Our next guest in the Sinchi & Friends series is Dany E, who we met just a few months ago in Renate. Since then we’ve become big fans of his creative approach to music production and djing and are delighted to have him featured. When we asked him about the mixtape, he shared ‘ it is intended to bring different musical vibes by varying tempo, genres & mixing techniques. I thought of playing for someone who wanted to chill, party and be distracted within one hour… that is not possible but what I tried. This was also recorded on a cassette tape to bring a different touch. I hope you enjoy’.
1) Introduce yourself?
I was born in a colonial city called Zacatecas, in Mexico. I have moved to Europe twice in my life and now I’m living in Amsterdam. I have been formally involved in the electronic music scene since 15 as a dj/producer/promotor/etc. I also achieved a master in materials science & engineering. I tend to make fun of myself with this specific question.
2) What have been your highlights from the last 12 months?
Moving to Amsterdam. Getting to be at one of my favourite Mexican beaches so far (secret). Being with my family. Meeting new friends who are involved in the electronic music scenes around Mexico and the Netherlands. Music wise I am in the process of setting up a record label.
3) What do you have lined up for the coming year?
As for music, a tour in Mexico which I haven’t been able to do for a few years, some new tracks and of course the label!
4) Do you have a favourite track in the podcast?
Not specifically. I got to hear tracks on Sinchi that I loved but I’m the worst remembering names. There are also some new upcoming on Sinchi that I like a lot.
5) What tracks have really stood out for you in the last year and why? (i.e, dance-floor bombs, originality, inspiration)
One in particular, Tellurians – The Navigator. I have not played fast tempos for long time that is until the last 18 months. This track is fast and has challenged my way of playing and producing since the moment I heard it. That first time I heard it, I danced and danced and I felt that I unleashed the ‘fast’ Dany E that I was holding back for too long. Now, I feel I can now play any tempo I want, even if is very fast! so much fun ahead.
6) Who or what are your biggest musical influences?
Rage Against The Machine, by far, and this year i will try to see them live (true! a big thing for me this year, I forgot to write it in the previous question)
Many other rock bands, producers… I cannot even mention from the sea of idols I have. But it all started from rock bands that were shown to me by my two older brothers.
7) Tell us about 3 DJ’s / Producer’s we may not know but should be looking out for?
Tomás Urquieta
Global Charming (I am very very in love with them)
SundaySunday Residents (my crew…ofc)
Youssef Hartane (1 extra but i like how he is playing atm)
8) What is your favourite Venue or Festival to play at and why?
Evidently, SundaySunday partys in Mexico is not a club and it is not about being a rockstar. It is multicultural, open minded, and full of many of my close friends.
9) Do you have a ritual before you start playing or straight after?
Yes, I have a ritual. Is very cheesy but ok….
Before starting to play, I kneel down beneath the DJ both and I screw in headset plug tip while thinking “Man, you got it, you are good at this, remember that feeling of people enjoying!”. It empowers me, I feel different, I feel ready to connect to people, I feel like a rush. The first comment saying: “Man, you played nice!”, I always keep it for the next time I’ll kneel down.
10) What is your favourite bit of kit?
For most of my productions and for others I get to listen, I try to simply listen. This is how I perceive the vibe of the track, for me it works quite well. Focusing more on what sounds are “too much” or “too high”, etc.
11) What is your favourite film score?
Battlestar Galactica
12) What makes you smile?
wow…I’m very much into small pleasures and I have many but….I think my dogs, warm weather, a nice smile from someone.