Dad, rank-and-file union guy (IBEW LU3), and arguably some other things

BIO
Born in Fresno Ca, Derek Upton dreamed of becoming a professional drummer. At the young age of 5 he stood in awe as he watched the drummers at church and on TV. His parents quickly noticed that music was his <a href="http://passion.At" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">passion. At</a> age 19 he signs with his first professionally touring group,becoming the percussionist for the 2004 top ten finalist of American Idol,Melinda Lira.Two years later Derek gained attention from some nation wide press,being featured in DRUM magazine Nov issue #116, as the newup and coming drummer in the industry.Now years later at the age of 25 he has demanded attention from major artists and players in the music industry. Now working for Invengo Records(indie) andhaving been featured on several professional albums in the past, Derekhas grown to be a power house when on stage. Ranging styles from Metal,Funk, Blues, Rock, Fusion and Contemporary .He is a musical force to be reckoned with, his metering skills and in the pocket groove abilities, set him far above the standard of studio and touring drummers around.
The future for Derek is very bright now with several major endorsements and having been featured at the 2011 NAMM show as an artist for Soultone Cymbals,nothing is going to stop him from achieving his dreams,undoubtedly destiny is set for success!
"drummer, Derek Upton, has become one of our most utilized session players in years.He has a great style and....... has appeared on numerous tracks from my other artists of various styles and he is absolutely incredible......I have worked with many session drummers in the past and he is up there with Brooks Wackerman, Vinnie Colaiuta and Josh Freese.At such a young age his drive and performance level exceeds most every session artist I have ever encountered."

--------Joshua Rumer-Invengo Records--------
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"dude u took it over the top for sure! grove st.....so sick when u change patterns in the middle of verses and choruses"
-MEEKOS&amp;ME-
CURRENT ENDORSEMENTS
Shed Drums
<a href="http://www.sheddrums.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.sheddrums.com</a>
Soultone Cymbals
<a href="http://www.soultonecymbals.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.soultonecymbals.com</a> 
SPONSORS
Nightwitch Body Art
<a href="http://www.nightwitchbodyart.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.nightwitchbodyart.com</a>
Sanger Music
<a href="http://www.sangermusic.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.sangermusic.com</a>


Shaun Maybury Rogers is a Brisbane based singer, songwriter and musician. Shaun has performed across Australia for the past twenty years. He has supported British singer songwriter Ralph McTell and his songs have been recorded by country singer John Callaghan.

Starting out as a fingerstyle acoustic guitar player, Shaun has been influenced heavily by blues, rockabilly, folk and rock 'n' roll music.

In terms of songwriting Shaun rates Texas story tellers such as Guy Clark and Townes Van Zandt as big influences as he does Gretchen Peters, Ralph McTell and John Prine.

in addition to writing and playing guitar Shaun has also built several acoutsic and electric guitars that uses when playing live and when recording. 



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