Data updated on 2025-06-18 11:52:56 UTC
Hailing from the sun-soaked west coast, Derek James is a fresh face in Nashville’s country scene - bringing a unique perspective to the genre with his “Coastal Country” sound. A California native with a degree in packaging engineering, Derek’s passion for music led him to leave his technical career behind and make the bold move to Music City in late 2021.
His debut EP, “California Rays,” released in 2022, is a vibrant introduction to his coastal country style. With signature smooth vocals and a laid back charm, his music has caught the ear of country fans and industry tastemakers alike. With features on Spotify’s “All New Country,” “Fresh Finds” and CMT’s “The Roundup,” he has amassed over 330K streams to date. Proving his sound is resonating far beyond the water. Collaborating with rising producer Zachary Manno (Lady A, BRELAND) Derek has crafted a sound that feels both innovative and nostalgic - merging the storytelling and authenticity of country with the easy going feel of the beach.
As a songwriter, he’s made waves too, with recent cuts by up-and-coming Nashville artists and notable song contest placements. Derek James is carving out a distinctive niche in country music, making him an artist to watch as he rides the wave of coastal country.
His debut EP, “California Rays,” released in 2022, is a vibrant introduction to his coastal country style. With signature smooth vocals and a laid back charm, his music has caught the ear of country fans and industry tastemakers alike. With features on Spotify’s “All New Country,” “Fresh Finds” and CMT’s “The Roundup,” he has amassed over 330K streams to date. Proving his sound is resonating far beyond the water. Collaborating with rising producer Zachary Manno (Lady A, BRELAND) Derek has crafted a sound that feels both innovative and nostalgic - merging the storytelling and authenticity of country with the easy going feel of the beach.
As a songwriter, he’s made waves too, with recent cuts by up-and-coming Nashville artists and notable song contest placements. Derek James is carving out a distinctive niche in country music, making him an artist to watch as he rides the wave of coastal country.
Monthly listeners
11,737
Followers
1,139
Most popular tracks
| Track | Plays | Duration | Release date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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107,967 | 2:49 | 2022-10-21 | |
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58,158 | 3:03 | 2022-10-21 | |
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55,118 | 3:10 | 2024-04-26 | |
|
47,985 | 2:24 | 2024-06-28 | |
|
37,687 | 2:24 | 2021-07-30 | |
|
37,567 | 3:14 | 2021-06-01 | |
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37,424 | 3:53 | 2022-10-21 | |
|
32,903 | 3:19 | 2023-05-05 | |
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27,319 | 3:20 | 2022-10-21 | |
|
23,169 | 3:04 | 2024-08-30 |
