Derick Sebastian's Blog

Aloha!

Wow! It is already March! Time is flying by so fast for sure. I hope all is well and thank you so much for all the sincere support! As an update, the music scene for me has kept me extremely busy, in honesty, this is the busiest I have been in the last 3 years! I have been overwhelming blessed with extensive opportunities of shows, concerts, travels, my Ukulele Academy, along with continuous recording and media projects. It is truly a challenge to balance my music career along with a growing family but all in all, I am so blessed to be sharing my passion and living out my dream. THANK YOU SO MUCH!

Here is a video of me and Adam Miller, from Australia, performing a quick jam session at the NAMM Show 2010 in Anaheim, California…It was so much fun, please enjoy!! Till then, take care, Aloha and God Bless!

This is the number one motive you need to remind yourself everyday of this year!

People are going to think what they want to think, people are going to say what they want to say, and people are going to judge what they want to judge. You can never ever control that cycle but what you can control is what you do and how you do it. It is a new year and you need to start following your heart, find your passion, take small steps and Go For It! You will never change others unless you change yourself!

Your support and love has shaped me into the person I am today, THANK YOU so much from the bottom of my heart. May you have a Happy, Prosperous, and Blessed New Year. Aloha and God Bless!

Aloha All!

As a child, growing up without a father was extremely difficult. I had to find an outlet, a release, or a place where I could express myself and feel that I was being heard. I was confused, so I searched and discovered sports. I was particularly attracted to playing baseball and football, which immediately became my first love. I have to admit, I excelled in both games and that led me to believe in my wildest dream – becoming a professional athlete and being featured on Entertainment Sports Programming Network, also known as ESPN.

Unfortunately, due to my personal health conditions with asthma, my dream of becoming a professional athlete failed to materialize. However, with the grace of God, I became a professional musical artist. Despite the change of direction in my life, I still kept alive the dream of somehow, someway and someday appearing on ESPN.

It seemed like a lifetime, but after sixteen years of becoming a professional ukulele artist, my wildest dream finally came true! Last week, I had the honor and privilege of working with EA SPORTS, KEMPER SPORTS, and ESPN. I was given the opportunity to perform a halftime show during EA SPORTS’ Maui Invitational NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. As a result, I was featured live on national television performing ukulele on ESPN! The very next day, a picture of my performance was featured in the Sport’s Section of The Maui News. That was without a doubt an experience of a lifetime!

I truly believe that opportunities will be presented to you, if and only if, you work hard for them. I also believe that everything happens for a reason, and sometimes that includes setbacks. In reality, though, it is God’s sense of humor testing your faith. Don’t give up on your dreams, because your dreams give you hope, and when you have hope, you truly have faith.

What is your dream? I would love to hear from you and maybe work together to make your dream come true!

May God Bless you and your families throughout this blessed Holiday Season…Aloha and Mahalo!

Aloha All!

A milestone accomplished!

I can’t stress enough on how this musical journey has been such a blessing. The people I’ve met, the places I’ve traveled, the amazing venues I’ve performed at, the opportunities that developed, and the people I have inspired have been truly overwhelming. It has now been over three years pushing my music career full-time working extremely hard and consistent; and although there were some rough and unsure moments, the rewards and returns have been absolutely priceless.

Since I started playing the ukulele just over sixteen years ago, one of my wildest dreams was to release an ukulele instrumental album, and today…that dream has finally come true!

With the guidance of my determined support team, I humbly announce my 1st full-length Major Ukulele Instrumental CD Release, “FROM HIS HEART,” is now available directly through my website and all live show appearances!

My performances on this project displays pure acoustic and honest recordings, which humbly takes me back when I first started to learn and play the ukulele. This CD project was such an invaluable experience, it was the most fun I’ve had in years!

In addition, throughout this month of November is the “Official Opening” of my Ukulele Academy located at the Maui Music Conservatory in the Queen Kaahumanu Center. I am currently accepting sign-ups either at the direct location or through my website.

Again, I personally would like to thank you for your unconditional support. I honestly know that I would not be here today without your wisdom & encouragements. Take care, Aloha, and God Bless.

Aloha All!

I am currently on Oahu doing several business meetings with Joe Souza, who the luthier of my AWESOME ukulele and owner of Kanilea Ukulele. It is great to be here and to be working with such an awesome team!

Anyhow, I had a super early flight out of Maui heading into Honolulu and as I arrived, coming out of the jetway, I saw literally hundreds US Military Soldiers in the boarding area. I honestly don’t know if there were coming or going; some looked happy, some looked sad, some looked as if there were lost, but most of them looked VERY tired. Almost 80% of these Soldiers that I saw were sleeping. Most were slouching in theirs seats, and some were even lying flat on the ground just dead tired sleeping!

For me, it was a real eye opener. I honestly got really emotional because these Soldiers are fighting for ‘us’ citizens the United States of America! And here were are as ‘civilians’ just walking right by these soldiers like they don’t even exist. I was very saddened but yet very honored that these soldiers sacrifice so much for us.

In closing, I have to admit, I may think that life for me approaches really hard and it really sucks for me to be away from my family while traveling but you know what, most of us including me, need to shut our mouthes because we can complain all we want about this and that, but truthfully, we need to stop, take a step back and realize what these US Military Soldiers are going through. They are not only away from their families, but they are SACRIFICING THEIR TIME AND LIVES for us American People. I am not trying to be political here, I just want to express how grateful and how much I appreciated the US Military Soldiers on what they do for me. So here is to the MILITARY SOLDIERS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA…Big Mahalos, Alohas and GOD BLESS AND “SHAKA” TO YOU ALL!

Greetings!

Thank you for your visit. I just wanted to share that I had such a wonderful weekend. On Friday, I spent some quality time with my beautiful wife and two boys…first off having fun at Emmanuel Lutheran’s Pumpkin Fesitval. Although it was really crazy chasing after my boys, Santana (4) and Marley (21 months), I really had fun just watching them get so excited and stimulated by all the people, music, games, food, and everything else. It was like yesterday carrying them in my arms like a football and now they are growing up so fast that it is hard to accept that they are not little babies; they are now young boys!

Then came Saturday in no time! We spent half the day supporting Santana as he competed in an Maui Open Martial Arts Tournament. He is only 4 years old and he does so well…he makes daddy proud! In his division, he placed 3rd in FORMS (KATA) AND 3rd as well in STICK FIGHTING. It was so fun!

Then came Sunday even quicker. I spent the morning with the brothers of MOI (Men of Integrity) at a beach service. I had to lead worship, which was such a great experience. It felt so great to sing to the Lord because I know I would not be here where I am today without Him. We then had a HUGE jam session with Jan K., Kipi H., Eddie K., John John, Matty, and Nathan…we had such a fun time playing for the entire beach…can’t wait to do it again.

Then I closed it off performing 2 shows at Hula Grill in Kaanapali both Sunday and Monday evenings. Speaking of Hula Grill, I am so grateful to meet so many great people while performing there…it is such an awesome atmosphere…if you have not already, YOU NEED TO CHECK IT OUT! Speaking of which, I need to give a BIG SHOUT AND MAHALO to the beautiful ladies of Idaho, to Mary and Amy, Happy Birthday…and to Rochelle and Brenda, thank you for all your encouragement. Remember, it is not the age, it is the attitude. I will surely let you know when I head to the ‘potato land.’

Thanks again for just spending time with me and checking out my live blog…Take care and have a safe and happy Halloween. Aloha and God Bless.

Greetings to All!

It has been one week now since being back from CA Ukulele Tour and although I am still tired, I am very happy to be home! Things have not slowed down one bit…this past weekend, I did 5 shows! A little exhausting but I seriously need to give a BIG SHOUT to my music buddies I perform with: JOSH KAHULA, RYAN TANAKA, AND JOHN PALPALLATOC! You guys really hold it down for me!

Also, there are some huge projects tour opportunities going on that I will let you know about very soon. In the meantime, my next big stage is at EA Sports Maui Invitational BasketBall Tournament Half Time Show. I will keep you posted as well…Lastly, my Newest Major CD Release, which is an Ukulele Instrumental Project, is “NOW AVAILABLE” on my website…Go and Check it Out! YOU’LL LOVE IT!

Thank you again for all the support…Aloha and God Bless!

Aloha All!

I just wanted to inform you that I am home safely on Maui and I’m trying to get into full swing again. I am still very tired from the long CA Tour but let me tell you, it was a lifetime experience. I met so many great people, performed at so many new places, and had so much fun however, it came with a sacrifice. While I was away, I had one of the hardest time trying to cope being so far away from my wife and kids for such a long period of time. Furthermore, my kids experienced twice as bad; because I am so close with them, they gave my wife the hardest time. With that, I seriously have to give my wife my all for being strong, patient and understanding my purpose of this whole entire musical journey.

Speaking of purpose, my main objective in any of my musical endeavors is to share a God-given talent that I am truly blessed with. It is somewhat difficult at times to show my purpose because most people want to “hear” the music first, then they’ll get interested in “getting to know” me as the artist as secondary. Although I would much rather prefer the other way around; where people would want to get to know me first as an artist, this is the music business and judging the music first, is the usual process.

It is what it is and for me, it has been like this for many years…until I took upon this California Tour. To be honest, I didn’t know what to expect and I was really skeptical because throughout this whole entire tour, all the venues were new to me and the numerous ukulele workshops that I had to teach were long and demanding. Well, the CA Tour wasn’t like I expected it to be. To tell the truth, EVERY SINGLE performance and workshop went so well and the people were so receptive. The most amazing part about this journey was people were asking about my wife and kids, giving wrapped gifts for my boys, and lots of goodies and souvenirs for me to take back home. It was like a miracle happening right before my eyes because it was as if people knew who I was even though I had no idea who they were. It was so inspiring throughout the tour, I was really emotional everyday. This experience gave me a sense of calmness because although my family and I were going through a rough time of separation, I knew that people were starting to understand my sacrifice. In other words, people were not “hearing” my music anymore, they were “hearing” my PURPOSE.

Yes the world is not an easy place to take upon, but if you have faith, believe in what you do and create a purpose for it, YOU WILL SUCCEED one way or another. Thank you again..without you, I seriously would never be here. Take care, God Bless, and please let me know if there is anything I can do for you. Aloha!

Howzit!

My first first ever 2 week tour throughout the entire state of California has been nothing but a true MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE. First off, thank you to my road managers: Mark H., Ray F., and Rick R., without you, this tour would never be possible. To my road Mom, Terri Rasay, thank you for making sure I was always taken care of. To the crew of Garden Island Blend in the Bay…You guys are too much fun! To Uncle Charlie and Aunty Ilima of SoCal Ukulele Festival and Elaine de Man Wine Country Ukulele Festival, thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to be part of such huge events! To Teri and the Alvarado Middle School Ukulele Club, Keep Strumming! To Island Legends, thank you for such an opportunity to reach out the ukulele community of SoCal. To Ricky and all the Supporters at PIXAR ANIMATION STUDIO…thank you so much for everything, I had such a blast and I look forward to doing it again! To Joe and Kristen Souza of Kanilea Ukuleles, thank you from the bottom of my heart…you know that I would never be here today without your unconditional support. To the rest my supporters throughout SoCal, NoCal, the ukulele workshop attendees, and all who flew special into CA to follow me along the tour…THANK YOU SO MUCH! You are the ones who truly keeps my fire burning! To Kellie, Ali, and the rest of the radio stations who promoted my music…Mahalo Big Time! Lastly, to my wife and two boys, and the rest of my family and friends back in Hawaii who consistently kept the support and prayers going…Thank you so much…I love you all!

In closing, I really had such a great time and this was truly a start of something new in my musical endeavor. This tour was more than intense and very tiring. I spent a whole lot of time on the road performing multiple shows 11 days straight non-stop but all in all, it was priceless. I met such great people along the way and the most important part, I got to share a talent that I am humbly blessed with; which is the ability to express through the ukulele. Much love to you all again for all the support. Take care and I will talk to you soon…Aloha and God Bless.

Aloha Everyone!

I am barely up and I am so dead tired but I really would like to express my thankfulness to such an awesome Wine Country Ukulele Festival in St. Helena, CA. Elaine de Man, you did such an awesome job! I need to say, I am so honored to have many of my supporters to fly in from outer states to just come and see me…I even got presents from Mimi (an ukulele player) for me to take back to my boys. Thank you so much! To the ukulele performers who attended my Ukulele Workshop, you’ve surely been the highlight of the day…THANK YOU! I had so much fun and I connected with so many great people! Wine Country…I HAD A BLAST! I am surely looking forward for the next one. Take care, Aloha and God Bless.