A Life in Sound: DJ Roger Sanchez Reflects on the Songs That Shaped Him
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A celebrated DJ and producer, Roger Sanchez, has revealed the soundtrack to his life, from the early days of hip-hop in New York City to the tracks that still move him today. His selections offer a fascinating glimpse into a career built on rhythm, emotion, and a deep connection to music’s power.
Early Influences and First Purchases
Sanchez’s musical journey began in his youth, growing up amidst the burgeoning hip-hop scene in New York City. “The emergence of hip-hop really connected with me when I was a kid,” he explained. “Rapper’s Delight by the Sugarhill Gang started me down the road where I am today.” This early exposure laid the foundation for a lifelong passion.
His first single purchase, “Let No Man Put Asunder” by First Choice, holds a special place in his memory. Acquired on 12-inch vinyl from the iconic Rock and Soul record store in New York City, the purchase represented a significant milestone – funded by earnings from a part-time job at the grocery store.
The Soundtrack to a Life
The selections reveal a diverse range of tastes, reflecting a career spent immersed in various genres and scenes. Sanchez’s connection to music isn’t just professional; it’s deeply personal.
Karaoke, Club Classics, and Unintentional Earworms
When it comes to karaoke, Sanchez gravitates towards “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey. He notes the song “reminds me of the melting pot of growing up in the 80s,” and its universal appeal makes it a guaranteed singalong, “gets everybody’s hands in the air.”
He admits to inexplicably knowing every lyric to “Now That We’ve Found Love” by Third World, a track he frequently played during his DJ sets. Describing it as a “great clubby, disco-reggae track,” he reveals how the lyrics became ingrained in his memory without conscious effort.
For a guaranteed party atmosphere, Sanchez points to “One More Time” by Daft Punk. “It’s simple and effective,” he says. “As soon as the ‘one more time’ hook hits, everybody explodes.”
However, not every beloved track remains enjoyable. Despite his affection for Kool & the Gang, Sanchez confesses he “can’t listen to Celebration one more time. I just can’t.”
Unexpected Affections and Life-Changing Samples
Sometimes, musical appreciation comes from unexpected sources. Sanchez admits a secret fondness for Pharrell Williams’ “Happy,” popularized by Despicable Me 2. “My daughter loved it because it’s in Despicable Me 2, so it got glued to my head,” he explains, acknowledging Pharrell’s songwriting talent and the song’s “exceedingly sticky” quality.
Perhaps the most significant musical encounter of his career came with Toto’s “I Won’t Hold You Back.” The song served as the foundation for his hit single, “Another Chance.” He recounts a memorable encounter with Steve Lukather from Toto, who, upon hearing the success of the remix, wryly remarked, “Here’s a record that some DJ turned into a No 1 and made us a lot of money. I can’t stand it, but here’s the original version.” Despite his initial dislike, Lukather ultimately benefited financially, receiving 90% of the publishing rights.
Music for Every Mood
Sanchez’s musical preferences extend beyond the dance floor, encompassing songs for motivation, intimacy, and even grief.
“Go Your Own Way” by Fleetwood Mac serves as his go-to morning anthem, providing a “motivational, get-me-up-in-the-morning song,” despite its lyrical focus on heartbreak.
When it comes to setting a mood, Sanchez surprisingly suggests his own music, specifically “one of the darker tribal ones like My Roots.”
The power of music to evoke emotion is perhaps most evident in his choice for a song that makes him cry: “Pearls” by Sade. He describes it as “so emotionally evocative and poignant, yet creates such a visual of what the person is going through,” a song that embodies both sadness and hope.
Looking ahead, Sanchez has already chosen the song he’d like played at his funeral: “As” by Stevie Wonder. He is particularly moved by the lyrics, “I’ll be loving you always / Until the ocean covers every mountain high.”
Sanchez is currently touring, with upcoming performances in Newcastle upon Tyne on Christmas Eve, Liverpool on December 27th, and Dubai on New Year’s Eve and January 3rd.
