Mixtape Friday: Episode 061 – Mixed by Rob Bello

What is the significance of your name and how did you get it?

Over the last decade i have used a variation of my own name when i dj; Mr. Bello, DJ Robert Bello, Robert Bello, DJ Rob Bello. i found that putting “DJ” in front of my name led people to believe that DJing was all I did. and as Soren Kierkegaard once said, “Once you label me, you negate me”

Describe your style?

I have to admit that my brain works in unconventional ways. Although I clearly have records out in the House and Tech variety, I always go for the deep, funky groove that can either shake up a dance floor, or put you on vacation somewhere in a tropical climate, hahaha. Over the past 5 or 6 years, as the velocity of these dance tunes have hit a higher minimum, I have tuned down my energy to more of a more of a constant, everlasting flow. Seemingly here for the long run, I like to learn and get feedback from the pioneers that have experienced a time and place like Limelight. After all, you have to know where it all comes from, to know where it will all be, especially once the festival cake contamination finds its grave.

What was the first record you start scratching and mixing on the turntables?

I started DJing in 2003, i think. Lol, such a blur, once you accept its hold on you. But i started with this little Numark CDn90 rack, djing trance tunes that were already mixed together and separated only by the finalization of the track points made on the computer program. But, that same year, i met a neighbor who used to DJ around South Florida and he schooled me about House, he ended up selling me some of his record collection. Stuff like Redanka, The Thin Red Man, Choo Choo Romero and tons of White Label tracks. These records definitely set my taste and i went out and purchased 2 technic 1200s and a Behringer mixer on Ebay.

You are a pretty diverse DJ, describe the music scene in your neck of the woods?

Well between Tampa and Saint Petersburg, there is a full range of Electronic Music. Considering the scene I subscribe to, you can end up at Hyde Park Cafe on a Tuesday, getting to know your local Electronic Gurus like JASK and Busto. Friday, you can head over the Bay to Saint Pete and party on the rooftop of Push Ultra Lounge Jason Kitchen, keeps the House music grinding away with the diverse crowd of downtown party goers. I love it there, good vibes and the open air always peaks my positivity. Back over to Tampa, Saturdays are lead by the eclectic and classy restaurant/nightclub Jackson’s! This place is great because the Bistro turns into a multi room dance factory after 10pm for all walks of urban life. But the Terrace is where Tampa hosts its weekend extravaganzas with legends like Pedro M and Tony Puccio. Giving the people proper house and tech house all night long. And hosting solid events like Chus & Ceballos, Anthony Atalla and Coyu. Sure, i mean, there is always the college crowd that wants high energy nonsense that apparently passes for house music these days. I tend to avoid such parties, but Tampa/St Pete is blossoming into a contending electronic scene. There is going to be versatility wherever popularity decides to sh*t, so you have to roll with it, i guess.

What artists are you listening to right now?

i have been listening to a lot of music lately, trying to figure out where my soul flourishes, but i’ve been playing a lot of stuff lately by artists like Supernova, P.A.C.O, Dave Seaman, Manuel De La Mare, Leftwing & Cody, Purple Disco Machine, Maya Jane Coles….

Who would you like to work with in the future?

I would definitely like to do another remix for Todd Terry and release some more stuff with Natema Electronic Live. For sure, in the future, it would be nice to collaborate with artists like Supernova, Sonny Fodera, Tube & Berger, etc But there is a really talented local guy, turning pro, who i think has some serious skills in house music. Goes by the name of Greco. I’ve been digging his Nyc infused “Nurvous” house lately, and all the free downloads he blesses us with.

What would be the steps you would take as a Dj to Break an artist in your area?

Well i would do what DJ/producers in the area like DJ KiKo, Vinny Troise, Goran N and DJ Haf have been doing for me, since i arrived here in the 813 last September. Play the new stuff for people! It’s important to not only play the tracks of the artists you want to break. But invite them out and get video of you playing their tune, with the reaction of the crowd. Then, put it on the internet and see where it lands. Showing up to events and meeting your fellow music patrons is also important because you can’t be an intangible being. People have to know you’re real or the chances of them supporting you becoming smaller and less likely.

Do you prefer radio or live DJing?

Anything live is what i am into. DJing, of course! But i come from a well rounded musical background and i don’t limit myself to dance music events. There is something special about the audio frequencies of live bands, instruments, singing, etc. thats DJing cannot provide. I highly recommend going to rock shows, folk festivals, whatever to expand your world of musical experience.

Is there anything you would like our readers to know?

You’re only as good as your last record. hahaha. Don’t subscribe to the drama. Help others you recognize with talent. Camaraderie is king. and humble yourself, that way, you are always learning. Nothing worse than a DJ that thinks he is better than anyone.

SHARE ON FACEBOOK SHARE ON TWITTER

Tags: Ableton Live, Above & Beyond (band), Album, Disc jockey, Electronic dance music, Graphics Interchange Format, House music, New York City, Orange Is the New Black, Ruby Rose

About the Author

Dr. Jerry Doby Editor-in-Chief of The Hype Magazine, Media and SEO Consultant, Journalist, Ph.D. and retired combat vet. 2023 recipient of The President's Lifetime Achievement Award. Partner at THM Media Group. Member of the U.S. Department of Arts and Culture, the United States Press Agency and ForbesBLK.