Words: Staff
Photos: Brian McGee, Eric Delgado, Luis Castillo, DJ E-Rok
We caught up with DJ EROK to chat about his various passions and how he mixed everything together to bring about Rigs & Beats.
Thanks for taking the time. Can you give us a quick intro to yourself?
Well, my name is Edmyr Barayang, also known as DJ EROK. I’m a full-time creative (DJ, photographer and C\cinematographer). I’ve DJed at Coachella and opened up for acts, such as Anderson Park, The Pharcyde, De La Soul, DJ Shadow, Cut Chemist and Africa Bambata. I’ve also done work for Complex Magazine, Hypebeast and ASICS as a photographer/cinematographer. I also love the outdoors and customizing my Lexus GX and Sprinter to be ready for a quick weekend camping trip or an extended overlanding adventure with my family.
How did the Rigs & Beats come about?
I wanted to create an event/meet that brought these two communities together. It’s great when you can do this and watch how people from different backgrounds interact. The vibe that these two cultures create is what drives me to cultivate it. The creativity of custom building a vehicle goes hand in hand with creating beats.This is a community for people that respect the art of both worlds that I’ve been grateful to be a part of.
Tell us about the location and why you chose it.
Everyone loves coffee, and I grew up in Los Angeles,CA, so it was natural for me to bring it back to where it all started for me. I chose to host the first Rigs & Beats event at Morning Service Coffee LA because of its modern aesthetics that features local artists, plus they have amazing coffee! It was the perfect spot to do the first event.
What is your goal for Rigs & Beats, and what other events do you have coming up?
My goal for Rigs and Beats is to create a strong following and community in hopes of hosting an overland concert that brings local DJs and custom rigs around the world together. That in itself is a huge undertaking, but something I feel is attainable due to the supportive nature of both communities. I’m also involved in many of the events here on the West Coast in varying capacities, whether it’s DJing, creating content or just out there supporting my friends. My next shows coming up are Toyo Tires Trailpass in September, Rigs & Beats Vol 2 in mid-October, Pure 4×4’s Holiday Toy Drive and Rig Talk in December.
Keep up with DJ EROK by following him on social at:
@theoverlandculture @rigsandbeats @djerok
