Beatportal Interview: The Danny Tenaglia odyssey

Beatportal Interview: The Danny Tenaglia odyssey

23 May, 2008 | 1.03AM

• Section: Music News Topics: Beatport Blog
• Written by: housemeister

Fueled by his love of music, the fans he’s captured, and the clubs he’s graced, Danny Tenaglia’s rise to fame and dance culture dominance has been sure-footed and tenacious every step of the way.

Beatportal interviews the legendary DJ and producer about his beginnings as a DJ and his recent return to the studio, influences and inspirations of the past and present, and his new release, ‘The Space Dance’. 

Given the pedigree of DJs that you witnessed growing up, is there a particular moment where you were inspired to become a DJ?

It was an eight track I got my hands on from a DJ named Paul Casella.

He played at a club called Monastery on Queens Blvd.

From the moment I heard that tape back in ‘73, I knew what I would do for the rest of my life—the rest is history.

I got to meet him and learn more from him and I’m still in contact with him until this day.

South Beach has changed a lot since the early 90s. With so many interesting clubs, what contributions does Miami have to offer the global music scene?

It’s really only during Winter Music Conference week that Miami truly shines musically on a global scale.

For the past couple of years, Miami has really lacked the adventurous and diverse spirit that it had in the 90s and at the beginning of this decade.

The clubs have gotten a lot more commercial and don’t really push the boundaries with new sounds and DJs.

It’s become too much about the glam and money, which in turn has made the music being played at the clubs very simple and dull. 

If anyone is still keeping that spirit alive it’s DJs like Oscar G, Ralph Falcon, Cue and Patrick M.

How do you feel that the art of DJ-ing has evolved since you started?

Technology has changed things greatly.

There are now computer programs and effects machines that can manipulate sounds in ways that were unimaginable when I started out.

Also with the ways that tracks are passed around online, it has made it harder to have the exclusive records that many DJs used to use to set them apart from other DJs.

This has made it so that you have to work harder to keep your sets sounding fresh and unique, using re-edits and finding tracks that aren’t as accessible or obvious.

Which peers currently inspire you?

Lately I’m really feeling Davide Squillace.

His productions are incredible, and he’s a wicked DJ too.

Also Luca Bacchetti, another excellent Italian DJ and producer.

On a more established level, Dubfire and Richie Hawtin; Danny Krivit on the deep house tip.

Honestly, there are too many to mention—I’m a fan of many types of music.

What’s the concept behind the ‘Futurism’ compilation?

It’s been six years since I released my ‘Back to Basics’ and ‘Choice Classics’ compilations.

Not only is a new installment long overdue, but I also felt that it was a good time to put a compilation out that reflects what I’ve currently been playing at clubs and festivals.

You can still catch me playing deep house and classics, such as the Groovejet classics parties at the last 2 WMCs, and the nights of Garage classics that I’ve done at Cielo in NYC.

How did your new single, ‘The Space Dance’ come about? [check it out in the player below]

Just by me being inspired by my new residency at Space in Ibiza every Thursday this season, and joking around in the studio on the microphone.

Coming from the days of big boards in big rooms, what’s the state of your studio setup these days?

It’s been shrunken down and is primarily software-based, centered around a Mac Pro running Logic, Ableton, and other programs, while still incorporating some choice outboard gear like the Moog Voyager, vintage pieces like the Roland 808, along with other outboard effects and synths.

You keep your DJ schedule to limited special occasions. What’s your philosophy behind this?

Less is better. I’m not in this for the money.

I take the time to enjoy my life and my journey, to spend quality time with my family and friends.

If I traveled as much as I was in demand, I’d never see my own bed.

It’s all about living a balanced life, and spending most of my year on the road seems excessive.

You’ve remixed some top names in the industry. Which mixes keep ringing in your ears?

The Orb’s ‘Little Fluffy Clouds’, Kings of Tomorrow’s ‘Finally’, Depeche Mode’s ‘I Feel Loved’, Dajae’s ‘You Got Me Up’, Blondie’s ‘Nothing Is Real But The Girl’.

Many like to label your music under a certain category, but how would you describe your sound going forward and the message it emulates?

I have a classic approach in that I can play everything from deep, techno, tribal, acid etc.

There’s no specific way to describe it - the music I play speaks for itself. 

I’ll even play some Zeppelin in one of my sets.

The message is ‘Be Yourself’.

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Catch Danny Tenaglia play a 6-hour set this Sunday, May 25th at Beta Nightclub in Denver, Colorado.

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