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| Sunday, 6 June 2004 |
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When singer Derrick J began his career in Australia he struggled to get a large music chain to stock his album. But, he persisted, turning instead to self-promotion, recording his own TV commercial and distributing copies of his albums to fans. "I showed (the music chain) I could do it myself." The music chain was soon knocking on his door, but it was too late- Derrick J was succeeding on his own. "I proved my point - don't knock a little guy, they will always come back." Now, the Wantima South resident has named his first DVD -Never Give Up?. "I promoted myself, recorded myself and marketed myself. "From the time I started my career I never gave up. l believed in myself." It's his self-determination that has scored the Sri Lankan-born crooner two gold albums and a swag of fans. His DVD charts the rise of his career and includes 1965 audio recordings as well as footage from a television appearance at age 22. A regular on the morning television circuit. Derrick J has made a name for himself playing at shopping centres, hotels and clubs across Australia. In one documentary, he was named king of the shopping circuit. He began singing in Sri Lanka before moving to Australia in 1973. In 1976 he appeared on television talent show New Fares. taking out an encouragement award, prompting him to release his first album, recorded with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. The album sold more than 35,000 copies, taking it to gold. Another seven album later, Derrick J is still playing, having just recorded a single of Robbie Williams Something Beautiful. The father of five has also set up his own music school at his home to teach aspiring musicians about the business. His next goal is to break into the UK and US market. "I am not a person who sits around and waits for the phone to ring." Never Give Up " can be bought through his website www.derrickj.com ." I never give up, I never get disillusioned, I never give in. I brush things aside and believe in myself" The inspiring words of consummate artiste Derrick Junkeer. . He has recorded another seven albums ,and a Country album recorded with some musicians from the Little River Band, reaching a gold album. He is one of those successful entertainers who isn't affected by fame and takes success in his stride. With over 25 years in the music industry and two gold albums, Derrick J. still performs at least three to four times a week doing Morning Melodies Concerts at all Tatts, and Cabaret venues, and the last overseas performance was in Indonesia in January at Aston in Jakarta, and the Bali Hilton. A regular performer on Good Morning Australia with Bert Newton, who boosted Derrick J. DVD sales after his performance on the 6th of May by promoting his website www.derrickj.com for his fans to purchase from the internet. |
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| Produced by Lake House |
Maybe you are wondering what Derrick Junkeer is doing these days?
Certainly he's not been idling since his last Christmas programme here at
the then Hotel Lanka Oberoi. He's been working on a DVD which contains
clips of his career from the early years to the present day. A lover of
sentimental ballads and country songs, Derrick has been busy performing at
his regular gigs, appearing an television shows and touring too - will he
make it to Sri Lanka again to given his fans a treat...?
