Album Notes

L.A. Singer-Songwriter Derek Halet Makes Recording Debut With “Hope Written”

Now available from MJW music, Hope Written — the debut CD from indie acoustic singer-songwriter Derek Halet. This 12-song collection showcases an appealing original style that bridges the simplicity and writing lyricism of Nick Drake with the contemporary alternative vocal stylings of Coldplay’s Chris Martin. The acoustic sound is crisp and commanding, the lyrics are engrossing, and emotion always takes center stage on Hope Written, the title of which was inspired by a friend of Halet’s, who wrote Hope on her arm as a reminder during a particularly tough period. “You had hope written onto your skin/I was praying it went further in,” Halet sings, having experienced personal losses of his own in the past year and who seeks to comfort others with his music. Though singles like “Seasons” and “When Time Began” may deal with loss, the album covers a wide territory. “Hope,” Halet explains, “in its various forms is the running theme for the material on this album.”

Hope Written features Derek Halet on guitar and vocals, Abe Morin on bass, Forrest Robinson on drums, and Emily Peters on vocals. The CD is available through CDBaby.com.

Twenty year-old Derek Halet hails from the Los Angeles area, focusing on ministries at home and occasionally overseas. He grew up in a musical family, eventually teaching himself guitar and performing at church. For the past few years he has focused on fusing his passion for playing music with his passion for words, developing a very personal songwriting style. He explains of Hope Written. “I’m realizing how much music can help other people. I am learning how to minister to my friends with my songs, learning how to “write hope” deeper into those around me; whether they are surviving the loss of love, a friend, or a father, that’s my inspiration.”

For further information and song samples visit Derek on MySpace at http://www.myspace.com/derekhalet