Roberto ForzoniA collection of the Smoothest, Coolest & Funkiest Grooves.
Roberto is a peak performance consultant. He specialises in helping individuals and teams achieve their potential with the resources they have at their disposal.
For more than 20 years, Roberto has been involved in performance consulting and coaching in professional sport and business. A recognised authority on the psychology of performance and group dynamics, Roberto is a regularly invited to speak around the world on TV, radio and at various conferences on a performance related topics.
He has extensive experience in both sporting and business worlds and has extensively studied various forms of positive psychology techniques, including cognitive behavioural therapy, motivational interviewing, solution focussed therapy, and a variety of counselling and NLP techniques. Whilst working in many sports, including a host of Olympic Sports and tennis, Roberto specialises in football performance psychology, where he works with Premier League managers and clubs.
He is also a regular specialist contributor to the League Manager’s Association Manager Magazine, writing on a number of performance related issues for managers, leaders and teams.
Q1. What first attracted you to Soul Music, is this relevant today?
Growing up in inner city London, my peer group and best friends were predominantly black; they introduced me to soul music that has been my favourite throughout my life. Robbie Vincent cemented the love on his legendary shows – which in their day were a must listen.
Q2. What are your top 5 favourite soul tracks?
…too many favs but these are in the top lot!
Marvyn Gaye – What’s going on
Donald Byrd – Love has come around
Yasuka Agawa – LA Nights
Jean Carn – Don’t let it go to your head
Leon Ware – Why I came to California
Q3. What are your favourite three record labels?
Motown
West End
Mastercut Series
Q4. Who are your favourite five artists?
Marvyn Gaye
Teena Marie
Donald Byrd
Luther Vandross
Loose Ends, Soul 2 Soul and Linx (joint position!)
Q5. What are your top three soul clubs of all time?
Robertos in the Kings Road!
Dr Crippens in Bromley
Any where Les Adams was playing!
Q6. What radio experience did you have before you joined Solar?
Worked on other pirate stations originally (TKO, CD93, early Solar) and then went on to Choice and Capital (sports). Past five years I have been doing various bits for BBC Radio 5 Live, World Service, Radio 2 and Radio 4!
Q7. What is/are your main criteria in choosing records for airplay?
If it makes me smile and tap my feet it could well be played…If I start dancing to it I cant wait to share it!
Q8. Why would you recommend Solar to a listener?
It’s good for your ‘soul’ – the mix is quite unique and a great combination of old, new, rare groove, Jazz funk etc…from some of the best decades of music history.
Q9. Which other DJs do you admire and why?
I’ve got to say I love the guys on the station and that is part of the reason for getting back involved – I go back a long time with Tony Monson, Mike Gee, Dave Gregory and Les Adams, and to hear them still on Solar was inspirational. These are music connoseurs and at the top of the game when it comes to Radio Presentation with a strong affinity & knowledge for the music I love. To hear others on the station has been refreshing too and Neil Francis’s shows have been particularly enjoyable. Back in the day Robbie Vincent was the daddy, enjoyed Greg Edwards Saturday evening shows and love the way Tony Blackburn has pioneered soul music forever.
Q10. How would you like to be remembered by a listener?
For being a friend on the radio and playing music that really strikes an emotional chord.
Q11. What do you do to relax?
Try and strike a balance in life! – Mind, Music and Magic. I work as a sport psychologist, play my favourite music and have great fun with Magic (I’m a member of the Magic Circle). A good meal and time at the gym make up the rest!