Described by Above & Beyond as "A master of epic chord progressions and big room Trance", Dan Stone is certainly a name to look out for. The 32 year old has had releases such as 'Made in Bahrain', ‘Mumbai’ and ‘Crafted’ on the highly respected label Anjunabeats, which threw him into the trance limelight. Not only talented in the studio, Dan's DJ career has started to gain momentum and on Saturday 19th March, he will be headlining the first ever Trance Sanctuary event at Raduno in Farringdon. So we thought we would catch up with the man himself to find out about his past, present and future.
So Dan can you tell us who were your early influences when you first took an interest in dance music?
My early influences had to be Signum & Agnelli & Nelson. They were, in my personal opinion, a true inspiration.
It was over 13 years ago when you began playing in clubs, can you tell us though the process you went through from DJing to actually producing your own material?
Well, I actually started off playing in the commercial dance clubs in East Anglia. That was where I pretty much played all styles of dance and gained my knowledge of reading the crowd and confidence technically. Then I got a bit fed up of playing all styles and really wanted to get into my true passion which had always been trance. The process basically sent me back to the starting block with promoting myself as a specialist DJ, I got into a few local promoters events on a regular basis and then started to learn the skills of producing my own tracks and the rest, as they say, is history.
Talk us though the way you work in the studio, what is your method for making your tracks?
Usually I start with a string sequence and then melody, then when I'm happy with that I build the track around it.
You have had 7 releases now on Anjunabeats, what is your relationship like with the Anjuna crew and how much does it mean to you that you are able to put your own material, out on such a big label?
I'll be honest, It still hasn't quite sunk in that I'm an Anjunabeats artist, it was my dream to even get one track signed let alone 7, and as you know the label has some amazing talents so to even be alongside them is a true honour. The team are great, they are so down to earth and are extremely professional. You feel like you're a respected artist with them :0)
What's the best advice you can give to any aspiring producer?
All I can say is just stick at it! There's so much competition out there so try and gather as many contacts and develop good relationships with artists on the scene as you can, as they say its not just what you know.
You have played at events such as Gatecrasher, Passion and Digital Society, which has been your favourite ever gig and why?
Well all of the above where brilliant gigs, and its nice to play to a true trance crowd. But the best gig had to be TATW in Poland last October. It was my biggest one to date. The crowd and atmosphere was amazing and I had the honour of following on from Above & Beyond in front of 2,500 people!! Still makes me smile thinking about it today.
What has been the funniest track requests you have had while playing?
The funniest request was somebody requesting a Beyonce track . . . on a trance night!!! ha ha!!
How important do you think the intimate sized events are to the scene as well as the big events in the big clubs?
It doesn't matter how big or small the event, Its the crowd that makes it happen and the buzz you get is just as good.
In terms of your set at Trance Sanctuary, what can those in attendance expect from you?
Well I've been very busy in the studio the last few months working on some remixes that are slightly slower/proggy in groove but still keeping my sound so looking forward to giving them my first play on the night as well as maybe a brand new single in my usual peak time style and some of my previous releases thrown in too.
And what plans have you got for the rest of 2011?
Just carry on the productions and push more on the gigs. My first US date has just been confirmed for September so really excited about that and I'm hoping I'll be travelling a lot more this year too as well as some amazing UK parties lined up in Newcastle & Leeds. I'll also be doing some exciting collaborations with Nitrous Oxide, Ferry Tayle and maybe Max Graham.
Photos courtesy of Dan Stone. Not to be reproduced without permission.
Join us for an afternoon and evening of Uplifting, Progressive, Tech and Melodic Trance from some of the best up and coming talents the UK scene has to offer.
It all takes place at Raduno in Farringdon, an intimate venue with a powerful sound system. So whether it’s your main event or pre-party, you will find a friendly crowd which shares a love for the music.
LINE UP
DAN STONE www.djdanstone.com
For our launch event we are delighted to welcome highly respected DJ/Producer Dan Stone. Known mostly for his huge releases on Above & Beyond's record label Anjunabeats, Dan has started to forge a successful international DJ career that has included appearances at Digital Society, Gatecrasher and a recent Trance Around The World gig in Poland.
DAVE HORNE www.myspace.com/davehornemusic
Joining Dan on the decks will be fellow Anjuna artist Dave Horne.
Initially making a name for himself as warm-up DJ for stars such as Armin van Buuren, Above & Beyond and Paul Oakenfold, Dave has had two tracks ‘Q.E.D’ and 'In Our Dreams' signed to the global dance label Anjunadeep.
MARK LANDRAGIN www.marklandragin.com
Mark Landragin has had a very successful last 12 months having made his international debut in Canada, as well as appearing after Paul Van Dyk on the German's UK Tour in London. The 25 year old has also been making progress on the production front too, having had tracks signed to Prehab and Total Digital Recordings.
DJ ERC
DJ Erc's position as one of London's most loved Trance DJs has been firmly set over the last year and a half as a resident and co-promoter of the Odyssey parties. We shall look forward to seeing his undoubted enthusiasm behind the Trance Sanctuary decks.
AREEN B2B JUSTIN POZZILLI
This duo from London party Turmoil are extremely versatile and always play the right music for the right occasion. Having featured alongside the likes of Armin Van Buuren, Judge Jules and Super 8 & Tab, they will certainly know what will go down well on the 19th March.
JACK SUMPTER
Jack has made regular appearances at the Ministry of Sound over the past 12 months and closed the year in style playing at NYE Electronic Sessions Boat Party. Bringing his fresh sounds and new ideas to the decks, Jack is the ideal DJ to play the first ever set at Trance Sanctuary.
ENTRY DETAILS
Entry is £5 on the concession list or £7 on the door. Please email info@trancesanctuary.com to gain your place on the list.
Please note that no ID = no entry and that management have the right to refuse admission. No sportswear or hats allowed.
So clear your calendars and dust off your dancing shoes. We hope you will join us for the ride.
Venue - Raduno (Next door to Fabric) 85 Charterhouse Street, Farringdon, London, EC1M 6HT
We are looking for talented DJs to play at our future events. Please bring along a mix demo + written bio to our launch party if you would like to be involved.
From: Nikki Son 27th Mar 2011 16:06.41 Congratulations Dan ... I remember some of those early sets up in Norwich .. it's great to see you rocking it! xx
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