Derek Grant is the drummer for punk band Alkaline Trio, where he replaced Mike Felumlee. He was previously a member of The Suicide Machines, Telegraph, Gyga, Thoughts of Ionesco, Remainder, Walls of Jericho, The Exceptions and Broken Spoke, a side band with Royce Nunley and Jay Navarro. Besides playing the drums, Grant is an accomplished guitarist and singer, and has filled in as guitarist for both Face To Face (1998) and The Gaslight Anthem (October 2008). In addition, he frequently joins bassist Dan Andriano and guitarist Matt Skiba on vocals and also with songwriting duties. Alkaline Trio went through a series of drummers in their early days and first 3 albums, but Matt Skiba recently said that "If Derek was not in Alkaline Trio then there would be no trio".
He has frequently filled in on drums for Josh Freese on many Vandals Tours since 1998, and with Good Charlotte during the later half of 2004.
In September 2008, Derek released an 8 song album for free via his MySpace page entitled "D. Grant Meets The Reaper" which is a collaboration with his 12 year old alter-ego. The songs feature Derek at age 12 on vocals, with recently recorded music.
In February 2009 Derek released a three song EP for free via his Myspace page entitled "The Purple Trilogy". This is newer material recorded by Derek, described as "Electro-Funk" and featuring a cover of an unreleased Prince track ("Electric Intercourse"), and two original compositions.
Grant plays C&C Custom drums, Sabian cymbals, Pro-Mark sticks, Remo Heads, and Tama hardware.