Derek Downham is a multi-instrumentalist from Toronto, Ontario, Canada. He is an accomplished songwriter/producer that possesses an inspired voice with both power and dexterity.
Derek has recorded and played live/toured with many of Canada's finest bands and artists, such as his main band -THE BEAUTIES. Also (in no particular order): Andy Kim (Rock Me Gently, Sugar Sugar), Alex Lifeson (Rush), Luke Doucet, Melissa McClelland, Paul Quarrington (Whale Music, RIP), Kyle Riabko (Columbia), Paul Reddick, Colin Cripps, Ladies Of The Canyon, Trophy, The Beautiful Unknown, By Divine Right, Hayden Neale (Jacksoul), Serena Ryder, Jason Collett, Kevin Drew (Broken Social Scene), Kim Stockwood, Jully Black, Tomi Swick, Graph Nobel, Jeen O'Brien, Amy Millan (Stars), Ron Sexsmith, Shaye, Esthero, Kurt Swinghammer, Justin Rutledge, Rik Emmett (Triumph), David Celia, Blair Packham, Arlene Bishop, Sebastian Grainger (Death From Above 1979), Revival Dear, Ivana Santilli, Matthew Barber, Jeff Healey (RIP), Emm Gryner, Scott Anderson (Finger 11), Damhnait Doyle, Stratochief, Holy F*ck, Beans (Warp), Elliott BROOD, The New Kings, Micheal O'Grady, Andy Stochansky, Danny Michel and many more.
He's shared stages with Bon Jovi, Kid Rock, Tommy James and The Shondells, The Tragically Hip, Broken Social Scene, The Tea Party, Alejandro Escovedo, The Four Tops, Drive-By Truckers, Sarah Harmer, The Stills, The Weakerthans, The Sadies, Squeeze (UK), Matthew Good, Sloan, Roger Hodgson (Supertramp), Big Sugar, Andrew Bird, The Trews and Billy Talent just to name a few.
Derek hosts a weekly songwriter and jam night every TUESDAY at AXIS Gallery (3048 Dundas W. in Toronto) and has done so for over 7 years. All nights are well attended, and for good reason.
Be sure to catch Derek playing drums every SUNDAY at The Dakota Tavern (249 Ossington in Toronto), playing with THE BEAUTIES.
THE BEAUTIES were voted Best Roots Band in Toronto by NOW Magazine.
".(Derek Downham) is the Kevin Bacon of Canadian Rock" - Craig Northey (The Odds)
"Eff'ing brilliant drummah" - Hugh Cornwell (The Stranglers)
