Ibiza By Night met the Dj and Producer Marc Romboy (in the picture below) and it was a truly nice interview!
Hi Marc! Thanks for speaking with us. How are you and how has you time on the Island been so far?
I’m doing really well thank you. I’ve been massively enjoying the island this year. I played two shows, one at Akasha and another in the Bunker room at UNVRS, supporting Carl Cox. Both gigs went great, even though they couldn’t have been more different in vibe. Outside of the shows, I’ve also had the chance to explore a few really cool restaurants. One highlight was Casa Lhasa, where we stumbled into a surprise tequila night, oooh la la!
Whats does Ibiza mean to you? Do you still have close ties to the island?
Yes, I believe the first time I played in Eivissa was back in 1998. The island has a kind of magic that’s hard to put into words. It’s also very special to me personally because I celebrated the Millennium here with my girlfriend at the time, Natascha, who’s now my wife.
What is your fondest, or craziest Ibiza memory?
Probably the craziest moment was my live show at DC10 in 2022, when Carl hosted a night there. It was one of my very first live shows after the pandemic, and I have to admit I was pretty nervous. But once I got on stage, everything just clicked, the night turned into an absolute blast and it became an unforgettable experience I wouldn’t want to miss.
What is your relationship to the SUPERNOVA party? Have you been to Akasha before?
Yes, it was actually my very first night at Akasha, and I was really curious to see what it was all about. The moment you walk into the room, it just hits you; wow, simply wow. It’s unlike any other venue I’ve seen. What I especially love is the open DJ booth, which makes you feel like part of the crowd rather than separated from it. That energy flows both ways, and I think more clubs around the world should embrace this concept. So yes, the venue is absolutely mind-blowing. I really love it.
What is your favourite thing to do on the island – Besides the obvious?
Right now, I’m just enjoying driving around, discovering new beaches, hidden corners, cafés, and restaurants. I know the North isn’t as popular with the party crowd, but honestly, it’s really worth a visit; give it a try folks.
Tell us about your latest release ‘Down For Business’? How did you come to link up with Astrid James and Rafael Cerato?
Rafael actually released on my label Systematic more than ten years ago, and over the years we’ve become really good friends. Lately, we’ve been working on a lot of projects together. One day I had this idea to create a track with late-80s Balearic house elements, and that’s how it all started. I pulled out this old Yamaha FB-01, a cheap little 9.5-inch rack synth that honestly looks like junk, but it holds some absolutely iconic sounds, including that funky bass. Once the track was finished, Rafael suggested bringing in his friend Astrid James for vocals. She came up with these distinctive lyrics that fit perfectly…and honestly, she really delivered. I love what she brought to the tune.
How would you describe your current sound? Would you say there’s been a shift?
I wouldn’t say I’m focused on one particular direction. I enjoy working in that space between house, techno, and some trippy elements. It’s hard to put a label on it, so let’s just call it the “Romboy sound”.
Your DJ sets seem to differ from your productions? Would you agree and if so why? They seem to be a bit on the darker side?
I simply love blending different styles into one. For me, it’s all about taking people on a journey. I’d find it boring to stick to just one sound. My drive is packed with music from 1985 all the way to 2025, and I really enjoy surprising people with tracks that might have been forgotten but still sound amazing today.
What is your current studio set up? Any favourite toys or gear?
I still love experimenting with analogue gear. The Minimoog is still a big part of my setup and I’m always collecting drum machines from all over the world. Most recently I picked up an Indian tabla drum computer, a really funny little machine. Let’s see what comes out of it next!
What advice would you give to young producers looking to start a label?
There’s no standard recipe. My only advice is to stay true to yourself and follow what your heart tells you, rather than chasing current trends.
What producers and DJs are you watching at the moment?
I really love what Jimi Jules is putting out, he never disappoints. The same goes for Skatman, Tal Fussman and Jonathan Kaspar. It’s always exciting to hear their new releases.
What are your Winter plans as Summer begins to wind down?
Touring and making music as much as possible.
What was the last record that blew you away?
Jimi Jules & Black Coffee – „Trippy yeah“, a master piece!
Marc and Rafael Cerato’s “Down To Business” is out now on Systematic Recordings
