DJ Robbo, Producer, and Radio Show Host
Robbo Fitzgibbons is a multi-talented DJ and producer whose career spans decades of curating music for both live audiences and radio listeners. He hosts and produces In The Mixx w/ Dj Robb-O on WHCR 90.3 FM, where he blends classic and contemporary hip hop, R&B, and soulful electronic tracks. Additionally, he presents the weekly hour-long dance broadcast MONDAY NIGHT MASTER MIX on 108Soul.com, WUSB 90.1FM Long Island, THE RYAN SHOW FM, and Mdantsane 89.5FM in South Africa.
Beyond his radio presence, Robbo produces music for streaming platforms, film, and digital retail, while managing his production company and record label, East Lake Recordings. With a consistent stream of mix show appearances and production projects, he continues to impress the music world with his dedication and craft.
From the Early Days to Today
Robbo has been DJing since before 1995. What drew him to the craft was simple yet enduring: a passion for sharing music he loved and letting people experience it the same way he did. Despite the evolution of the music industry, Robbo notes that the role of a DJ has stayed true to its core mission, providing entertainment.
Looking back at his early DJ days, a few key moments stand out. In 1998, he spun hip hop at a Rawkus Records party in Atlanta, and he also had notable experiences spinning gospel rap at various events. Each of these moments shaped his style and helped him understand how to engage different audiences.
Traveling and playing all over the world has influenced Robbo’s sets and production. He adapts to the crowd, whether that means spinning breakbeats for B-boys dancing in a circle or playing soulful house for house music enthusiasts like DJ Spen, who as fate has it is also an MN2S Label Services client and has been for years, and now DJ Robbo has also joined with his own music production. “Most of the time I’m bringing my style,” he reflects, while acknowledging how audience interaction shapes the experience.
Despite frequent movement in his career, building lasting creative relationships has been challenging. Robbo admits that he tends to stay to himself, preferring to focus on creating from home. When it comes to collaborations, he values easy-going attitudes, flexibility, and opportunities to learn from others. For new artists or DJs looking to collaborate, he encourages submissions through his radio show, not necessarily for collaboration but to share unheard music with listeners.
Being a Resource in Music
Robbo takes his role as a music resource seriously. His radio show serves as a reliable source for quality tracks, and he selects stations that are actively involved in their communities. He emphasizes proper introductions from artists when submitting music, noting that a direct link and a personalized message are far more effective than generic emails.
When choosing music for his shows, Robbo focuses on the substance over presentation. He looks for tracks that are well-mixed, competitive with current standards, and have a compelling groove, regardless of flashy album art. His approach remains organic rather than relationship-based, ensuring that quality and authenticity lead the way.
Championing New Sounds
Currently, Robbo is championing dance music in forms like house, afro house, deep house, and tech house. Balancing his role as a tastemaker with maintaining the energy of the dancefloor can be a challenge, but presenting new music on air allows him to explore fresh sounds while keeping the live experience dynamic.
Risks are part of the journey, and Robbo recalls one that paid off: walking away from a business relationship that could have been detrimental to his overall vision. Interestingly, he notes that he rarely takes risks that don’t have a positive outcome.
Reflecting on the music industry today, he observes that while traditional systems still favor commercial success, the new music ecosystem rewards originality. Both consumers and artists have more control than they may realize. His advice to young producers feeling lost in the noise? “Go out and make a louder noise, be consistent, and keep your day job.”
Through it all, Robbo Fitzgibbons remains committed to curating, creating, and championing music that resonates, proving that dedication and authenticity can make a lasting impact in a constantly evolving industry.