Moncton, New Brunswick’s Derek Robichaud is no stranger to the Canadian music scene. Counting himself as a current member of no less than three musical groups in addition to his solo work, Robichaud’s unique, fluid guitar playing style is highly regarded and is known for his rhythmic tendencies as much as his ability to get down and dirty when needed. 

Inspired by heavy metal guitar legends Slash and Kirk Hammett as much as instrumental guitar virtuosos like Eric Johnson and Joe Satriani, Robichaud learned his chops the way so many other aspiring guitarists do: in his bedroom throughout middle school and high school. 

It was The Monoxides who first landed the guitarist in 1991 and a few short years later, the group signed a record contract with BMG Music Canada. This in turn provided them with the opportunity for endless touring throughout Canada and the United States. In the four years signed to the record label, the group would tour in support of one full-length record and two EP’s, headlining shows throughout Canada while also supporting internationally known acts like ZZ Top, Our Lady Peace and The Pursuit of Happiness. 

In 1998, Derek temporarily stepped away from The Monoxides, choosing to put his technical skills to use on the road for bands such as the Matthew Good Band and Strapping Young Lad on both the national and international stage. But after coming to the realization that playing guitar was a significant part of his life and was something he truly missed while solely doing tech work, Derek returned to his hometown of Moncton to rejoin his comrades in The Monoxides while also forming Iron Giant. The latter group would quickly gain a reputation for their no-holds barred heavy metal / stoner rock sound. Robichaud would go on to record two full-length records with Iron Giant before amicably choosing to step aside from the group. 

In the present day, Robichaud still counts himself as a member of The Monoxides while also counting himself as a member of other Moncton bands The Nuclear and Louder Gabriel. And as if that isn’t enough, Robichaud is constantly adding to an ever-growing catalogue of solo material. A recent endorsement deal with SIT Strings will only serve to raise Robichaud’s profile on an international level. 

In February 2009 Robichaud received an East Coast Music Award for best loud Recording for the Iron Giant album Creator of Scars.

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