Jacob Deraps: The YouTube Guitar Prodigy Inspired by Van Halen
Over five years have passed since the music world lost Eddie Van Halen, a legend whose absence is still profoundly felt. Much like the late Jimi Hendrix, the impact of EVH’s artistry will resonate for generations to come.
To witness this influence firsthand, one need only visit YouTube, where countless guitarists strive to replicate Eddie’s iconic sound. While many can hit the right notes, only a select few capture the essence of his unique style and tone. Among these exceptional talents is Jacob Deraps, hailing from St-Georges de Beauce, Quebec.
For over a decade, Deraps has dedicated his channel to celebrating the music of Van Halen. His content ranges from playthroughs of classics like Runnin’ with the Devil to reviews of EVH gear and tutorials on achieving Eddie’s legendary Brown Sound.
A Musical Upbringing
Growing up in a musical family-his mother a jazz saxophonist and classical pianist, and his father a weekend musician-Deraps picked up the guitar at a young age. His life changed forever when he first heard I’m the One from Van Halen’s debut album at just 12 years old.
“I had to learn that song,” he recalls. ”I was captivated by the sound. The groove and energy were incredible, and it felt like the amp was about to explode. I loved that intensity.”
His fascination with Van Halen quickly evolved into an obsession. Deraps spent countless hours dissecting the band’s albums, meticulously figuring out every detail on his guitar. This journey was chronicled on his YouTube channel, wich he launched at the age of 13.
Van Halen 5150 Cover by Jacob Deraps and Josh Gallagher - YouTube
“I used my channel as a platform to share my passion for guitar and showcase my skills,” he explains. “It was simply about performing for the world.”
Building a Following
In the 14 years since its inception, Deraps’ YouTube channel has flourished, amassing nearly 50,000 subscribers and close to 13 million views. While these numbers may not rival those of top influencers, they have allowed him to forge valuable connections, including with the EVH brand.
As fans can see, Deraps has curated an notable collection of Eddie Van Halen-inspired gear, boasting six replicas of iconic guitars, including three Wolfgangs, a Frankenstrat, a Bumblebee, and the lesser-known Circles guitar.
“Collaborating with EVH is a dream come true,” he shares. “It’s surreal and incredible.The Wolfgangs have modern features, like a rounded neck joint that enhances comfort.”
EVH Frankenstein humbucker – The Real Deal? – YouTube
Thanks to YouTube, Deraps has transformed his passion into a full-time career. He exemplifies the new wave of musicians who thrive outside conventional record deals. His income streams include YouTube revenue,a publishing deal,recording contracts,and session work.
“I enjoy creating videos, and it’s a fantastic way to earn money and establish my brand. I’m focusing on that while also performing gigs and collaborating with others,” he states.
Creating Original Music
Deraps also leads his own band, where his admiration for Van Halen shines through.While his playing reflects influences from various hard rock legends, the essence of catchy songwriting remains central to his music.
Though Eddie’s influence on guitar playing is undeniable, some musicians misinterpret it, prioritizing technical skill over the timeless appeal of Van Halen’s music. The band was known for its infectious hooks, ensuring that every intricate solo was paired with a memorable riff that got audiences moving.
Having studied Van Halen and their contemporaries, Deraps wisely incorporates that catchiness into his own work. Just as Van Halen was defined by Eddie and his brother Alex, Deraps’ band features him alongside Australian drummer Josh Gallagher.
Deraps – Last Fall (Home Studio Video) - YouTube
They recently released their album, Viva Rock N’ Roll, which they produced independently, featuring rich vocal harmonies-another lesson Deraps learned from his idols: sometimes, frontmen can be more trouble than they’re worth. However, the album doesn’t aim to mimic Van Halen; rather, their music has become an integral part of Deraps’ artistic identity.
“I don’t consciously think about it while writing,” he explains. ”I just pick up my guitar, and if a riff resonates, that’s what makes it onto the record. It’s all organic.”
Always the entrepreneur, Deraps recognizes a gap in today’s music scene. With catchy rock ‘n’ roll becoming increasingly rare in mainstream music, he believes there’s a generation of young YouTube viewers who have yet to discover the genre, just as he did at 12.
“It feels like rock has been forgotten. Young people aren’t necessarily opposed to it; they just haven’t been exposed to it,” he concludes.
Meet Jacob Deraps: the YouTube Shred Sensation Channeling His Inner Van Halen!
Who is Jacob Deraps?
jacob Deraps is a Canadian guitarist and YouTube sensation known for his unbelievable guitar skills and deep admiration for the legendary Eddie van Halen. Hailing from St-Georges de Beauce, Quebec, Jacob has captivated audiences with his unique ability too replicate Van Halen’s iconic sound while infusing his own style into his performances.
The Rise of Jacob Deraps on YouTube
Since launching his YouTube channel at the age of 13, Jacob has amassed nearly 50,000 subscribers and over 13 million views. his channel features a variety of content, including:
- Playthroughs of classic Van Halen songs
- Gear reviews, notably focusing on EVH (Eddie Van Halen) branded equipment
- Tutorials on achieving the famous Brown Sound
- Original compositions that showcase his musical evolution
Channeling Eddie Van Halen’s Influence
Jacob’s journey began when he first heard I’m the One from Van Halen’s debut album. This pivotal moment ignited a passion that would shape his musical career. He describes the experience:
“I had to learn that song. I was just hooked. there was so much groove and feel, and it sounds like the amp is about to blow up. I love that aggressiveness.”
Learning from the Best
Jacob’s dedication to mastering Van halen’s techniques has led him to spend countless hours analyzing the band’s music. He meticulously dissects each song, focusing on the nuances that make Eddie’s playing so distinctive. This commitment to detail is evident in Jacob’s performances, where he captures not just the notes but the spirit of Van Halen’s music.
Building a Brand and Community
Through his YouTube channel, Jacob has created a community of guitar enthusiasts who share his passion for rock music. He engages with his audience by:
- Responding to comments and feedback
- Hosting live Q&A sessions
- Collaborating with othre musicians and YouTubers
Jacob’s Gear Collection
As a devoted fan of Eddie van Halen, Jacob has built an remarkable collection of guitars and gear. His collection includes:
| Guitar Model |
Description |
| Frankenstrat |
The iconic guitar used by Eddie Van Halen, known for its unique paint job and sound. |
| Wolfgang |
A modern guitar designed by Eddie, featuring advanced playability and tone. |
| Bumblebee |
A replica of Eddie’s famous guitar from the Van Halen II album. |
| Circles Guitar |
A lesser-known model that showcases Eddie’s innovative design. |
Creating Original Music
Along with covering Van Halen classics, Jacob has ventured into creating original music.His band, simply named Deraps, features a blend of hard rock influences and catchy melodies.The band recently released their album, Viva Rock N’ Roll, which showcases their musical evolution while paying homage to their rock roots.
Songwriting Process
Jacob’s songwriting process is organic and intuitive. He explains:
“I pick up a guitar,and if the riff is good,that’s what’s going to be on the record. It’s not forced or anything.”
Benefits of Following Jacob Deraps
Following Jacob Deraps on YouTube offers numerous benefits for aspiring guitarists and music lovers:
- Learning Opportunities: Gain insights into guitar techniques and styles through detailed tutorials.
- Inspiration: Discover new music and ideas that can fuel your own creativity.
- Community Engagement: Connect with fellow music enthusiasts and share your passion.
Practical Tips for Aspiring Guitarists
If you’re inspired by Jacob Deraps and want to improve your guitar skills, consider thes practical tips:
- Practice regularly: Set aside dedicated time each day to practice your guitar skills.
- Analyze your Favorite Songs: Break down the techniques used in songs you love, just as Jacob does with Van Halen tracks.
- Engage with the Community: Join online forums or social media groups to connect with other guitarists.
- Experiment with Gear: Try different guitars and effects to find your unique sound.
First-Hand Experience: Jacob’s Journey
Jacob’s journey as a guitarist has been filled with challenges and triumphs. He recalls the early days of his YouTube channel:
“I was kind of a tool to get my playing out there, to just show the world my passion for the instrument and what I could do.”
Join the Beatbounty Community
If you’re passionate about music and want to connect with like-minded individuals, consider creating an account on the Beatbounty platform. You can submit ads, collaborate with other musicians, and explore opportunities to enhance your musical journey.
