Exclusive interview posted the: 12-07- 04   Read more...

Since the release of his debut album Hard & Soul in 1995, and his subsequent beat-mixed dance compilations (Mix This Pussy, Can Your Pussy Do The Dog?, Gag Me With A Tune, and Color Me Danny), the DJ-remixer-producer has traveled the globe spreading the gospel according to house music.

"I'll be honest," confides Danny, "my career has totally escalated since Hard &Soul. And when 'Bottom Heavy' was released as a single, I received much international recognition. It was beyond anything I could've imagined."

In the past three years, Danny has manned the turntable decks in England, Italy, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Spain, Portugal, Germany, and Switzerland. Stateside, he has worked his hard-house magic in such cities as Chicago, Atlanta, Miami, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, and Boston.

Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Danny received his musical training as a mobile DJ in the late-'70s. Before long, he was offered his first steady DJ position. "Oh, those were the days," he chuckles. "I was hired to be the DJ at the Roller Palace, one of the first roller discos in Brooklyn. It was my first true DJ home." Soon thereafter, Danny created a name for himself at several Manhattan clubs, including Stix and Crisco Disco. "And when I wasn't working on the weekends, you can bet that I could be found at the Paradise Garage - [DJ] Larry Levan was the man."

In 1985, Danny packed his records and migrated south to Miami, Florida, where he was the resident DJ at Cheers. "I remember introducing the people to all the New York garage stuff and early Chicago house music. I was living for those sounds," he fondly recalls. "But I knew that I wanted to do more than solely play records that other people made." In 1988, going under the Deep State moniker, Danny had an underground hit with the sample-happy "Waiting For A Call." Three years later -- apparently tired of year-round tan lines -- Danny moved back to New York. Back on his home turf, he played at a variety of clubs, including the Roxy, Twilo, Tunnel, Limelight, Life, and now the successful monthly gig at Vinyl, where he is very happy.

Since returning to New York, Danny has kept a hectic schedule. In addition to his solo career and his DJing, he has remixed/produced over 200 songs, working with such artists as Madonna, Janet Jackson, Grace Jones, Kim Mazelle, Bette Middler, Cher,Pet Shop Boys, and Blondie.

"You know, when I look back at where I've been, I sometimes can't believe it. I have come so far, yet still have much farther to go. Music is my life. I live and breathe it. For me, to see people touched by music is truly a beautiful experience--especially when those people are on a dance floor."

DT's 2003 interview