04/01/2026
I first came across DJ Dan in 1995 while digging at a record store in Orlando. I picked up his Funky Tekno Tribe tape, and it immediately stood out. It was West Coast, a completely different feel from the Florida breakbeats I had been into at the time, but something about it stuck with me.
A few years later around 1999, I heard one of his house mixes on Moonshine Records. That was the turning point for me. That mix is what made me want to start playing house music and I ended up making the switch from breaks not long after.
Over the next several years, Dan’s influence really shaped my path as a DJ. I became known for house and for a period of time I definitely leaned into his style while I was developing my own. One of the coolest things during that time was realizing I’d buy records, play them out, and then later hear Dan playing some of the exact same tracks in his mixes. It felt like we were on the same wavelength.
In 2004 I had the opportunity to play a show with him in Nashville, the only time I was ever on a lineup with him. I got to spend a lot of time with him backstage, talking, helping carry his records up before his set, just being around it all.
During his set, I mentioned one of the tracks he played, and after he finished with it, he handed me the record and told me to keep it. A week or two later he mailed me another record from that night with a note saying it was rare and to make sure I rocked it. That always meant a lot to me.
I was lucky to see him play multiple times over the years, from the first time in Atlanta to the last time here in Nashville. That last video isn’t the greatest quality, small room right up by the booth, but it captures the moment and I’m really glad I have it.
Dan was always genuine, approachable, and down to earth. One of my heroes, and someone who had a real impact on my journey in this scene.
His passing leaves a real void.
Rest easy, Dan. Thank you for the music and the inspiration.
