Part Four
New Skills and a Life Re-Energized
As our time in Turkey drew to a close, the focus shifted from managing the current shows to building a sustainable foundation for Derrick’s future. While my primary mission was sound engineering, my role as a mentor allowed us to unlock new creative avenues that had previously been out of reach.
Unlocking the Loop Station: From Theory to Mastery
One of the most rewarding moments of the trip happened on a quiet Thursday afternoon. We sat down for a “live” masterclass on advanced looping techniques that are notoriously difficult to teach via a standard Zoom call.
- Vocal Layering & Overdubbing: I coached Derrick on the timing of real-time beatboxing and vocal percussion. We worked on creating a rhythmic foundation that he could then layer his lead vocals over without the timing drifting.
- Tactile Control: Because I was there in person, I could demonstrate the physical “muscle memory” required—exactly which buttons to trigger and the precise millisecond to hit them.
- Creative Autonomy: This session wasn’t just about making one song sound better; it was about giving Derrick the tools to evolve his entire show. He left the session no longer feeling limited by the hardware, but empowered by it.
Networking and Reflections
While a planned third gig on Friday didn’t materialize due to local scheduling, we didn’t waste the time. We met with several local bar owners to discuss residency opportunities for next year. It was a productive end to the week, balanced with final swims in the Mediterranean and a few games of pool.
From a personal perspective, this trip was a significant milestone. Traveling as someone with ADHD can often feel like a series of potential logistical disasters. However, I managed the entire journey—from the bustle of Gatwick to the complexities of Marmaris—without a single catastrophe. More importantly, working in high-pressure environments for a week without a single “fall out” is a personal achievement I’m proud of. It proves that with the right preparation, neurodiversity can be a superpower in the technical world.
The Transformation of Derrick R Brown
The most significant takeaway is the “before and after” of Derrick’s artistic life. Following a disheartening experience in 2024, he had been feeling a deep sense of frustration. This trip acted as a total reset:
| Area of Growth | Current Status |
| Professional Gigs | Derrick is now actively taking bookings for wedding singer work across the UK. |
| Digital Presence | He is consistently releasing high-quality TikTok content to promote his live shows. |
| Modern Production | He is currently using Suno AI to remix and modernize his first album for a 2026 re-release. |
Derrick is no longer just “practicing” in a spare room; he is a working artist with a life full of purpose, momentum, and musical enjoyment.
A Heartfelt Thank You
I cannot conclude this series without expressing my deepest gratitude to Derrick and Sheryl. They invited me into their lives not just as a technician, but as a guest and a friend. Their warmth, hospitality, and trust made this one of the most fulfilling jobs of my career.
I usually conclude my articles by saying I am available for work, and I will do the same here. If you are an artist struggling with “live gig anxiety” or technical hurdles that are holding your dream back, I offer a unique, niche skill set to help you navigate those challenges.
Derrick’s journey—from a non-functioning studio to a successful international performer—is proof that with the right support, the goal is always within reach.