Derek O’Kanos is a musician at the heart of the New England music scene. A powerful vocalist and captivating performer; the solo artist, band leader, and label owner is a tough man to nail down in a few sentences. He’s easy going for the most part, but that changes when he starts to sing. It’s then that something takes over him and you see his fire. Derek manages to tap into his memories and inner most feelings to turn a few chords into a transcendental experience for those who wish to listen.
It’s no wonder then that in addition to being celebrated at home, O’Kanos has been featured on international radio, worked with Grammy nominated producers, and performed at various festivals. A dedicated and eclectic performer, he has shared the stage with acts such as: Tyler Bryant & The Shakedown, Pat the Bunny, Mad Conductor, Great Blue, Teddy Geiger, and countless others.
Derek started his current band O’K and the Night Crew in 2015 after a long stint of playing solo as well as rapping. Yes, rapping. Once the pandemic put O’KNC on a brief hiatus, O’Kanos turned his focus to his solo work. In 2020, he started Oak Honest Records to release his songs and those of other artists. His first release for the label was a 5-track EP ‘On the Sleeve’ (2021), and his most recent effort was another 5-track EP ‘Spoken Roads’ (2022). In addition to all of this, as off 2022 you can also find him seated at the kit behind punk band Riley Lücifer.
Whether you’re at a music festival in the middle of Maine, a dive-bar in Hartford, CT, or an opera house in Littleton, NH, who knows, Derek O’Kanos may getting ready to go on.
Location:
Brattleboro, VT
Label:
Oak Honest Records
Genre(s):
Rock and roll, folk rock, powerpop, alternative, blues
Influences:
Nick Lowe, John Prine, KISS, Thin Lizzy, Johnny Cash, Flogging Molly, Hank Sr., Marcy Playground, Ben Harper, Bob Dylan, Death Cab for Cutie, Ramones, Michale Graves
Highlights:
Finalist – Best Pop Artist / Best of VT 2022
2022 performance at The Middle East – Boston, MA
2022 performance at New England Stoner & Doom Fest 3
2022 performance at Heartbeat Music Fest
2018 performance in Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
2017 performance at Toad’s Place – New Haven, CT
Semi-Finalist – Strange Creek Battle of the Bands 2016
Fun Facts:
Derek has seen KISS in concert 3 times.
He once shook hands with Kim Wilson of The Fabulous Thunderbirds.
Derek volunteered for and met Ralph Nader in 2008.
He loves his cat Mocha.
Derek O'Kanos 