Derek started his career in the 80‘s while attending Fullerton High School (playing drums with the school Jazz Band, Marching Band and Orchestra) also playing in Classic Rock cover bands by night. While still in High School, he joined a little known local punk rock band called Social Distortion...He brought his Jazz, Marching Band and Classic Rock chops to create a unique style of drumming and help shape the sound for this pioneering Southern California Punk Band. His recordings with the band include the first EP “1945″, Single “Playpen”, BYO Compilation song “Mass Hysteria”, and first full length album Mommy’s Little Monster. He was also featured in the cult classic Documentary film “Another State Of Mind” chronicling a tour of North America. During this time, Derek also played with D.I. (featuring former members of “Social Distortion” and “The Adolescents”. His drumming and quirky orchestral percussion (Tympani, Tubular Bells) can be heard on their  EP Team Goon (which used to be known as simply D.I.) D.I. Also performed in the original film “Suburbia” along with other California Punk pioneers The Vandals, and T.S.O.L. 

O’Brien would again play together as a rhythm section with Ex Social Distortion Bassist Brent Liles lending his signature jazzy surf rock drumming and vocal harmonies with So Cal Surf Punks Agent Orange Continuously touring North America and recording “Real Live Sound – Agent Orange Live at the Roxy” as well as writing / recording other songs with the group. 

In 1992 Ex singer of Geffen Recording Artist Lockup (featuring Tom Morrello who later formed Rage Against The Machine)” Enlisted O’Brien to join. The singer Brian Grillo split up the group to form a new band Extra Fancy featuring guitarist Michael Hately and Bassist David Foster.  This provided O’Brien an opportunity to co-write music, record demos at his home studio, add industrial percussion instruments (sheet metal, car doors etc) and co-produce their critically acclaimed album “Sinnerman” for Atlantic Records In 1995. The group also recorded a follow up Ep "No Mercy" which has several songs featured in movie soundtracks. Extra Fancy continued to share the stage with the likes of Porno For Pyros, David Bowie, Trent Reznor, Beck, Me’Shell Ndegeocello, Henry Rollins, No Doubt, The Cramps, Deftones, X, Sugar Ray, Goo Goo Dolls, Filter, 311, The Buzzcocks, Hole, until 1997. 

In 2000, O’Brien finished his degree in Audio Engineering at UCLA studying with Legendary Producers and Engineers such as Tod Rungren, Matt Wallace, Barry Goldberg, Bob Clearmountain John Boylan, and others - then opened D.O’B. Sound Recording Studio in Glendale Ca. and went on to Produce and Engineer. 

From 2001 to 2008 he played drums, sang harmonies, and wrote with The Adolescents producing their first album in 10 years “O.C. CONFIDENTIAL”. During that time the Adolescents toured extensively in North America, Europe, Japan, Headlining the House Of Blues circuit, The El Rey and many festivals as well as direct support for artists such as: Red Hot Chili Peppers, Weezer, NOFX and many others. 

In 2009, he joined forces with a business partner Larry Ramirez (Loaded Bomb Records, Second Chance, The Lonesome Ones) and  relocated the studio to Santa Fe Springs with an improved drum room and added music rehearsal rooms to D.O’B. Sound. After an intense 6 months of construction, it was time to get back to the music! Producing, Recording, Drumming, Mixing, Mastering - see Discography 

Other bands in which O’Brien has played drums for over the years include: Punk Rock Karaoke, Dragbeat, Front Row For The Meltdown featuring film composer Jeremy Little, The Generators, Second Chance, Miss Derringer, The Briggs and others as it continues…..

Larry began his musical journey at the age of 11, by the age of 16 he was already recording drum tracks in his first pro recording session. Always a quick learner and one who payed attention to detail, he was be able to learn how to play multiple instruments and play them well, an asset that has help him as a producer & engineer to able to work with every band member he produces effectively. 

Larry is the founder of Loaded Bomb Records and made his mark on the local scene as forming and playing drums in the Los Angeles based band Second Chance, once he found a suitable drummer that would meet his standards he made the move to lead guitar, the chair he currently sits in now. Always known for a go to guy to fill in, he has filled in for numerous bands live and in studio. Along with forming and continuing to play lead guitar in Second Chance and The Lonesome Ones as well as drums for The Henchmen. 

Throughout his years of performing locally and nationally he acquired the skills to be able to work with any type of musician. “I’ve recorded & played with guys who weren’t the best to some phenomenal players and found that it just takes patience and mutual respect to achieve great results“. He was the guy in the band who was always at every session whether it was his day to record or not. It was this watching and learning that helped start his career in recording, eventually taking a few courses and leading to him to build Loaded Bomb Studios in his Chino Hills home.

Larry has been recording and producing bands/artists since 2002 in his private home studio (Loaded Bomb Studios.) but since partnering up with Derek O’Brien in 2009 he now records the majority of his projects here at D.O’B. Sound Studios.

In 2012, he took on video production and has numerous music videos under his belt as well as wedding and promo video. See more info on his video services HERE.