About Derek

Derek Downham is a multi-instrumentalist from Toronto. He is an accomplished drummer / producer / guitarist / pianist and possesses an inspired voice with both power and dexterity.

For several years, Derek fronted the Kensigton Market based group GRINDIG. With them, he earned nationwide critical success, plus Much Music and radio airplay from their self titled debut, GRINDIG (Shoreline/EMI). In 2002, they were voted "Best Independant Band In Canada" by Canadian Music Week.

Derek has sat in with many of Canada's finest bands and artists, such as The Beauties, Andy Kim, Luke Doucet, Melissa McClelland, Kyle Riabko (Columbia), The Beautiful Unknown By Divine Right, Hayden Neale (Jacksoul), Serena Ryder, Jason Collett, Kevin Drew (Broken Social Scene), Kim Stockwood, Jully Black, Tomi Swick, Graph Nobel, Jeen O'Brien, Amy Millan (Stars), Ron Sexsmith, Shaye, Esthero, Kurt Swinghammer, Justin Rutledge, Rik Emmett (Triumph), David Celia, Blair Packham, Arlene Bishop, Sebastian Grainger (Death From Above 1979), Revival Dear, Ivana Santilli, Matthew Barber, Emm Gryner, Scott Anderson (Finger 11), Damhnait Doyle, Lukas, Stratochief, Holy F*ck, Beans (Warp), Elliot Brood, The New Kings, Micheal O'Grady, Andy Stochansky, Danny Michel and many more. He's shared stages with The Tragically Hip, Broken Social Scene, The Tea Party, Sarah Harmer, The Stills, The Weakerthans, The Sadies, Matthew Good, Sloan, Roger Hodgson (of Supertramp), Big Sugar, Andrew Bird, The Trews and Billy Talent just to name a few (!).

Derek's songwriting/band project, TROPHY, has been garnering critical acclaim, truly placing him in the upper echelon of Canada's great pop/rock songwriters.

With every show, Derek gives his entire heart and soul. You can tell from the lake of sweat underneath him after each performance. Derek jumps at the opportunity to play live, and performed over 300 shows last year alone! He hosts weekly songwriter and jam nights AXIS Gallery (Tuesdays), and has done so for over 6 years! All nights are well attended, and for good reason.

The enormous, inspired passion within his own music - and his ability to make others sound pristine - is a gift that very few possess. Diversity personified. Once you experience him live, you will understand. Be sure to catch Derek playing drums every SUNDAY at The Dakota Tavern (249 Ossington in Toronto), playing with THE BEAUTIES. THE BEAUTIES were just voted 2009's best country roots band by NOW Magazine! Also, be sure to check out Eddie Orso's new cd, "He Said, She Said", produced by Derek Downham. Release date is slated for early March 2010.

"Timeless pop" - Exclaim

"Unforgettable" - Chart

NP-2005