Amir Derakh
Published on
May 31, 2024 at 12:13:27 PM PDT May 31, 2024 at 12:13:27 PM PDTst, May 31, 2024 at 12:13:27 PM PDT
Amir Derakh
BIO
For over 30 years guitarist, writer, engineer, mixer, producer, and programmer Amir Derakh has been known as one of the leading musical pioneers of the Los Angeles area. He was awarded the prestigious “Most Promising Guitarist” award by Gibson Guitars as a founding member, writer, and producer of the platinum selling band Orgy. He was also responsible for the gold and platinum successes of many known artists such as the Eels where he received an engineering Grammy nomination, Danzig, Coal Chamber, and most recently two #1 albums by the eclectic Russian band Mumiy Troll.
To add to his many credits, Amir has also scored and created original music for major motion pictures, video games, and television shows which include: Transformers, Underworld, Freaky Friday, MTV, and the HBO series True Blood. He was also the guitar coach for Disney’s Freaky Friday teaching Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis how to play guitar for their roles.
Amir’s recent personal projects as an artist includes the indie-tronic band Julien-K, (whose campaigns are among the most funded music campaigns on Indiegogo), Dead By Sunrise featuring Chester Bennington of Linkin Park on vocals, and a reunited Rough Cutt.
Welcome aboard, Amir!
Social Media: facebook.com/amirderakh, twitter: @amirderakh, instagram.com/julienkofficial/
For over 30 years guitarist, writer, engineer, mixer, producer, and programmer Amir Derakh has been known as one of the leading musical pioneers of the Los Angeles area. He was awarded the prestigious “Most Promising Guitarist” award by Gibson Guitars as a founding member, writer, and producer of the platinum selling band Orgy. He was also responsible for the gold and platinum successes of many known artists such as the Eels where he received an engineering Grammy nomination, Danzig, Coal Chamber, and most recently two #1 albums by the eclectic Russian band Mumiy Troll.
To add to his many credits, Amir has also scored and created original music for major motion pictures, video games, and television shows which include: Transformers, Underworld, Freaky Friday, MTV, and the HBO series True Blood. He was also the guitar coach for Disney’s Freaky Friday teaching Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis how to play guitar for their roles.
Amir’s recent personal projects as an artist includes the indie-tronic band Julien-K, (whose campaigns are among the most funded music campaigns on Indiegogo), Dead By Sunrise featuring Chester Bennington of Linkin Park on vocals, and a reunited Rough Cutt.
Welcome aboard, Amir!
Social Media: facebook.com/amirderakh, twitter: @amirderakh, instagram.com/julienkofficial/
Amir's Gear
Exclusive Interview
What are you working on now?Julien-K is doing a US tour this summer and we’ve launched an Indiegogo campaign for a our Time Capsule / Retrospective box set! You can see it here: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/julien-k-time-capsule-a-future-retrospective/x/7494987#/
What is your musical background and influences?
I have a degree in engineering from UCLA and I’ve been playing guitar for over 35 years professionally. My influences are a lot of 80’s, Dark Wave, Post Punk & Industrial music.
What is the role of education in music?
I think if you have the interest in schooling there’s nothing better than learning the ropes from a skilled and experienced teacher. In the end you have to pave your own way though. Music is an art so don’t be afraid to break the rules!
How do you feel about the current ‘state of the music industry’?
For us it’s been great! We’ve embraced crowd funding and it’s working really well for us. It’s all about building the business on your own now and directly interacting with your fans.
Why do you use Rockready gig bags?
Once I put my guitar in it I realized it was the best gig bag / travel case I’ve seen! I’m very happy with them so far and they’re going to be put to the test in a big way this summer!