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Guestlist Chats to House Legend, Roger Sanchez on Beats, Breakthroughs, and a Legacy of Passion
House | Monday 9th September 2024 | The Hub
Ahead of his highly anticipated appearance at the Love To Be Festival, Roger Sanchez opens up about the evolution of house music from its disco and hip-hop roots in the late '80s. He reflects on his early struggles for recognition, the vital role of passion and individuality, his dedication to mental well-being through balance and gratitude, and the career highlights that include Grammy wins and unforgettable performances—all while shaping a legacy of soulful, emotional music.
Q: Where are you at the moment? Whereabouts in the world?
RS: I’m currently at home, in Ibiza.
Q: You've been a key figure in the house music scene for decades. Can you take us back to the beginning of your career and what drew you into DJing and house music in particular?
RS: I’ve been DJing since I was 13 years old. I used to be a breakdancer when I was very young, and then I saw a friend of mine who was a DJ really move the crowd with the music he was playing. I wanted to be on the other side—not just on the dance floor, but making people dance. When I first started out, there was no house music. It was disco, soul, funk—it was the beginning of the hip-hop era, where DJs were putting together breaks and cleaning them up. I came from that school of very technical DJing, bringing together different types of sounds. Disco was a big influence for me. When house music started, it came over from Chicago to New York. At that time, hip-hop was known as freestyle or Latin hip-hop, which was big on the airwaves in Miami and New York, while house music was very niche and underground, mainly played in gay clubs in Manhattan like Paradise Garage and The Loft. I would go to these clubs with friends. We were all dancers, and going to Paradise Garage had a huge impact on my decision to gravitate toward house music. I got very deep into it. As house music came over from Chicago, I started buying records, and that's how I really dove into it.
Q: What year was this? How long ago?
RS: I’d say I really started noticing the transition to house music coming from Chicago around 1987 or 1988.
Q: What are some of the biggest challenges you've faced in your career, both creatively and personally, and how did you overcome them?
RS: In the beginning, the biggest challenge as a DJ was getting noticed by promoters to be booked at clubs. I started doing my own events, throwing block parties, promoting myself, and selling mixtapes on the streets in New York City. This helped build my crowd and also led me to start creating my own tracks in the studio. Over time, the challenge became staying relevant and excited about what I do. I started out loving DJing as a hobby, even though it was costing me money, but eventually, I turned it into a lifelong career. I invested a lot—working different jobs, saving money, promoting my own events—even losing money in the process, all to build my career. Passion and persistence were key in overcoming those early challenges.
Q: For those starting out in the industry, what advice would you give to help them stand out and build a sustainable career as a DJ?
RS: It’s a different time now than when I started. Back then, there was no social media, and the scenes were very local with a lot of gatekeepers. My advice now is first, to be passionate about what you love. Dedicate yourself to your passion because that’s what will drive you to work long hours and perfect your craft. Second, recognize where we are technologically. Use social media to express your passion and find your own voice instead of copying others. Take inspiration from other DJs and artists, but make your own sound—your “secret sauce.” That’s what will help you stand out in the long run.
Q: The life of a DJ can be demanding, with constant travel, late nights, and pressure to perform. How do you maintain your mental health and balance?
RS: It’s interesting because when I started, DJs didn’t tour much; it was very local. As the industry grew, I gradually adapted. I’ve faced personal challenges like family issues and divorce, but I’ve always prioritized health. I’ve never been into drugs, rarely drink, and I train regularly at the gym. I believe physical well-being supports mental well-being. I also practice gratitude, focusing on what I have rather than what I don’t. That mindset helps maintain mental health, especially in a world where social media makes constant comparison inevitable.
Q: For the Love To Be Festival in Leeds, they’re partnering with The Ostrich Foundation, a charity focusing on suicide prevention among young people. How important is it for you to be involved in events that have a social impact beyond the music?
RS: It’s incredibly important. Artists who have visibility and can connect with people should get involved in initiatives that promote health within the community. With the rise of technology, while it has had positive effects, it’s also had negative impacts on mental health. People are constantly comparing themselves to others online, which can trigger feelings of inadequacy. If I can help, even in a small way, to mitigate that and promote mental health, I consider that very important. Gratitude is key throughout life.
Q: What can fans expect from your set at the Love To Be Festival in Leeds, and how do you plan to incorporate the classic house vibe?
RS: Nowadays, with my long history in house music, I have the ability to blend the new with the old. I love to marry the energy of the current music I play with classic house anthems, remixing them in new and energetic ways. People will recognize the vibe, but it’ll have a fresh twist that connects with both long-time fans and newer listeners.
Q: Looking back on your career, are there any specific milestones or moments that stand out as particularly meaningful?
RS: There have been so many amazing moments. Winning a Grammy for a remix I did for No Doubt, having a number one record with "Another Chance," and creating my own events like Release Yourself in Ibiza are some of the highlights. Playing open-to-close sets on Monday nights was a unique experience. Seeing the connection between New York and London through the Ministry of Sound in the '90s was also pivotal. These are just a few of the moments that stand out for me.
Q: What do you hope your legacy will be in the world of house music, and what message would you like to leave for the next generation of artists?
RS: I hope my legacy is one of passion and devotion to the music I love. I want to be remembered for creating unique emotional moments, both through my productions and live performances. I've had people tell me they met, fell in love, and even got married after hearing my song "Another Chance." That means the world to me. Ultimately, I hope my legacy is about bringing love and unity to the world through music.
Love to be… Festival
14 September at The Stray, Harrogate
Roger Sanchez / Barbara Tucker (Live) / Darius Syrossian / Adelphi Music Factory /
Doorly / Trimtone / Carly Foxx / K-Klass / Bez (Acid House Set) / Allister Whitehead /
Tom Wainwright / Ryan McDermott + many more
Tickets on sale now:
