gavin - Gavin Derek - is currently based in Seattle, WA and has recorded three CDs. His newest release - CAVE IN - is a collection of straight-up rock/funk and ballads, exploring and revealing the great joys and sorrows involved in dealing with love.

Much like his first two albums, this is raw and merciless in it's exposure of emotions - in songs like "Who Are You To Me" (You're not worth fighting for / You've taken all I gave before) and "Another Man Down" (I gave a man my heart / and asked him to let it go / I'm a loser at this art / I know), and "Not Like This" (I never meant to mean so much / not like this) and "Crave" (I'm not in love / I starve) - but there is also an element of fun and release that is a refreshing evolution in his style - in songs like "Friend" (you are a good man / I have found the very best of good man).

gavin's lyrics offer an honest, essential point of view. His music is frank, direct and refreshingly unorthodox, combining pulsing alternative rock/funk rhythms with expansive orchestration, set in a foundation of folk guitar and bass.

Imagine the melodic prose of Nick Drake, mixed with the funk/folk-rock of Ben Harper and Dave Matthews, with Tori Amos' sensual instrumentation. This, combined with gavin's knack for writing stark but inspiring lyrics, has earned him the label "alternative folk-funk".

gavin likes to overturn first impressions, exposing emotions at their source. Born in Australia, raised in Miami, and criss-crossing America and Europe for most of his adult years, gavin has amassed volumes of life's moments and translated them into three collections of outstanding music.

His debut CD, ANGELS, BOMBS & MARTIANS, received critical acclaim for its startling reality and lush, organic compositions. From the folk/funk, groove-driven social anthems "Witches" and "Red Angel", to the collection's love ballad, "Gift", this album takes the listener on a reflective journey through the most basic and telling of human experiences. Tracks "Red Angel", "Gift" and "Tattoos" have been featured on national television, including Lifetime Channel's "Beyond Chance", hosted by Melissa Etheridge, and MTV's upcoming series "Live Through This." "Witches" appeared on SPIN Magazine's Jet Set CD ROM insert of artists on it's Riffage.com Featured Artists list.

In 2001, gavin released his second CD, BREATHING HOLE, and received enthusiastic local and international attention. Like his debut album, BREATHING HOLE delves into the psyche and emotion of the human experience, but this time through a slightly darker lens. Tracks such as "Crazy" and "Possessions" explore the reality - and other-reality - of those on the periphery of our society. "This Distance" is a heartbreaking tale of the end of love, and "Not About You" and "Head Lac" knock the listener back with their commentary and driving rhythm. As an added bonus, gavin's darkly haunting version of Don McLean's "Vincent" appears at the end of the collection, perfectly summing up the theme and wrapping up the story of this CD's journey.

All three CDs were produced by Roman Morykit, of the band Gypsy Soul (www.gypsysoul.com)

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT GAVIN:

John Schoenberger - The Album Network
"His lyrical phrasing is very smooth and the arrangements for the 10 tracks on his debut...are top-notch."

Neil Fagan - Performing Songwriter
"Given our short, MTV-inspired attention span, gavin might be asking a lot, but he's prepared to give back the same."

2002 EAT'M Conference,
Las Vegas Mercury
"His sensual phrasing will appeal to fans of Dave Matthews and Seal, but it's his knack for writing literate, passionate songs that will earn him critical acclaim."

Tony Scott -
DJ, Westwood One Radio, Adult Rock
"Pleasing to the senses. gavin's got it!"

Tom McCormack -Executive Producer, GLAMA's "Come Out And Play" series
"A captivating live performer and a strong songwriter, gavin is a welcome addition to the indie music scene."

Todd Meehan - UBL
"angels, bombs and martians...
a stellar debut...beautifully crafted."