Joaquín Roka aka Derrok, is a prominent artist, part of the organic electronic music scene, whose career spans over a decade. Derrok has enriched the music scene with three albums and a series of EPs under his belt, each reflecting his distinctive and original sound. His ability and charisma to capture audiences has made him stand out in renowned events such as the Nomad Festival in Chile, Mutek Buenos Aires, and in his tours throughout Europe and Central America, a testament to his exceptional talent. His proposal is not only a DJ, he is a complete artist whose Live Acts are a masterful fusion of improvisation and live performance, offering an audiovisual experience that transcends the conventional.
Derrok presents this article about his creative process and latest release.
My Beginnings and Development
The project began a decade ago, at a time when I finally felt I had found my own unique sound, after several previous projects that never came to fruition. Throughout these ten years, I have released three albums and several EPs through different labels, a path that has led me to grow and evolve as an artist.
Live Experiences and Tours
My artistic development includes performances in all editions of Festival Nómade in Manquemapu, southern Chile, from 2015 to 2020, a place where I shared the stage with artists I greatly admire, such as Nicola Cruz, Nu, and Matanza. In 2018, I was part of Mutek Buenos Aires and toured Europe in 2017, 2022 and 2023. Last year was particularly outstanding, performing at festivals such as Fusion in Germany and Ozora in Hungary, and doing an artist residency at Scorpios Mykonos beachclub in Greece. My tours also took me to Central America, visiting countries such as Mexico, Guatemala and Costa Rica.
Live Performances
When approaching live performances, I have focused on a Live Act that is based on improvisation, using Ableton Live along with controllers and live instruments such as electric guitar and flutes. This approach allows me to offer an experience beyond the purely electronic, creating a visually appealing and interactive show.
Inspiration and Creative Process
Nature has always been my main source of inspiration. I regularly escape to the hills to train and immerse myself in a silent environment, surrounded by trees and birdsong. This connection with nature has been a mainstay both in my life in Santiago and now that I live in Pucón.
Looking to the Future
I am working on my next tours, with plans to travel to Central America in February and then to the European summer. My goal with the new album is to recapture the public’s attention, offering fresh music and reaching new quality stages. I have always been motivated to create genuinely new music, without trying to imitate others or follow a specific style. The challenge of performing my shows in Live Act format, integrating my electric guitar and other live instruments, is an essential part of my artistic expression.
Supporting the scene
This year I released a compilation of Live Acts through my label Quinto Fuego, a project that excites me and allows me to rediscover electronic music as an experience beyond the dance floor. It is fascinating to see how electronic music is transformed into a concert for the mind, visually appealing and demonstrating the artist’s skill as a musician.
However, the road in the music world is not always easy. Challenges include dealing with unprofessional people and unpleasant situations, experiences that make me reflect on my future in this industry.
About ‘Salvación’:
My latest album, ‘Salvación’, is a reflection of the maturity I have reached in my electronic sound, while maintaining my signature organic style. This work, released on the Quinto Fuego label, is an invitation to a unique sonic journey, with outstanding collaborations and a mix of traditional and electronic instruments.
Tracklist de ‘Salvación’:
Rotmilan
Traverse
Chuchuacha ft. Nicole Rosmanich
Piedra y Raíz ft. Sebuky
Pampa
Salvación
La salida
Chilco ft. Sebuky
Pijama Negro
Líquenes ft. Macarena Rocha
Créditos del álbum
Producido por mí, con mezcla y masterización de Joaquín Roca Fuentes. Las colaboraciones de Sebuky, Nicole Rosmanich, Ñau y Macarena Rocha enriquecen este proyecto.
Mi música es un reflejo de mis aventuras y experiencias, una fusión de sonidos naturales y electrónicos que invitan a explorar paisajes sonoros únicos. “Salvaciónon” no es sólo un álbum, es una experiencia que espero que disfrutes tanto como yo disfruté creándolo.
