When the words “old school” and “rave” get put together, few DJs are remembered as fondly as California’s house music superstar DJ Dan. But this true legend is far from fading away. Dan just released his first artist album, Future Retro, after two decades in the scene. The CD combines remakes of Dan’s favorite dance music classics, from Company B and Midnight Star to Frankie Knuckles and Larry Heard, with new productions by Dan with guests Überzone, Hatiras and Dave Audé.
URB ask Dan to go through his shoebox and pick out some of his all time favorite mixtapes and CDs. Here’s what he dug out.
The Early Years
DJ Dan & Ron D Core – DX2 Volume 1
This was the mixtape that really kicked things off for me in LA. It had myself on one side and Ron D. Core on the other. I put all my tricks in the mix, from scratching my name in the intro to playing the Public Enemy “Bring The Noise” accapella over the top of a bangin techno track. This tape kicked off the legendary DX2 series that not only got Ron and I booked every weekend, but also provided us with credit at the record stores.
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DJ Dan – Imagine
A downtempo mix I did shortly after my mother passed away. It has very special meaning to me because she was my guiding light and my biggest inspiration. This mix takes you on a very special journey that I hope everyone enjoys as much as I did making it.
Side A
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Side B
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Garth – Gangsta Groove
Wow! Talk about a mixtape that had everyone hunting for rare tracks. Garth would put the best of both trippy and funky jams all in the mix and do it with such ease that it made you want to go hear him just because you knew nobody else had the tracks or could throw it down quite like him.
Jeno – Energy
Jeno was the first DJ I ever heard take the whole psychedelic sound of clashing musical styles to a new level. With his Impeccable mixing style, flawless programming skills and incredible ear for music, he could mix his ass off while peaking the dancefloor with his intense sets.
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DJ Spun & Josh
Live at Come-Unity. When a party in SF rocked, it was the best party on the planet as far as I am concerned. These guys rocked it on this set, enough said. Classic!
Side A (DJ Spun)
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Side B (Josh)
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Someone just sent in Garth’s ‘Gangsta Groove’. I’ll get it posted soon.