DJ Phil Romano

DJ Phil Romano, set to play the pornstar-packed HustlaBall New York on October 7, is an international DJ who paid his dues, yet rose quickly through the ranks of the erotic and dance music scenes. He has played sold-out events at HustlaBall Berlin and London, and this will be his debut at the 14th annual Hustlaball New York.  Born in Rome, Phil Romano’s career trajectory included: athlete, model, promoter, porn actor, and today he is one of the most important DJs of the gay circuit in Europe. At a time when it can seem like every pornstar wants to be a DJ, Romano may be the only top international DJ with his own Falcon video pack: The Best of Filippo Romano. Romano is a resident DJ at Me2diterranea.it, Circuit festival Barcelona and La Demence, Brussels. He has been playing around the world this year as guest in all the major gay clubs and festivals including: Ibiza, Tel Aviv, London, Paris, Dubai, Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, Toronto, Montreal, Hong Kong and Taipei. He recently finished the mix of the Official CD Compilation of 2012 Circuit Festival. Romano’s recent remix projects include Kylie Minogue and George Michael, to name a few.

Are you looking forward to Hustlaball in NYC?
I’m really excited to come to New York City for Hustlaball – it’s a confirmation that they liked my playing at Hustlaball Berlin last year and HustlaBall London in July. I haven’t played in NYC since 2008 at Pacha, so it’s great to be back!

Do porn stars also make good DJs?
Why not!? You just need to have music in your life and soul and work hard to understand what the crowd in front of you wants to hear.

Describe your production sound.
I call it the Atlantic sound. Since the world is becoming smaller and smaller with all the technology available, sounds are becoming hybrid. What I mean is that my sound is a new wave born between the American circuit parties and the more researched European sound, with a touch of my own ideas.

How do you adapt your set for the Hustlaball – is it going to be darker and dirtier?
Of course, but I wanna keep the suspense alive, so the track list will stay secret till Sunday night when New York will hear it!

What other music inspires you and why?
Almost everything! I listen to everything and get inspiration from new music around the world.

House music is massive – is it the new pop?
Well, I agree that it is massive, but I hope it won’t be the new pop. I think it will be always easier for house music to evolve since it’s a branch of electronic music and has a lot more ways of evolving into new sounds.

When are you releasing a new studio track?
Most recently I produced the new remix of Kylie’s “Time Bomb” as well as George Michael’s “White Light,” my very own track called “See The Light” co-produced with Danny Verde and a cover of Alexia ‘90s song, “The Summer Is Crazy,” sung by Lorena Simpson and Amanda.

Which tune never leaves your box?
The newest bootleg of “Express Yourself.” There’s almost a new one every month!

What: HustlaBall New York 2012 presented by Rentboy.com and Manhunt

When: Sunday, October 7. Red carpet @ 10 p.m. by Sister Roma and Mr. Pam, VIP door @ 10 p.m. General admission: 11 p.m. till 4 a.m.

Where: Club Rebel, 251 West 30th Street

Headliners: DJ Hector Fonseca and DJ Phil Romano with DJ Nita, DJ Manny Ward, Tony Bruno & DJ Pornstar

Featuring: DJ Chi Chi LaRue in the VIP room, 40+ performers, five top DJs, four dance floors

Cost: $55 general admission / $120 VIP at door

A benefit for Callen-Lorde Community Health Center.