Lakeshore Records recently caught up with DJ David Rolas of LA 96.3 FM. He’s a fixture on the airwaves who established himself early on in music producing and spinning for some of the hottest clubs in Los Angeles. And, that’s not all. From acting in Jason Statham movies (Crank and Crank: High Voltage) to cultivating talent, DJ Rolas’ passion for music is apparent. His music can be found on the Lakeshore Records releases, Crank (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) and the new Walk of Shame (More Music From The Motion Picture) soundtrack. Mr. Rolas spoke more in-depth about why music plays such a major role in his life.
Download The Album!
Tell us about your involvement in “Walk of Shame” and the “Crank” movies.
While working at Latino 96.3 FM in L.A., one of my co-worker’s (Ignacio “Nachin” Sandoval) approached me about an email he received about working on a film already in production. I did the song “Adrenalina” as an original production for Crank, produced by Beat Machines (Jimi Barrz, Lester Mendoza, and I). I invited the rap duo 10 West (Big Rob & Young Cash), to join me on the record. We ended up shooting a video for “Adrenalina” out in the desert, at a Joshua Tree farm, directed by none other than Mark Nevaldine and Brian Taylor, the directors of the film. It was incredible. Aside from “Adrenalina,” two more recordings: “La Fiesta ft. J-Roc” and “It Don’t Stop (No Me Pueden Parar)” also made it onto the film. A couple of years later, I was asked to appear in Crank 2: High Voltage and record another song, this time around a Norteño music record called “La Noche.”
For Walk of Shame, I got a chance to really work with my new production team Fi-Ya House Music (Edward “Choko” Cortez, Robert “Klyd” Ortiz & Joe “El Conguerro” Castello) featuring a New Colombian artist by the name of Colombia (David “Colombia” Alfonso) to test ourselves on making a record that was catchy yet live. And that was fun.
Download The Album!
Walk of Shame (More Music From The Motion Picture): iTunes
You’re a great advocate for new music artists. Tell us about your connection to OG Bachata.
Oscar Guillen a.k.a. OG Bachata is the first artist that I’ve ever decided to help manage fully as an artist. Oscar is one of the newest Bachata sensations out right now doing incredible things. Aside from being one of the few Mexican American Bachata singers in the business, he has one of the most incredible voices and bands that I’ve ever seen perform live. He puts his heart and soul into what he does and so does his band. You have to listen to his Bachata rendition of “My Girl” by Smokey Robinson & The Miracles; it’s incredible. Also, his interpretation of “No Podras” by Christian Castro. But OG is still an artist in his own nature. He works very closely with Bobby Verduzco, son of Roberto Verduzco of “Industria Del Amor”; and with a team of independent musicians that still have that spark for creating new music.
How has Latino radio changed over the years?
The fans of Latin Urban Music are all still there; Latin Urban Radio isn’t. However, because of all the new technology available now, you can make your own radio station on your cell phone. And that’s a great thing. Remember though, that there is still a generation of people out there that value AM/FM radio. Some of the biggest records out now are still getting broken on college and local radio stations. Latino radio needs a face-lift. It’s about the voice of the people, the sound of the streets, no matter what style of music it might be.
What is popular right now in Latino music?
Urban Bachata, Latin Reggae, Moombahton, Island Music, Boleros Urbanos, Latin Hip Hop, Dub Step, TRAP, and maybe a few more fusions like Cumbia Reggae, Tropical Urban music (like Merengue Electronico, Reggaetton Callejero, and Salsa Urbana). Anything with sabor!
What are you working on?
I’m actually in the process of working on my next album [with my producers] which would be number seven. We are still looking for that great album: the one that makes the world smile when they’re down.; the one that makes us dance when we don’t want to; the one that makes us feel good when we don’t; and, that one that says everything that I wanted to say when nothing else could.
Dave Jams on Facebook
David Rolas on Facebook
David Rolas on Twitter
David Rolas on YouTube
Don’t miss a beat: subscribe to Film Music Daily!