Alongside countrymen like Dyro, the Breda-born Dannic was one of the next-generation EDM players to ascend alongside the established main stage powerhouses as the sound exploded around the world. Selected by Hardwell as a protégé to release on his Revealed Recordings label, and joining his label boss on a bus tour of North America in 2014, Dannic found his groove in the Revealed stable and has proved one of its most consistent producers.

However, 2016 has been the year that Dannic has pushed into new territory, launching his new Fonk Recordings label as an outlet for his “groovy, funky, big room” sound — as well as being an avenue to offer his technical expertise to young producers still nailing their own. It’s early days yet, but he’s showcased his new project on his ‘Dannic presents Fonk’ compilation, and he’ll be hitting the streets to present the label with his special Fonk Recordings Demo Bus at the Amsterdam Dance Event this year (via a VW Transporter that’s been all Fonk-ed up).  

“I'm finally able to have my own platform where I can focus on my own signature sound, as well as helping young upcoming talents by giving them a platform,” Dannic tells DJ Mag. ANGUS PATERSON

What have been the new frontiers for you this year? “For me, definitely the new streaming media. It's an interesting new market that needs some more research, and I can't wait to see what it brings next year.” 

Is electronic music taken seriously enough as an art-form? “I believe it is. New super-cool production software keeps popping up, giving producers endless possibilities to be as creative as they want. Art means freedom in your creativity, in my opinion.”

What’s the best new bit of DJ/production technology, and why? “I would say the new Pioneer CDJ2000 Nexus2, because of the eight hot-cues. It gives me so much freedom and creativity to play around with mash-ups and the like in my sets.” 

If you had to switch your style to another genre, what would it be? “Definitely tech-house. I started playing this genre back in the day, I always loved groovy house and I enjoy the fact that is has less breakdowns, which keeps the flow going.” 

As a fan, what is the top price you would pay to see yourself DJ? “I would say ringing ears and a good hangover.”

What can be done to prevent drug-related deaths at dance music events? “Education and more free water at events. But I believe it all starts with educating the people, as well as giving them the right tools to test their drugs at festivals.”

How can we increase diversity in dance music? “I think we saw a major increase in diversity in the scene this year. There are less boundaries, and for producers it’s easier to come up with new sounds because of the technology available.”