DJ Dan Slater spins White Party
Aussie DJ Dan Slater spins White Party Palm Springs 2016
Interview by Frank Fanucchi
Since 2013 the Gay Circuit scene hasn’t been able to get enough Dan Slater. You’ve headlined for some of the worlds largest Gay Circuit festivals and this year you’ll be coming all the way back from down under to spin at two of our favorite US circuit events, White Party Palm Springs & Matinee Las Vegas! We’re very excited to have you back. What’s it been like for you these last few years, traveling the world as such a sought after DJ? Did you ever expect this amount of attention?
DS: I never thought I would be DJing and traveling as much as I have been. It’s been a crazy rollercoaster experience. In the last three years I’ve played at events in Europe, Asia, North and South America and even the Middle East. I’m very thankful to have the opportunity to travel the world, and do what I love doing.
Your big break into the world DJ scene happened when you won the Sydney Mardi Gras DJ Spin Off Competition. Since then you’ve been in very high demand. What is it about the gay circuit scene that keeps you coming back year after year to spin for us?
DS: What keeps me coming back to the gay circuit scene is the music, energy and people. Some of the events I’ve played at have been mind blowing, and then to be asked back to play again is a real privilege.
You’re excellent at cultivating high-energy house beats with a European vibe, and furthermore effortlessly adapting these beats to match the energy of any crowd your playing for. Do you believe your days as a dancer and show producer influenced your sound? Was it simply a matter of wanting to create beats that you’d want to move to or that as a producer you knew from experience would get a crowd moving?
DS: Most definitely! I’ve grown up being surrounded by music, and being a dancer has definitely influenced my sound. When you’re producing shows you often get to add your own flavor to the final product, and as a DJ you have the opportunity to create a great vibe and energy through your music.
You’ve spun at White Party before, and are back again for this years festival in Palm Springs. Any favorite moments from the event last year? What are you looking forward to at this year’s party?
DS: It was my first time attending and DJing at White Party last year so it was great to just experience the event with friends from all corners or the world. The Sunday T Dance was amazing! This year I’ll be DJing at Splash at Wet N Wild, and who doesn’t love a party at a water park?
You’re also no stranger to Matinee events. Would you say the two crowds vary (WP & Matinee LV)? What about the vibes of these two events sets them apart?
DS: I think the crowds at any event are going to vary due to the location and when they are held throughout the year. But DJing at White Party and Matinee were definitely highlights because of the crowd. At both events the people are there to have a great time, and I can’t wait for them again this year.
In addition to being a world renowned DJ, you are also a producer, and have produced remixes for the likes of Cher & Britney Spears among others. What is it that speaks to you lyrically or otherwise when you’re presented with tracks to remix?
DS: Before I start working on a remix I’ll often have an idea of how I want the remix to sound. More often than not it may go in a completely different direction and sound very different to you original idea. But lyrically I try and hold onto as much of the original vocals as possible. If there are any particular “hooks” in the song I’ll use and add to that too.
Thank you for taking a moment out of your very busy schedule to answer a few questions with us. We all look forward to seeing you this year in the US!
