Interview: Roger Sanchez

Interview: Roger Sanchez

2 September, 2008 | 3.11PM

• Written by: Sarah O
• Filed under: Music News: release yourself

Roger Sanchez has been keeping the vibe alive at his Release Yourself parties for quite some time now, and this summer season of his trademark sexy house is in full swing for him and his crew. 

Beatportal caught up with the S-man and got some insight as to what’s been rocking his world lately, what’s coming down the pike for him and Stealth Records, and a few tidbits into his recipe for success.

As an established, superstar DJ you have seen house music go through several changes through the years, often cycling back and forth between different subgenres. In a climate of electronic music that’s obsessed with staying ahead of the curve you’ve maintained your solid status, primarily as a tribal house producer.  Do you find it difficult to avoid getting swept up in the trends?

Actually, my style encompasses many genres, not just tribal house.

Because I listen to it all, I pick the best from each and adopt it in my own way.

This is how I can keep on top of everything.

You’ve said you enjoy surprising the crowd, keeping them on their toes, and by doing that you also need to surprise yourself.  What’s surprised you lately?

All the good quality house coming out of the Netherlands lately - they are on their game!

What’s your opinion on the latest Ibiza crackdown?  Have you been affected, yourself?

It has mainly affected the bars and other businesses.

My own events are largely unaffected but it does end the night a little earlier than we would like.

How’s Pacha going for you this season?

Great! Despite there being less tourists this year and the other strong nights opening up on Mondays, we still attract a large and glamorous crowd.

Release Yourself’s been going for nearly a decade in Ibiza, now. How have you managed to maintain such a successful club night on the island for so long?

By constantly being current and fresh with the music and changing the vibe and décor every year, as well as by putting 100% into it!

Looking back, who are your major influences?

DJ-wise: Larry Levan, Tony Humphries, Red Alert and Frankie Knuckles.

Production-wise: Nelle Hooper, Trevor Horn, Timbaland.

Life-wise: My mother and father.

Who’s next on your list of collaborators?

I’ve been working with Tom Stephan, Laidback Luke and Jessie Garcia this summer and I’m in the process of working with Kurd Maverick and possibly Fedde Le Grand.

What are some of the biggest tracks that are working for you right now, and who are some up-and-coming artists we should keep an eye out for?

My new mix of Transatlatins featuring La India- ‘I Can’t Live Without Music’, my new single ‘Bang That Box’ featuring Terri B & Burn and Laidback Luke’s remix of Martin Solveig’s ‘I Want You’.

What’s coming down the pipeline for you and Stealth?

My new artist album for 2009, plus new singles from Eddie Thoneick, Laidback Luke, Jessie Garcia and much more!

If you could have your choice of five dinner guests at a party, who would you choose and why (they can be living or dead – just for conversation’s sake)?

1) My wife Cleo - I do everything with her.
2) Miles Davis - Just because he was that cool.
3) Robert De Niro - I would love to hear his stories.
4) Bjork - I could only imagine what she would say, her songs are so creative and bizarre.
5) Cindy Crawford - My wife loves her and she would keep her busy.

And lastly, for the record, how many pairs of sunglasses do you own?

I lost count after 200.

Thanks, Roger!

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You can catch Roger at the following events through September:

Sat, 6 Sep 2008 Sunflowers / Madrid, Spain
Wed, 17 Sep 2008 Beachbombing 2008 at Ibiza Rocks Hotel / Ibiza, Spain
Su,n 21 Sep 2008 Stealth Live! Grand Closing Bloomingdales
Mon, 22 Sep 2008 Release Yourself Closing Pacha Ibiza
Fri, 26 Sep 2008 Noxx Antwerp Invites Roger Sanchez at Noxx / Belgium
Sat, 27 Sep 2008 Saturday Sessions presents: Release Yourself at Ministry Of Sound / London, United Kingdom

Check out Release Yourself’s home page and his MySpace page for more information.

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