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June 25, 2006

So long and no updates! Well, it had to do with computer crashes. It all happened the day before the Burgess show was supposed to happen and I get word that it's cancelled. I was miserable for a minute but then everything for a reason. There is a chance for a reschedule though. Right now I'm going to see if this updates properly. If so, more news to come.

May 4, 2006

Big news! Mark Burgess of The Chameleons is returning to Omaha! I have again been asked to appear with him. I am so honored. The show is scheduled for June 16 at Mick's in Benson. The show will also feature a sneak preview of The Chameleons upcoming dvd 'Ascension'. More details to come. This will be a show not to miss!

April 26, 2006

The Pat Higgins Trio is on local cable television on channel 18 (Cox). The show is called Metro Vision and airs every Wednesday night at 6:00. The current show is about the history of jazz in Nebraska and features an event recently held at Love's Jazz and Arts Center. The trio played as part of the event to commemorate black history month. I have yet to see the show. Apparently it is has been shown every Wednesday this month.

April 19, 2006

The Family Radio's gig with The Elected went down really well in my honest opinion. Tim McMahan was there and blogged the following review on his lazy-i site:

April 12, 2006

I'm really looking forward to The Family Radio's show this Friday at Sokol. This will be our first gig with the current lineup. Come out and see us!My latest releases 'Way Stasis' was recently reviewed in The Vital Weekly out of The Netherlands. Until I figure out how to make a new page for it read it right here:

From Public Eyesore we also received a CDR
release by one Dereck Higgins. Well into playing this disc, which has some
nice ambient like pieces made out of electro-acoustic sources, I decided to
look at his website and see who this for me unknown man is. Much to me
pleasant surprise, Higgins is an afro-american gentleman who has been
active in music since the late 70s, playing in punk bands, new wave and
reggea bands, like Digital Sex (on Sordide Sentimental) and also played
with Disco Ranch, Elvis & His Boss, The High Voltage Jammers and RAF. In
the new millennium he plays these very nice calm pieces of sampled
ambience, touching objects, mixing it with field recordings and
transforming into very nice sketch like pieces of music. Great music with a
fresh look on ambient music. (FdW)
 

March 18, 2006

I just received word that The Family Radio got the opening slot for The Elected show coming up at Sokol Underground April 14. The Family Radio is the new name of the Nik Fackler band. We had to change the name due to there being another band called Merriwether. Also of interest is that Nik directed The Elected's most recent video which has been aired on MTV2.

February 28, 2006

atlatl has released the floppy disc project. It's a collaboration between myself and Jay Schleidt who supplies some animations to go with the sounds. It's called 'Briskette Dust'. The content of the release can be downloaded at http://www.publiceyesore.com/delinqo/atlatl/atlatl.htm . The actual artifact/floppy is available from Jay and his contact information is at the above website. I don't know what he is charging for the discs. Again, it is a limited edition artifact of 20 copies. They will be worth it for the accompanying artwork that will adorn the discs.

February 26, 2006

Apparently my site has not been functioning correctly and I'd like to thank Scott Martin for helping me straighten it out. There might be a few more links I haven't fixed yet. In the news, 'Way Stasis' is now available directly from me. I'm actually a little surprised at how well it works as an album now that it's done. Get one, they're cheap at $5 a shot. In other news, I am pleased to announce that I will be the first release on a new label that releases only floppy discs and micro cassettes. The label is 'atlatl' and each release will be a limited edition of maybe ten copies. I love the concept behind this label. Why not have fun with your art. One of the pieces that will be on the first release is available for listening at http://www.myspace.com/atlatlmicro .

February 20, 2006

Today would have been my grandmother's birthday. I cannot guess how old she would have been. At any rate, I want to announce that I am releasing a new cd-r of sound works titled "Way Stasis". Honestly, I've been inspired by meeting Public Eyesore and its' associates. It has been very encouraging to discover the international community of improvisers and noise makers/lovers. This has been a central part of my musical vocabulary since my childhood, when I first heard Steve Reich's "It's Gonna Rain". I've been recording quite a bit in preparation for a release on Public Eyesore and these tracks are a foretaste of what's to come, and the new work is truly so much more refined. These are things I've recorded within the last five years. If you want to hear a new track, check out 'Squeaky' at http://www.myspace.com/dereckhiggins .

February 5, 2006

My cd 'Dereck 2' is now available through Postdawn Nurseries Records. Check the link in the previous update below. You might want to give a listen to the other artists on the label, some nice diverse stuff. I'm quite pleased to be associated with the label. I've also updated the music selections on myspace page. http://www.myspace.com/dereckhiggins 

January 26, 2006

You know, having a website is pretty much having a blog. I guess I'm the last to know. Anyway, in case anyone reads this before Saturday and is thinking about coming to the Aquarian Festival to see me here is an update: It appears (according to the flyers) that I'll be playing at 11:00. When I first talked to Dion (the man behind the event) it was around 9:00 so really, who knows? If you've never been to a Dion event they can be virtuosic and shambolic and all in one evening. I'll also point out that my old friend and musical partner John Tingle (Digital Sex) will be playing as well. The festival has been going for at least twenty years now and John has probably played at the majority of them. Be sure and check him out. I'm also pleased to say that I have become more acquainted with the work of Bryan Day, the man behind Shelf Life and their set should be very interesting. Bryan not only runs the Public Eyesore label he is an avid instrument builder and tape manipulator. It is quite possible that I'll join them during their set. I believe I can also already publicly announce that I'll be releasing a new cd on Bryan's label hopefully this year. I can also tell you what to expect from my set. I'm going to have a bit of fun and do a Dereck karaoke night. By that I mean that I'll be playing along with myself on cd. but what will be different is that I'm going to play several originals that have never been performed in public. I'm including a cover that will remain a secret. You'll have to come to find out. It's one of my all time favorite songs, I'll say that much. I'm psyched.

January 25, 2006  

I am pleased to announce that Postdawn Nurseries records will make 'Dereck 2' available through their distribution services. This is a small operation out of New Mexico. I am so pleased to have someone take the cd. I was turned down by every distributor I initially contacted upon the release of the cd. Dereck 2 will be available through Post Dawn Nurseries starting in February. http://postdawn.atspace.com/

January 24, 2006

I have just added my first gig in Lincoln for the longest to the calendar. Recently I met Bryan Day who runs the Public Eyesore label. It's been a pleasure meeting him. It still blows my mind that here is this fellow releasing avant garde music by the very people of the ilk worldwide in Omaha. he is putting on the show in Lincoln that I'll be participating in. Actually, his group Shelf Life will also be playing at the Aquarian Festival this coming Saturday. I'm taking a new approach to performing solo. I've been rehearsing with setting up arpeggios and drones on my old Juno-60 and playing guitar on top of it so this will be debuted at these shows. I'm excited about playing with other noise heads. Check out Public Eyesore http://www.publiceyesore.com/ .

January 21, 2006

I just had to write and enthuse about my last gig with The Pat Higgins Trio. The music is really coming alive and that is the bands' whole purpose, to play genuinely every time. There is quite a bit of improvisation that is taking place within the pieces we play and it is not only a joy to participate in it, but to also listen to it as it happens. You real music lovers need to come and check it out. I am normally not so forward about what I do but the music is standing on its' own now. Come and witness it. We next play at Bebo's on February 3.

I also met Bryan Day who runs the Public Eyesore label. I am pleased to find out that there is a growing community of people involved in improvisation and noise making/sound sculpting. Collaborations are forthcoming. Check them out www.publiceyesore.com

I have another piece of soundwork available at www.sito.org It's in the DMT gallery under my alias DVH.

January 14, 2006

Finally, Happy New Year! Many thanks to my friend Scott for helping me get back on my cyber feet. There is much to update you about. Since my last update One Mummy Case has become a thing of the past. We had started recording tracks seriously and at this point the project will continue under the name Hyannis. That's all I know right now. I played my first gig with Nik Fackler and the band is called Merriwether. It was well received. The next thing I'll be doing is playing the Aquarian festival. I may be appearing solo as some of my band will be out of town. Otherwise, there is more activity on a regular basis at my Myspace site. It's in the links section. Lastly, I put up music pages at Soundclick and Gojangle. Check the links page.

December 12, 2005

So sorry for the extended delay in updates. My computer crashed and I lost my ability to edit the pages. I've regained my connection and there is news to report. Happy holidays to start with.

November 12, 2005

Tonight my band shares the bill with Goodbye Sunday at Mick's. There is an opening act and I do not know the young lady's name. I hope to see you there. The show starts at 9:30. In other news, The Pat Higgins gig is now the first and third Thursday of the month at Bebo's. We'll be there next Thursday. Also, check out the updated One Mummy Case website and see the band photos taken this summer. I am honored to be playing with these guys. http://www.onemummycase.com/

November 6, 2005

Just a mention that Gayland Prince was guest musician with The Pat Higgins Trio last Thursday. He sat in on drums while Gary was off gigging in New York. Gary will be back with us this coming Thursday.

October 31, 2005

The gig at Bebo's went really well for The Pat Higgins Trio. Consequently they have asked us to perform there every Thursday night. I encourage any and everyone to come and hear the band.

October 24, 2005

I've just added a new dimension to me website, video! Please check out the work that Patrick Bartmess has done interpreting my soundscape titled 'Flakes'.

October 7, 2005

I'm so happy to announce that the Pat Higgins Trio has gigs! I've been rehearsing on and off with my brother Pat for the last five years, working on learning how to play jazz bass. Earlier this year I hit a point where we were ready to work towards gigging and Gary Foster got involved on drums. He's played in previous incarnations of Pat's jazz group as well as with me in The New Creatures. Our first show will be at Bebo's on October 27. See the gigs page for details.

October 4,

I'm very pleased to still be getting new reviews a year after the release of 'Dereck 2'. Splendid magazine gives me a fairly crappy review, but Sonic Curiosity gave glowing reviews to 'Dereck 2' and the limited edition 'DVH' cdr. Both reviews are linked on the press page.

October 2, 2005

I'm going to stop speculating about when One Mummy Case will be done recording. Sessions started were held up. We'll be starting again shortly. In the meantime, One Mummy Case have a show on October 18 at a place called The Foundry. It's in Benson. The show is free so come on down. In other news, I've just looked at the latest version of the video for "Flakes" by Patrick Bartmess. I'm liking it a lot and will have an edit of the video on the site this month. Flakes is one of the tracks on the limited edition DVH cd. It's still available right here.

September 15, 2005

Paddy O'Furniture played a benefit for the victims of Hurricane Katrina last night at the Ice House and it went well. I had to leave before Jimmy Skaffa's set but was told that $3,000 had been raised so far. Pictures from the show can be seen in the photo section at http://www.omahanightlife.com/ . One Mummy Case is currently recording tracks for the debut cd. It will be a five song ep and should be done and out in October. I guess when I get busy I get busy. I've joined Nik Fackler's new band and have been rehearsing weekly with them. The plan is to get together a set and do a show in October before Nik starts shooting his first feature film and then reconvene after the film project wraps. More information about this can be found at Nik's site http://www.nikfackler.com/ . I'll just say right up front that I really like Nik's writing and am pleased to be playing with some cool people. Besides Nik the band features Nick White (currently on tour with his band Tilly & The Wall) and Aaron, whose last name escapes me at the moment. He was in the band Rut. The band doesn't have a name yet. Last but not least I have another show of my own coming up in November. I'm billing myself as Dereck Higgins & Friends and will be opening for Goodbye Sunday at Mick's Music & Bar on November 12. The band will be the same lineup as for the the Healing Arts show. If you're in Omaha at that time I encourage you to come to the show. it should be a good night of good music.

August 24, 2005

One Mummy Case have again changed recording plans and will be doing tracks in our rehearsal space. It would have been sweet to record at Rainbow but who has the money? Also, the band will be playing at The Pizza Shoppe in Benson on September 4, 7:00 pm. Come on out and see us.

August 20, 2005

Just a note about present activities. I recently made the acquaintance of a video maker by the name of Patrick Bartmess. He and I are collaborating on a video for 'Flakes' from the DVH cd. Once completed the plan is to make it available for viewing online through some of the short film/video websites such as Zed. I'll also host an edited version on this website. I am also officially in the band One Mummy Case and we are rehearsing before going into a proper studio to record some tracks. Some sort of cd will be available from the band soon. I have been rehearsing with my brother Pat Higgins, guitar and Gary Foster, drums. We plan to go public soon with this trio playing straight ahead jazz. I've been working on my jazz bass skills for the last five years with my brother's help. He is an excellent jazz guitarist and recordings are in the works.

August 11, 2005

I've finally got some pictures up from the Healing Arts Show. Many thanks to Stephanie Arbaugh for the great pictures. I also want to  thank Richard Schultz for putting the show together. It was a great night. They are on the first two pages of the gallery now.

August 5, 2005

Just a heads up that I'll be playing with One Mummy Case next Thursday night at Ted & Wally's Ice Cream Shoppe in the Old market. I just learned some of their news songs and the band is really growing. Come see us.

July 25, 2005

I see that my i-sound site is getting listeners. I'd like to direct some traffic to my Pure Volume site where more free tunes are available. http://www.purevolume.com/dereckhigginsdvh

July 18, 2005

Tim McMahan made it to the show last Saturday and has a review of the show on his page http://www.timmcmahan.com/lazyeye.htm .

July 13, 2005

Tim McMahan has published a new feature on me at his Lazy-i site. Read it here .

July 7, 2005

I feel like I almost have to post today being that it is my 50th birthday. It's hard to believe myself. Anyway, the show at The Omaha Healing Arts Center is coming up on the 16th. This will be the first time songs from Dereck 2 will be performed with a backing band. I'll have Jon Friedman on guitar, Bill Eustice on bass and Jeff Tegtmeier on drums. Frankly we've been short on rehearsal time due to the reality of family life and work. We're pulling it together though, and it should be a good show. I've seen what Richard Schultz is up to and he is full of great ideas and great music. I'll be playing bass for One Mummy Case at the show as well and this is their first ever gig. It should be interesting. The show costs $5 in advance, call (402) 345-5078 to RSVP otherwise it's $8 at the door. I hope you come.

May 22, 2005

I've added another web presence with music: www.isound.com/music/dereck_higgins___dvh/

May 16, 2005

I can announce that I'll be playing again finally. I'll be appearing in concert with Richard Schultz and One Mummy Case at The Omaha Healing Arts Center, Saturday July 16. Richard will be headlining and this should be a special night. More details to come.

May 5, 2005

I have a web page up at My Space.com now. http://www.myspace.com/dereckhiggins . There is more music available here.

April 1, 2005

Hello, it's been awhile. I had hoped to perform at the Aquarian Festival but it never happened. Frankly, I have not been real enthusiastic about looking for gigs but it will happen. The only news I have is the posting of a new review of 'Dereck 2' on the 'Whisperin' and Hollerin' website. Read it here. I am still recording with Steve Lawrence and making progress on his debut release. It's still too soon to say when it will be done. I also continue to rehearse and record with the band One Mummy Case. I again encourage you to check them out. I think these guys write pretty good lyrics and the music is coming along nicely. Their cd will be release as soon as the guys can get that money thing together.

February 22, 2005

I have posted some different music on my Pure Volume web page, including my version of 'Slowdive' by the band of the same name.

February 21, 2005

Happy presidents day. I changed my front page by adding a portrait of me done by my sister Adrienne in 1981. Other news is that I have been recording a friend by the name of Steve Lawrence. I'm not sure if he's going to release the tracks or use them as demos. I'm playing guitar and bass on most of the tracks. I've also been rehearsing with One Mummy Case and will play with them at the Aquarian fest, whenever it finally happens. It looks like I'll be working with them in the studio as well. I think these guys are a diamond in the rough.

February 14, 2005

Happy Valentine's Day. I've added a brand new instrumental demo with the working title "Winter Blue" to my Pure Volume website. I'm not sure what I'll do with this idea, but I like having the ability to make it immediately available for those interested. http://www.purevolume.com/dereckhigginsdvh

February 9, 2005

I've added some music to the Pure Volume website. Two complete tracks actually, 'What You're Looking For' and 'Soul Window'. Use the link in the previous entry to listen.

February 7, 2005

I found my webpage through Pure Volume finally. Here's the address http://www.purevolume.com/dereckhigginsdvh

February 4, 2005

The Digital Sex website has finally been updated and the discography now includes 'Nice' and 'Dereck 2'. Thanks very much Travis! Plus this great news, I now can accept payments for discs through PayPal. Very convenient and secure.

January 18, 2005

Still no confirmation on the date and place of the Aquarian Festival, but I can tell you some of the other bands that will be playing: The Terminals, Le Beat and a new band I recommend called One Mummy Case. Check out their website http://www.onemummycase.com/main.html

January 17, 2005

Happy Martin Luther King day. I just discovered that 'Dereck 2' has been reviewed by Funprox, a webzine from The Netherlands. See the review here.

January 14, 2005

Dereck 2 receives its' first review, and a favorable one no less, from a non-Omaha publication. Leonard's Lair, a British website features the cd in this week's issue. Read it in the press section or here.

January 11, 2005

Hello and a late Happy New Year. I hope you all enjoyed the holidays. The latest update I can give you is that I will be appearing at this year's Aquarian Festival. The date has yet to be set but it will be within the month of Aquarius for sure, tentatively January 29. This annual affair is put on by an illustrious fellow named Dion and he is still confirming the place for this year's fete. I haven't appeared at one of these festivals for a few years but they are always quite varied and interesting to say the least. Check back for details soon.

I'd like to include my own thoughts on the T.Rex show I participated in at the end of last year. It was quite a night and the band played exceptionally well after having only practiced twice. The venue (Mick's) was standing room only and everyone was having a great time. Besides doing T.Rex we played a set of new material by Joe Budenholzer under the name Small Creatures. Shades of Roxy Music to my ears, I really enjoyed playing Joe's new songs. Simon Joyner got up and did a duet with Joe on a Lou Reed number. Alex McManus (Lambchop) was at the show. Bill Frenzer from Ogden Edsel fame was also present and was coaxed onstage to do an impromptu version of his Dr. Demento hit 'Dead Puppies'. I could go on about all of the people I saw that I hadn't seen in ages and how good it was to see them. I had a great time.

December 29, 2004

I just happened to look at the Lazy-i website and see that Tim McMahan has posted a review of my live show with Kite Pilot. The show with Joe Budenholzer is also mentioned. http://www.timmcmahan.com/lazyeye.htm

December 20, 2004

It is confirmed that I'll be playing with Joe Budenholzer and others at Mick's Music & Bar (5918 Maple St.) on Thursday December 30. There will be two bands and I'll be in both. Joe will present some new material as The Small Creatures and then the main event will be the recreation of T.Rex's Electric Warrior album from start to end. I'm looking forward to this. Last year we did the same with The Velvet Underground Live at Max's Kansas City. I imagine the show will start around 9:00. I'll post more information as I get it.

December 18, 2004

I have just put the finishing touches on my the ambient/soundscape cd-r I have been working on. It is now available on a limited basis directly from the website.

December 13, 2004

'Dereck 2' makes Gary Foster's top 5 releases of the year in this month's Homer's Express magazine. See it here.

December 3, 2004

Thought I'd change the look on the front page for fun. The only news I have is that I will very likely be playing with Joe Budenholzer (Backworld, Small Creatures) while he is in town for the Christmas holiday. We have been in touch and the idea is to create a classic (arguable) rock album from start to finish and perform it live. Last year we did The Velvet Underground 'Live at Max's Kansas City'. It was a great time. Joe suggests we do T. Rex 'Electric Warrior' this time. Sounds good to me. I will post details as soon as they are available.

November 20, 2004

This week's Omaha Pulp (November 17-24) has a lengthy article about me including an interview. I've scanned it so you can read it here. This will be done shortly. Otherwise pick it up while it's available. Added some old pictures of when I met Chris and Cosey back in the 80's to the gallery. A friend had taken these pictures and it took me awhile to gain access to them. Thanks Kevin. Having been a fan of Throbbing Gristle I was really pleased to be able to meet these folks. These pictures were taken backstage after an excellent show I attended in Kansas City. The reason for the silly expression on my face is that I have just given them copies of my first ep and am really excited.

November 10, 2004

Although it was originally published in Omaha Weekly, Marq Manner's review of 'Dereck 2' is currently making the rounds in Homer's Records store magazine 'The Express'. I love seeing my cd featured along with The Good Life, The Faint and Brian Wilson no less! I checked with the stores and thankfully was told that the disc is actually selling. I have to thank Marq for really listening to the disc and writing such an excellent review.

I hope to have some more live dates to announce soon.

October 28, 2004

A review of the cd was published today in Omaha Pulp magazine. Read it here.

October 17, 2004

The cd release party was quite a success I must say. The Antiquarium art gallery was filled to capacity with about 60 people in attendance. Aside from nerves and technical glitches it was great fun.

October 14, 2004

Dereck is interviewed by The World Herald. The article is in the Go section of the newspaper, today's date. You can read the interview online here.

The Reader ran a blurb for the cd release party in today's edition. See it here.

October 11, 2004

"The Door" has been added to the current play list of internet radio station 'Radio Cartography'. The link is http://www.live365.com/stations/elpidge . Thanks Gregg!

Added some pictures to the reformatted gallery. Changed the front page.

October 1, 2004

Changed the website exclusive on the sounds page. Added another review I found for the 'Nice' cd to the press section.

September 27, 2004

Okay, so it's only been a day. I couldn't help my excitement at posting the first review for my latest cd, courtesy of Marq Manner writing for the 'City Weekly' magazine. Read the review here.

September 26, 2004

Several updates throughout the site.

September 21, 2004

I'll be appearing at Trovato's in Omaha on October 15. Also appearing will be Jonathan Friedman and Aaron Stevens.

September 19, 2004

Hello and welcome to my new website. I have gotten this together finally and one of the reasons is to announce the release of my new cd "Dereck 2". Completely played and recorded by myself over the last two years, I feel pretty good about what I am presenting for you to experience. Check out the sounds page to hear for yourself.

The cd is currently available in Omaha at The Antiquarium book store, The Omaha Healing Arts Center and Homer's Records. I am working on finding some distribution outlets for the rest of the world.

In the meantime, if you are interested in getting one direct just e-mail me. The cost is $11 post paid US and I'm not sure about anywhere else at this point. I'll find out.

To celebrate the release of this cd I will be hosting a cd release party on October 16, 2004 at The Antiquarium in their art gallery. The party will start at 8:00 with a performance by myself at 9:00. This will be my first solo show in about 20 years and it should be a good time. There will be some kind of refreshment available (no alcohol).

Also scheduled is a performance at The Omaha Healing Arts Center on the afternoon of October 30. Also performing is an artist named Vlasis, once a member of Indian American band Brule.

In other news, I'm happy to report that a project I participated in a few years ago is alive and well. Namely the "Catherine Wheel Cover Compilation CD" project that was initiated about four years ago. I contributed a version of their song "Half Life" not long after releasing my first cd "Nice". Months later the website of the project disappeared and e-mails went unanswered. Finally the thing is going again, this time it will be a download only release available through their website. http://www.cwcovercomp.com/ Check it out.

Thanks for stopping by.

Dereck

p.s. If the first part of my gallery appears self indulgent, well it is. I've wanted to put these pictures together for a long time. Enjoy them with me.

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