Where are you from?
Miami, Florida.
Residencies:
Currently Nocturnal’s “Local Celebrity” Friday after hours on the Terrace. Previously, Club Space for five years.
Number of years spinning:
Twenty years.
How did you get started spinning?
I’ve always been passionate about music. As a kid, I used to enjoy listening to old Disco and ’80s mixes on the radio. My interest grew and I started to do that on my own. To this day, I still feel the same way about music and spinning in general.
Who are your musical influences?
I would say the ’80s played a big part in my musical taste. I remember growing up listening to Depeche Mode, Kraftwerk and The Cure, just to name a few.
Describe your current sound.
House.
What equipment do you use?
The club’s equipment.
What’s the worst job you’ve ever had (as a DJ or otherwise)?
Licking envelopes for eight hours a day at a bank when I was 16 years old ? seriously.
What’s your most memorable night in a Miami club (working or not working)?
When I got my first gig at a club back in 1994. The house DJ got sick and had to leave, so I got my records from my car and played the rest of the night—without headphones. I was so eager to play, I didn’t mention to the club owner I’d forgotten my headphones. When the night ended, I told him…and the rest was history.
What makes your DJ style unique?
I think what makes me different from other DJs is that I have total freedom to play what I enjoy playing. The crowd recognizes when you play from the heart, and they realize that what they hear is something special they can’t get anywhere else. It took me a long time to be able to say that, but I think that is the reason I enjoy playing now more than ever.
What have you done recently to make the world a better place?
I really enjoy helping others no matter what the situation is. You have to leave your mark in this world, and that is the best way I know how.
Describe who you are in three words.
Never look back.
Where can we learn more about you?
At my web site, djrolandmiami.com – the site will have a complete new look very soon.