| Biography: Derek Halet is a Native Californian who was born into a very musically inclined family. From a very young age Derek was exposed to his mother's singing and playing guitar, his sister's awesome ability to play the flute, and extended relative playing instruments some professionally-made it only natural that he would find his niche within this family of talented musicians. He did! Initially, Derek tried playing the harmonica which he later discovered wasn't really the instrument for him. He would be a teenager by the time he discovered the guitar was truly his instrument of choice and enjoyment (just like mom).
After his discovery, Derek went on to play guitar in worship at his church, and jam sessions with his friends. As a high school senior, he became a worship leader where he realized he could sing. Derek became a favorite among his friends after putting forth a Christmas CD in 04 of original songs. Since that time he has busied himself with coffee house gigs that many of his friends and loved ones pack out to enjoy his tasteful and different styles of music. After a missionary trip to Russia, Derek released another cd and is currently releasing his debut album on MJW Music Group label to be released June 10, 2006.
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Press
Release:
6-20-2006
For Immediate Release
L.A. Singer-Songwriter Derek Halet Makes Recording Debut With “Hope Written”
Now available from MJW music, Hope Written the debut CD from indie acoustic singer-songwriter Derek Halet. This 12-song collection showcases an appealing original style that bridges the simplicity and writing lyricism of Nick Drake with the contemporary alternative vocal stylings of Coldplay’s Chris Martin. The acoustic sound is crisp and commanding, the lyrics are engrossing, and emotion always takes center stage on Hope Written, the title of which was inspired by a friend of Halet’s, who wrote Hope on her arm as a reminder during a particularly tough period. “You had hope written onto your skin/I was praying it went further in,” Halet sings, having experienced personal losses of his own in the past year and who seeks to comfort others with his music. Though singles like “Seasons” and “When Time Began” may deal with loss, the album covers a wide territory. “Hope,” Halet explains, “in its various forms is the running theme for the material on this album.”
Hope Written features Derek Halet on guitar and vocals, Abe Morin on bass, Forrest Robinson on drums, and Emily Peters on vocals. The CD is available through CDBaby.com.
Twenty year-old Derek Halet hails from the Los Angeles area, focusing on ministries at home and occasionally overseas. He grew up in a musical family, eventually teaching himself guitar and performing at church. For the past few years he has focused on fusing his passion for playing music with his passion for words, developing a very personal songwriting style. He explains of Hope Written. “I’m realizing how much music can help other people. I am learning how to minister to my friends with my songs, learning how to “write hope” deeper into those around me; whether they are surviving the loss of love, a friend, or a father, that’s my inspiration.”
For further information and song samples visit Derek on MySpace at http://www.myspace.com/derekhalet
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