As a toddler, he’d spend countless hours enjoying his parents’ eclectic record cabinet; listening to artists such as The Beatles, Sergio Mendes, Sly & The Family Stone, The Turtles, Taj Mahal, even The Osmonds and Bay City Rollers.

Little did his folks realize, Roland snagged a few of those gems over the years to add to his impressive collection. While fully immersed in listening to music, he began learning piano at 6 years old, which inevitably launched his love to create and produce.

Once considered the “Hardest Working DJ in Philly”, Retro Roland was spinning 5-6 residencies on a weekly basis, including a highly regarded internet radio show, “Sounds of The True School”.

During his 4 year run, Mr. Riso’s guests included Ursula Rucker, The Last Emperor, Rich Medina and Mpozi Tolbert. He also ran a successful monthly Jazz and Soul Record Show, which was widely popular amongst record collectors, DJ’s and producers, including Cash Money, Jazzy Jeff and Quest Love.

Riso also helped engineer Cozmic Cat’s legendary Philadelphia party, “Groove Lounge”, which brought musicians, vocalists and DJ’s a platform to perform in united, rhythmic harmony, which featured a then unknown, Jill Scott.

As an URB Magazine mixtape runner-up, The Soul Provider has shared the bill with incredible performers, including Afrika Bambaataa, Felix Da Housecat, Dubtribe, King Britt, DJ Craze, Vikter Duplaix, house pioneer Robert Owens and the legendary Barbara Tucker.

He recently opened up for Grammy nominated artist, Flo-Rida. A number of Retro’s remixes are in regular rotation on The Craig Charles Funk and Soul Show, featured on BBC Radio 6. Roland was also a featured DJ on Mr. Charles’ New Years Eve Eve celebratory broadcast.

Notorious for working the crowd and rocking the dance floor, Riso maximizes every opportunity to drop a funky “Retro Roland Riso” remix, morphing the room into a sweaty, swanky frenzy! “Got Some Funk, Bro?”