Chilean-born DJ/Producer Simply City (aka Cesar Romero) has long been a fixture in Montreal’s underground scene, holding a residency at the iconic Stereo Afterhours for over a decade. Known for his masterful long sets and deep connection with the audience, Cesar continues to shape his reputation through unforgettable performances and finely curated progressive house productions. His latest project—a 10-hour live mix recorded at Stereo—captures the raw essence of his craft, blending emotion, crowd energy, and musical storytelling into one seamless experience.
Phot credit: Courtesy of the artist
We caught up with Simply City to discuss the art of marathon sets, the significance of Stereo Montreal, and what it means to cultivate a lasting bond with the dance floor.
EG: Hi Cesar, welcome to EG! How was your holiday season?
Simply City: Hello! I just finished a very nice time off—super quiet, no gigs, no studio, just family.
EG: Congratulations on your epic 10-hour live mix from Stereo. To start, what does an all-night-long set mean to you, and how do you mentally and musically prepare for such an extended performance?
Simply City: Thank you! It’s such a unique experience, and I’m lucky to hold a residency that allows me to do it. It’s really an opportunity to connect deeply with the crowd and take them on a musical adventure from start to finish. Mentally, I always approach it with a lot of focus, thinking about how certain moments might unfold and creating scenarios in my head—even if nothing happens the way I thought it would. It builds excitement, knowing it’s a marathon, not a sprint. Musically, I prepare a wide range of tracks so I can be ready for anything.
EG: Performing for that length of time requires a deep connection with the crowd. How do you keep the energy flowing and maintain a strong relationship with the audience throughout the night?
Simply City: The connection with the crowd is vital; it’s all about an exchange of energy, love, and dedication on both sides. Reading the room is crucial—watching how people respond to the music and letting that guide my choices. It’s like a constant dialogue where I create musical moments, and their reactions inspire me to keep pushing new directions. In long sets, patience is key—creating space, building tension, and introducing peaks keeps things fresh and exciting for everyone. It’s a labor of love.
EG: You’ve been a resident at Stereo Montreal for more than a decade. In what ways has this residency shaped your evolution as an artist, and how essential is the club environment to your creative process?
Simply City: Being a resident at Stereo has been truly transformative. This room has allowed me to channel all my years of DJing experience in the most beautiful way, and I feel that everything I’ve been through in my career prepared me for it. This residency pushes me to evolve constantly while staying true to myself. Stereo’s crowd inspires my creativity like nowhere else. Over the years, we’ve developed a love story that I deeply cherish. It’s an honor to spend hours playing for such lovely souls, and the sound system plus acoustics are the cherry on top.
“I believe Stereo is special because it was created by a DJ who had a pure love for music and a vision for community. Angel Moraes’s vision and legacy still thrive, even after nearly 25 years”
EG: Stereo is widely regarded as one of the world’s truly iconic clubs. From your perspective, what sets it apart, and why do you think it continues to stand out on a global level?
Simply City: I believe Stereo is special because it was created by a DJ who had a pure love for music and a vision for community. Angel Moraes’s vision and legacy still thrive, even after nearly 25 years. The sound system is world-class, creating an immersive experience with no VIP, no alcohol, no phones on the dance floor, and no dress code—beyond all that, it’s the people, both the staff and the crowd. There’s a shared passion and energy that makes every night unforgettable. Stereo is more than just a club; it’s a home for artists and music lovers, and that spirit is what keeps it unique and globally recognized.
EG: The recorded crowd sounds in your 10-hour mix add a raw, immersive feel. Why was it important for you to include the audience’s reactions, and how does this reflect the bond you share with them?
Simply City: You might laugh, but this part was completely unplanned. A friend lent me a recorder; I just hooked it up and pressed record without realizing it was set to capture both the mixer output and the device’s mic. When I dumped the files onto my computer, I discovered more than two stereo tracks. After merging them, it sounded so alive that I decided to keep them. The crowd’s energy is essential, and having their reactions in the mix showcases that magic. It’s a reflection of the bond we share—this wasn’t just about me; it was about all of us together, capturing how we do it at (((home))) from a resident’s perspective.
EG: Extended sets like this call for a broad musical palette. How do you curate such a long performance to ensure it remains coherent yet surprising for the audience?
Simply City: It’s all about balance. I pick the music I love without worrying too much about genres, then group tracks by mood or “moments” so I can craft a natural progression, leaving room for spontaneity. It’s important to keep the journey cohesive so every track feels connected, but I love introducing surprises to keep the audience engaged. The main thing is reading the room and adapting on the fly; that skill comes from experience.
EG: Being known as “Simply City” highlights your connection to the city and its people. How has Montreal’s scene influenced your sound and approach?
Simply City: Montreal has had a profound influence on me as an artist. Twenty years ago, a group of the city’s promoters who are now like family brought me here for what was supposed to be a single gig. That opportunity led me to play at the best clubs and festivals, exposing me to a prime global music culture. Coming from a humble background, I’ve worked hard to follow my musical dreams. Imagine my first night in Montreal—I was introduced to Roger Sanchez, David Morales, and then Sultan and Tone Depth, who were kings of the progressive house scene at the time. The city’s diversity and open-mindedness let me experiment while staying true to my underground roots, and this community taught me the value of connection and authenticity.
“The city’s diversity and open-mindedness let me experiment while staying true to my underground roots, and this community taught me the value of connection and authenticity”
EG: Looking back on your many years playing at Stereo, do any specific nights or moments stand out as pivotal for your career or artistic growth?
Simply City: Absolutely, and without a doubt it was my first night about 13 years ago. After bringing a mix CD and looking for a chance, I eventually got a call saying there was an opening slot to warm up for Hernan Cattaneo. That night led to me becoming a resident—stars aligned, and the rest is an amazing story.
EG: In today’s world, social media and streaming platforms are key to reaching new listeners. How has sharing your 10-hour mix on SoundCloud impacted your fan engagement and visibility?
Simply City: It’s been incredible for connecting with fans and reaching new people. It allows those who couldn’t attend in person to experience that energy. The feedback so far is amazing. Platforms like SoundCloud help build connections and increase visibility, which is crucial while staying true to who I am as an artist.
EG: Finally, what do you hope listeners will experience or take away from the 10-hour live mix? Any future projects or plans you can share with us?
Simply City: I hope they feel part of my journey—immersed in the emotions, the energy, and the connection that make a night like this at the club so special. It’s about creating moments that stay with them long after the music stops. Looking ahead, I’m working on new productions and collaborations that reflect my continued growth. There’ll be more extended sets and a tour starting in February, covering South America, North America, Europe, and South Asia. I’m excited to keep evolving and sharing music that resonates with people.
EG: Thank you for your time, and we wish you all the best. We can’t wait to hear more from you soon!
Simply City: Thank you so much for your support; it’s truly appreciated. Until the next one!
Follow Simply City: Spotify | Soundcloud | Instagram | Facebook
