Career
He has frequently filled in on drums for Josh Freese on many Vandals Tours since 1998, and with Good Charlotte during the later half of 2004. In September 2008, Derek released an 8 song album for free via his MySpace page entitled "Doctorate.Grant Meets the Reaper" which is a collaboration with his 12-year-old alter ego. The songs were written between the ages of 11–14, and feature Derek at age 12 on vocals, with newly re-recorded music
In February 2009 Derek released a three song European Parliament for free via his Myspace page entitled "The Purple Trilogy".
This material, recorded by Derek (with help from Saves the Day guitarist Arun Bali) is described as "Electro-Funk" and features a cover of an unreleased Prince track ("Electric Intercourse"), and two original compositions. In October 2014 Derek released a digital single for "Love is a Bad Dream", a track from his forthcoming album.
lieutenant was backed with the non-album track "Don"t Marry Maine". In January 2015 Derek will release his debut solo effort through Red Scare Industries.
lieutenant contains eight songs, written and recorded in 2008/2009.
All instruments on the album are played by Derek. He also plays Fender Guitars.