Interview by Carol Wright | Photo Courtesy of Derek Skelton
We got to chat with singer Derek Skelton about performing growing up, songwriting, and his song “Island Girl.”
Growing up you performed around your town of Weaver, Alabama. Did those early performances spark your love for music?
I had a love for music way before I ever did performances where I grew up. I was always singing along with the radio in the car and singing for my family. It was obvious early on that music was something that I gravitated towards. I started off singing in church with the children’s group and my first real performance was in a Christmas play we were doing. There was a particular scene in the play that had a full song with it and there was no one to do the song. The director had decided to end up doing the song herself but I raised my hand and told her that I’d like to do the song. This was the first time that other people besides family would get to hear my voice and they were quite shocked. It was exciting for me to be in the spotlight, have that microphone in my hand, and get the chance to show the audience what I could do. To this day, I still remember every word to that song.
Your father was a singer as well. Did you learn a lot from watching his performances?
I didn’t get to see my Dad sing very much but when I would get to visit him in Texas I would always be so excited to see him sing in church on Sundays. I always admired the confidence he had on stage and obviously his talent as well so I would always try to get advice from him on anything music and singing.
You’re serving our country as part of the U.S. Air Force and managing to write and record music. How have you been balancing both?
I just find time during the year where I can take some days off and get to the studio. I have to make sure that it’s not going to conflict with any training or any other needs of the Air Force but I make it work. It definitely makes it tough when you’re stationed so far away as well.
Tell us about your song “Island Girl.” What inspired the lyrics?
Everyday life here in Hawaii is truly the inspiration for it. I mean, who wouldn’t want to be here cruising through the north shore with a beautiful island girl.
Do you try to carve out time to write each day or week or do you only write when inspiration hits?
I try to write as often as possible. I usually do all my writing at night when I’m just relaxing. I’ll have a drink and put pen to paper but I’m trying to get better at using inspiration in the moment and writing it down no matter where I’m at.
What advice do you have for aspiring singers?
Be true to yourself. Being genuine and original is way cooler than trying to emulate someone else.