Derek Lee Rock
Quick Facts
Biography
Derek Lee Smith (born June 29, 1984), more commonly known as Derek Lee Rock or Derek Rock, is the drummer of alternative pop/rock band Mêlée and ska band Suburban Legends. Derek’s drumming styles include rock, pop, electronic, and hip hop. Popularly known for his characteristic spinning of the drumsticks while playing, Derek grew up in Orange County, California and began playing both guitar and drums at age 13.
Suburban Legends
Derek joined Suburban Legends in August, 2000. The band has played thousands of sets regularly at Disneyland, including nightly shows at Downtown Disney. Between 2003-2008 Suburban Legends toured the United States, UK, and Europe numerous times, appearing with such acts as Reel Big Fish, Fall Out Boy, Goldfinger, Less Than Jake, and The Aquabats. The band has recorded 10 albums, including “Let’s Be Friends” which was nominated for Best Album of 2009 at the Orange County Music Awards. Derek and Suburban Legends's latest album, released in 2012, is "Day Job".
Mêlée
Derek began working with Mêlée in August 2009 on the eve of their headlining gig Javarockinland Festival in Jakarta, Indonesia. Derek joined Mêlée during the writing and recording of "The Masquerade", released on iTunes October 5, 2010 on Warner Bros. Records.
Other projects
Derek Rock is currently working on several projects within the music industry: film making, production/songwriting, mixtapes, session drumming, and teaching.
Derek plays Drum Workshop drums.