Bruce Derby’s musical journey began at the tender age of six, inspired by his parents’ deep love for music. This early passion led him to explore various instruments and form his first band while still in his youth. Throughout high school, his service in the Air Force, and his college years, Bruce’s dedication to music never wavered. He mastered the guitar, keyboards, and drums, showcasing his versatility and love for creating music.
Bruce co-founded the well-known group “Flashback Eddy,” and has consistently written and recorded songs across different eras of music production. Although “Flashback Eddy” is no longer gigging, Bruce continues to collaborate with its members. The bass player, Marte, has worked with Bruce on several songs, including their next release “Love The People.” The drummer, Flashback Eddy Derby, collaborated with Bruce on “Summerheat.”
Bruce’s musical style has evolved over the years to include Hip Hop and Rap, in addition to his rock, jazz, and country foundation. His songs have made it to the Re-Ex Pop/Rock Top 40 chart, with “It’s Over Now” peaking at #8 and still hovering around the top 40 after several weeks.
From 1975 until 2020, Bruce performed live, most recently with the band “Hot Shots.” When the COVID-19 pandemic hit and gigs were canceled, he shifted his focus entirely to studio work. This led to the release of “Below,” his first release since “Whiskey and Rock N Roll” in 2015. Since then, Bruce has released over 30 songs, including his latest, “Show Must Go On.”
Currently, Bruce is in the studio working on his next song, “Guitar Eyedrops,” and collaborating with Marte on five songs, including “Love The People.” He is also working with Edeiny Morales on “My Girl,” a Cuban urban rock mix. Bruce’s past as a musician continues to inspire him to write more songs. He has experienced amazing times, from learning songs by listening to records and the radio with “Anatole Rock Band” to recording with an eight-track reel-to-reel for the “Little Prancer Album.” Now, he records using Studio One in his own studio, filled with various instruments and amplifiers.
Bruce’s future plans include continuing to record and release songs. While he may start another band in the future, his current focus is on studio work. For Bruce, music is not just a passion; it’s a way of life. His desire to be part of people’s musical experiences drives him to innovate and create diverse styles that resonate with a wide range of listeners.
