Derick Sebastian on SoundBetter

Maui born local sensation artist, Derick Sebastian, will change the way you think about ukulele music…STOP. UKE. LISTEN!

Through faith and hard work, Maui born local sensation Derick Sebastian continues to live his dream as an accomplished international ukulele virtuoso. Derick has shared the stage with singer/songwriter pop star Jason Mraz, the melodic Raining Jane, powerhouse Trombone Shorty, country star icons Thompson Square and Sara Evans, R&B sensations, Boyz II Men and Brian McKnight, and a highlighted private performance and ukulele lesson with Oprah Winfrey. Derick has notable performances at Crypto.com Arena, Chase Field, TEDx Santa Cruz, PIXAR Animation Studios, ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy, and professional sports industry’s MLB, NBA, PGA, NCAA, ESPN and EA SPORTS. He has also toured full-fledged around the globe to Australia, Thailand, Philippines, Korea, China, Germany, Finland and Estonia. As his dreams and vision continues to evolve, Derick has now forged a “new” path exploring uncharted waters of songwriting, composing and producing music for Film, TV and Advertisements. His current ukulele releases continue to gain traction and has opened new opportunities composing for ROXY's global campaigns, signing to several major libraries, including Warner Chappell PM, Sky Urbano, Atrium Music, while solidifying his own publishing company, Sounds of Sebastian Publishing. While garnering these many accomplishments, Derick is humbled and continues his dedication to inspire lives through his music.

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10 Reviews

Endorse Derick Sebastian

by John Konopka
Verified
Incredible player and collaborator—looking forward to working with Derick again!
by Al F.
Verified
I am really fairly careful in selecting musicians. I work with a lot of professionals as a songwriter and executive producer. I just could not find anyone amongst the pool of musicians I use and begin to research.
Derick just "rung all the bells" , obviously with outstanding musicianship but an incredible pleasurable working attitude.
Very pleased. Thanks Derick.
by Logan J.
Verified
What can I say? Derick is extremely professional and plays a killer Ukulele! He puts a lot of love and soul into his playing and gave our song the vibe it really needed. My band has no reason to look for any other Ukulele player, he's the perfect match. Cannot recommend enough!!!
by Stephen Moyer
Verified
Derick is super easy to work with and an excellent ukulele player. Would highly recommend!
by David Kuraya
There are many talented musicians all over the world, but few are those whose vast experience and genuine love for each member of the audience can be FELT from the moment they touch the stage. Derick Sebastian is one such musician!

Derick's musical chops are more versatile than any other ukulele player I have ever known. From powerful shredding at full speed to gentle ballads to local Hawaiian classics, no one does it better. He oozes positivity and professionalism.

I am inspired and have a blast every time I get to work with Derick Sebastian. You will too.
by Michael A.
In the almost two decades that I've gotten to know Derick personally and professionally, his mastery of the ukulele continues to marvel me. He'll bring the soul of the islands to your project - whether you need to convey delicate waves coming to shore or the ferocity of an erupting volcano. Derick’s work ethic and personality make him one of most delightful musicians to have on a project. As a music pro that has worked for almost four decades with some amazing studio musicians, when it comes to recommending a ukulele player, there's only one name for me to remember - Derick Sebastian.
by BoomFox Productions
Derick is an absolute BEAST on the ukelele!! Not only that, he's a great singer/songwriter, a total pro, super communicative, and an absolute pleasure to work with! Looking forward to future projects with this gem!
by Jeff Rafner
As a Television Producer I am always looking for good people. I have known Derek, for many years and he has become my go to for anything music. His knowledge of musical styles as well as techniques, His electric enthusiasm and great problem solving, has me recommending him whenever I can, when I need someone for any of my soundtrack or music needs. Derek is a great collaborator and makes great music!!
by Kim M.
I have had the absolute honor to work with Derick Sebastian over the last 18 years. He is one of the hardest working musicians I know. His ukulele shredding is over the top awesome and will get anyone wishing they had a tiny bit of his creative genius. Always the ultimate professional both onstage and off, in studio and out. He's humble, he's caring, and has a heart as big as his soul.
by Angelique Calvillo
Derick is not only an amazing Ukulele player, he's a great writer and a total joy to work with! His positive energy will carry you easily through any project. The ukulele solos he comes up with are especially enchanting. He approaches his music with light and love; you'll feel it right away. I highly recommend collaborating with Derick! He's a great musician and a great guy.

Interview with Derick Sebastian

Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?
A: I'm primarily an ukulele artist...but recently I switched it up and focused on crafting my songwriting. In 2020, despite of the Covid craziness and our world being turned upside down...I pushed through and released my first ever singer-songwriting EP project!
Q: What are you working on at the moment?
A: A lot! I'm currently working on songwriting, music production, composing for several recording projects, and endless business and entrepreneurship endeavors...the list never ends, and I don't think it ever will. Lol!
Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?
A: Absolutely! You need to check out BoomFox Productions (Kris Bradley is the REAL DEAL!)
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: DIGITAL! It's easier, quicker and lighter (literally).
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: I'm reliable, a seasoned artist and entrepreneur...and I always try my absolute best to contribute my musical gift to yours.
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: My ukulele, some extra strings, a tuner, my computer...and my phone (yes, my phone is a piece of gear, Lol!).
Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?
A: "Do you think an ukulele would sound great with my song?" YES! ABSOLUTELY!
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: I love the organic acoustic sound of a song...whether it's ukulele, guitar or piano, that's my vibe. In my mind...I'm always thinking..."what would it sound like if I add some ukulele to it?"
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: I first like to find the groove of the song. I then try to connect with the melody, lyrics, and instrumentations...and from there... I ask, "how can I add more dynamics through my ukulele?"
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: I love to ask, "why are you doing what you doing?" From this question...I can easily find out what is the client's main objective and intention.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: Jason Mraz, John Mayer, Ingrid Michaelson, Bruno Mars, Shawn Mendes and Ryan Tedder
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: MacBook Pro (13-Inch 2020), Logic Pro 10.6.1, Focusrite Scarlett 2i2, Komplete Kontrol A61, MPK mini, Neumann TLM 103, Focusrite CM25 MkIII, ATH-M50x, KRK Rokit 5 G4, Analysis Plus Cables
Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?
A: The ukulele is totally an underrated instrument...and I love proving to the world that the ukulele isn't a "toy-like" instrument. Case and point...a HUGE thank you to the LA Lakers, who were considerate enough to give me this opportunity. In 2016, I was the first ever ukulele artist to play the national anthem on their home court in Staples Center...and 19,000 plus fans went bananas! It was a historic night I'll never ever forget - especially because it was also Kobe Bryant and LeBron Jame's last game competing against each other.
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: I started playing the ukulele at age 11...and I recall the moment I picked it up, I knew the ukulele was going to be a part of me. Fast forward to today...it's now been a 27-year musical journey and I'm overwhelmingly humbled and blessed to have shared and inspire the world through the ukulele. And...the best thing about this journey is I've developed great relationships along the way!
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: Through my ukulele, I believe I can lift and bring a new direction to a song.
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: I'm a performing and recording ukulele artist, singer-songwriter, composer, producer and educator.
Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?
A: I promise to be professional, consistent, work hard, and put my entire heart and soul into every project I'm hired for.
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: I'd love to collaborate with Jason Mraz...I love his vibe, songwriting and style of music!
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: Don't worry about knowing everything and all the logistics about production...just trust in what sounds good to you.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: Contemporary and Acoustic, Folk-Pop, Island-Reggae and Hawaiian.
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: I have a few - I feel that my strongest skills are...I'm easy to work with, I love collaborating and developing great working relationships and I believe the ukulele can play to any song or genre.
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: I love what I do...and although being a self-managed independent artist is SO MUCH WORK...it's the most rewarding feeling ever. Success isn't about fame or fortune...it's simply putting your mind to something and accomplishing it. I'm living the dream...which is all about the journey, not the destination. I get to create some amazing relationships along the way.

Derick Sebastian: Ukulele Demo Reel

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Turn-around time is 1-2 weeks. Please let know as much details possible, such as your sample rate needed (44.1 or 48kHz), tone you're looking for (DI'd or Mic) and strumming or picking needs/ideas!