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DJ Mag Top100 DJs
96
D.O.D
| NEW ENTRY

It’s been a great year for Dan O’Donnell, aka D.O.D. He’s not only been voted into the world’s Top 100 DJs poll by DJ Mag readers for the very first time, but he’s also become a father. “My best ever production,” he jokes. “It’s been a great year!” 

O’Donnell has spent much of 2019 on the road, taking his particular brand of “future jack” to all four corners of the globe. Along the way, there have been headlining sets at numerous festivals — Tomorrowland, Creamfields and Hope Festival in Toulouse included — as well as trips to Bolivia, China, the Czech Republic, Portugal, Indonesia and South Korea. 

With such a hectic performance schedule, it’s perhaps unsurprising that O’Donnell’s releases have been limited this year. His most notable outing was ‘According To Me’ on Axtone Records, a weighty chunk of future house featuring extensive use of accordion riffs, though O’Donnell did find time to remix Le Cheval’s ‘Fandango’ for Universal Music as well. “I’ve spent some time developing my sound too,” he says. “It’s all about keeping it fresh and pushing things forward.” 

Do you submit set lists to the relevant royalties society?

“No, but I probably should do!” 

What more can we do to combat the mental health crisis in our scene?

“DJs should definitely talk to each other more and open up about how we’re feeling. Some people can cope really well on the road, others not so much. I think it’s important to eat healthy, work out, get plenty of sleep and choose the right moments to let loose and party.” 

What changes have you made this year to become more environmentally friendly?

“For the last six months, I’ve been carbon offsetting my long-haul flights.” 

What was your favourite toy as a kid?

“I loved my Talkboy [variable speed portable cassette player and recorder]. I used it to sample sounds and try to play it back in time with a beat.” 

What’s your guilty pleasure?

“I love watching The Great British Bake Off.”