Dan De Leon has forged a maverick career as a global DJ, Billboard #1 remixer, producer and filmmaker. He is a creative force who is bending genre, rewriting the rules, and bringing it all together with an eye towards what’s next.
His remix work includes #1 singles for Nelly Furtado, Kristine W and others. His debut artist single “SHOW YOU” was signed by DJ’s Chus & Ceballos and released on Stereo Productions (2007) with subsequent releases on Global Underground (2007) and Tommy Boy Records (2008). His latest remix work includes the multi-platinum and Billboard Hot 100 #1 single “CRAVE” by MADONNA (Interscope Records, 2019).
As DJ Dan is playing this Friday night at the Eagle Wilton Manors to start off their weekend celebration of their 3rd anniversary, we thought this would be a good tome to sit down with him for this exclusive Hotspots interview.
When did you realize you wanted to be a DJ?
I started out being a film maker. I had a feature film at 17 and went to Sundance at 19. There was a lot of pressure put on me to keep going in the film industry. At the time I had a friend who was a DJ and I decided I wanted to do a expose about behind the scenes in the club world. Unfortunately, my friend got murdered (long story) and I decided if I was going to finish this film, I had to be a DJ. I became a DJ, and I blew up in one year. The rest is history!
Where are you from, and what brought you to Florida?
I was born in Argentina and my parents immigrated to the US when I was 2. I grew up in LA, and then San Diego. When I turned 40, I moved to Vegas, but that turned out to be scary for me, so I moved to New York, and we lived there during Covid. My B/F (at the time) was a celebrity colorist, and he got a good job offer in Miami, so we moved. We started coming to Wilton a lot and fell in love with it. Unfortunately, my B/F and I broke up, but I decided to move to Wilton, and I am a brand-new gayborhood resident.
What was your first residency, and how did that feel?
I was lucky enough to have my first real residency at the then biggest party in LA, called EGO, and I got to spin there once a month. This was the job that made me grow as a DJ. That same year I did my first Winter Party and White Party.
What separates you from other DJs?
My goal is to always play a journey where I incorporate an infusion of things that are unexpected but become unique. Its dynamic on another level and it’s a heightened experience.
Other than DJing, what do you like to do for fun?
I am a big movie buff, and I like going to the gym. I am also a big outdoorsy guy.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Intense, passionate, and enthusiastic.
What should the Eagle customers expect from your set Friday night to start their 3rd anniversary weekend?
I have been getting a lot of new material together because I wanted to up the ante to thank Eagle for my residency there. I have begun to change the rhythmic soul of what I have been doing. I am really looking forward to showing everybody this new sound this Friday, November 11 at Eagle Wilton Manors.
What does the future hold for you?
I am newly single again and I have committed myself to 12 months of no Boyfriends. I want to take the time to discover myself and to discover my new surroundings.
Dan’s Top 10 this week:
Keep The Love (Jesus Mendiola Remix)
Un Hueso Perra (Percy Delicious Mix)
My Neck, My Back (Juliel & Neuf López Mix)
DJ Jean – The Launch (Jesus Mendiola Remix)
WAP (Jaír Sandoval Mash Up)
Winx – Don’t Laugh (David Tort Remix)
Sam Smith – Unholy (Dario Xavier Remix)
El Verdor (Tom Stephan Remix)
Barbie Girl (Percy Delicious Remix)
Beyoncé – Break My Soul (Juan Niño Remix)
For more information on DJ Dan DeLeon go to djdandeleon.com or linktr.ee/dandeleon.
For more information on the Eagles 3rd anniversary weekend or any of the other events on their roster go to: Eaglebarwm.com.
