Tanz Talks 010 // DJ Rou

Our next Tanz Talks lands from the character behind the latest STAMPO record, DJ Rou. The fifth release on the label saw the Italian beat connoisseur explore a variety of dance floor textures, moving between modern electro, playful house and more. Deeply rooted within the scene of his country, Rou has built recognition over the years for his diverse selection, and story telling ability, and this reflects within the record. A true ambassador of the vinyl culture, and its tangible existence, over the years selling records with his Archivio180 project. 

Dive in to learn more about the maestro…

Quickfire Round

Favourite Film? The Truman Show

Favourite guilty pleasure track? Chaser · Piero Umiliani

Best live performance/concert you have ever seen? Azymuth Live, 15th  November 2016 at Bravo Caffè in Bologna. 

First record? Marc Houle - Bay Of Figs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l58-LnNoD3U&list=RDl58-LnNoD3U&start_radio=1

Favourite dish to cook? Bolognese Ragù

Welcome to the Tanz Talks series, and a huge thank you to for your recent STAMPO release. How has summer 2026 been for you?

Thank you all for the warm welcome and for believing in my music! I am very happy about this release. This summer was pretty busy and quite hectic, but overall very positive and fun.

Tell us a bit about STAMPO 005, how did the release come about? What do the tracks mean to you? 

Well, it happened randomly: I was introduced to the team and Tanzform labels through Jacopo Latini and Giammarco Orsini (the Data Memory Access guys). One day, while chatting with DJ Tjizza, I suggested sending him some demos to listen to and shortly after he was developing a concept for the record and invited me to release it on the Stampo label.

The selection of the tracks turned out perfect, as the record encompasses various “Phases” and influences from my musical journey, giving the EP both versatility and a solid foundation. This is also my first release with a non-Italian label, so the record means a lot to me.

What kind of set up do you have in your studio?

I work with various pieces of equipment - all of them, let’s say, quite “cheap”- and my personal favorites are definitely my trusty Korg Electribe MX and the Roland JD-Xi.

Although I generally prefer a more analog approach to music, this is perhaps the first record where I’ve also made significant use of VSTs, especially when it comes to effects and sound design for the tracks - I have to admit.

You also have your record store Archivio180 in Bologna, how has the journey of being a record store owner been for you? Vinyl sales have increased across the board, would you say the same in your region?

Actually, the Bologna shop has been temporarily closed, though it’ll probably reopen at some point in the near future. However, we have another location in Forlì that also handles our online shop and operations, which is managed primarily by my business partner, Nicolò. I have to say that since we first opened in 2014, vinyl sales have certainly increased a lot, even if - in my opinion - the growth in Italy is still slower compared to other parts of the world.

How important is it for you to spread the vinyl word? Keeping music in the physical form as opposed to digital.

I think the great value of vinyl, and the reason why I’m attached to it is because its physical “real” form holds a different kind of “weight” compared to the fluidity of digital music. Just think about the amount of people you need to produce a record: someone to make the plastic, then someone who physically presses the copies, then one or more distributors and lastly, all the stores. 

That record goes into someone’s shelf and just sits there, staring at you and reminding you that it exists. Digital fluidity allows for a quick distribution of the file, but I think the low cost and the little time it takes to publish it reduces, in some cases, the attention given to the final work - even by the creator, because “you’re not really risking anything anyway”.

All this results in a rapid consumption of music and ideas that must be developed at a great pace to avoid falling behind and risking compromising the purity and quality of the work - which I think is unhealthy for art in general. When you pack your record bag for a gig, space is limited, so you try to concentrate the very best of your selection, whereas with digital, you can carry your entire library with you at all times. I think this creates a weaker bond with your music and leads to a greater emotional detachment from your own personal taste.

Just the other day I found myself thinking: “How much of the music we listen to via streaming would we actually buy, if we had to?" I think assuming that everything is readily available has made us lose sight of the true value of things and the reality of our lives. While I acknowledge that digital technology can be convenient, I also believe it should be used with caution and awareness to avoid losing our genuine passions. Even when the hoe was invented, it was a useful tool. However, using it to intentionally harm someone was obviously wrong. Therefore, there’s no need to fight against digital technology or those who work with it. Instead, it is important to thoroughly analyze and understand its implications, rather than taking it for granted.

There is something in the water in Bologna, special artists are made there. Who would you like to give a special shout out to that our readers should know about?

I'm not sure if it's because of the water, but I can definitely say that the food helps. 😉

Jokes aside, I believe Bologna has always been a fertile artistic hub. Its location as a crossroads between northern and southern Italy has historically facilitated a significant flow of people, leading to a rich exchange of ideas, tastes, and perspectives. This, in turn, has helped to sustain  the city's artistic vitality across all fields.

First, I would like to acknowledge Jacopo Latini, who indirectly served as the bridge for the creation of this project, by introducing me to your team. And, of course, all the people I've shared music with over the years.

I have too many Bolognese DJs to mention, and I wouldn't want to create an endless list. However, I definitely want to highlight my oldest friends and colleagues, Umberto and DJ Cream. If you haven't heard of them, I encourage you to look them up – they are truly worth checking out.

You have been immersed in the Italian scene for many years, how would you say things have evolved? What has changed for the better? and for worse?

To be honest, I have to admit that, aside from a few genuine and authentic realities like clubs, festivals, collectives, associations or individual artists, there hasn't been any real progress or development.

While I still believe that it's easier now to find and connect with these communities that focus on music, culture, and social interaction, rather than purely commercial interests and trends, I hope and believe that this phenomenon will bring new, interesting life to our scene.

Do you have any advice for any DJs and artists who are just starting out?

First and foremost, prioritise listening to music over simply taking it in. Strive to develop your own taste through exploration, study, research and genuine honesty toward what the music conveys to you. Never underestimate the importance of time and complete immersion in this world to truly understand it and understand yourself.

For example, when I buy records, whether at a store or a flea market, I try to take as much time as possible and listen to practically everything there is. True growth lies in discovering how much we still don't know.

Leave us with a closing track...

Neo Ex (Kaos & Gopher D) - Il Ritornello Dello Jedi

This track means a lot to me.

It's a skit from a fantastic 1994 hip-hop album by Kaos and Gopher, two Italian artists, which features the famous Yoda quote from Star Wars: "...No! Try not. Do. Or do not. There is no try..."

It has been truly special to me, ever since I was a kid, serving as the soundtrack for all those moments when I needed to find my inner “strength”.