MANILA, Philippines - Junior Sanchez is a New York City based DJ, producer and remixer who has produced numerous worldwide club hits. Sanchez has headlined clubs and festivals around the world as a DJ. His music philosophy was influenced by his various family roots. He made his first record at the of 15 and started to tour the world since then. He is more famously known as having worked with such big name artists like Gorillaz, Shakira, Katy Perry and Madonna.
The internationally-acclaimed DJ is currently in town. Despite the rains and traffic, he performed at Rogue’s new media launch party last Wednesday at White Space and Fluxxed it out at the Fort on Thursday. Today he flies to Cebu to see the island, go to the beach and chill, and to eat Cebu lechon. He flies to New York tomorrow, but is thinking of extending his stay depending on how he enjoys Cebuano hospitality. Go give him more Cebu lechon.
Supreme, in its second anniversary, sat down with the Junior and realized why he’s this big.
Supreme: You have Italian, Brazilian and American background—how does this influence your music?
Junior Sanchez: It has influenced it in many ways and my subconscious. Growing up, I listen, to my parents’ music, you know and I didnt really like it but when I started spinning, the influence is reflected in my music. I never listened to one type of music.
S: Why become a DJ?
J: Well, the studio looked like one big spaceship with all the glitz and all. I was then 12 or 13. I was 15 when I first made my album. You know how some people grow old and do not know what they want to do, in my case, I knew what I wanted when I was a kid.
S: What do you like best about your job?
J: The travel. I get to hang out with the locals, taste the food. I practically grew up on the road and I learned so much. And I get to work with various artists like Madonna.
S: How do you prepare for a set? Any rituals?
J: Nothing really, I just hang-out and chill with friends. Once I’m on the stage, its auto-pilot for me. I play how I want to play.I don’t care if people would like it’s not. I dont cater to anyone. I just get up there and have fun. Its more than a job for me, I love it.
S: Do you entertain requests?
J: It depends, as long as it’s not outside of my reach. If you request for Macarena, I aint gonna play Macarena.
S: In line with Supreme 2.0 anniversy, how are you a better version of yourself?
J: I am definitely older, wiser, comer. I see the world now better. You know, I’ve travelled the world and I’ve been touring since I was 15 years old. I am less selfish, definitely less selfish.