Each week, ARIA highlights one of the DJs that contributes to the Top 50 Club Tracks Chart.
Romy Black is house music producer that has emerged from Sydney in the past decade.
He regularly plays alongside house acts such as Miguel Migs, Mark Farina, Mark Knight, Roger Sanchez, Sandy Rivera, David Penn, Simon Dunmore, Angelo Ferreri, Dimitri from Paris, The Shapeshifters, Mousse T, Dr Packer and David Morales to name a few. This has in turn led to exclusive performances at major Australian events including Glitterbox, Sensation, Return to Rio, Rodd Richards Presents parties and Café Del Mar.
1. Tell us about your style of music...
I was inspired by house music from around 1995-2005 which was full of samples from disco, soul and funk music that focussed heavily on swing and groove. My style is a direct reflection of that era from Disco to Jack, straight up house to tech, lots of sampling, filters and heavy grooves with new school techniques in both my DJ sets and production.
2. What makes a set by you unique?
I focus a lot on clean technical longer mixes. For headlining or peak sets expect to hear a mix of genres and some unexpected gems you didn’t know you wanted to hear. I try not to play what’s expected or running hot at the time but what I know works regardless of whether it’s known or not. I also like to start at a lower energy point and ramp up energy from beginning to the end of a set.
3. What's your guaranteed floor-filler?
Wh0 & Kideko’s ‘Soul Searcher (Extended Mix)’ is doing good things at the moment.
4. You have to step away from the booth for a break, what's your go-to long song?
For bar gigs etc - Masters At Work Feat. India ‘To Be In Love (MAW '99 Mix)’. That’s 11:54.
5. What would be your ultimate music collaboration?
Oh too many! Armand Van Helden, Shapeshifters, Hatiras, Full Intention, DJ Kone & Marc Palacios, Olav Basoski, Mousse T, Mark Farina, Harry Romero, Earth N Days. The list is too long!
6. What is the most rewarding part of being a DJ?
The people, energy, connection, and of course music.
7. Can you share any tips for people who want to become a DJ?
A. With all the new technology available the technical side and skill levels required to become a competent DJ have dropped significantly making it more accessible. If you want to stand out from the rest - mix well (practice), be creative and develop a style, be original and don’t bite (copy other sets etc). There is so much music to choose from!
B. Understand and play to your set time / venue music policy. We all have that “Hour of Power” we want to throwdown in our back pocket. There is a time and a place.
C. Build a reputation for being good at your craft, be connected, authentic and respectful to your peers and others in the industry and gigs will follow.
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