Since opening its doors to the public for the first time in 2007, Woei has left its mark on the international sneaker and streetwear community with several collaborations including Asics, Patta, and Stüssy along the way.
But the interests and passions of the Woei crew reach far beyond just shoes and apparel. Besides providing the streets with the latest from Nike, Adidas, and Co., music has always been at the heart of the store. Considering the highly curated playlists and mixes that can be heard in the store, as well as hosting some of Rotterdam's most notorious parties, the belief that music unites is deeply ingrained in the Woei DNA.
Based on this deep connection, we want to shine a spotlight on some of our favourite local musicians to talk about what sparked their passion for music and hear their take on common dilemmas in the music industry.
For WOEI FM episode #17, we caught up with Faroeq Rolobessy aka BESSY to hear about his opinions on his history with creating music, his ways of DJing and his favorite club nights.
Can you please introduce yourself?
My name is Faroeq Rolobessy, I’m 29 years old and turning the big 30 this year already. I was born and raised in Ridderkerk and have been living in Rotterdam for a couple of years.
Right now, I’m working as an official at Rijkswaterstaat and produce music, as well as being active as a DJ for some years now.
How did you come up with your DJ name?
BESSY, it’s derived from my last name. It’s easy to pronounce, short but packs a punch!
What does a typical day in your life look like?
Especially during covid-19 I worked from home a lot, like many others.
I tried to make a lot of music and picked up some DJ gigs here and there, whenever possible.
How did you decide that you wanted to become a DJ?
I’ll have to think about this for a bit...
I started out as a drummer when I was 10 years old but at some point, after those 10 years, it wasn’t as exciting to me anymore so I started producing music with my younger brother Ashraf.
Around my 20th I found DJing very interesting, so I started practicing at a youth center in Ridderkerk. At some point I started going out at Niko, met Rough & Maximoes, started practicing over at their houses and that’s how the ball really started rolling.
When did you realize music was going to be a big part of your life?
The realization only hit a couple years after I started drumming. I was drumming every day, also had a drum in my room. At some point I also produced very day.
I also used to listen to music everyday with my parents and uncles, live performances of Santana and the Beegees, to be exact.
Those are nice memories. My uncle used to have a mini-disc, and he used it to record live performances of various artists. He also had a full rack of disc with live performances of artists like Prince and Al Jarreau and I always checked those out.
"My uncle used to have a mini-disc, and he used it to record live performances of various artists. He also had a full rack of disc with live
performances of artists like Prince and Al Jarreau and I always checked those out."
How are you currently involved in the music industry?
At the moment I’m active as a DJ, I have weekly gigs somewhere in Rotterdam. Next to that I do my best to support my friends when they’re spinning. We also make a lot of edits and remixes, and those edits are supported by many DJs.
What was your first performance? And how was it?
My first performance was in 2013 in Club Bed Rotterdam, I was opening for Yellow Claw at a Halloween party, they weren’t as big and known as they are now and played Hip-Hop.
I was very nervous and had no idea what I was doing, I just played the tunes that I wanted to spin and thought it was good.
What was the most absurd or challenging gig during your career? What made it so crazy?
S’oranje during Kingsday, then Queensday. It was the first time we ever spinned there and people went so wild, the tunes we played there are equal the sounds of now: Broederliefde, different edits etc.
People went crazy, every DJ was standing in front of the DJ booth and were dancing like they were part of the show, it was really sick!
Digital or Vinyl?
Digital, I have no experience spinning vinyl.
What genre(s) do you spin exactly?
90’s Hip-Hop, R&B and sounds that flow from these.
How do you select your music for upcoming events or mixes?
I don’t really prepare for a DJ set. I just download the tunes that I enjoy spinning or just like. I use Rekordbox and create a playlist in there with the newest songs. During the set I change it up or let the energy of the crowd guide me.
Club nights or Festivals?
Club nights.
To name a couple: Niko, Twentysix and I’d love a good night in Transport, because of the sound quality and venue-size.
"During the set I change it up or let the energy of the crowd guide me."
If you could play at one club, which one would that be?
It would be sick to play at a crazy rooftop party at North Sea Jazz. It’s more about the vibe for me.
Which tune would you like to share with the readers?
Jack Harlow - First Class.
Opening or Closing set?
Opening, because you set the mood for the whole night.
