Exclusive Interview: Unveiling the Beat with DJ Dan Slater
Meet the sensational DJ Dan Slater, a renowned music artist and master of beats, whose electrifying performances have been igniting dance floors around the globe.
With an unmatched talent for blending genres and captivating audiences, Dan Slater has earned a well-deserved reputation as one of the industry's finest. In this exclusive interview, we sit down with Dan to delve into the inspiration behind his music, his journey to success, and the driving force behind his passion for creating unforgettable experiences on the dance floor.
Get ready to be inspired by the extraordinary world of DJ Dan Slater.
1. Who are your role models and why?
I'd have to say my parents. Both Mum and Dad grew up in Australia trying to make a better life for themselves. They taught me to be very grateful and hardworking, but most importantly to treat people that way you would want to be treated.
2. At what age did you come out?
I came out when I was 20 in Sydney. I'm a Gay man, and very proud to be part of the community!
3. How do you foster connections with your fans both online and in-person?
I'd much rather connect with fans in-person. There is so much more of a genuie connection in person. Throughout Covid, and even now I still get trolled on social media which is really tough because it makes you not want to connect on social media. Because of this I talk to a therapist regularly and I've learnt so much about myself, and has helped me through some of the hardest and uncertain times of my life.
4. Can you recall a particularly special fan interaction or experience?
I really do love hearing from fans, because I am so appreciative of them for being so supportive. May is Mental Health Awareness month, and I organized the 'ASK NOW DON’T ASK LATER' campaign to raise awareness for Mental Health. One morning I woke up to a message from someone who's partner had recently passed away. He thanked me for trying to create an awareness, and talk to people about Mental Health Awareness. After that conversation I felt so rewarded and happy!
5. Do you watch Rupaul Drag Race? If so, what do you love about it?
100%, when I home on Fridays we make sure that we watch Drag Race, Untucked and Pit Stop. Kind of obsessed with how great some of the performers are, but I also love a good train wreck moment.
6. What have been your go-to TV shows of the past year?
- MerPeople
- Below Deck
- Ghosts
7. Briefs or boxers?
Briefs from Garçon, of course!
8. What's something people often get wrong about you?
People will often try and guess my family background. I get Brazilian & Spanish. But I'm from Sydney, Australia. My Mum is from Germany/Yugoslavia, and my Dad is from South Africa.
9. What strategies do you implement to take care of yourself physically and mentally?
Physical and mental health are just important as each other. I try and get to the gym 4-5 times a week, I love riding my bicycle and going hiking. Mentally I have my therapist once a week, and having someone to be accountable to is refreshing. When I'm traveling I try and make sure not to skip any meals, and if you're tired... go home or the your hotel and sleep. Self Care!
10. What's your go-to comfort food?
I actually love cooking. Especially because in Los Angeles for most of this year it was so cold, gloomy and rainy. So my comfort food is anything I can cook in a Crock-Pot. I'm perfecting my Stroganoff, Chilli, and Ramen Soups.
11. What are you most looking forward to in 2023?
So far this year has been incredible, and I've been able to share this with my family and close friends. The Domain Dance Party for Sydney WorldPride was EPIC and hard to top, plus I got to DJ at DreamLand in Central Park with PurpleDiscoMachine and Paris Hilton. But I can't wait for Circuit Festival in Barcelona and Market Days in Chicago.
12. How did you first become interested in music, and when did you decide to pursue a career as a DJ?
Before I was a DJ, I used to perform in musicals including Mamma Mia!, Fiddler on the Roof, We Will Rock You, Shout! The Legend of the Wild One, Priscilla Queen of the Desert & Chicago - The Musical.
I even got the opportunity to dance for Kylie & Dannii Minogue. But after I finished Chicago I decided to go to University to study a Bachelor of Business in Marketing.
When I was doing my internship at Foxtel I started learning to DJ as a creative outlet. I kicked off my DJ career as the winner of the Sydney Mardi Gras DJ Spin-Off Competition in 2012, but at first it was really hard to get booked by promoters as they said "I wasn't a real DJ". But I persevered and never gave up. I love my job, and I'm so thankfully for the opportunities I've had.
In 2013 I started producing remixes for Cher, Alfie Arcuri, Samantha Jade, Carmen Elektra, Zoë Badwi, Tim Campbell, Nat Conway, Britney Spears, Paulini, Ultra Nate and Marcia Hines.
My first release, ‘Minute Of You’ was a collaboration with James Alexandr, and featured soul diva Nalaya. Australian singer-songwriter, Zoë Badwi and I released 'We Are', ‘Sold My Soul’, 'I've Been Waiting' and ‘Respectable’.
Most recently I released 'Pieces' & 'Hard To Say I'm Sorry' with American singer-songwriter Alan Gendreau.
13. What's most exciting about being a DJ?
I love the energy you get from people when they come to my events. However, I still get nervous which is a good thing.
14. Who are your favorite artists?
Mark Knight, Kaskade & Purple Disco Machine
15. What are your main musical influences, and how have they shaped your style as a DJ?
Mum & Dad loved music, and they always has records playing at home. They had a very eclectic collection ranging from Musical Theater shows, Stevie Wonder and countless Motown artists, Christopher Cross, Carole King, Whitney Houston & The Gypsy Kings. As long as there was music in the house we'd all be jumping and dancing around. Music brings me happiness, which i want to share when I DJ.
16. How do you stay up-to-date with the latest trends in electronic music?
So many people just assume you arrive at a gig and play a set. But I try and keep my sets upbeat and high energy regardless of style, Circuit, Disco, Deep & Tropical House. When putting my sets together I'll make sure I check through promos, and find & buy new tracks to keep things fresh. Then when you're not touring there is always admin that I need to keep up on for gigs and work I have coming up.
17. Did you have any mentors?
I didn't really have any DJ mentors but I had few local and international DJs & Producers I really looked up to for their work ethic and music production.
18. What cities have you worked in and what events or clubs have been highlights?
Winter Party Festival (Miami), White Party (Palm Springs, Puerto Vallarta & Bangkok), Circuit Festival (Barcelona & Miami), XLSIOR Mykonos, TEMPO (São Paulo), Prism Festival (Toronto), Jubileo (Mexico City), WE Party (Madrid), Brüt (London), The Zoo Party (San Diego), Atlantis Events, Heaven (London), FunHouse (Amsterdam), GPS (Los Angeles), PRIDE PLANET M.E.A.T. (New York City), Hydrate & Market Days (Chicago), Munich Pride, Matinee USA, Candyland (Santiago), SEXY (Cologne), VIVA (Buenos Aires), Joining Hearts (Atlanta), HOT TEA (SanFrancisco), ANGEL (Shanghai), PAPA Party, Stereosonic, Sydney Mardi Gras, LifeBall (Vienna) – the list goes on!
My top four:
- Domain Dance Party (Sydney)
- Market Days (Chicago)
- Circuit Festival (Barcelona)
- White Party (Bangkok)
19. Can you tell us about any upcoming projects or collaborations you're excited about?
I'm so excited about the next 12 months. I'm fully booked until February, so now I can focus on producing new music, and working on these new projects which are going to be EPIC!
20. What advice do you have for people who want to be a DJ?
- Be supportive of fellow DJ/Producers and people in the industry.
- Don’t be afraid to take risks.
- Make sure you focus your creativity on original productions and remixes.
21. What has been the most rewarding aspect of your career so far?
I actually brought my Mom to Circuit Festival in Barcelona and on her first Atlantis Cruise in 2019. It was one of my favorites because she was able to see what I’ve achieved, and she loved meeting everyone that I work with too.
Interested in exploring more of Dan Slater's content? Check out the links below:
Website: www.DJDanSlater.com
Merchandise: www.DanceNowDanSlater.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/DJDanSlater
Instagram: www.instagram.com/danielsl8r
Spotify: open.spotify.com/artist/2vPomR7qUAlp61XOVdFmWy
Twitter: www.twitter.com/danielsl8r
Bookings: info@DJDanSlater.com
