Dannic is a Dutch DJ and EDM producer known for his work in collaborations with Hardwell, Dyro and Sick individuals. As of 2013, he started a radio show called Front of House and in 2015, started his own label Fonk Recordings. Throughout 2018, he released 7 recordings including “In No Dip,” “Stay,” “Tenderlove” and several more. Dannic placed 5 years in a row in DJ Mag Top 100 DJ’s and rose to #61 on the list.
When did you get into DJing? What or who were your early passions and influences?
I first started DJ’ing over ten years ago now, time flies when you’re having fun, ha! My earliest passion was and still is both house music and Motown. Old school Micheal Jackson and Aretha Franklin gets me every time, but a classic grooving house record can also do the same.
How do you find your inspiration?
Mostly, it is in emotions – so ‘Tenderlove’, ‘Falling In Love (SOS)’ are both about love and the ups and downs of that that everyone goes through, but tracks like my collab with Hardwell ‘Survivors’ is all about having the strength and belief in yourself to come through hard times, whatever that may be, because we all have a survivors instinct inside us. Even the less vocal-led tracks like ‘NRG’ that I released on my label Fonk Recordings, I still hope get people feeling all sorts of emotions; freedom, happiness, joy, release!
Where are people most likely to see you perform?
I have just returned from playing over in Asia which was so so beautiful – but you can find all my shows on my calendar on my Facebook or at www.djdannic.com
Do you have original music that is available online?
Yes, a lot! You can catch up over on Beatport or my website – my latest track ‘Tenderlove’ is out now via Spinnin’ Records!
What is one mistake you see a lot of up and coming DJs making?
Rushing! Sometimes to work on a track for a long time is ok, it’s better to make something you’re proud to call your own.
If you could be eternally stuck in one year’s music scene, which year would it be?
The 1970’s Motown/ Jazz scene – that whole vibe coming out of Detroit and NYC still sounds so timeless and classic, even now.
What is one track that never gets old for you no matter how many times you hear it?
Bingo Players ‘Cry (Just A Little)’, a bonafide house anthem that everyone loves on the dance floor!
What is something that bugs you about the DJ scene?
Not a lot, the lifestyle can be difficult and it’s important to not become overwhelmed by that so I try to go to the gym and eat well a much as I can to stay on the straight and narrow.
What do you try to communicate to the audience through your vibe?
A groovy, positive atmosphere that everyone can get on-board with!
Where would you most like to perform?
I would love to play in Fiji
What are your predictions for the music industry in the next five years?
After the sad passing of Avicii and now Hardwell retiring it feels like the industry, particularly EDM and the whole big-room wave, is changing direction and I’m excited to see where it will go, what sounds we’ll be hearing more and more of.
How do you prepare your sets?
I don’t prepare every set I play but I have a signature style of blending old school house, EDM big toom tracks with remixes from some of our Fonk artists or collaborations I have worked on in the past.
What have you learned since you started out as a DJ?
That resilience is key and if you work hard enough at any age, you will find what you are looking for…
