For Rolbac, Roland Bachour, every performance begins with a piece of home. “Zahle, my hometown in Lebanon, that’s where it all started,” he said. Surrounded by friends who became some of Lebanon’s most talented DJs, they created their own local scene. “We built a small scene there together, bringing electronic music to the valley,” he shared with EDMNOMAD‘s editorial head, Angelo De Guzman in an exclusive interview. That grassroots movement shaped him long before international stages. Zahle’s cultural depth travels with him. “I’m proud to carry a piece of that with me wherever I play,” the DJ echoed. From Caprices Festival to Ibiza, his sound carries the intimacy of his roots alongside the scale of global dancefloors.
Emotion, Energy, and What the Dancefloor Doesn’t See
Behind the decks, Rolbac brings emotion, but not everything is on display. “There are definitely parts of me people don’t see, and won’t, especially from behind a screen,” he admitted. For him, performing means leaving baggage behind. “I try to leave any negative energy behind,” he shared. The DJ believes presence is as vital as the music. “It’s important to be present, give off the right energy, and feel connected to the atmosphere you’re helping shape,” he said. That belief has shaped gigs worldwide, including three shows in Ibiza this season. “It’s been great playing in Ibiza, the island definitely has a mysticism worth chasing,” he reflected. But the magic isn’t tied to location. “That feeling people chase isn’t tied to one location,” Rolbac said. “It usually comes down to the people, the energy they bring is what makes any gig special.”
Raising Lebanese Talent on a Global Level
Rolbac uses his platform to lift others in the scene. “One artist I think deserves a lot more international attention is Nesta,” he shared. Nesta’s latest work has impressed beyond Lebanon. “His latest release James Bande has been making serious waves, topping charts and showing just how far his sound has come,” Rolbac said. His praise extends to homegrown events. “Aegis Festival really stands out. They just wrapped their third edition. A solid, community-driven event that brings both regional and international talent to Lebanon,” he explained. That community-first approach connects directly to his IMS Dubai 2025 mission. “We need to be talking about how to shift more focus toward regional talent, not just showcasing it, but really empowering it,” Rolbac said. He sees a clear imbalance. “Artists and brands from the Middle East and Africa still don’t get the same hype, exposure, or opportunities,” he noted. “If we want real progress, that imbalance needs to be part of the conversation.”
Grounded Rituals, Creative Honesty, and Walking Away from Trends
Balance comes from routine and connection. “The personal rituals I’ve held onto are simple but important, making time for family and friends, and taking the time to explore Lebanon,” Rolbac shared. The country still surprises him. “It’s a small country, but it never stops surprising me,” he said. Growth also requires letting go. “As for the ones I’ve left behind… mostly bad habits. I try to stay in a mindset of growth, taking care of myself first, so I can stay focused and keep evolving,” he explained. His creative honesty has been shaped by influences. “I’ve always struggled with the idea of sticking to one genre versus allowing myself to explore freely,” he said. Observing others gave him courage. “Watching someone like Vintage Culture embrace versatility without compromising success really broke that fear for me,” Rolbac shared. The takeaway was simple. “It showed me that being honest with your sound, wherever it takes you, is more important than fitting into a box.”
Rejecting the Industry’s Noisiest Habits
Rolbac has stepped away from the pressure to chase viral moments. “I’ve always stepped away from the pressure to chase trends, whether it’s curating sets around what’s going viral or constantly pushing content just to stay visible,” he said. Instead, his focus is long-term. “I would rather focus on building a sound that’s honest and long-term,” Rolbac explained. The same applies to networking. “Same goes for the networking game… I’ve found more value in real connections than in being everywhere just to be seen,” he said. Even his humor reveals a calm perspective. “Definitely the three-deck transition. Finding parking in Beirut isn’t that tough, we’ve basically got valet on every corner,” he joked.
Festivals, Freedom, and the Flavor of Home
If given the chance to create his own festival, Rolbac knows exactly where to start. “Honestly, it would probably look a lot like Aegis Festival,” he said. The details matter. “The way they curate lineups, involve local collectives, and pay attention to the full experience, it really resonates with me,” Rolbac shared. The location adds meaning. “And the fact that it happens in Lebanon makes it even more special,” he said. For him, the crowd completes the magic. “There’s something about the energy here… the way people show up, fully present. It reminds you why we do this in the first place,” he explained. Without deadlines or expectations, his sound would expand. “Honestly, I would be all over the place, jazz, trip-hop, hip-hop, experimental… whatever pulls me in,” Rolbac said. Other creative fields tempt him. “I would love to dive into soundtracks and sound design too,” he added. But his rider will always honor home. “Zaatar Mankoushe with a Bonjus. Simple, but ask any Lebanese and they’ll get it,” he said.
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