DJ Phil Romano: Bringing the Heat to Miami
Article written by Alexander Rodriguez, host of On the Rocks with Alexander
DJ Phil Romano is bringing the heat to Urge Miami Festival this coming Thanksgiving Weekend. If you don’t recognize his signature beats, you may recognize his muscles and handsome face from his early career in porn. With a body chiseled from marble, he is a real-life Roman and has successfully risen the ranks from athlete and model to porn star, promoter, and currently one of the most sought-after DJs of the gay circuit world in Europe.
There was a time when every porn star wanted to become a DJ, most did not make that transition. DJ Romano’s Falcon Studio video pack: The Best of Filippo Romano is still being admired by porn fans while he enjoys a residency at Circuit Festival Barcelona and La Demence in Brussels. As a jet setter, he regularly plays all the major gay clubs and festivals including Ibiza, Tel Aviv, London, Paris, Dubai, Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, Toronto, Montreal, Hong Kong, and Taipei. This Thanksgiving season, the U.S. gets a piece of him for three massive nighttime parties and the finale Steamy Beach Party on the sands of South Beach…sounds enticing enough to ditch the family and head to Urge Miami.
We chatted with DJ Phil in between gigs and workouts for a candid chat about the porn and music industry, sex, and undies:
What kind of music inspired you growing up?
As you might know, I'm partially Italian, so listening to music in languages other than English has always been a passion of mine. I really enjoy any kind of music and I take inspiration from it.
How did you transition from the adult world to the DJ industry?
Adult films for me were an emergency. My family went thru a rough patch and being the oldest of 6 kids, I had the responsibility to provide for my family when my dad couldn’t. I had the looks and apparently was good at it. Music, however, was always my real passion so after I was in a more stable financial situation, I dedicated myself to breaking into the industry.
Did being in the adult industry ever affect your music?
Of course, sex is always in my beats. My music is powerful, sweaty, and hard.
What sets you apart from other DJs?
I’d like to think I'm a seasoned DJ that can read the crowd. I love to set trends in new sounds and I keep my attitude low and my feet and head on earth. I might be good at my job, that doesn't make me better than any other individual that does other jobs. I would love to see other colleagues keep it cool. Miami is really hot already. We don't need any more heat from your pussies 😜❤️
How has advancement in technology affected the DJ industry?
I learned to DJ on vinyls. I know, I’m old. It was an art that you could master only with a lot of experience, dedication, and talent. Now, we are seeing a rise in Instagram DJs. They buy a pair of headphones, use their computers to beat match music, and put a sequence of songs together like jukeboxes. There is so much more about DJing than turning on a PC and plugging in headphones. My advice to new talents is to study!
What are some of the biggest misconceptions people have about circuit parties like Urge Festival Miami?
That once you have seen one you have seen it all. Every event is different with new friends to meet and new experiences to be enjoyed.
What is your creative process when creating a playlist for an event like Urge Festival Miami?
I get to a gig and I create at the moment, absorbing the vibes that the crowd, the time, and the place give me. I never prepare before.
What is one of your craziest DJ stories?
I was in Rio de Janeiro on an NYE night and I was supposed to share the booth with the Maestro Peter Rauhofer. It was 6 hrs each from 12 am to 12 pm. When at a certain point the promoter told me that Peter was not well and I had to fill in for him. 12 hrs 😱😱. In the end, I didn't know who I was anymore. I had to sleep 2 days straight.
Have you have ever had “shenanigans” while DJing?
Oh yes. One girl asked me if I was straight and when I told her I was not, she threw ice at my head! I was actually bleeding! I’ve also had drunk people unplug the booth. I can go on …..
You have been all over the world. Why is Miami one of your favorite destinations?
Because Miami is Miami! They are always ready to listen to new trends. Also, Miami was my first US gig, so it will always have a special place in my heart.
Is there anything you miss about being in the adult industry?
The adult industry is not what it used to be when I was part of it. We were stars in all ways. There wasn’t the internet to download free movies and even photos were hard to get. You had to buy the VHS. Omg, yes, I said VHS!
Would you ever consider going back to the adult world?
I’m vintage now. I don’t think I could even do it anymore 🤪
What is love and dating like for you, currently?
It's complicated.
How do you maintain your physique while traveling?
I work my ass off and try to avoid plane food. But when you start to achieve your career goals, that is when your eating habits suffer along with the ability to work out well. Plus, being 42 years old doesn't help. But we do our best with what we are given.
How do you unwind after playing a circuit party like Urge Festival Miami?
With good food and lots of good movies.
Is there every any drama with the other DJs? Spill the tea!
Do you want me to have a bitch fit Naomi Campbell style?
If you were to design a pair of Andrew Christian underwear, what would they look like?
They would be blue or black short shorts with a small Phil Romano for Andrew Christian logo on the front right side.
You can follow DJ Phil Romano on IG: @PhilROmanoDJ
URGE Miami Festival tickets are available at urgemiamifestival.com
A portion of the proceeds from URGE Miami Festival will benefit Miami Beach Pride, a not-for-profit organization that works to unite members of the LGBTQ community by celebrating the unique spirit and culture of its people.