DJ SPOTLIGHT: DAN DE LEON

By Steve Tsepelis

Hello Dan…. And thanks for sitting down with us! You have been part of the DJ community for a few years. For those who don’t know you, tell us when and how you got started in all this. Where did your journey begin?

I began my first DJ residency in 2003 at Ivar nightclub in Hollywood- it’s been 17 years! That’s pretty crazy to think about, it feels like the time has gone by so fast! It’s been an incredible adventure… still is. My first remix was commercially released in 2004, with my first original record released in 2006 on Stereo Productions, so it’s 13 years of producing original music, and a few more working on remix projects.

Over the years, dance music has changed into so many sub genres. Do you have a particular style that you are known for or do you play a more open format?

I play big room and after-hours tribal house and probably get associated more with an after-hours/underground sound. Over the last couple years my style has grown into a more mainstream tech house and groove house tribal style that adds circuit friendly elements to make my sound more signature and unique while trying to remain faithful to where I’ve come from and what I love. My producing partner in my DJ duo project, Anthony Griego, has had a major impact on influencing me to develop my sound as far as I can. Our work together has been a real joy and reminder that if you create music and experiences for a living, it should be as true to you and who you are as an artist, as you are true to your audience.

You are a Billboard Reporting DJ, a remixer and producer as well. Tell us about your new partnership with Anthony Griego.

In 2018, I teamed up with Las Vegas native DJ Anthony Griego, and started producing music together while starting Las Vegas’ first LGBT night swim, Electric Safari, at The Flamingo Hotel on the Las Vegas Strip. We quickly realized our chemistry both in the studio and spinning together live was something very special. Anthony and I have developed a powerhouse live performance show and a unique sound, blending uplifting vocals, furious tribal and groove house drums with a bass house edge and driving tech house sophistication. Having already performed for THE ACTION! PARTY and at clubs across the nation from Hydrate in Chicago to The Great Northern in San Francisco, I am coming to Los Angeles to headline this month’s LA PRIDE Velvet Tsunami Pool Party at the rooftop day-club atop the W Hollywood Hotel. House legend Gene Ferris and LA’s iconic DJs Bears In Space round out the top tier musical talent for the event in addition to DJs Noir D Costas and Matt Suave. Get your tickets early you don’t wanna miss this highly anticipated pride party.

You have several great successes with remixes and original productions. Where can people find them?

You can watch videos of us performing live at ACTION! Party Chicago on their YouTube channel at video.pumprecords.us. Together we combine more than 20 years of dance floor experience and #1 remixes, with a dozen remixes hitting the Billboard Top 40 Dance charts.

So, what’s coming up for you as far as production and events?

Our second original single “MONEY SUCCESS FAME GLAMOUR ” featuring NINA FLOWERS is to be released LA Pride weekend on Pump Records, with superstar remixes by Lydia Sanz, Edson Pride, Brian Cua, Daniel Noronha and K-NINE. Listen to their podcasts and remixes now at www.pumpradio.us. Tickets for Velvet Tsunami can be found at www.Apclublife.com.
Happy Pride!