Derrin Nauendorf has opened for Van Morrison and countless others. His performance at Quay Arts on Fri 7 May promises to be filled with poetic and hard-hitting song writing certain to leave the audience smitten.

Australian born, Derrin Nauendorf arrived in England just over seven years ago with a guitar and a gutsy determination that has served him well. He has played a gamut of gigs from small venues as far flung as Denmark to festivals and played to dignitaries and politicians in grand Parisian castles right down to WW2 bunkers in Germany.

Derrin remembers, “In Australia, my apprenticeship was hard. Towns and cities are spread out and the living is hard. But while it was hard it made me stronger and when I got over here I knew I'd be able to make the audiences give me a chance”

His new album, The Rattling Wheel, is actually his fifth release following such

titles New History and Wasteland, and it’s also the first to feature his band, adding new dynamics and allowing him to flesh out his songs.

The new material sounds like “A kind of post modern Steve Earle type thing - more energetic, with a rougher feel – I’m writing more for a band now, rather than just myself; exploring bigger sounds and arrangements”.

While Derrin is open to band-mates collaboration and inspiration, The Rattling Wheel is a personal leap forward. Alongside tell-tale nods to his main influences of Bob Dylan, Tom Waits, Martin Stevenson and Richard Thompson, there are hints of John Martyn and traditional British folk, blended in with his own rootsier, bluesier, and altogether gutsier sound.

From selling his music out of the Post Office van to now having his songs on iTunes;

It is obvious his star is rising. His intense, raw performance is built on the hard work he has put in over the years. The audience will be swept off with his accomplished style and song writing talent – you never know, they might join the ever-growing number of cult followers.

Performance Date/Time: Fri 7 May 8pm Doors 7pm

Location: Anthony Minghella Theatre, Quay Arts

Ticket Price: £10 / *£9 Box Office 01983 822490