Roy Chahwan / DJ Roy C
Can you introduce yourself to our audience?
Roy Chahwan, better known in the music world as DJ ROY C, is a talented DJ and producer hailing from Beirut, Lebanon. Since his early years, Roy has been deeply immersed in the rhythms and melodies that define the vibrant music scene of his homeland. In 2011, he transformed his passion for music into a career, embarking on a journey that would see him become a prominent figure in the realms of deep house and afro house music.
What inspired you to pursue a career in music, specifically in electronic genres?
The first time I remember being inspired to pursue music, I was very young. I heard Tiësto playing trance live, and it felt electric. Pretty much from that moment, I knew I needed to create that same kind of feeling for others.
I was 14 years old when I started DJing in Lebanon. I used to carry my desktop computer on a little motorcycle just to make it to gigs. That was my way of showing up for music—whatever it took, I did it. I later attended music school in Lebanon, and when I moved to the U.S. about a decade ago, I kept going.
Music has always been more than just sound to me. It’s emotion. It’s therapy. It’s escape. For a long time, I was interested in music therapy because I understood early on how powerful music could be—not just to entertain, but to heal.
This career isn’t about trends or popularity for me. Music is my language. It’s how I show people who I am and how I connect with them.
How would you describe your style and sound?
My style is rooted in oriental and ethnic house. I’m drawn to sounds that blend culture with rhythm. I love using traditional instruments and melodies, but I always keep it moving with modern house beats.
That being said, I don’t believe in sticking to one formula. I feed off the crowd. I pay attention to how they feel, what they’re reacting to, and I build my sets. I might start slow, get them comfortable, and then pull them into my sound. By the end, everyone’s dancing. That’s always my goal: transport them with my music, make them feel good, and make them move their bodies. That’s what I do best.
ABOUT YOUR RELEASE
Tell us about your latest release.
This EP is all about blending the sounds I grew up with and the music I play now. You’ll hear instruments like the oud, tabla, bamboo flute, and bouzouki—stuff that brings real soul and texture—but layered over house beats that keep the energy up.
The goal wasn’t just to mix old and new for the sake of it. It was to create something people can dance to but that also makes them feel something deeper. Every track is a little journey: familiar enough to vibe with, but with moments that surprise you. I wanted it to be fun, emotional, and full of rhythm. That’s the kind of music I love making.
What message or feeling do you want listeners to take away from this release?
Can you walk us through the creative process behind this project?
Honestly, it all started with a vibe. I wanted to take the sounds I grew up hearing—stuff like the oud and tabla—and mix them with the kind of house music I love playing in my sets. I didn’t overthink it. I just started building around sounds that felt good.
Some of the melodies came from hours of digging through samples and live recordings. Others came from just messing around in the studio until something clicked. Once I had the bones of each track, I layered in drums and sounds to bring the energy up, but I always made sure the traditional elements were the star of the show. I work fast when I’m inspired, but I’m picky, so I kept coming back, adjusting the mix, swapping sounds, and making sure every track had its own energy.
I sent rough versions to a few people I trust, tweaked things based on how they reacted, and then polished it all up in the mix. At the end of the day, I wasn’t just trying to make tracks that sounded good—I needed to feel them. When I listen back, I’m not in my car or my studio anymore. I’m in a lounge in Beirut, and the whole room is moving with me. That’s the feeling I wanted to give people.
INDUSTRY AND PERSONAL INSIGHTS
What role do events, collaborations, or labels play in shaping your career?
Collaborating with established labels, such as Cafe De Anatolia, has been particularly beneficial for this project. Cafe De Anatolia is known for its focus on world and ethnic-inspired music, which perfectly aligns with the vision of the Oriental House EP. This collaboration gave the project access to a broader audience, leveraging the label’s reputation and distribution channels to reach listeners who appreciate this genre.
LOOKING AHEAD
What can your fans expect next?
Fans can expect an exciting lineup of upcoming releases and performances. There are plans for new tracks that will continue to explore the fusion of ethnic influences with modern sounds. Additionally, there will be live performances scheduled, offering an opportunity to experience the music in an engaging, interactive setting.
There are also discussions underway for collaborations with other artists, which could bring fresh perspectives and sounds to future projects. Stay tuned for announcements regarding release dates and performance details, as these will provide deeper insight into the ongoing creative journey.
Oudyssey (EP) by DJ Roy C – Released on July 31, 2025 via Cafe De Anatolia