Roger Sanchez – NYC to the World, House Music & Release Yourself Radio

House music pioneer and trailblazer, Roger Sanchez, has been an icon of the genre for decades. He has produced international hits, remixed for dozens of superstars, and become one of the few house musicians to be recognized by the Grammys. From hustling his mixtapes on New York sidewalks in the ‘80s to playing the hottest clubs in Ibiza today, he has cemented himself as one of the ultimate godfathers of house music. 

Sanchez has similarly built his legacy as an innovator of the highest calibre. Not only was he present for the early days of House, but he was a crucial force in helping mold it into what it is today. Sanchez is notably credited with being one of the first DJs to transition from turntables to CDJs in the dance music scene, thus pushing the boundaries of house music exceptionalism.

He currently hosts a weekly radio show, Release Yourself, with over 15 million listeners worldwide. He streams all strands of house music heritage, from hot new releases to timeless classics from the golden age, positioning himself as a pivotal house music tastemaker across all eras. Furthermore, he has been part of blockbuster remixes in his long list of accolades, specifically for iconic musicians like Dianna Ross, Daft Punk, and Madonna no less. He consistently tours globally and has world-renowned shows coming up in Spain, Cyprus, and the United Kingdom. With over three decades of discography to pull from, he is a master at connecting with crowds in the tens of thousands and crafting sets that truly pay homage to his immense nous and experience.   .

As Sanchez continues his never-ending ascent into legend status, he gave Funktasy exclusive insight into his star-studded career and the world of house music.

You have been a consistent nominee in Funktasy’s annual Top 10 house DJs list and are celebrated as a true pioneer of the global house scene. How does it feel to hold that title? 

I’m very honoured to have this consideration, and I appreciate the love!

Having been in the house music scene for over three decades, what changes have you seen in the evolution of house music? 

House music has become a global phenomenon in this time and has taken on regional sounds and vibes from all over the world. I feel it’s stronger than ever, and there are more great things to come from house music.

You’ve evolved with technology throughout your career. What is your current approach to DJing, producing, and remixing? How has it changed over the years?

From the production standpoint, technology has gone from requiring a huge and expensive studio to create to now being able to have a portable setup that can allow me to make music anywhere in the world. However, some others will use that tech to take shortcuts, copying whatever is currently successful. From a DJing standpoint, technology allows me to remix tracks on the fly and create a more dynamic and unique performance. I have always enjoyed utilizing emergent technology in a creative way

Where do you find inspiration when creating music? What sparks your creativity?

It can be anything from sharing a moment with my wife on a cliff at sunset, to listening to a live performer create a musical phrase that will lead me in a new direction, to sci-fi films. I’m all over the place with inspiration!

Ibiza has long been a stronghold for house music, but in recent years, Las Vegas has taken on a similar role. How do you think house music is perceived on each side of the Atlantic? 

I think house is a huge part of music culture in Europe, especially in Ibiza, but I also see it connecting with a new generation in the US, largely due to the effect of social media giving it a massive platform.

You’re known for your deep connection with crowds. What’s your secret to maintaining that energy and bond during performances? 

I feed off the energy of the dance floor and try to mentally place myself on the dance floor with my crowd. What would I want to hear in that moment? What feeling do I want to evoke? This is what I’m thinking when I’m playing.

You are credited with helping introduce the shift from turntables to CDJs in the dance music scene. Where do you see the future of DJ technology heading beyond CDJs? 

I think at some point (soon) there will be an interface that will allow DJs to directly access the cloud, in real time, to perform their sets. This might be the next generation of CDJs, or it could be something new, but with familiar features.

You’ve hosted your weekly radio show, Release Yourself, for years, with over 1,200 episodes. What do you think is the magic behind its longevity? 

I always play what my heart and vibe tell me, and that has continued to connect over the years. Authenticity is the key.

Speaking of radio, why do you think house music isn’t typically heard on mainstream stations? Do you feel streaming has boosted the genre’s popularity? 

I think house music has really become more pervasive on social platforms, mirroring the club and festival experience. Radio in many territories are still following major label trends and politics. In addition, the support for major label artists is financially greater than the majority of house music artists. While there is the occasional breakout, it’s not a common occurrence.

You’re among the few house DJs recognized with a Grammy. Why do you think major awards often overlook house music, and do you believe there’s a path for house to break fully into the mainstream? 

Traditionally, major artists would use house remixes to target the clubs for their otherwise non-dance music originals. Now, more have incorporated elements of house music into their mainstream productions. In addition, I think with social media platforms opening up the channels for people to listen to and “consume” music, the definition of “mainstream” is changing, and house is growing in attention and utilization.

What role do you think AI could play in shaping the future of house music? 

Both in production and in the social media space, AI is changing the way we create, promote, and listen to music. I think AI can be used creatively, but often it’s used as a lazy shortcut. As [with] anything, how creatively people use it will determine if it’s a positive or negative influence.

Your wife, Kristen Knight, is also a DJ. How do the two of you balance your careers and your relationship? 

We make sure to take time for ourselves personally and do fun and adventurous activities, like scuba diving, and also give each other both support and space creatively to write music and play—sometimes together, sometimes separately.

Finally, what projects and news can fans expect from you in the coming months?

I have launched “Spectrum”—a project that will encompass new music, aesthetics, visuals, and more. I have a new collaboration coming soon with Fedde LeGrande, my Orishas events gaining traction, several projects with my wife, Kristen, and others to watch out for!