DJ DAN is one of America’s most highly sought after DJ/producers who continually breaks new musical ground. Beginning as Los Angeles’ top techno DJ in the early 90′s, he went on to inspire the breakbeat trend a few short years later with the classic anthem ‘Loose Caboose.’ Later DJ DAN reinvented the sound with ‘Needle Damage’–a fusion of all that is hard and funky. He has toured the world over, releasing numerous highly celebrated singles and popular CD’s.

These days, “America’s Most Beloved DJ” is busier than ever. Between releasing his brand new mix CD “Lift”, gearing up a multitude of releases on his In Stereo label, working extensively in the studio with Hatiras, and his non-stop touring, he barely has any free time at all. Luckily, he was able to spare a few minutes to participate in this interview. We hope you enjoy reading a fascinating discussion with this true pioneer of the funky house sound.

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FHM: You come from a large family of nine brothers and sisters. Has anyone else in your family ever been involved in music? How did they initially react to your decision to dedicate your career to this industry? How do they react today to your success in the dance music world?

DAN: My brothers and sisters were total rockers, they were all metal heads and always thought my taste in music was silly, which I thought was cool because I thought their music had no funk. My parents really supported my music addiction, it kept me busy so they could chase my other brothers and sisters all day. My mother was originally concerned that I would not be able to make a living out of being a dj and because she really wanted to see me pursue a career in design. When she realized that I had actually gone back to my first love and that it really made me happy, she wished me the best. None of my family really saw what I was doing until about 3 years ago when my sister came out to see me dj at Area 2. She then told all my brothers and sisters that she understood it finally and that was cool to see her dancing to music that was fairly new to her. That was great! Read more

Some say with the turn of a season the Electronic Dance Culture embraces a genre and propels its popularity beyond its other musical counterparts. Most would agree that the fluctuation in popularity has nothing to do with forces of nature; rather at the center of any successful uprising you’ll find innovative arrangements, ass-shaking beats and unparalleled production. Take multiple EPs of this nature, within a reasonably short time frame, and you have the formula for a dominant dance genre. 2004 found House Music re-immersing within the EDM Culture with strong production from major players across the globe. Enter Jon Pegnato. This Los Angeles based DJ/Producer has been making waves with groundbreaking music and floor filling performances earning him a nomination in URB Magazine’s Top 100 of 2004 and multiple gigs throughout the United States.

Jon was kind enough to accept our interview. Here is a small piece in the life of Mr. Pegnato’

FHM: Where do you hail from?

JP: Los Angeles, CA ‘ USA

FHM: Were you a DJ first, or a producer first?

JP: DJ

FHM: As a relatively new DJ/Producer, you are certainly experiencing a lot of new emotions. With that in mind, what is the most frustrating thing about being a producer in today’s dance culture?

JP: It’s a lot harder than I thought it would be. It seems at times, that if you’re not producing a mainstream sound, or kissing ass, then you’re brushed aside as average, or not an up-to-par producer. I guess that is just the way the cookie crumbles.

FHM: Tell us about your favorite gig so far as a performer? Was it stateside, or an international affair? Describe the vibe of the experience.

JP: One of my favorite experiences on the road thus far has been in Grand Rapids, MI. The people there are just dope. They all come in from surrounding cities, to drink, have a good time, and enjoy house music; which is what I’m all about! I find that the vibe in smaller club settings is always a better experience for me, than larger events. I like being able to talk to people, and see them up close. I don’t like being that ‘dot’ on stage. Plus, I love being able to leave the decks to get another beer, or two. Read more

Born and raised on Chicago ‘s Southside, Steve Smooth first entered the dance music scene in 1991. Starting out at a record store and then a Chicago based independent record label, he became immersed in the house music culture. As a DJ, Steve worked to perfect his style of mixing, hitting the Chicago club circuit. This, along with guest appearances on several college radio stations helped to gain him recognition, eventually leading to a frequent guest spot on the Sunday mix show, “The Street Flava,” which aired on Chicago’s largest radio station B96 (96.3 FM).

Steve has since ventured into the studio, producing and remixing tracks for some of the hottest dance labels, including, International House Records and Moody Recordings. With his first mixes on “Everyday My Life” by legendary house diva, Dajae, and the remix of the vocal anthem, “Time” by Dajae, Steve quickly made his mark in the house and dance music community. As well, his work has received much deserved attention from Billboard Magazine.

His first original production “Beat Freaker” created a frenzy on dance-floors, worldwide. As a production force to be reckoned with, Steve’s skills in the studio have earned him a part on Bad Boy Bill’s production team, giving him credit on Bad Boy Bill’s dance-floor hits, “Everybody,” “Costa Del Sol” and “Happy.” Now, his latest singles, “Release” on International House Records, “Get Naked” on Motus & “Discoteca” on Moody (with his producing partner JJ Flores) have become bonafide hits and have been getting play by the world’s top DJs, as well as play on the most respected mix show, BBC Radio 1.

But that’s not all; in addition to producing, Steve is maintaining an impressive DJ schedule. Currently voted as one of ” America ‘s Favorite DJs”, according to BPM Magazine, he placed within the top 10 among house DJs. This past year alone he took his skills as a DJ and sound to over 100 shows in areas like the UK, Germany, Spain, Hong Kong, Canada, and North/South America. Read more

Hatiras is without a doubt one of the most talented, and respected, producers in today’s funky house scene. He shot to fame in 2000, with the release of “Spaced Invader”, one of the most recognizable funky house tunes of all time. Spaced Invader not only received a diverse range of support from house, progressive, techno, and hard-dance djs alike, but was also remixed by drum’n'bass legend, J Majik, single-handedly creating the “disco d’n'b” craze a few years ago.

Currently, Hatiras is releasing chart-toppers on his new BlowMedia label, including the recent international hit, “Moneyshot”. Be sure to check out BlowMedia’s latest releases, Macca’s “Late Night Sessions” and Kid Massive’s “Bring It On / 7th Day.”

How long have you been DJing/producing for?

I released my first record in 1997 after a year or two of messing around in the studio. Also, I started DJing for fun around 1993, but didn’t actually start touring until around 1999.

What got you into Dance/House Music?

As a kid I was influenced by the rhythm and energy of funk and disco. However, it wasn’t until my sister gave me a DJ mix tape in the mid-1980′s, that I fell in love with early electronic and never turned back. From there I went on a rampage hunting down dance music, making mix tapes, and playing lots of video games.

What equipment is in your studio (hardware + software), and what do you use the most?

Did Colonel Saunders give up his secret recipe? Here’s what I can tell you: I used to produce on an EMU sampler, Mackie mixing console and some Roland gear (which I still have). Lately, I’ve been using a lot of software on my jacked-up computer (even though I have access to tons of gear). I firmly believe that it isn’t how big your equipment is ‘ it’s all about how you use it.

You currently work with Jaxon as Hatjak and have produced a lot of material under that name, have you talked with any other producers or artists to work on any other projects? Read more