The Chris & Sandy Show With Country Artist Derek Lersch

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We had a great conversation with country artist Derek Lersch on The Chris & Sandy Show. We talked about many things from family, music, passion, sacrifices, he told some cool stories especially his Steven Tyler story to a whole lot more!

“My Baby’s Summertime” marks the first song to be heard from his forthcoming debut EP due in the fall. For Lersch, who has already shared the stage with notable acts like Rodney Atkins, he says, “this new song is a lot different than my previous singles as it is full of energy and matches the kind of energy I bring on stage.”

“This is a song my good friend Chuck Reedy wrote with a friend of his a few years back,” says Lersch. “He approached me about singing the vocals on it and when I first heard it, I immediately loved it, it was so catchy! It’s the first song I’ve released that I haven’t written but he gave me the thumbs up to release it and I couldn’t be more excited!” 

Passion for music and drive to succeed took him from performing Aerosmith’s “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” at age three for family to now having performed over 350 shows in just four years.​ “I grew up idolizing Aerosmith and Steven Tyler and still do,” says Lersch. “Their songs and his energy on stage were a huge inspiration to me and how I perform today. There are so many artists out there right now that I really get inspired by; guys like Luke Combs and Morgan Wallen, but if I had to pick one most inspiring I’d have to say it’s Jason Aldean. The way he’s been able to adapt to an ever changing music scene and also keep his sound is truly incredible. I love artists from all genres and I love the ones that aren’t afraid to try new things!”

Opening for acts like Rodney Atkins, Jay Allen, and others as well as performing at Raymond James Stadium and Amalie Arena, Derek thrives on the big stage.

Born in the small town of Scituate, Massachusetts, Derek moved to Florida at age three. He grew up listening to all of the greats, from legends like Tom Petty and The Eagles to Michael Jackson and Garth Brooks. “I grew up on all kinds of music. From classic rock, pop, country, everything! You’ve got to remember, I’m a 90s kid too, so even the Backstreet Boys and Shania Twain have influences in my music.” Derek attributes many of his stage antics and sound to the various musical influences he grew up on.​


After learning how to play the piano and the guitar in high school, Derek started writing songs and performing some of his favorites. It wasn’t long before he booked his first show. Today with over 350 shows played, Derek’s favorite thing is still performing live. “There’s nothing better than a crowd’s energy and emotions. It’s truly what drives me.”

In 2015, Derek attended Full Sail University to obtain his Music Business Degree. During this time, he tried out for American Idol and after advancing through a few rounds he unfortunately did not make it to the finals. That only pushed him to work harder on his dream. “I love being told ‘no.’ What’s more motivating than that?”

After graduation, Derek moved to Nashville to further his career in the Music Business. After spending a year in Nashville working at iHeartRadio, he moved back to Bradenton, FL in 2017 to continue working in the entertainment industry and continue his music dream.

This is where you can find him now pursuing his dreams, performing for crowds of all kinds and sizes. Lersch released his debut single, “Miss Me Whiskey (2018),” followed by 2019’s sophomore single, “Forever & Always,” which holds a special place in his heart. The song was Derek’s wedding song to his high school sweetheart and the music video was filmed at their wedding. Later that year, Derek released his third single “Midnight Moonlight,” which was a response to the rockin’ country feel Derek’s fans had been asking for.

Derek Lersch will release his debut EP in fall of 2021. 

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We are Chris & Sandy Benton. We are the co-host of The Chris & Sandy Show. We also run The Customized Ride Media. We have interviewed over 600 guests on The Chris & Sandy Show

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