Rony Seikaly Interview
International music sensation Rony Seikaly has made a meteoric rise through the DJ ranks over the past few years, regularly performing at some of the world’s biggest clubs, including LAVO in NYC, LIV in Miami and Wet Republic in Las Vegas. This year Seikaly has released two projects including his first compilation on Nervous Records, “Nervous Nitelife Presents Rony Seikaly,” and an ep "Funk The Monk," all the while continuing to tour and host his own show Ibiza Sunrise on Electric Area SIRIUS/XM Radio. Clubplanet.com recently caught up with the International DJ/Producer to discuss his DJ career, some of his favorite clubs to play around the world, and what fans can look forward to from the DJ in 2013.
When did you become interested in pursuing music and when did you realize that you would be ale to make a legitimate career out of it?
I’ve always loved music. I’ve been involved in music since I was fourteen years old. To me it was just a hobby, something I did after work, after sports…I guess since Electronic music started to move into the forefront of music in the US, people are paying more attention to me. If Hip-Hop was still in, I doubt people would be talking about me playing House music, but since it’s at the forefront I get a lot of attention.
Can you talk to us about your "Funk The Monk" ep ? How was it having Robbie Rivera work on one of your tracks?
It was definitely a great experience. Any time you can have a great producer remix one of your tracks is an honor.
How has the transition been from being an elite basketball player to gaining the respect of some legendary producers in the edm/house music scene been?
It’s two different worlds, athletics and music, because music, especially club music, evolves constantly. I think that just the different cultures that I’ve been able to experience has given me a flavor of the local music of different ethnic sounds and broadened my horizons.
When you grow up listening to one style that’s all you know, but when I lived in Lebanon it was one kind of music, then I moved to Greece where the was another, then France, etc…every country has its distinct style of ethnic music so I’m sure that’s all played a part in some of the stuff I do. That’s why I love all sorts of music. I just love music period.
Who are some of your major musical influences?
I was inspired by a lot of important people along the way such as Danny Tennaglia, Louie Vega, Frankie Knuckles. Their music is what made me want to make music a profession.
Which one do you prefer more, remixing or producing original tracks?
I definitely prefer original production more than anything else. Whenever you have the chance to create your own music and build something from scratch it's a great feeling.
If you had to choose, what would you say are your top three favorite clubs to play around the world?
My top three would have to be LIV Miami Beach, Pacha, Amnesia in Ibiza
What has been your favorite moment in your DJ career thus far?
The ride!
What's tougher battling against Alonzo Mourning and Shaquille O'neal in the post or DJ'ing to a crowd of hundreds of people?
Each one has its own challenges! I'd say really managing a crowd and Djing the right mix to keep everyone happy is difficult but battling those guys is like wrestling bears.
Last but not least, can you let us know what fans can look forward to from you for the remainder of the year and going into 2013?
I'm doing a variety of shows throughout the rest of the year and will be regularly releasing new projects. You can also catch my new show Ibiza Sunrise on Electric Area SIRIUS/XM radio!
