Sit Down With An Artist: Dan Newman

Welcome to the third instalment of 'Sit Down With An Artist.' This time, we’re talking to Dan Newman, a DJ/producer hailing from Wales who brings a fresh, unconventional approach to the scene.

His sets are a whirlwind journey through a multitude of genres including house, techno, garage, break-beat, disco, electro, trance, and ghetto house. What sets him apart? It's the consistent undercurrent of high-octane, euphoric energy that pulses through every track selection. Dan's talent has caught the attention of major players in the industry; his productions have graced the airwaves of Radio 1, Rinse FM, and Circoloco Radio.

In fact, he was crowned 'One To Watch for 2021' by Jaguar on her BBC Radio 1 Introducing Show. His latest endeavour? A remix of 'Hold It Down' by Joshua James released on the iconic Hooj Choons label. The EP has received nods of approval from renowned DJs like Kamma & Masalo, Amaliah, and Jaguar.

1. How is 2024 treating you? 

So far 2024 has been incredible! I feel like so much has happened in a short space of time, it’s been a bit of a whirlwind! From signing to one of my dream labels to getting played out by one of my favourite DJ’s Job Jobse, it’s been pretty surreal so far! 

2. What’s been your favourite venue to play to date? What sort of club, time, country?

So far my favourite venue to play is still The Vaults in Cardiff. A dingy underground bank vault in the outskirts of Cardiff Bay with a full Void system, honestly, what more do you need haha! I played there recently supporting Ewan McVicar, Low Steppa and Marcel Dettman, but I’ll always remember playing the main room supporting Charlie Sparks, the energy from the crowd was unmatched, unreal night. Huge N.R.G. 

I’ve always been attracted to the dingier clubs, maybe a few strobes and a smoke machine, a big fat soundsystem, a place that makes you feel like you can just let go. De School in Amsterdam done this perfectly and so did Sankeys in Ibiza, both gone now which is a massive shame, but they nailed it on the head for me. I really want to get out playing in Amsterdam soon however, the later the set the better haha! The N.R.G and music that’s coming from that place right now is second to none. From the clubs to the DJs, they’re doing it right. 

 

3. What’s the scene like in Wales? And how is it playing on Welsh soil? 

It’s honestly a bit of a weird one in Wales and always has been for me, but I really feel like the scene is getting some revitalisation as of lately. There are some insanely talented Welsh artists coming through the ranks lately which I feel might give Wales that extra push it needs. Artists like Tywi, Aloka, Jody Barr and BBY GOOSE are just some of many I’ve been following for some time now and it makes me feel optimistic for the future of clubbing in Wales. Playing on Welsh soil is unbeatable for me haha, especially in The Valleys, the crowd are just relentless and have so much energy to give. 

4. What’s been a break through moment for you? 

I think a breakthrough moment for me was honestly having my 2 track EP released on Hooj Choons this time last year. I’ve got vinyl records from Hooj and it was a brand that shaped my sound to this day and always loved growing up. To release on Hooj was a massive moment for me and ever since then I’ve felt a massive shift in my music. I felt like I was going in the right direction with my music and to get one of the tracks from the EP played on Radio 1 by Jaguar, just added to that feeling. It really gave me that motivation and energy to keep moving forward.

5. Where do you draw inspiration from for your high energy music? Who are your idols? 

Originally it came from listening to mates of mine old happy hardcore CDs like Bonkers, Hardcore Heaven with DJs like Darren Styles, Hixxy & Breeze. It was just a super euphoric, high energy sound and it caught my ear instantly. I started moving towards house and techno and getting more into DJs like Jackmaster, his style of DJing to me was unrivalled at the time, it was super authentic, eclectic and had all the twists and turns a good DJ set should have, whilst keeping it high energy throughout. My current inspiration now comes from current and past DJs/Producers such as Tony De Vit, Job Jobse, Saoirse, Ewan McVicar, The Chemical Brothers, The Prodigy and Underworld.

6. How did it feel to get recognition from renowned DJs like Job Jobse, Dusky, Benwal Paige Tomlinson and Jaguar.

Honestly, it’s been one of the biggest compliments I think I or any other producer could receive. To have your productions played out by the people who inspire you most and have done for over 10 years in some cases (Dusky), it’s just another level and to see the crowds reactions, well, that just takes it even higher. That’s what it’s all about for me.

7. What three tracks never leave your USB at the moment? 

• DJ Wifi - Work That Body
• Da Fool - Meet Him At The Blue Oyster Bar
• Edvinn - Shake That Shimmy

8. What music do you listen to outside dance?

My Spotify is pretty much full of music from artists such as Khruangbin, Glass Beams, Thundercat, Benny Sings and A Tribe Called Quest. Bizarrely I usually listen to more chilled out music in my spare time and even some Country music like William Prince, quite the opposite to the energy/style of dance music I play haha! But I might put on some Italian Dream House from time to time to just get that sunshine balearic feeling.

9. What upcoming projects or collaborations can fans look forward to? 

I can’t say too much unfortunately, but at the moment I have full confirmation on 2 singles coming out this Summer and a 3 track EP out on another label in early September. One of the singles has gained a bit of buzz lately, so I think people will know which one this is haha! The other single is a collaboration with the super talented BBY GOOSE from Cardiff, very 90s trance, sunshine vibes with a modern touch, which I’m so excited to see finally release!

 

Head over to Dan Newman’s Instagram and SoundCloud to dive into his latest tracks. If house, techno, garage, and breakbeat are your thing, this is a must-follow. Stay saucy.