Discovered by X Factor tycoon Simon Cowell at 17, Glasgow-born Derek McDonald’s musical CV is a
While still in his teens, Derek earned the admiration and respect of legendary Motown superstar, Lamont Dozier, won a coveted Smash Hits Award and toured the UK in pop duo Mero.
He reinvented himself as solo artist DMAC, enjoyed chart success and spent a year honing his skills on tour with performances on most UK TV shows, including the famous Top of The Pops stage.
Derek was catapulted to fame after the Asian release of his debut solo album Inescapable notched up number ones in Thailand, Indonesia and Singapore, and he was invited to tour with Blue on a sell-out tour of the continent.
Derek’s unforgettable appearance at the 2004 MTV Asia Awards only army of adoring fans captivated by his cheeky Glasgow charm.
That year he landed a major deal with Motorola where they pre-loaded their new smart phones with one of Derek’s music videos, 3 songs and several photographs from his album.
The last few years he has focused on developing his songwriting and performance skills, having worked alongside some of the most sought-after producers and artists in the business. And with a growing consistently diverse portfolio, his songs are fast becoming hot-property.
“Music has always been my life,” he admits. “All I’ve ever wanted to do is write and perform great songs.
“I‘ve been setting myself new challenges for my second album and I’m very proud of the way it’s coming together.”
Recording in New York, Los Angeles and Scandinavia, 26-year-old Derek has enlisted the expertise of some of the industry’s biggest names to ensure his next album has all the elements of commercial success, while still maintaining a more mature sound.
The road to stardom is littered with obstacles in today’s reality show-led climate. But Derek’s sheer strength of character, raw talent and desire to succeed have not only made him more determined, but he is now stronger than ever – as a writer and an artist.
Derek said: “Most people would have given up by now. But all the blows have made me step up my game and think a lot about my goals and how to achieve them by challenging my own limits.
“Being an artist is like learning a trade - I now feel I’ve gained the necessary experience in order to move to the next level.”
Contact Bob James, Asylum Artists, UK – Bob@asylumgroup.com.
