To start off, would you mind introducing yourself for our readers?
Hey guys. My name is Danny Avila and I’m an electronic dance music producer and DJ from Spain. Thanks for having me!
How and when did you discover the passion for music that directed you into producing music?
When I was a kid, I used to wakeboard all the time. It was my main passion. I also played piano and violin a lot, and music, in general, was something I was interested in. When I suffered from a wakeboarding injury, I decided to focus more of my time on music. Whenever I saw a DJ, whether it was on TV or at a local bar, it always interested me so I decided to buy a really cheap mixer and began practicing and playing at friends’ parties. I made a bit of money and upgraded to CDJs and from there, I got into production and song-writing. Still, to this day, the piano is my main writing tool and source of inspiration – and wakeboarding has remained my favorite thing to do in my free time.
Do you have any artists or performers that come to mind when asked how you got started in DJing?
Roger Sanchez and the whole Toolroom movement definitely played a huge part in my love for house music. One of my idols, Fedde Le Grand, was my mentor when I first got into production and even now we’re quite close friends. In the early stages of my DJing career, Tiësto and Steve Aoki were also both influences for me.
Are you excited to play any upcoming shows? Anything have you more exciting than usual?
I’m playing in Atlantic City pretty soon which I’m super stoked for. I’ve got a big show at Premier Nightclub in the Borgata Hotel. Then I’ll be stopping off in New York, Denver and Chicago as well. I recently had a huge tour of Asia which was a big deal for me and a lot of fun. We’re getting closer and closer to the festival season which is my favorite time of the year. I’m really looking forward to Tomorrowland again this year.
When not performing, what kind of music do you prefer to listen to? Along with that, who are some of your favorite artists?
I love hip hop, rap and legends like Clapton and Hendrix, of course. I often use these styles as inspiration for my own tracks – that’s something I’ve always done and the result is my style of electronic music that seems to really connect with others.
What is the biggest venue that you’ve played at thus far?
Ministry of Sound in London and Ushuaia in Ibiza are two of the biggest, I think. They both have mind-blowing sound systems and show production so the entire experience is next-level.
What was your favorite venue to perform in?
When I first started my residency at Hakkasan, that was incredible. I was so young that I had to have my own security team of bodyguards that escorted me from my hotel to the club and back again as soon as I finished my set. They were making sure I never drank any alcohol in the club – it was crazy! It’s a very special place for me. The vibe all year round is phenomenal.
What was it like working with artists like The Vamps and Machine Gun Kelly?
Machine Gun Kelly is one of my favorite rappers and The Vamps are super chill guys so it was a great experience. I feel like each of our individual styles complimented each other amazingly well, which made the production process feel quick and natural. It’s the worst when those kind of collabs are just too forced.
Who was the coolest or most interesting artist that you worked with while producing?
Working with Tujamo on ‘Cream’ was sick. He’s such a versatile producer!
Fedde Le Grand really helped me turn my typhoon of ideas into a focused piece of music.
Any other big surprises to come in the rest of 2018?
I can’t reveal too much at this stage. I did, however, just sign an international deal with SONY Music Spain so I can assure you that a load of new music is on the way – ‘Too Good To Be True’ is just the beginning. I’ll also be playing more and more shows as my career progresses which is such a blessing as it means I’ll get to see more and more of my awesome fans, all around the world.
For any young DJs and or producers that may be reading, do you have any advice?
I could give you endless tips and tricks, but the one thing that I want you guys to think about is defining yourself as an artist in your own right. Find your sound, your style, your signature. The world is getting super bored with all the copy-cat cookie-cutter DJs that keep rolling through with the same stuff. Be different and be weird – make the music that you want to make!
Do you have any final thoughts?
See you in Atlantic City!! Also, it wouldn’t be an interview without a little plug – if you guys haven’t heard it yet, go check out my new single that features The Vamps and Machine Gun Kelly. It’s called ‘Too Good To Be True’ and it’s out now.
And with that, the questions for Danny were all answered. Check out the track he plugged – Too Good To Be True – below.