Man hooked on music

Had a dalliance with wine technology, but found the sound calling irresistible.

- Hein Kaiser

Cape Town-born musician David Derman isn't just another guy with a guitar and a few chords. He's a songwriter whose life experiences inform his music. It's his truth.

Raised in the Western Cape's Melkbosstrand and educated at Rondebosch Boys' High and Stellenbosch University, Derman initially pursued wine biotechnology before turning his full attention to music this year.

His music is bulls-eyed on personal experiences, emotional honesty and social issues.

This, he said, was influenced by a family heritage in classical music. With inspirations ranging from his mother's Spanish guitar playing to his great-grandfather, respected conductor Robert Selley, Derman says his music intends to connect genuinely with his audience in local pubs or on festival stages.

Derman said he became a musician because it's what felt most natural and fulfilling for him: "I would feel a void if I had not pursued music."

His single Old Friend is on the Kfm 94.5 chart and also stayed on pole position on the 5FM SA Indie Chart for two weeks.

How do you describe past trauma, as played out on Old Friend?

It is a way of describing something that is familiar, an acceptance and not avoidance. For me, we learn from our friends, where we can also be shaped, but it's important to not be defined.