Dannic aka Daan Romers, the Dutch DJ and producing maestro from Breda in the Netherlands (hometown of Tiesto and Funkerman among others) won attention early on with his cheeky edits and remixes. RK finds out about what it means to be Dutch ahead of Dannic’s appearance at Future Music Festival this Sunday, March 2 at Arena Joondalup and Good Life (under 18) on Monday, March 3 at Claremont Showgrounds.
Dannic’s bootlegs of Axwell Vs Julie McKnight How Soon Is Glory and Tim Mason & Laidback Luke Vs. Adele The Moment Is Rolling In God’s Air, made people take notice.
“I started in music about 10 years ago as a DJ in my hometown of Breda,” Romers begins. “The bar I worked at played all genres from the ‘70s and ‘80s; I did weddings and things. Things really started when I moved into house music. Around that time, there was a new club opening in the city and DJs were playing what I called ‘real music!’ I was asked to play there and started doing edits and tracks, producing music, that sort of thing.”
Musically, his prodigious output has earned him the respect of fans and compatriots alike, but even by his own admission, he still has a way to go. “I am focusing on tracks and while I want to do one eventually, I’m definitely not thinking about an album right now… I’ve been working pretty extensively in the studio and am finishing a few demos with artists I met recently at ADE (Amsterdam Dance Event).”
To that end, look out for a collaboration with Merc as well as something on Nicky Romero’s imprint. “I met these guys at ADE as well and we ended up really hitting it off; a lot of us came up with some cool ideas and some good remixes and productions will come of it. There are a few others I’m working on as well and we’re just looking around for some good vocalists.”
Bursting onto the scene barely 10 years ago, it feels as if he’s been a stalwart for a lot longer. His driving style – progressive and funky, is partly explained by his take on the Dutch sound popularised by local hometown heroes Tiesto and Hardwell.
“About 10 years ago there was a really popular techno movement in Amsterdam, the bigger clubs were evolving and a lot of smaller clubs came about. As a result of that, a lot of other genres grew and gained popularity,” he explains.
Proudly, he also accepts that a lot of quality artists and production is coming from the Netherlands. “It should be exciting, because it is a great time for music right now. I have a different sound to say DJ Chuckie or Hardwell or Afrojack. We are all Dutch but defining us together is difficult – I think it’s more about being an individual.”
The Dutchman is celebrating his forthcoming gig to Australia and the associated party that will go with it. “It is my first time down there,” he chimes. No less, it will be a good opportunity for him to get away from the cold of the northern winter. “The gigs will be great. I have a few edits I’m working on and things like that. I’m looking forward to it.”
Dannic plays Future Music Festival this Sunday, March 2 at Arena Joondalup, get your tickets here.
He will also appear at Good Life (under 18) on Monday, March 3 at Claremont Showgrounds, get your tickets here.
