Sidelined by heart condition, vet DJ restarts with art
Roberto “Danger” Sanchez is one of the top DJs who started in the 80s, with his music style evolving from early post-disco to European house to a wide-ranging repertoire that mixes classics with what's current.
He is widely known as a veteran of the club scene, an alumnus of Groove Nation, the group that produced raves at the height scene in the late 90s. He eventually became one of the most in-demand DJs of the country, flying to various gigs nationwide to perform in exclusive events.
Because of his wide influence in the industry, he became an events director and a music producer. He organized LocalE, the first organization of DJs and electronica producers, and opened a school with DJ Jesi Suaco. He also had a band called Tribo Manila, which mixed recorded electronic music with live instruments.
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Serious heart operation
But blazing through the party and music scene took its toll. Last year, Sanchez underwent a serious heart operation that demanded an end to late nights out. Being sidelined from organizing shows and playing till the wee hours left him with a lot of unreleased creative energy.
Now in his 40s and with a new lease in life, Sanchez decided to paint again. Painting was a passion when he was in his teens until music supplanted his early visual forays. Now, he finds his himself going back to his first love.
The first time he decided to pick up the brush again, he found he didn’t have a brush. Instead, he used calling cards to create his new art. Sanchez began creating portraits of personalities, his close friends and cultural icons. In his portraits, he focuses on the eyes. It shows his need to connect with his subject.
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Art surprised a lot of people
Sanchez’s art came as a surprise to a lot of people who knew him as a DJ. He is now being noticed in the art circle, with some of his works displayed in Vinyl on Vinyl (VOV), a record bar he co-owns with Pia Reyes, JJ Cojin and race car driver Gaby dela Merced.
Occasionally, VOV organizes late-afternoon events called Paint Day, where artists can bring their materials to make art and socialize.
The turnaround in Sanchez’s life and his rediscovery of old passions prove that talent and the urge to create cannot be suppressed. The creative spirit will find a way to manifest itself; if not in one medium, then in another.
Roberto “Danger” Sanchez’s works are available in his shop Vinyl on Vinyl at The Collective, 7274 Malugay St. San Antonio Village, Makati City , and during VOVs events. Check out VOV’s Facebook. For commissioned works, visit Danger Sanchez’s Facebook for details.
Niña Sandejas is an award-winning music photographer whose work has appeared here and abroad. She was included in Preview magazine's 2011 Creative It List and was named in early 2012 as one of 14 Women Who Rock by Rogue magazine. Visit her blog, like her on Facebook and follow her on Twitter, Tumblr and Instagram. Read more of her Yahoo! OMG blog here.
