Hawaii
Group Appearance
•Hula Grill’s Ukulele Players Contest, Maui, Hawaii
1st Place Solo, 1st Place Group
2003
•Northern California’s Ukulele Festival, Hayward, California
Solo Appearance
2004
•Seth Rigg’s Speech Level Singing International Vocal Camp,
Los Angeles, California
Solo Appearance
CD Credits
1997
KCCN’s Pride of the Islands II
•Pink Panther
Ukulele: Derick Sebastian & Jake Shimabukuro
•Magic Room: Derick Sebastian & Sam Ellis
Ukulele: Derick Sebastian
2004
Malino “Always Be Mine”
•Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin’
Ukulele: Derick Sebastian
•Manuo’o
Guitar: Derick Sebastian
WEBSITE
www.dericksebastian.com
FULL BIO
Maui, world renowned for both beautiful beaches and tropical climate, will soon become a place synonymous with an individual who has revolutionized a new sound in music from one of Hawaii’s most traditional instruments, the ukulele. Derick Sebastian, Maui’s small town ukulele virtuoso, has taken this once simple Hawaiian instrument and infused it with the sounds of Latin Jazz, Classical, Pop, Reggae, and Contemporary Soft Rock, to produce a mixture of harmonies that can only be found here in the Hawaiian Islands.
In Hawaiian, the definition of the word “aloha” means love. Also known as, “Mr. Aloha”, Derick, for the past eleven years, has taken his aloha and passion for music and transformed it into a utopia of musical bliss. Along with Derick’s talent and skills in playing and performing the ukulele, he is highly proficient in playing the guitar, bass, drums, and percussion instruments. Most background and supporting music on the demo is played by Derick himself.
Not only is Derick known as a singer and songwriter, but he is also well-known around the island as a “standout performer” with “great stage presence” and “on-stage charisma”. While on stage, Derick radiates with sheer passion and exhilaration. Because of his vast skill and experience with performance, he is a popular musician and has performed and recorded with various recording artists from around Hawaii.
Professionally, this is Derick’s first recorded demo. The songs chosen for this demo exemplifies the array of talent and skill that Derick possesses. A ukulele instrumental, “Eddie Bush Tribute,” is Derick’s way to honor a legendary ukulele master who took Derick under his wing. The song mixes a variety of classical techniques and power chord progressions. Derick’s most meaningful song on the demo is “Imperfect World”, a perfect fusion of songwriting, instrumentation, and voice range. For Derick, “Imperfect World” represented a unique experience during recording because both the music and lyrics seemed to blend together effortlessly. “Europa” is one of his most famous and popular songs because it leaves all who listens to it speechless and in awe. It is one of many favorite cover songs from Derick’s main source of inspiration, Carlos Santana. Derick creatively captures the sound of Carlos Santana’s electric guitar, entirely through a ukulele.
Currently, Derick is looking to continue creating a distinctive new sound with the ukulele, one that will bring Hawaii’s foremost instrument to audiences around the world. His progressive style of music will surely put this ambitious small town musician into a league of his own.
As producer, composer, and guitarist, Tommy Hopkins states, “Derick plays and sings with fire. His amazing facility and sheer virtuosity are only surpassed by his bondless heart and soul. He is incredibly entertaining to watch and listen to.” This statement is true testimony to what people around the world should be given the opportunity to experience for themselves. You are the first of many, and we hope that you enjoy the music as much as Derick enjoyed recording it.