Derek Answers The Questions

Do you have any siblings? A Sister

Are you married? No

Are you close to your family? Yes

What bands have you played in? The famous ones are Alice Cooper and Dream Theater.

What are some of the things you like to do besides music? Eat good food.

Do you have any pets? No

Any musical training? A bunch.

What are some of the simple things that bring you pleasure? Great mixes.

And what annoys you? Survivor

What do you consider to be your greatest accomplishment so far? My newest solo CD Inertia featuring Zakk Wylde, Steve Lukather and Simon Phillips.

What are some of your bad habits? Too many to mention.

Do you have any children/or want any someday? No kids, maybe someday!

Biggest Regret? Zero

If there was one line of advice you could give to a musician just starting out, what would it be? Be true to thine self. What are you willing to do to reach your dream? Be honest with yourself.

What age did you go to Berklee College? What was your biggest learning experance from it? Would recommend it to up and coming musicans? Berklee is a great mini music world in a a very concentrated enviroment. All there is is music, and it is great to be surrounded by cats from all over the world. Most of the students fall by the wayside, (as it is in the real world) but there is that 3%; the Al Pitrellis, the William Calhouns, and the Derek Sherinians who have gone on to draw milk from the bosom of the industry.

How did hook up with Brad Gillis (Night Ranger/Ozzy) on 1993's Gilrock Ranch? Was it easy writing songs with him? Wasn't this the first album you played on?
Brad was the first "rock star" that I ever had the chance to work with. I met brad in 1987 or 88. And he showed me the ropes in the business. Gilrock Ranchwas my first CD. There are some cool ideas on there. I would love to produce a future brad Gillis solo CD. He is a great stylist.

What do you remember the most from each band you have played with (Dream Theater, Kiss, Alice Cooper, Platypus, Planet X, Ethyl Mertz and Brad Gillis. Did I miss any?)?
I am admiring the versitility of my pedigree as i am looking at the names you have listed! However, you forgot Buddy Miles in 1988. Each gig was VERY different, and required a different role from me. I think that being so chameleonic throughout my career has helped give me a very distinct style on my instrument. No matter who I am playing with, you can always pick me out in the mix.

How did you became apart of Ethyl Mertz? Was it alot fun? Still talk to those guys? It was Al's side gig. We had some great shows. It is always great to be with Al.

What do you think of KISS calling it quits? I think they should keep going so my friend Eric Singer can keep pulling down the big money!!!

What's the diffence between Planet X and your new solo record Inertia?
Planet X is more sick; Inertia is more seasoned. It is nice to have both musical outlets. It's like having a Countach and a Bentley.

You are on a lot of tribute CD's? Do you get paid well? Do you like doing them? Do you have a favorite song you've done? They don't pay that well. I really didn't have any business being on some of them (for instance Jethro Tull). I have absoultely zero connection with them. Besides "Aqua Lung," I couldn't name another of their songs. Mr Crowley was cool to be on because I used to listen to Ozzy when I was a kid, especially that CD. Also, I was a Yngwie and Tommy Aldridge fan. It is always cool to be on record with your childhood heroes.

What are your favorite CDs of all time? First 4 VH Cds, Jeff Beck's Wired, and too many others to mention.

You own and operate a recording studio. How did that come about? Do you producing bands or just your own stuff? The Leopard Room was the best investment I could have ever made. It gives me complete creative freedom, and complete control of my sound. I produce some upcoming artists, but 98% is my own CDs. It is all that I really have time for.