Roger Sanchez speaks a language we all understand. That is - deep bass, sexy vocals, and danceable beats, a language we call house music. Beyond the changes and fads that come and go, Roger Sanchez remains true to his roots, true to a sound we all connect to. He returns Mondays to the Space Terrace from June 18th as resident of Ibiza Calling and to pay homage to this, Roger reflects on his journey until now – exclusively - for Space Magazine.
“My journey into house music began on the streets of New York during my high school days when I was heavily into break dancing, early hip hop, and club music. Music became my focus and I immersed myself in it, confiscated my mother's stereo system from her, and spent every penny I had on vinyl. I got my first house track from a record shop in Manhattan, and I was hooked! Soon after I was creating and promoting my own club events, financed by the mixed tapes I sold on the street.
"The very first club I played at (in Ibiza) was Privilege, then called Ku. As the sun came up that morning during my set, the roof opened over thousands of euphoric clubbers, and I knew that this was a special and magical place.
"I began my own event, Release Yourself, in 2001. Ibiza has given me inspiration, an incredible platform to reach my audience and has become a second, almost spiritual, home for me. I have played in most venues in Ibiza and now reside in my favorite Terrace, at Space. Ibiza continues to inspire and rejuvenate my love for house music."
Fan and DJ/producer Mark Knight reflects on Roger’s music:
“I used to follow him everywhere! He had a massive, massive influence on me – he, Louis Vega and Masters At Work were real gods. He’s done phenomenally well to stay relevant when a lot of those guys from that era didn’t manage to adapt in the way he did.
It was Roger that really made me make the transition from being a total soul head to becoming a huge fan of house music. I used to watch him at Ministry all the time, but I remember one Hard Times event in London where they brought pretty much every American DJ over - and it completely blew me away.”
Friend DJ Chus (Chus+Ceballos) reflects on Roger:
“Mr Roger Sanchez is much more than a DJ, he is a gentleman, an example of good etiquette form, culture, positive attitude, a tireless worker, a professional with capital letters! I value not only the way in which an artist gets to the top but how he maintains there, year after year, track after track, event after event! Roger is also someone I can trust, someone that I value his opinion, a professional friend that I respect from day one! Thanks for always being Roger!”