Danny Fontana: Believe in yourself!

Danny Fontana, an artist and producer, hailing from Milan, has made significant waves in the techno scene since 2011. Known for his dynamic collaborations with techno titans such as Sasha Carassi, Kevin De Vries, Spektre, and many others, Fontana has cemented his place in the electronic music world. His affiliations with prestigious labels like Phobiq, Funk’N Deep, and Respekt Recordings, among others, underscore his versatility and ability to push the boundaries of techno. Danny is the owner of labels Syncopate and We Are Existence, and two new labels. His international appeal was further bolstered by performances in iconic venues, including Amsterdam\’s Melkweg, showcasing his deep, dark melodic techno to audiences across Europe. Fontana\’s sound, appreciated by industry heavyweights like Carl Cox and Alan Fitzpatrick, is renowned for its depth and innovative approach to techno. Danny\’s development took place due to hard work and self-belief. And now he continues to invest strength, love and finances in everything he does.

Recently Danny’s new “Limitless” EP was released on Codex! So, let’s talk!

ー Hello, Daniele! We are happy to see you on the pages of Tune in Mag! How are you? Where in the world are you right now? How is your beginning of the year? How busy is this winter compared to fall? With a number of new releases, I imagine you\’re very busy right now.
ー Hello everyone at Tune In Mag! Currently, I live in Italy, specifically in Milan, with my partner Annie and my 1 year old daughter Lana. I\’m truly grateful for the opportunity to be here today and share a bit of my journey with you all. 2024 has kicked off on a really positive note with my recent release on the renowned label CODEX. I\’d like to extend a sincere thanks to Spartaque for believing in my music and my future projects. Currently, I\’m excitedly initiating a partnership with IAMT Group alongside my team. Together, we\’re committed to elevating my label, We Are Existence, co-founded with Annie Hill, focused on Peak Time Techno, as well as my two new labels, \”Rave\” for Raw Techno and \”Not Human\” for Melodic Techno. Our goal is to provide maximum visibility to our artists and enhance our company\’s profile. At this moment, I\’m deeply engaged in overseeing the general management of my brand, planning upcoming shows, and managing the artists on our roster. I\’m also focusing on the continuous development of my studio. Regarding upcoming releases, I\’m hard at work on my next EP, always aiming for quality sounds that capture the attention of listeners and industry professionals.

ー Danny, since stepping into the electronic music scene in 2011, how do you feel your music has evolved, and what pivotal moments have significantly shaped your sound?
ー In 2011, I officially began my journey in the world of music production with the release of my first track, \”Eggman\”, on Beatport through the prestigious label Neurotraxx. At that time, I harbored ambitions of standing among the great producers of the music scene. My passion for music runs deep, dating back to 2000 when I first delved into sound creation. Growing up with a father who was a drummer, I was immersed in a rich environment of melodies and rhythms, further fueling my passion for musical artistry. 2015 marked a significant moment in my career when I played my first guest DJ set at Club Le Ménestrel in Lyon, France. It was there that I began to fully understand the potential of turning my passion into a full-time profession, a realization that has since materialized over the years. Since then, I have dedicated myself with determination to honing my skills and building a solid reputation in the music industry. Each step taken has been guided by my profound love for music and an unwavering pursuit of artistic perfection.I look forward to the future with excitement and gratitude for the opportunities that have come my way along the journey.

ー Your latest release \”Limitless\” with Elvis Ojeda and Annie Hill on Codex showcases a unique blend of energies. Could you share the inspiration behind these tracks and the experience of working with Elvis, Annie and The Codex team?
ー Releasing our EP on Codex and joining their roster of artists is an important milestone for us. Our collaboration with Elvis Ojeda began a year ago, and from the outset, a strong friendship quickly formed. Despite residing in the Dominican Republic, we have forged a close and authentic bond.  This year, we are thrilled to bring our music to ADE Music in Amsterdam, one of the most renowned festivals in the electronic music scene. \”Limitless\” was born from our desire to offer audiences a fresh and captivating product, with engaging and emotional vocals. The choice of Tiger Stripes was natural; he is an artist we greatly admire, and we have shared many of his tracks in our DJ sets over time. Collaborating with him, a prominent artist from Drumcode, was an honor and a source of great satisfaction for us. \”Dystopia\”, on the other hand, stemmed from an idea by Annie Hill, my life and music partner. Together, we worked to create a track that conveyed a dystopian atmosphere, and we are pleased with the result.

ー With \”Scattered\” featuring on the \”Sonic Perspectives\” EP on your We Are Existence label, what story are you telling with this release? Share the details of the work and creation of this album.
ー \”Sonic Perspectives\” stands as a testament to the diverse talents within the electronic music realm, meticulously curated and produced by yours truly. Each track within this compilation serves as a window into the sonic landscapes crafted by a select group of artists, showcasing their unique perspectives and creativity. \”Scattered\”, my latest collaboration with the esteemed Elvis Ojeda, embodies the relentless energy and boundless creativity that defines our partnership. It\’s a track that pulsates with vitality and promises to ignite dance floors worldwide. I eagerly anticipate the moment when I can unleash it upon my audience during my upcoming DJ Set (stay tuned for further details, which I\’ll be delighted to share in subsequent inquiries). Within this compilation, you\’ll discover a total of six tracks, each a distinct expression of artistic vision. From the haunting melodies of Aradya to the raw intensity of AILS, and the hypnotic rhythms of Jon E. Thin, every contribution adds a layer of depth and complexity to the overarching narrative. Annie Hill\’s inclusion further enriches the tapestry of sounds present, infusing the compilation with her experimental signature style and undeniable talent. Together, these tracks encapsulate the essence of my label, We Are Existence, serving as a testament to our commitment to pushing the boundaries of electronic music.

ー As the owner of We Are Existence, what\’s your vision for the label, and how do you curate artists and releases to align with this vision? Are there any exciting projects on the horizon that you can share with us?
ー Our label, We Are Existence, was born from the desire to express our musical personality, promote established artists, and provide a platform for emerging talent. We are dedicated to delivering meticulously crafted, high-quality music, paying attention to every detail. Personally, I oversee the managerial aspects and ensure a wide range of sound thanks to my expertise developed over the years. As a sound designer, I handle mixing and mastering, utilizing my studio equipped with analog machines to deliver a warm and powerful sound that sets us apart in DJ sets and captivates the listener\’s ear. We offer top-notch promotion through our established partnerships, notably with IAMT, allowing us to showcase our artists through their podcasts in our Existence Series, hosted by We Are Resonance and managed by Scott Sardena. Additionally, our artists are featured on renowned platforms such as Techno.FM and across our social channels. On March 23rd of this year, we will host our first Showcase in Sweden at the Etage club in Malmo. The lineup will feature Annie Hill, David Bean, Dahl, and myself, and we are thrilled for the opportunity to perform. This event holds particular significance for me as it marks my first guest appearance in Sweden. I am constantly engaged in planning and strategizing for the future of both myself and our brand.

ー Working with a diverse array of artists and labels, such as Sasha Carassi and Spektre, how do these collaborations influence your creative process, and what do you look for in a collaborative partner?
ー Collaborating with such esteemed artists has undeniably bolstered my self-assurance and belief in my creative capabilities. Their recognition within the techno community is profound, making the experience of releasing on labels like Sasha\’s Phobiq and Spektre\’s Respekt incredibly fulfilling for me. Additionally, having the opportunity to remix their tracks has been a highlight of my career thus far. I\’ve also had the privilege of collaborating with talented international artists, such as Kevin De Vries. His remix of my track \”Metamorphosis\” on Sasha\’s Phobiq label back in 2017 was a significant milestone. Witnessing Kevin\’s remarkable journey and his rise to prominence, with regular appearances in the illustrious lineups of Tale Of Us\’ Afterlife events, fills me with genuine joy and admiration. I sincerely wish him continued success in his endeavors. In my collaborations, including the recent one with Tiger Stripes, I always strive to envision future release opportunities. My ultimate aspiration is to see my music on Drumcode, a goal shared by many techno artists. With the unwavering support of my peers and mentors, I am confident that this dream will become a reality in due time.

ー You\’ve graced many stages in different countries of the world. Do you have a particularly memorable performance, and what makes a live show unforgettable for you?
ー During the COVID period, I had the opportunity to perform at Festiv L\’Art in Meaux, near Paris, France. It was an exceptional experience as I took the stage in front of a crowd of 15,000 people. I want to express my deep gratitude to Keros, who provided me with the opportunity to participate in this remarkable event, a moment that will remain etched in my memory. I\’ve had the honor of playing at numerous venues across Europe, but another unforgettable moment was at Melkweg in the Netherlands, where I had the privilege of entertaining a crowd of 2,000 people with my music. The energy and enthusiasm of the crowd made this experience unique and unforgettable. These moments were not only professional milestones but also extraordinary human experiences that have enriched me deeply. I look back with gratitude at these opportunities that have allowed me to connect with my audience in such a meaningful way.

ー Tell three interesting facts about yourself we have never heard.
ー In 2021, I contemplated quitting music; it was my lowest point, and I was spiraling into depression. I owe immense gratitude to Annie for reigniting my passion for life and music. Spending three months in Helsinki was transformative, and upon returning to Italy, I underwent a mindset shift. I invested all of myself and my finances into my studio, which now ensures I can pursue my craft wholeheartedly.
ー My first music-making software was Magix Music Maker 2002, and I used to record music onto cassette tapes from my Hi-Fi system. During middle school, I would bring the cassette to the bus driver, who played it while driving us to school.
ー Many people think I\’m fortunate to live off music, but they need to know that for 20 years I\’ve always believed in myself even though I wasn\’t earning anything, working low-wage jobs, and surrounded by people who didn\’t believe in me. What I\’m achieving is the result of thousands of hours spent producing music without expecting anything from anyone.

ー We offer you a short blitz survey:) Share with our readers your favorite:
ー hobby: music, video games;
ー track that always inspires you: Enrico Sangiuliano – Hidden T (Original Mix);
ー book: Napoleon Hill “Think And Grow Rich”;
ー film: “Rocky”;
ー dish: Pizza (I\’m Italian :).

ー Maybe you want to say something to our readers at the end?
ー Only my favorite phrase: Believe in yourself!

ー Thank you for the interview! We look forward to the new releases from you!
ー Thank you too!

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