Inspired Musician

by Anh Lottman

Derek Halet, 20, is a focused young man who wants to give a little hope and music to the world. Music may be his passion, but Christ is his inspiration.

            He is working a CD called Hope Written, backed by family-owned music label MJW Music Group. His goal is to communicate a message of hope. Despite the despair and pain, there is always something to look forward to.

            Derek is a small town boy. He grew up in Alhambra, has lived in Monrovia for the last 10 years, but spends most of his time in Pasadena. He attends Calvary Chapel, Pasadena. Last summer, he lived in Russia spreading the word of God.

            Hope Written is Derek’s professional debut. He worked on two previous CDs, which came together in his dining room and bedroom. Hope Written is the most varied musical album, backed by a full band.

            Derek is a self-taught man. When he was 13, he picked up his mother’s guitar and started playing. Today, he does the writing and arrangements for most of the instruments on Hope Written. He has even learned to sing.

            What Derek writes is very much influenced by what he listens to: bluegrass, jazz, rock and classical. That is why Hope Written is so eclectic, ranging from traditional folk to being rock-oriented. “Even if I don’t have the best voice, it’s my voice…comes out of my own style,” said Derek. He said that he is proud that he could make songs his own, not replicas of other people’s style.

            And he credits his family for nurturing his musical talents. Although guitar is his instrument, his favorite is the piano and the drums. “The piano holds its own…loud, emotional, a lot of range.” He is a percussion, rhythm lover; therefore, the sound of drums moves his heart and soul.

         He also has another goal in life other than creating music: to teach. Derek enjoys English and communicating in different mediums. “The opportunity to speak well is the most valuable skill I have,” and Derek wants to impart that to the next generation.

His hobbies include long boarding, skate boarding and writing short, humorous stories about his childhood. “I’m a pretty simple guy,” he said.