On Monday 1st July, Cafe Ole returned for yet another season at Space, of course bringing with it one of the biggest and most talented names in house music, Roger Sanchez. So all pervading is his influence that even non-house heads will have many of his songs, including the huge 2001 number-one hit ‘Another Chance', as part of their musical landscape.
Ibiza's music scene is seemingly in a state of flux. Clubbers and industry buffs alike are excitingly questioning new residencies while DJ's and venues (quite literally) play a big game of musical chairs. There is no better time then, to interview this ‘DJ's DJ', Grammy Award-winner, producer and radio show host. Being so established in the industry and having seen so many summers and musical shifts, his opinion will be a very credible one. However, more to the point, in this ‘Year of Change' he is paradoxically revisiting his original underground sound with his new work.
Roger has just released his new track ‘Troubleman' with G.T.O on May 20th. As the first track of his forthcoming album fittingly titled ‘Roots', it is intriguing to see him retracing his footsteps back to a sound more reminiscent of an Old School Sanchez.
With this being his thirteenth summer on the island, he seems to be as essential to the Balearics as a good mojito. I chatted to him just after he touched down on Spanish soil for the opening of Cafe Ole. Even after a long haul flight from L.A he still had a lot to say, seeming just as excited to be back as he would have been years ago:
Welcome back to the island Roger! You're here for a third residency at Cafe Ole at Space every Monday. You've had residencies for 13 years on the island and you're now a permanent fixture here every summer. Do you remember when you fell in love with Ibiza?
"I think 1995 was the first year that I really started having that affinity for Ibiza and since then I've been back here every year. It was the first year that I played at Ku which is now Privilege and Pacha, and I just really got a sense of the island. There weren't as many big nights then but it was really the spirit of the island that you can't find anywhere else that really captivated me."
A lot of people are calling 2013 the ‘Year Of Change' for Ibiza's music scene. Do you think this is the case?
"It's definitely the year of change! There's a lot of different movement, with new venues opening up, new DJs on the island, and some that aren't on the island that usually are. It's really different; a lot of people are starting their own things and shaking things up. It's good to shake things up!"
For you it all began in New York. Tell me what you love about the house music scene there. What about Ibiza in comparison, how do you find the crowd changes?
"It's interesting because I think now they're closer to each other than before. New York used to be a more underground scene, dance music wasn't as big at that point as it is now and I think the Ibiza crowd was a lot more knowledgeable about music then. But they're actually a lot closer now than they used to be. I love it."
The new theme for Cafe Ole 2013 is Café Olé Freak, featuring ‘an array of grotesque and surreal characters that invite all who attend to immerse themselves within a utopian dream world.' Why was this theme chosen? Do you have an inner freak that you like to let loose?
"What it resonates with me is when you allow the music to really take control. In the last couple of years I've really gone back to my underground house roots, and that's my inner freak I'm letting out; the underground is stronger than ever."
Your sound has developed a lot. What inspires you musically?
"For me it's interesting because each track has a different source of inspiration. I may have listened to a record that inspires me or it could be my surroundings, or buildings, like architecture (he was originally going to be an architect before he chose to focus on music). I try to draw on life in general I think."
You've collaborated with a huge number of artists over the years. Are there any artists that you'd specifically like to work with in the future?
"There's a lot of new up and coming artists that I like, like James Blake, his work is very haunting. Artists like him are very unique and I'm always looking out for them."
Any dates in particular we should put in our diaries this summer? You're playing all night long on the 28th July aren't you?
"Yep, that's definitely going to be a fun one, I get to play from start to finish. Then I'm doing some great back to back sets with people like Frankie Knuckles. It's going to be a lot of fun this summer; I'm looking forward to it."
Roger Sanchez presents 'Release Yourself 13', on Stealth Records, released on 30th July.
Beatport Mixes streaming Link:
mixes.beatport.com/mix/roger-sanchez-presents-release-yourself-13-pre-party
mixes.beatport.com/mix/roger-sanchez-presents-release-yourself-13-party
Featuring tracks and remixes from Roger Sanchez, Dusky, DJ Sneak & Riva Starr, Wehbba and exclusives from Rene Amesz, Santos, Jason Chance, Jerome Robins, Chris Count, Rio Dela Duna and more.
