Artist Spotlight: Derek Morris – Riding the Wave, One Riff at a Time

Artist Spotlight: Derek Morris

Some artists meticulously plan every note. Others let instinct take the wheel. Derek Morris lives firmly in the second camp, a creator fueled by emotion, raw honesty, and the belief that music can genuinely help people. His sound blends punk rock energy, hip-hop attitude, and acoustic vulnerability into something unmistakably his own. As Derek puts it,

“I’m punk rock, hip hop, acoustic rock, I don’t stop.” And honestly? That about sums it up.

The First Spark

Derek’s journey with the guitar began at 14 years old, when his brother’s friend casually brought one over and showed him how to play Green Day’s “When I Come Around.” That single moment opened a door that never closed. Soon after, another Green Day track would completely lock him in. “‘Basket Case’ was the song that made me fall in love with music and guitar. From that point on, the guitar wasn’t just an instrument, it became an outlet. That I could express myself through music… it was something I’d never felt in my life.”

And once you feel that, there’s no turning back.

Influences: Punk Roots, Hip-Hop Heart

Derek’s influences read like a perfectly chaotic playlist. From punk rock staples to hip-hop legends, his sound is shaped by a wide spectrum of artists and albums:

Siamese Dream — Smashing Pumpkins

Viva Hate — Morrissey

Dookie — Green Day

So Long Astoria — The Ataris

…And Out Come the Wolves — Rancid

From Here to Infirmary — Alkaline Trio

The Chronic — Dr. Dre

Shorty the Pimp — Too Short

40 oz to Freedom — Sublime

Dude Ranch — Blink-182

And then there are the influences that sneak in unexpectedly.

“Lil’ Wayne, Misfits, and Jimmy Eat World.”

That contrast is exactly what gives Derek’s music its edge, melodic, aggressive, emotional, and honest all at once.

Gear & Tone: Simple, Loud, Effective

When it comes to gear, Derek keeps things classic and powerful “A Marshall half stack with a Gibson Les Paul and a Fender Telecaster.” No gimmicks. Just tone, volume, and feel, the holy trinity of rock.

Writing Without Rules

Derek’s songwriting process doesn’t start with deep planning or structured sessions. It starts with a riff. “My music is never strategically thought out, it just happens when I play guitar.” From there, everything flows naturally. “I base everything off feeling. I just ride the wave.” That organic approach keeps his music raw and real, letting emotion guide the final result rather than perfectionism.

Music as Survival & Purpose

Behind the music lies a deeply personal story. Four years ago, Derek lost his little sister, a moment that reshaped his life and art. “Not giving up on my passion and my beliefs… I just kept pushing through and making more and more music instead of letting depression take over.” Out of that pain came one of his most meaningful tracks, “Butterfly in the Sky,” written in her memory. “I hope it helps someone out there who feels less than or not able to do something.” That mindset, turning struggle into hope, defines Derek’s entire creative mission.

Growth, Mindset & Moving Forward

Derek doesn’t obsess over numbers, streams, or milestones. “I just make music because I love it.” The goal isn’t fame, it’s authenticity, connection, and impact. And right now, Derek has one huge milestone is on the horizon, “Pressing my first vinyl as an independent artist.” A massive achievement, and a powerful statement about believing in your art.

Riff Culture Rapid Fire

One artist every musician should listen to? Tim Armstrong (Rancid), “He shows you can make a difference even if you don’t have the resources everyone says you need.”

One song every musician should learn? D, G & A chords. “You can have the same ingredients, but millions of different recipes.”

Final Riff

Derek Morris is proof that authenticity beats perfection, and emotion beats formulas. His music is built from lived experience, raw feeling, and a desire to help others find hope in their darkest moments. If you’re looking for music that blends punk energy, hip-hop grit, and acoustic soul, all driven by heart, Derek Morris deserves a spot on your playlist.