2007-2025

Music, Videos & More

​Photo Credit to Morris Lamont London Free Press
Reaney's Pick: Mike's open for DeRoK n RoLL

Kathleen (Cover) - London Music Club 2019
Crazy Beautiful People Fundraiser

🎸 ELECTRONIC PRESS KIT (EPK): DeRoK
Derek Joseph Madigan, professionally known as DeRoK, is a foundational pillar of the independent and underground music community in London, Ontario. Operating as a multi-talented singer-songwriter, musician, audio engineer, and broadcaster, he has written, recorded, and produced a vast catalogue of gritty alternative rock and folk fusion under his independent imprint, DRnR Studios.

📻 Quick Facts
• Origin: London, Ontario, Canada
• Primary Label/Studio: DRnR Studios
• Monikers & Aliases: DeRoK (Band/Alternative), Little Joe Madigan (Solo Acoustic), MC DeRoK (Electronic/Remix)
• Main Projects: DeRoK (Solo), DeRoK and The RoLLeRs, Walkin' Stick
• Roles: Singer-Songwriter, Producer, Sound Engineer, Radio Host
• Streaming Footprint: Over 750,000+ cumulative streams, views, and media impressions worldwide.

📖 Biography & Musical Journey
Born and raised in London, Ontario, DeRoK has spent decades actively shaping the local arts culture. After returning from a music hiatus in 2007, he quickly scaled his creative output by founding DRnR Studios (DeRoK n RoLLeR Studios). Since then, he has performed in hundreds of live showcases, sharing stages with hundreds of independent musicians across Southwestern Ontario.

His musical identity splits seamlessly between distinct creative worlds. As DeRoK, he delivers raw, socially conscious alternative rock and experimental electronic arrangements. As Little Joe Madigan, he strips the music down to its bare roots, performing intimate acoustic folk sets driven by a single guitar and a raspy, authentic vocal delivery.

Backed by a massive digital footprint spanning eight ReverbNation catalog archives, the 3 official YouTube channels, and global DistroKid automated distribution feeds, his collective works have generated over 750,000 streams and media impressions to date—anchored by viral underground successes like the collaboration with "The RoLLeRs" on the improv track "Mamma Mamma Africa".

DeRoK’s music leans into raw, socially conscious alternative rock mixed with acoustic storytelling. Beyond writing his own records, he is infamously recognized as a community facilitator. From 2013 to 2018, he served as the primary sound engineer, as well, host for the Friday Night Open Mic at the iconic London Music Club (LMC). Through his work at the LMC and various local open jams, he tracked hundreds of local acts, preserving and mixing thousands of songs to support regional talent.

In tandem with his studio and stage work, DeRoK brought the local music scene to the airwaves as the creator, producer, and host of the DeRoK and RoLL Radio Road Show on CHRW 94.9FM Radio Western from 2015 to 2018. On the show, he championed independent artists, introducing roughly 75 new regional musicians to the public every year.

🎤 Spotlight: DeRoK Solo Work
While heavily celebrated for his band formats, DeRoK’s solo identity anchors his entire creative universe. Performing as a solo acoustic act and electronic composer, he strips down his signature grit into intimate storytelling and experimental instrumentation.

Solo Style & Sonic Profile
Acoustic Roots: Raw, single-take folk-rock arrangements driven by heavy rhythm guitar and raspy vocals.
Experimental Production: Operating under alter-egos like MC DeRoK, he blends traditional rock aesthetics with electronic music, hip-hop remixes, and ambient soundscapes.
Instrumental Composition: Accomplished in guitar improvisations, displaying cinematic folk and acoustic styles.

Key Solo Releases & Tracks
"Just Put Me in the Yard": An edgy alternative rock solo single detailing the moving real-life story of his television repairman stepfather.
"Sweet Mary" (Stripped Down Version): A vulnerable, fan-favourite solo acoustic ballad tracked live in the studio.
"Sonoran Acoustic Solo in Fm": A haunting, flamenco-tinged instrumental showcasing his technical guitar proficiency.
"Goin' Thru Life (Blinded)": A driving, introspective rock piece capturing personal resilience.
"An Acoustical Interlude in Em": A classical-leaning acoustic instrumental tracked at DRnR Studios.

👥 Collaborative Projects & Bands
DeRoK and The RoLLeRs (2007–2018)
Serving as the primary guitarist, composer, and front-man, DeRoK led this rotating alternative rock outfit through heavy local touring and collaborative releases. Notable tracks include "Alienated Parent" and "You Never Know". They also spearheaded The i LeVeL Experience Show at KoLyfe Art Creation from 2011 to 2017.
The Lineup: The Regulars: DeRoK (Rhythm Guitar/Vocals/Keys/Drum Machine/Looper), Terry (Vocals/Keys/Lyrics), Brad (Lead Guitar, Vocals/Lyrics-2014), 2011-2018 Andy C. (Vocals, Lyrics), Andy M.(Vocals, Lyrics), Tim (Vocals, Lyrics), Michele (Vocals), Chuck (Vocals, Bass)
Signature Tracks: “Treetown 519”, “Loop to Loop”, "Faith is to Believe”, “Can I See a Doctor”, “Mamma Mamma Africa”, and “Bully Man”

The New Era: 2026 Lineup Additions
In 2026, the core collective expanded to integrate two powerful new forces, redefining the band’s technical and stylistic capabilities:
Adrian: Brings a commanding, intricate musicality that locks seamlessly into the band's foundational rhythm section, driving a harder sonic edge.
Alice: Infuses the collective with fresh melodic textures and dynamic vocal/instrumental layers, expanding their atmospheric jam sensibilities.

This updated lineup directly fuelled the creation of "Not Live at KoLyfe". The release showcases a refined, multi-dimensional sound that captures the raw energy of their live roots while pushing into experimental indie-rock territories.

Walkin' Stick (2017–2019)
Co-created and co-fronted by DeRoK, this bluesy acoustic group made a substantial impact on the London roots scene. The band debuted at London's Got Talent in 2017 at Wolf Performance Hall and frequently played in local venues like the London Music Club.
The Lineup: DeRoK (Rhythm Guitar/Vocals), Gerry Ferns (Harmonica/Vocals), and Dave Pearson (Harp/Slide Guitar).
Signature Tracks: “Walkin’ Stick”, "Cheatin' Train", “Girl Crush”, “French Cafe” by Hillary Watson and “Our Love” by Roger Fisher.

🎛️ DRnR Studios Production Highlights

Operating out of London, DRnR Studios focuses on highly efficient, affordable, and portable live venue audio capturing.
Tracked and mixed an average of 250 to 300 songs annually for local artists.
Orchestrated the massive 2016 London Lawyers Beatles Tribute CD, a live project tracking 24 high-fidelity tracks across a vast live ensemble of London’s legal representatives.
Managed front-of-house sound and setup configurations averaging 750 performing acts a year between 2014 and 2018.
Created the massive London Live by DeRoK collection of locally recorded music containing hundreds of songs from 2015 to 2018
Mixed, recorded and aired Survivorman Les Stroud’s live-to-air Periscope concert at the London Music Club on October 13, 2015

💿 Discography & Notable Releases
Recent Album Releases
Hired Guns (Album)
Not Live at KoLyfe (Album)
Open Mics and Radio (Album)
A Newer State of Being (Album)

Key Singles & Cuts
"Just Put Me in the Yard": An edgy alternative rock track highlighting unconventional father figures.
"Radio Free London Rocks": A high-energy anthem celebrating the underground music grid.
“When Memories Fade”: An emotional, country-leaning track that explores the heartbreaking reality of dementia and memory loss.
"Make A Stand": A hard-hitting independent grunge-rock arrangement that bookends the Hired Guns album.
"Brother on the Line": A collaborative release blending roots rock with modern production.
“I Don't Think So”: A driving, resilient alternative rock anthem.
“Treetown 519”: An energetic, hometown-proud alternative rock anthem.
“Witch Spell”: A bluesy, hypnotic rock track, pairs driving rhythms with an atmospheric, spellbinding groove.
“No Room”: A raw and introspective folk-rock piece, "No Room (In Her Life)" captures personal longing and emotional distance through DeRoK’s signature raspy vocals and atmospheric acoustic storytelling.

🎥 Media Content

🌐 Official Channels & Streaming
Social Hub: Check out his personal updates on the DeRoK Joseph Madigan Facebook Page.
Band Content: Follow his music page updates via DeRoK Music on Facebook.
Audio & Streaming: Listen to his full catalog on DeRoK's Spotify Profile and explore early cuts on his Reverbnation Hub.

- London born Singer/Songwriter
- Host/Soundman at London Music Club Open Mic Night 2013-2018
- Host/Producer of The DeRoK and RoLL Radio Road Show 2015-2018
- Host/Producer The i LeVeL Experience Show 2011-2017
- Guitarist and Composer for DeRoK and The RoLLeRs 2007-2026
- Co-Frontman/Co-Creator for Walkin' Stick 2017-2019

- Music Director at KoLyfe Art Creation 2011-2017
- Ambassador to the Tinnitus Association of Southwestern Ontario 2014-2018
- London's Got Talent - Finalist 2017 - Judge/Entertainer 2020
- Distribution through Distrokid

Having years of stage experience you'll find Derek engages well with the audience while delivering soothing vocals and clear bright tones with a calm confidence and a high level of professionalism.  With song styles intertwining from folk and country, to pop and rock, you'll even hear local covers in his sets, including songs from
Broomsticks & Hammers, The Pairs, Roger Fisher and Ben McLellan. 

"Derek is a man of many talents... Sings of love, war, the fear of terrorism and the news...
Many of his tunes are laced with humour and healthy doses of cynicism..."
- John Sharpe - Scene Magazine review of the "Live at Fitzrays" album

​What the London’s Got Talent Judges Had to Say:
​"...higher register was beautiful... Wonderful Performance" - Stephanie Ciccirelli
"You could sing me a lullaby... Vocally Soothing and Beautiful" - Kate Channer

    For any show bookings email derok@drnrstudios.com

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