Roger Sanchez

Stealth, Release Yourself

2007.10.19 ::: Words by Andrew Reid

Release Yourself is a concept born many moons ago in the mind of the Grammy award winning artist Roger Sanchez. A seminal single (Release Yo Self) under Roger’s Transatlantic Soul production moniker back in 1996, a fully immersive party experience from 2001, a world-shaking radio show and CD compilation series since 2002, and a prolific podcast from 2006 – Release Yourself, like evolution itself, tells us that only the strong survive.

So move your ass, stomp your feet, and set your mind free, because the very latest trip in this time-honoured compilation series is here. Blending deep house, Latin, tribal and electro-tech sounds, explosive programming with sparks of S-Man magic, the relentless groove of Release Yourself 6 is sure to set speakers ablaze as it’s unleashed via Roger’s own Stealth Records label!

The genesis of Release Yourself was certainly shaped by Roger’s life as a native New Yorker. A former student of architecture and a disciple of the legendary Paradise Garage, there came a time, in the late 80s, when he had to choose between a prestigious education at the Pratt Institute and his burgeoning love of house music and club culture. That Roger went on to cement his stellar reputation as a DJ and producer around the world is a testament to his robust belief in the power of music to liberate people, physically and mentally.

The first Release Yourself event took place in June 2001 at El Divino on the clubbers’ paradise island of Ibiza. “I named it after my track Release Yo Self by Transatlantic Soul to symbolise what I wanted people to do at my parties,” explains Roger. And, of course, it went down a storm! A year later Release Yourself moved to Pacha, where Roger has been revered as a resident ever since, developing an intimate relationship with the clubbing mecca and its cosmopolitan crowds.

Now, in 2007, following an illuminating start to the Release Yourself season at Miami WMC, the party returns to Pacha Ibiza from Monday 18th June, with sunset pre-parties taking place once again at Cafe Mambo. The Release Yourself theme for this year is signs of the zodiac and we can definitely predict that there will be some astronomical parties up ahead, in Ibiza and beyond. You will, for example, be able to enjoy Release Yourself marathons at several festivals this summer, including Mystery Land in the Netherlands and Global Gathering in the UK, so stay tuned.

Meanwhile serving millions of listeners who love to stay tuned is Roger's hugely popular Release Yourself radio show. It smashed onto the scene in 2002 and is now syndicated weekly to 27 stations internationally. With an emphasis on the unique and the upfront, Release Yourself was one of the first dance shows to evolve into a podcast. Indeed, from pimpin’ his mix tapes on Broadway in the 80s to spinning digital video discs as he fronts his all-action live S-Men band in the 00s, Roger has always utilised the technology of his time to connect more deeply with clubbers. Launched in March 2006, the Release Yourself Podcast now has 60,000+ bi-weekly subscribers and even won the Best Podcast category in the 22nd International Dance Music Awards (IDMAs) during WMC 2007.

So, finally, let’s return full circle to Release Yourself Volume 6. As a 100 percent pure Release Yourself encounter, its sounds flow seamlessly over two CDs, with a sexy, soul drenched pre-party selection chased up by pounding peak time party programming. And since the Basement Jaxx remixed Release Yo Self (‘back in the day’), it is fitting that their hot new track Cool It kickstarts 2007’s party CD in a big way. This mix houses an array of upfront tracks, including Agent Greg Vs. Audiopunch’s soaring Symphony of Love, The Nightcrawlers’ Push the Feeling On (Belocca's Cheeky Bootleg Mix), and Nick Terranova & Austin Leeds’ Dirty Sound ?(Miami Dirt Mix) – all of which will be forthcoming on Stealth. Says Roger: “The Release Yourself mixes remain a true reflection of what is going on on my dancefloors. The party mix has taken on more modern electronic elements, as have my sets, while the pre party side now incorporates even more variety within its deeper sounds.”

Join the internationally renowned DJ, producer and presenter to celebrate the celestial beauty of house music this summer. Embodying over a decade of Transatlantic Soul, and now in the mix with a fresh electronic twist, Release Yourself Volume 6 is out now via Stealth Records.

Nocturnal: It has been just over a year since we last caught up with you. How would you sum up the past 12 months for Roger Sanchez?
Roger: Amazing!!! Starting with the birth of my daughter Soleil, The Off-The Hook Summer in Ibiza and collaborating in the studio with friends. It has been great!!

Nocturnal: Ibiza and your Release Yourself weekly at Pacha has come and gone. How did the season treated you this year?
Roger: This has been an excellent and busy season for us, everyone involved really stepped it up and played their part.

Nocturnal: In July you performed and had your own Release Yourself stage at the absolutely insane Global Gathering 2007. How did it go for you? Any crazy tales from that crazy weekender?
Roger: Nope... nothing out of the ordinary madness and crazy vibes floating around.

Nocturnal: You have one of the globe's most discernable styles. How do you vision your dance floor and sound? Where do you draw your inspiration from?
Roger: I try to exude my love for music to my audience. Hopefully the crowd can take something back from my set. My family and love for life are really the driving force behind the S-Man these days.

Nocturnal: Your latest singles from your 2006 "Come With Me" album "Not Enough" and "Again" are making waves with remixes from Dirty South and Rene Amesz. The sound is a little different from what you may expect for a Roger Sanchez release. How did you come about comissioning those guys to do the mixes? How do you feel they stack up and is this a sound you might persue more of with your original productions?
Roger: I try to allow my music to evolve with the new sounds. This is a real exciting time for me and my music. Im enjoying pounding beats on my laptop. I have a great deal of respect for the new generation of dance producers and I think Dirty South and Rene Amesz are proper examples of the future of dance music. I want my music to feel natural and not forced. I try not to be so critical these days.

Nocturnal: As the electro sound starts to fade out, a lot of buzz is on all things minimal. Do you feel that the minimal sound is poised to be the next big thing in electronic music?
Roger: ARGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! All these labels being placed on a period of time in dance. It’s all HOUSE MUSIC to me. There will always be the electronic influence in this music as the revolution continues. I feel that it just won’t be as blatant as it was before. Minimal has brought us back down to earth and is allowing our ears a much needed rest. I believe a more intelligent wave of music will be arriving shortly. Proper melodies, strong hooks, and savvy arrangements will be the formula for the future.

Nocturnal: Your latest mix CD, "Release Yourself Vol. 6" is out now, what should we expect from it?
Roger: Expect an assortment of today’s best underground music from deep and funky to electro.

Nocturnal: As an accomplished producer are there any valuable tips you could pass on to someone starting out making music?
Roger: Make each track better than the last one!!!

Nocturnal: For 2007/2008, who are the names that people should watch out for as either producers or DJs?
Roger: Harry Choo Choo Romero is set to strike another storm, Laidback Luke is gonna get even hotter !!! LOL. Deadmau5, Jimpster, Rene Amesz, Dean Coleman.

Nocturnal: Of course you’re also the man behind acclaimed label Stealth. What's in store for us in the near future?
Roger: More Dope releases!!!! More Great Parties!! Of course next up we have the "Physical Funfair EP" from Chris Barratt and a dirty tune in Juice String's "Sex Weed".

Nocturnal: Lastly here are some quick shots:
Nocturnal: What's more likely... vinyl making a comeback or a non-trance DJ being rated #1 in the DJ Mag poll?
Roger: Vinyl making a comeback.
Nocturnal: Favourite travel destination for vacation?
Roger: Brazil or Thailand.
Nocturnal: Favourite travel destination for performing?
Roger: Ibiza.
Nocturnal: Most indispensable item you travel with?
Roger: iPod.
Nocturnal: Most indispensable piece of studio kit?
Roger: Manley Massive Passive.
Nocturnal: Most emotional song for you of all time?
Roger: Sade – Stronger Than Pride.
Nocturnal: Single greatest moment from your DJ performance career?
Roger: Playing “Another Chance” @ Pacha the week it went Number 1. Priceless moment!!!

::: Related Links

::: www.rogersanchez.com

::: www.releaseyourself.com

::: www.myspace.com/rogersanchez

::: www.stealth-records.com