Long time NYC jocks/producer, DJ Romain is not only a talented track maker (remember his many works under the Romatt guise alongside Matt Keys amongst others). He is also once of the nicest face hailing from our scene, always ready to please the ones who show him love. The latest are quite numerous at the end of the day (nite), judging by the numerous places he is scheduled to make an appearance behind the decks this week in Miami. But this first has to be taken as a recognition of his awesome talent. Gotta believe this peeps, dis man’s got da groove… I’m Serious !

Would you mind having a few words as an introduction who you are…

My name is Romain. I have been DJing over 25years, a producer, studio engineer and label owner. Born in Brooklyn NY. aug 25 1962. My parents are from Jamaica so I guess that makes me a Jamerican As far as my intense love for music I eventually would like to do music for movies. I’ve seen almost every movie(old & new) that has come out, and I always listen to the background music of a scene. So that’s what I would want to do in my older age in this music business.

Where to find you.and your current environment in terms of local scene/nightlife ?

Currently, I DJ  at a club in NYC. called Sapphire lounge on E.Houston & Eldridge St. I’m there every other fri. I play a varity of music that range from hip hop reggae Classics funk & house. When I’m not working, I usually go to Louie Vega’s party at Cielo on Wed.

Your heroes ?

My heros are Malcolm X, Run Run Shaw, Bill Clinton, Fred Williamson & Spike Lee.

The ones you feel the closest to…

Jon Cutler, Ian Rock, Jeremy Newall, Todd Terry, Marlon D & E-Man…

The way you work and your source of inspiration.

I work in my studio in the deep dungeon part of my basement. I use logic 6.4.3 and I have a G5. I’m inspired by different types of music from around the world. I’m kind of feelin’ the techy sounding minimal trax right now. It has many sounds and textures.

Your definition of a good piece of music

A good piece of music is when  you hear a track that makes your head & your neck snap back and forth and you cant stop it no matter how hard you try.That’s a good track.

Of a good nite

Same FX I should say…

The way you’d like to be looked at ?

I would like to be looked at like a very cool & respectful individual that has mad skillz, ha ha.

Your current projects…

In stores right now, you can pick up my new release on Nu Faze called “It’s The Spirit” by Darryl D’ Bonneau and, coming out in April, is the Soulstrum EP also on Nu Faze.

The way you see Miami and what you expect from it…

For me, Miami is a getaway from the N.Y.C. winter cruelty and an opportunity to see old friends in the music business. It’s like a yearly family reunion you cant wait to see everyone you know.

Any secret weapon of yours over there ?

Secrect weapon ? I did a remix of the Temptations “Can,T Get Next To You” that is coming out on Motown Records. So I will be hitting people in the head with that.

Your perception of the current situation and the things which need to evolve…

As far as the current situation with the house scene, I think it is kind of wack right now but I think it will change for the better very soon. I think some of us are stuck in what we like and I love all the old stuff but we have to move on into the future and get with the program. Incorperate some of the old sounds so the youngins coming up in the scene don’t forget where it’ coming from. But we have to evolve or house music won’t progress and be recognized. That’s it.

Your best/worst souvenir.

I’ve never gotten a bad souvenir. Anything anybody has given me as a gift from another country I have always liked & appreciated it.

Your 3 favourite all time songs.

M.F.S.B (‘Love Is The Message’), Barbra Mason (‘Another Man’), Jackson 5 (‘Forever’)

Catch Romain behind the decks today as a part of the Dub Fu Promo Session party @ the Marlin Hotel

More details on our diary section