When I interviewed Russ Kunkel last year, I asked him what younger drummers he was checking out and impressed by. He didn’t hesitate, saying, “I think Derek Mixon is one of the best drummers out there, I think we have a lot in common, I love the way he plays Chris Stapleton’s music.” When I told Derek about this, he couldn’t believe it, but I could. Derek Mixon is cut from that same cloth; he is a true “singer-songwriter” drummer. And while Chris Stapleton is everywhere and collaborating with everyone these days, it’s time that Derek Mixon gets some attention as well. Stapleton writes amazing music, and he has an incredible band behind him (also featuring the legendary harmonica player Mickey Raphael.) Together they have all been riding the success of Stapleton’s fifth multi-platinum record called Higher, and Mixon has been holding everything down since day one. Photos by Andy […]

November 2024 Issue