Styletraxx's sat down with the amazing Hector Romero to check-in and see what the house legend has been u too lately. The man has been in the biz for 20 years, is partners with such dance music heroes as Satoshi Tomeii, Frankie Knuckles and David Morales, and has played virtually every club there is. We chatted with DEF MIX / SAW recordings big wig and all around nice guy Hector Romero to learn about his eclectic sound, the future of dance music, and the interesting custom customs in St. Petersberg Russia.
How did you first get into DJing?
I grew up in The Bronx, NY and DJing was a craft that pretty much started there during the Hip Hop days in the late 70s. I actually started as a Hip Hop DJ but quickly found more of a passion for Dance Music.
What was your first big break?
My first BIG break was when a NY promoter teamed me up to play with David Morales at the Red Zone (early 90s) - long story short the night was a success, we hit it off and here I am at Def Mix now celebrating 20 Years of business with them. It’s been a great ride so far.
How would you describe your personal look/style?
I’m a pretty simple kind of guy don’t like flashy wear but I do like and believe in quality clothing. I have no problem spending money on clothes and food so long as they are quality. I have 2 sides to my style one day I like to dress myself up sort of full on fashion and the next I’m in the mood to look like I still live in The Bronx.
How would you describe your sound?
My sound is very eclectic but still within the House sound I like vocals, techy, deep basically anything that I feel and moves me. Basslines are very important and the music needs to be well produced.
What makes you unique from other DJs that are out there right now?
Not really sure to be honest don’t think there’s anything unique about my Djing I do know that I like to smile and have a good time when I’m behind the decks. I’ve seen some pretty miserable looking DJs while playing out.
What do you think about the current state of affairs in dance music?
One might say Dance Music is healthy and the other might have a different opinion. I personally think its at a cross-roads now the future does look bright for Dance Music but only if we can put more faces behind it we need more bands, singers not just DJs representing Dance Music. And proper songwriters just like there are in other genres. Dance Music is not just about a good beat we need more than that to represent our music.
What other artists or producers have been impressing you lately?
Booka Shade, Dubfire, Tiger Stripes and Dennis Ferrer have all been impressing more and more - each of these producers take the time to craft quality Dance Music sometimes they come out with a vocal tune and sometimes they release just a track but each time you can count on it being a top 10 release.
What’s your favorite club to play? Favorite city to play in?
Stereo in Montreal, Canada is one of my favorite spots to play - I just love the crowd and how much they appreciate music. Then in the summer my favorite is Pacha, Ibiza. This is the mecca of Dance Music and its truly special to play music at this club.
What’s the one thing you cant live without when on the road?
My wipies gotta keep things fresh and clean while on the road!
What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever seen or had happen to you at a gig?
Custom officers at St. Petersburg, Russia stole money from me while counting how much cash I was carrying. They looked me in the eye took some money from my envelope and told me to walk away. CRAZY! I never looked back.
What exciting stuff do you have coming up? Gigs, albums, travel...?
The Fall/Winter season is here so this is the time we head to South America Brazil, Argentina etc... I recently did some gigs in Brazil that were over the top great scene down there as well and its summer there now so I have no problem going down there at this time. And believe it or not were preparing for WMC 2008 more info to follow regarding that soon enough. But I can say the annual SAW*STUSSY Tee Shirts are looking good!
Get a crash course in the Def Mix sound with the album Def Mix Classics, out now on Defected Records, and check out tour dates for Hector atMyspace.com/hectorromero