Dannic, the prodigious DJ and producer from Breda in the Netherlands – the hometown of Tiësto and Hardwell – is one of the fiercest acts to emerge from the latest generation of Dutch artists, cementing himself as a go-to name that delivers within the world of big-room, grooving house.
Up next for the mercurial Dutchman sees him perform at the 10th edition of Sunburn festival. We caught up with him and spoke to him about his return to India, new music and Fonk Recordings. Check out our interview below.
Nikhil – You’ve been coming down to India as part of Sunburn events since your 1st visit here! What are some of the fondest memories that you have of this country?
Dannic – India is beautiful and Sunburn really captures the energy of the country! One of my fondest memories would be playing at the first Daman Sunburn and also playing on the Sunburn mainstage, it’s one of the most exciting events in the scene so to be such a big part of that was amazing.
Nikhil – Sunburn celebrates its 10th anniversary and in the process, it has become one of the biggest festivals in the world. What are your thoughts on this?
Dannic – Happy 10th anniversary, Sunburn! All your hard work and success is deserved, see you for the 20th anniversary! ;)
Nikhil – What are you looking forward to at Sunburn 10? What can fans expect from your set?
Dannic – I’ve got a lot of material in the works, some new collabs and originals, fresh edits and classics to get everyone moving. High-energy, funky grooves.
Nikhil – Is there any unreleased music we can expect to hear?
Dannic – Yes! I have a special collab I’ve been working on for release in 2017, have your ears on high alert…
Nikhil – Your imprint Fonk Recordings was launched last year at ADE and it has had a magnificent 2016. What is your vision for your label in 2017?
Dannic – To continue growing the Fonk family and support new talent. I’m so proud of all the guys we’ve released music from this year and want to continue celebrating our vision in 2017.
Nikhil – Which producers would you love to collaborate with in the near future?
Dannic – That collab I mentioned earlier, coming in 2017, I’ve worked with a producer I admire on that – you can tell I’m excited! But outside of the dance world I’d love to work with someone like John Legend that has that amazing pop sound and songwriting skill.
Nikhil – Where do you see the direction of house music scene going in the years to come?
Dannic – House music will always be there, it just evolves in styles. I think the sound is going to flow with a lot more rhythm and groove, less aggression, more energy.
Nikhil – Your productions have always had a very infectious funky and groovy sound, what is the thought process usually like when you get down to making music in the studio?
Dannic – If I’m making music for the dancefloor then I want to get people moving, whereas sometimes I like to work on more vocal, radio-friendly tracks that get people’s attention without all the bombastic beats. If it always has that groove at the center of it, I’m happy.
Nikhil – Who have been your favorite producers of 2016 so far?
Dannic – Tom & Jame and Merk & Kremont – two duos making really exciting, fresh sounds.
Nikhil – Which have been your favorite musical moments of this year?
Dannic – Playing alongside Hardwell as one of the first DJs to play the Hockenheim Ring in Germany was something I’ll never forget! We also hosted our first Fonk night at ADE which was a sell-out event, proud of our artists and my team, hope to capture the same excitement next year.
Nikhil – If you had a chance to attend a festival in the crowd, which one would that be and whose sets would you look forward to listening?
Dannic – I think it would be Sunburn so it’s lucky I’m playing, haha! Looking forward to catching Armin, Axwell & Ingrosso and Afrojack!
Nikhil – Which have been your top 5 tracks of 2016?
Dannic –
Fedde Le Grand – ‘Down On Me’
Dannic vs Merk & Kremont – ‘Music’
Valentino Khan – ‘Deep Down Low’ (Larry Mendes vs. Aixen & Berto Bootleg)
Mako – ‘Into The Sunset’
Hardwell feat Jay Sean – ‘Thinking About You’
Nikhil – Lastly, what message do you have for your fans in India before Sunburn 10?
Dannic – Excited to celebrate with you Sunburn10 party people, see you in Pune!
