The Grammy award-winner, chart-topper and globally revered DJ and producer Roger Sanchez touches down at Nottingham’s newly reopened Media nightclub for an exclusive set on Saturday 28 October.
Back after returning from a five-year absence with a killer album Come With Me, he's just had the best summer yet in Ibiza and shows no signs of letting his crown slip...
Come With Me has just been released to rave reviews, and described as ‘a passionate romp through the ups and downs of life’. Is it autobiographical?
It is definitely the most personal album I have done so far. Soundwise as well as lyrically it describes all sorts of moods and experiences I have had over the years.
Who did you collaborate with on the album?
I am very happy and honored to say I have been able to collaborate with people like Alejandro Sanz - who rarely does collaborations - and Omar. Also people like GTO (vocalist, Turn On The Music), Freak (bass guitar), Jaquita Perkins (vocalist) and Lisa Pure (vocalist). A very talented group of people that all have made great contributions to this album.
Will there be any commercial single releases from the album?
We have got Not Enough ready to be released as the second single after Lost. Depending on how this does we might do another one, but first i would like to focus on the release of Not Enough.
It’s your first album in five years - why such a gap?
I just wanted to take my time to make this album, I am very emotionally attached to each and every track so I took my time to write, produce and mix them.
Will you be showcasing any of your new material on tour?
Of course. During the album launch tour I travel with Freak, Gto and Jaquita Perkins who perform live on stage. We usually perform a selection of tracks of the album.
You’re currently on the Come With Me Tour with the S-Men band performing live throughout the world. How does it feel playing live, compared to DJing?
It feels great performing live, it's a challenge. There's definately more crowd interaction, and I enjoy it very much. The difference between live performance and DJing is that I am on stage with more people, the preparation (longer soundchecks and rehearsals) and the way the crowd reacts and the vibe I get from them. Apart from this there are not many differences.
The Release Yourself weekly residency at Pacha has been a phenomenal success yet again - what makes the night unique?
I am very involved with the whole night; I'm not saying this is the key to its success, but I play all night, I am very involved with the concepts we develop; a new concept for every new season. We always try to dedicate the party to the female crowd, which creates a great atmosphere. Also the Pacha has a very hard-working team that put in a very big effort.
Are you producing/remixing any big artists at the moment?
No, not at the moment because I am working very hard at compiling tracks for a compilation I am doing for Azuli records called Choice. It's a series where Azuli invites DJs to put together a double CD of their all-time favorite classic tracks. I'm also working on a soundtrack for a movie.
Is this your first time in Notts?
Actually I did the Millennium night at Gatecrasher for Renaissance, so this is not my first time playing Nottingham. I always really look forward coming to England - it feels like a second home to me. The crowds in England are awesome!
Stealth Records has always championed hidden talent - any forthcoming new artist releases ?
Yes, as a matter of fact we're releasing some great material soon. We do a compilation called After Dark; the first edition featured Tom Stephan and yours truly, but the second edition is done by the very hot DJ duo Chus and Ceballos and the other CD is compiled and mixed by none other than Sharam Jey. We are also releasing a track by Miguel Picasso called Moving, a great track by Laidback Luke called Hypnotize and for the release of the Not Enough we're doing a mix with Steven Lee and Dirty South.
Do you have any goals left to achieve?
Yes I would really like to start producing more soundtracks for movies, and who knows? I might even pursue a career in acting...
Roger Sanchez plays Gatecrasher at Media on Saturday October 28th - advance tickets available here.
www.rogersanchez.com
www.medianottingham.co.uk
