She is not your typical hot chick in a super club. If truth be told, a serious partygoer would be surprised to find out that this sultry lady can also whip up a mean party.
Ma. Catherine Villagonzalo II a.k.a. DJ Cathy Rock took to being a turntablist quite by accident. She was simply hanging out in the booth when the resident DJ (her boyfriend-turned-partner/mentor
Benny Besa a.k.a Benny Rock) had to leave the room and she was forced to deal with a dwindling playlist.
Like a hand to a glove, twenty-something Cathy Rock turned out to be a natural DJ. Since that fateful night —“born of oh sheez moment,” she calls it—many clubs in Cebu has been wanting her to play, and she has already quite a number of steady following.
Cathy, who plays mom to 11 Bichon Frise, is a nursing graduate from UC Banilad. A sought-after soiree spinner, she is currently plugged in to Elite, a VIP lounge on top of J. Ave in Mango.
Come Sinulog, expect her to draw a huge chunk of the crowd in Luxy Music and Resto Bar in City Time Square— the kind who just don’t want to chill but dance the night away.
DJ Cathy Rock (Dr. Francis Xavier Solis)
What is your dream audience?
I want a crowd that goes wild and crazy when I spin for them, ‘cause their energy is what inspires me to keep going. At the same time, I welcome those that are hard to please or not in the right mood, because they challenge me to dig deep and hone my skills in spinning.
Tell us about your first gig.
Nerve-wracking! That was the Yolanda event—a music event for a cause and all of the veteran DJs were there. Thank God, I got good feedback. From there, everything picked up and then I did Life Dance.
How do you prepare for a gig?
First, I immerse myself in the music, listen to my materials. Then I would think of ways to deliver it, how my style of music will connect to the crowd. That connection is very important.
Is there a distinct difference between playing in a club and playing at a private party, like a wedding reception?
In a club, you have people from all walks of life and they party for different reasons—to de-stress, to hook up, some are brokenhearted, and others do it to celebrate. It’s hard to figure out how to get into one mood and dance as one unit. Also, music should be more continuous. In a private party, the reason for being there is clear, and the mood, say a wedding, is obvious. It’s easier, in that sense. Musical scoring is what makes it a challenge though.
Many people say that once you’re up there working on your tracks, you seem to take on a masculine stance.
Really? Hahaha! I don’t see it that way, although it’s probably because I got most of the vibes from my present mentor, Benny. He loves to play hip-hop and I am also into it.
Who are your inspirations?
Kaskade. I love them!
How much of your own taste goes into the music?
It really depends on the crowd. Much of the partygoers now like EDM, although I prefer more hip-hop.
How do you keep your music collection up-to-date?
I download tracks from different free sites. I haven’t tried subscribing yet, but I’m considering that option. Not to mention, Benny’s got a massive collection.
How extensive is your music library or song list? What genres can you cover?
My music library is more or less complete. I can cover and spin different genres depending on the crowd I’m dealing with. Tech, beach, progressive house and electro, I can do. I can also throw some hip-hop and RnB, plus reggae and some 70s, 80s, 90s music. I’d want to be known as an open-format DJ.
Do you take requests from guests?
I do, but I also turn down some requests because of programming and marketing reasons.
What sets you apart from the competition?
You bet, I’m different! I do not consider anybody as competition. I was always taught to compete with myself. And I have a super-skilled, uber capable teacher/coach/partner.
Most DJs will play parts of a famous song and then improvise as their own interpretation. As part of the mashup movement, do you test the effect of an old song by mashing it up with a more obscure one?
I do not mash up two tracks live because I’m not yet comfortable in that aspect.
What’s your most bizarre audience reaction?
There was one drunk guy who tried to get inside the booth to hug me. Good thing we have bouncers in the club.
Do you have a stage persona?
No. I’m just being myself. It’s hard to assume another character, you know.
Which famous DJ would you like to meet and listen to live?
Nervo. They are a female DJ duo, and they dress up the coolest.
Are you a night owl considering that most gigs occur when the sun is out?
Half and half on that. I also like some sun sometimes.
What do you do during your free time?
I do tai chi with Benny, and watch movies at times.
Do you want to do this forever?
I can, if this career gives me financial stability. But we all grow old so it’s tough to do so. Maybe later in this career, I will move on to having a bar of my own.
Everyone wants to play at the best club in town and travel the world, but most are not willing to pay the price. What does it take to become a successful DJ?
Passion and being true to yourself. No faking and snaking because that’ll pull you down.
What advice will you give aspiring DJs?
Keep your head low… if you don’t, it might bloat. And really love your job because that’s how you’ll get really good and be appreciated. Keep learning and never be satisfied.
As a DJ, have you “arrived”?
I’m just getting started!