From Hair-Metal Icon to Nu-Metal Innovator: Discover the Unforgettable Journey of Amir Derakh, the Guitar Maverick Who Left Ozzy Osbourne in Awe!
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The Unique Journey of Amir Derakh: From Glam Metal to Electronic innovator
When the name Amir Derakh comes up in conversations among guitar enthusiasts, it frequently enough sparks one of two distinct reactions. Some fans instantly recognize the name, while others may respond with a puzzled expression. Derakh himself acknowledges his somewhat niche position in the music industry and embraces it wholeheartedly.
“I came to terms with my uniqueness a long time ago, and honestly, I appreciate it,” he shares. “I wouldn’t say I’m wholly obscure, but I don’t strive to fit into any particular mold.I can’t imagine just being a blues guitarist-that’s not for me, no offense to those who do it. I thrive on variety and tend to get bored quickly.”
A Diverse Fanbase across Genres
Derakh’s followers span a wide array of musical genres. Some have been with him since his shredding days in the mid-1980s when he took over for craig Goldy in the glam metal band Rough Cutt. Others discovered him in the late 1990s, when his innovative guitar synth work propelled the industrial rock group Orgy to fame.
Additionally,many fans have come to appreciate his more recent electronic endeavors,such as his project Julien-K alongside orgy’s vocalist Ryan shuck,or the option rock band Dead by Sunrise,which featured Shuck and the late Chester Bennington of Linkin Park.
“Its amusing how I attract fans from different eras of my career,” Derakh notes. “I see Rough Cutt fans at my shows, and then there are those who are drawn to my newer projects. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that my work resonates with people across various phases of my musical journey.”
Embracing change in Musical Style
“I understand that my current direction might not appeal to everyone, especially since some of my recent work is heavily electronic and lacks guitar altogether. however, there’s still some crossover, and that’s exciting,” he adds.
Early Inspirations and Musical Beginnings
reflecting on his early days, Derakh admits that he initially had no interest in playing guitar. “My frist love was synthesizers. They were all the rage when I was a teenager. My older cousin got a Moog and started learning keyboards, which made me think, ‘What’s left for me?’”
Despite his initial hesitation, his passion for music led him to pick up the guitar, inspired by heavy metal legends like Thin Lizzy and Judas Priest. “I got an Ibanez Iceman and started my journey,” he recalls.
Overcoming Early Challenges
“At first, I struggled immensely. A friend attempted to teach me, but he gave up, claiming I didn’t have the talent. However, I didn’t let that deter me. I began attending concerts with binoculars, focusing intently on the guitarists’ finger movements,” he explains.
Through this self-directed learning, he quickly grasped chords and began to delve into lead playing, drawing inspiration from guitar greats like Jeff Beck, Allan Holdsworth, and Alex Lifeson.
Rough Cutt – Rock the U.S.A. – YouTube
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As you quickly integrated into the San Diego music scene, it became a notable phenomenon. Local bands and guitarists gained recognition, and you were among them. Can you share more about that experience?
Amir Derakh: The Journey from San Diego to Rock Stardom
Amir Derakh’s name frequently enough sparks two distinct reactions among guitar enthusiasts. Some instantly recognize him, while others may wonder, “Who is that?” Derakh is well aware of his unique position in the music scene and embraces it wholeheartedly.
roots in San Diego’s Music Scene
“I was among the last to emerge from that vibrant San Diego music scene,” Derakh recalls. “Jake E. Lee had already moved on, and while I knew Warren DeMartini, he was also heading to L.A. at that time. There was something special about San Diego; it became a hotspot for guitar talent, with Craig Goldy being another notable name.”
“matt and Dave came by my house. I plugged into a little Super Champ, played one of their songs, and they went wild.”
Joining rough Cutt: A Swift Transition
“How soon after moving to L.A. did you become part of Rough Cutt?” I ask.He chuckles, “They actually found me in San Diego. A few members had already left-Craig Goldy joined Giuffria, and Jake went off to play with Ozzy. The band was searching for new talent in San Diego but struggled to find anyone willing to relocate due to personal commitments.”
“Eventually, bassist Matt Thorr and drummer Dave Alford visited Guitar Trader, a local music store, and expressed their frustration about returning to L.A. empty-handed. That’s when everyone in the store suggested they check out Amir.”
“They came to my house, and after I played one of their songs on my Super Champ, they were ecstatic. they asked if I could grab my gear and head to L.A.that night. Everything unfolded so quickly.”
Ritual // Julien-K Live from The Void – YouTube
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Defying Trends in Hair Metal
“This was right in the midst of the Spandex-and-Aqua Net hair metal craze, but I never fully embraced that aesthetic,” Derakh explains. “I’ve always aimed to be an individual. I frequently changed my look and hairstyle, driven by a desire to stand out. Musically, I also felt out of sync with many of my contemporaries.”
“While many guitarists of the ’80s favored a piercing, high-pitched tone, I was drawn to darker sounds.I preferred richer, more melodic lead solos that resonated with warmth.”
the Influence of Synths on His Sound
“Do you think your affinity for synthesizers influenced your musical style?” I inquire. “Perhaps,” he muses. “Interestingly, I was using a guitar synth during my time with Rough Cutt, but I had to keep it under wraps since it wasn’t deemed ‘cool’ at the time. My band was hesitant to acknowledge it, but early guitar synths were indeed part of our recordings.”
“My first guitar synth was a Roland GR-700, which grover Jackson gifted me. He had just returned from Japan and thought I would know how to utilize it effectively.”
“Did you?” I ask. “Absolutely. Many people misused it, treating it like a keyboard, but it didn’t produce great keyboard sounds. It tracked poorly and frequently enough sounded cheesy. I decided to treat it like a guitar rather.”
“I plugged it into a guitar amp, which allowed me to create some unique sounds. While we downplayed it on Rough Cutt records, I later reintroduced it with Orgy, thinking, ‘Now I’m going to make a statement with this.’”
Signing with Warner Bros. and Auditioning for Ozzy
“After joining Rough Cutt, it didn’t take long for us to secure a deal with Warner Bros.,” he recalls.”However, we faced challenges. The A&R representative who signed us promised to have Ted Templeman produce our album, but after a long wait, he became unavailable, and the A&R guy left us hanging.”
“When Jake E. Lee departed from Ozzy’s band, I auditioned to take his place. I believe Phil Soussan and Randy Castillo supported me, which helped me bypass some of the usual hurdles.They had already auditioned several guitarists, including Zakk Wylde.”
“I’m not a finger-tapper, so I thought, ’I’ll do that stuff, but I’ll do it with one hand.’ Ozzy was really impressed with my playing.”
“What songs did you perform during your audition?” I ask. “We played the classics-Crazy Train,Bark at the Moon,Shot in the Dark,and Over the Mountain. I’m not a finger-tapper,so I thought I’d adapt those techniques using one hand. Ozzy seemed genuinely impressed.”
“He did all the classic Ozzy theatrics-getting down on his knees and performing. I was in disbelief, thinking, ‘This is surreal.’ As a massive randy Rhoads fan, it felt like a dream come true. I even got my ear pierced when Randy passed away and acquired a guitar similar to his.Playing alongside Ozzy was beyond my wildest dreams.”
“Though,I sensed it might not be the right fit for me. When they asked me to perform an impromptu solo, I hesitated. I wanted to craft something original rather than regurgitate existing licks.”
The Outcome of the Audition
“How did you find out you didn’t get the gig?” I ask. “I can’t recall the exact words, but it was Ozzy and sharon who informed me. They mentioned, ‘Ozzy really likes you…’ I had a feeling Zakk was going to get the position. I even saw him at the Rainbow and told him, ‘You’re going to get it.’ He brushed it off, saying, ‘No, no, no…’”
“There were likely a couple of reasons for my not being chosen. For one, I was associated with wendy Dio, who managed Rough Cutt, and they might have wanted to avoid that complication. Additionally, I wasn’t entirely unknown, and they seemed to prefer fresh faces.”
(Image credit: Tim Mosenfelder/Getty Images)
Success with Orgy and Julien-K
“You and vocalist Ryan Shuck formed Orgy, achieving notable success, particularly with your dark electronic cover of New Order’s Blue Monday. Did you ever hear from the New Order members?”
“Not directly, but I heard through a friend that someone in the band had a daughter who remarked during rehearsal, ‘I like Orgy’s version of Blue Monday better than yours.’ Apparently, they all found it amusing.”
“After Orgy, you and Ryan created Julien-K and collaborated with Chester Bennington for Dead by Sunrise. What was that experience like?”
“Chester and I were great friends, having connected during the recording of the first Linkin Park album. Working together on a project was a dream for all of us. He had a unique voice and was incredibly dedicated to his craft, always willing to go the extra mile. I feel fortunate to have had him in my life, and I miss him dearly.”
Rough Cutt – Double trouble (HQ) – YouTube
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Amir Derakh: A Sonic Journey Beyond Rough Cutt
Reflecting on the legacy of his late bandmate, Amir Derakh believes that had chester Bennington not passed away, Dead by Sunrise would have continued to thrive. “He had expressed interest in doing more with us in the future,” derakh shares.
“I create sounds for our records using an iPad, and I incorporate a bullhorn equipped with a laser and light.”
Finding Authenticity in Music
When asked if his post-Rough Cutt endeavors better reflect his musical identity, Derakh confidently responds, “Absolutely. Initially, I didn’t plan to join Orgy; I was enjoying success as a producer, engineer, and programmer. However, I was persuaded to join, and I decided to incorporate guitar synths into my work.This has been a natural progression of my artistic vision.”
“In Julien-K, I have the opportunity to play keyboards alongside guitar. For the past two decades, I’ve been using a baritone guitar, which gives me a darker tonal quality.”
“Julien-K allows me to explore various musical avenues.A significant portion of our set is entirely electronic, where I perform sounds I’ve crafted on an iPad. I also utilize a bullhorn with a laser and light, embodying a unique character during performances.”
“My experiences DJing in the club and techno scenes have greatly influenced my electronic skills, allowing me to develop my sound in a more incognito manner.”
(Image credit: Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Reuniting with Rough Cutt
“Rough Cutt has reunited intermittently over the years, and our latest album, 3, released in 2021, was well-received. Was that a one-off project?” I ask. Derakh responds, “Essentially, yes. Our relationship has been quiet dynamic over the years. It was refreshing to reconnect and feel that the chemistry was still intact, even while writing new material. However, at this stage, we’ve moved on. We’re all adults now, pursuing various projects, and I realized I couldn’t commit to it full-time.”
Current Gear and Signature Sound
“Do you have a go-to non-synth guitar these days?” I inquire. “Definitely. It’s my Yamaha signature model that I designed during my time with Orgy. It’s a baritone guitar, but not excessively long-scaled, making it pleasant to play.Every aspect of this guitar is custom-made, including the pickup I wound with Larry DiMarzio.”
“This guitar has been my reliable companion for many years. It’s remarkable, but there are only a limited number of them-just 75 models exist worldwide.”
From Hair-Metal Icon to Nu-Metal Innovator: Discover the unforgettable Journey of Amir Derakh
From Hair-Metal Icon to Nu-metal Innovator: Discover the Unforgettable Journey of Amir Derakh
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Amir Derakh was born in san Diego, California, where he first picked up the guitar at a young age. Influenced by the heavy metal sounds of the 70s and 80s, he quickly developed a passion for music.His early inspirations included legendary bands like Thin Lizzy and Judas priest, which shaped his unique style.
Transition to Hair Metal
In the mid-1980s, Derakh joined the glam metal band Rough Cutt, where he replaced guitarist Craig Goldy. This marked the beginning of his journey in the hair metal scene, characterized by flashy outfits and high-energy performances. During this time, he honed his skills and gained recognition for his exceptional guitar work.
Defining His Sound: The shift to Nu-metal
As the music landscape evolved,so did Derakh’s style. The rise of nu-metal in the late 1990s provided a new platform for his creativity. He became known for blending heavy guitar riffs with electronic elements,setting him apart from his contemporaries.
Innovative Use of guitar Synths
One of the key aspects of Derakh’s sound is his innovative use of guitar synthesizers. He was among the first guitarists to incorporate these instruments into rock music, creating a unique sonic experience. His work with the band Orgy showcased this talent, especially in their hit cover of Blue Monday by new Order.
Collaborations and Notable Projects
Throughout his career, Derakh has collaborated with various artists, further expanding his musical repertoire. His work with Julien-K, a band he formed with Orgy’s Ryan Shuck, allowed him to explore electronic music more deeply.
Working with Chester Bennington
Derakh’s collaboration with the late Chester Bennington in Dead by sunrise was particularly significant. Their friendship and musical partnership resulted in a project that blended their distinct styles, showcasing Bennington’s powerful vocals alongside Derakh’s innovative guitar work.
Impact on the Music Industry
Amir Derakh’s contributions to the music industry have been profound. His ability to adapt and innovate has inspired countless musicians. Here are some key impacts:
Redefining Guitar Sounds: By integrating electronic elements, Derakh has influenced a new generation of guitarists.
Bridging Genres: His work across various genres, from hair metal to nu-metal, demonstrates the versatility of rock music.
Inspiring Future Artists: Many contemporary musicians cite Derakh as an influence, showcasing his lasting legacy.
Benefits of Embracing Musical Evolution
Derakh’s journey illustrates the importance of embracing change in music. Here are some benefits of evolving as an artist:
Creative Growth: Exploring new styles can lead to innovative sounds and artistic growth.
Broader Audience Reach: Adapting to current trends can attract new fans while retaining existing ones.
personal Fulfillment: Staying true to one’s artistic vision can lead to greater satisfaction and authenticity in music.
First-hand Experience: Amir Derakh’s Perspective
In his own words, Derakh reflects on his journey: “I’ve always wanted to be an individualist.I changed my look and my style frequently, driven by a desire to stand out. Musically, I didn’t fit in with the other guys on the scene. I preferred darker sounds and more melodic solos.”
Amir Derakh’s Gear and Setup
Derakh’s unique sound is also attributed to his choice of instruments. Here’s a look at some of his favorite gear:
Instrument
Description
Yamaha Signature Guitar
A custom baritone guitar designed for easy playability and a darker tone.
Roland GR-700
A guitar synthesizer that allows for innovative sound creation.
iPad
Used for creating and manipulating sounds during performances.
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