Meet Jacobo Sanchez: From the Alps to MCR Soul Weekender and Back Again
Jacobo fell in love with soul music 15 years ago at the first Manchester European Soul Weekender, part of the city's "Eurocultured" street festival. He's been collecting ever since, playing mostly local venues in the Alps of northern Italy with the Lebowski Scooter Gang, the soul brotherhood he belongs to.
We caught up with him ahead of the weekender to talk classic cars, labour law, and a fancy dress soul party that still ranks among his best nights.
Thanks for agreeing to chat with us. How's it going? What have you been up to lately?
Everything is fine! I have just arrived back from a great trip to Mexico, which I've loved so much. Stupendous people, glorious gastronomy, lots of amazing nature and a completely stressless way of life. A great trip - such a pity it's now over.
When did you start DJing?
15 years ago or so. I came to the first Manchester European Soul Weekender, part of the Manchester "Eurocultured" street festival, and fell in love with soul music there and then. The passion of the dancefloor was amazing. It's the true thing that drives me absolutely crazy - watching and joining people lost on the dancefloor. Since then, I started collecting records, playing mostly in local venues in the Alps, north of Italy, where I live, organised by the Lebowski Scooter Gang, the crazy soul brotherhood I belong to.
Other than collecting records, what else are you into?
I love classic cars, so I collect them. I love driving them daily and making use of them. I love old stuff in general - leather armchairs, ties, sport shoes - but the thing I love most is using all these things as often as possible.
I also love my work, I'm a labour lawyer, and the political part of it, which is helping the working class consolidate strong unions, spreading values like solidarity, social justice, respect and anti-racism.
What are you looking forward to most about coming to Manchester?
It's the place where I discovered soul music. I have to thank Mr Gary Bratchford and Miss Pat Bleasdale, who I'll always be thankful for. Coming back is always something really special.
Over the years our Italian brotherhood has developed a great relationship with the Home Run crew, and we've become friends. Seeing friends is such a pleasure.
What has been your most memorable night as a DJ or a punter?
A fancy dress soul party a few years ago here in Valcamonica. The dancefloor was so crowded, the beat was sounding strongly. It's one of the greatest feelings, to make people move, dance and smile.
See you in Manchester, Jacobo!
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