A Dutch progressive house DJ and producer, Dannic, born Daan Romers, has a passionate love-affair with dance music, sparked by the Netherlands’ deep roots in the genre. Continuing to evolve and grow as an artist, he has jetted up the charts to be the #26 ranked DJ in the world according to DJ Mag. His lengthy list of releases, EP’s, remixes and compilations include tracks with Hardwell, Dyro, Sick Individuals and Bright Lights, among a list of others. Ever-spreading his sound, Dannic launched his own label, Fonk Recordings, and continues to tour the world over.

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SCP: Coming from Breda, Netherlands describe your hometown a little bit. What would you suggest a first-time visitor to see and do?

Dannic: It’s a beautiful place full of history and great scenery! There are a lot of nice restaurants and café’s in Breda. My favorites are: Café Janssen en Café Bruxelles. I used to play there, kind of started my career there. When I’m home I still go there to party with my friends.

Photo courtesy | Michiel Buijse

SCP: Dutch dance music is a staple in the scene. What about your home country can you attribute the cultivation or inspiration of artists to?

Dannic: I think it’s because so many amazing DJs, producers and artists have grown to become icons — Tiësto, Hardwell, Fedde Le Grand for example — come from Breda. It gives the next generation of producers the inspiration that anything is possible, which drives a lot of people to pursue careers in dance music and entertainment. I think that’s something you can really see in the growth of ADE (Amsterdam Dance Event), too.

SCP: When searching for a personal getaway, are you looking for a relaxing beach? Or are you after a more active, adventurous getaway? Why?

Dannic: A beach for me! I spend a lot of time in cities with shows, so when I do finally get a vacation I like to relax. I visited Cuba around Christmas, which was my first “real” vacation in a while. I recharged in such beautiful surroundings.

Photo courtesy | Bryan Jones

SCP: What is the most beautiful outdoor location that you have performed at?

Dannic: Green Valley in Brazil. It’s surrounded by plants in the jungle and has continued to grow since winning #1 in the DJ Mag Top 100 Clubs Poll — a breath-taking place!

SCP: Describe the excitement leading up to the launch of your own imprint, Fonk Recordings. What are you looking to achieve under this brand?

Dannic: I wanted to bring new talent to the surface and showcase fresh music that would fit in with the vibe I wanted on the label — funky house! For me that’s where the magic happens on the dance floor and in the club, when the crowds can really feel the groove. We’ve had some great feedback on the first two releases and we’re just getting ready to release our third soon. Looking forward to hearing what the fans have to say!

SCP: How does music and travel fit together?

Dannic: In so many ways! Fans travel to events to see DJs they love and even catch flights to other countries to see their favorite DJs! Music can take my mind off a long flight or even inspire me to continue on a track or a remix. The two fit together so well. I think it’s hard to imagine one without the other.

SCP: One of our core objectives at SCP is to bring people together while traveling, not only to influence people to see and appreciate our beautiful world, but to also minimize cross-cultural divides. What effect does traveling, specifically surrounding dance music, have on humans in this regard? How has it broadened your perspective of the world?

Dannic: It has shown me that music has no restrictions to who can enjoy it. Music is truly universal and doesn’t discriminate. Travelling has shown me that as the fans come out all over the world to catch shows and enjoy live music, in particular dance and electronic. It’s beautiful to see how far the music and energy can travel!

Photo courtesy | Richard Rydge

SCP: Everyone has a list of places that they still have to hit. What are some of the places you still have to go to, either to perform in or on a personal trip? Why?

Dannic: There are too many, but I’ve been lucky enough to play in many places I thought I’d never get to visit, like South America and Africa. I played Australia a few years ago and would love to return!

SCP: Most destinations have a festival that they’re known for, whether it’s Mardi Gras in New Orleans or Oktoberfest in Munich. Which one stands out to you? What about it makes it attractive and unique?

Dannic: It would have to be Ultra [Music Festival] in Miami! It falls during the end of Miami Music Week each March and is just crazy. Everyone from the industry, so DJs, producers, journalists, managers and labels etc., all go along to party, sign new deals and showcase new tracks. Ultra feels like the climax to the whole week with a lot of different artists playing. I played on the Revealed Recordings stage that we hosted this year. The feeling is just so electric which is what makes it unique.

Photo courtesy | Sebastien Camelot

SCP: Lastly, when’s the next vacation and where to?

Dannic: No strict vacation yet until way after the summer, but I’m heading over to Asia to China and Japan before I have some more European dates in Italy, Germany and Netherlands. Excited to play some crazy shows, spend some time exploring the cities and eating some good local food!

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For more on Dannic visit his website: