Hailing from Denmark, Daniel Kandi has been synonymous with the Trance scene with tracks such as “Soul Searchin”, “Flying Blue”, “Symphonica” as well whole host of other excellent remixes for the likes of Above & Beyond, Gareth Emery and Cosmic Gate. On the decks, the 28 year old is extremely in demand with sets all over the world and he recently placed at Number 124 on DJ Mags recent poll.
The Anjunabeats/Enhanced Recordings star will be playing his first ever headliner set in London on Saturday 10th November at Trance Sanctuary and ahead of his set, we wanted to find out a little more about the man himself.
Hi Daniel, can you remember your first ever clubbing experiences and how easy was it to hear Trance music in Denmark?
Well listening to trance music in clubs in Denmark has NEVER been easy. But back in the day we had the odd night here and there. Club Gorgeous was usually IT!
When did you first start making your own music?
Well I started properly making music using a Software called Reason 3 in 2001, but even before that I was experimenting in Cool Edit Pro and Adobe Audition 1.5 since 1997. Making rather shitty cheesy music I must admit back then!
What is a typical week in the life of Daniel Kandi?
I’m a very spontaneous person, so there is NO typical day! But I make music, get new ideas, play my snooker or pool, meet with friends, and on the weekends fly to wherever I’m demanded to be!
You have played all over the world but where have been some of your favourite gigs been?
It’s not very easy to pick out a favourite. The UK is usually spot on, San Francisco too. Ukraine and Russia are MAD in a good way as well as certain parts of Asia.
Looking back now over your career can you tell about some of the defining moments so far?
I’m really proud of my first gig in London which was back in 2007 at The Gallery at Turnmills. Since then playing at the different A State Of Trance and Trance Around The World parties have been fantastic as well as Trance Energy which is include in my most important gigs to date!
Which other DJs do you enjoy listening to?
I actually don't really listen to that many radio shows any more, but ASOT is still a good one to catch up on. Besides that I listen to other stuff than just EDM.
Your 'Always Alive' record label is part of the Enhanced Music stable. How has your relationship with Enhanced developed over the years?
It's developed from being a possible label for me to work with, to a No. 1 choice for me when it comes to doing my most melodic stuff. I still have good ties with Armada so new stuff will go to them too. I think me and Will Holland the label manager have the same ear for good music, so it’s easy to work with him!
Enhanced Sessions Volume 3 mixed by yourself and Estiva will be released on CD and as a Digital Download on the 26th November. What can your fans expect from your mix?
I can only speak for my own disc, but I can tell you the first half of the disc is mainly very concentrated on great transitions and deep grooves, and more about the current trance 2.0 stuff. But halfway in the energy takes over and sends the bpm and mood to another level. Overall a really great disc with a lot of new exclusive stuff, and some of my personal favourites at the moment.
What are currently your biggest tunes at the moment?
Here is a selection on the tracks that feature on my DJ Chart over on Beatport.com
Daniel Kandi- 3 Strikes UR In (Original Mix) [Always Alive Recordings]
Estiva Feat Josie – Cliché [Enhanced Recordings]
Jjoo – Restless [Always Alive Recordings]
Jjoo – One Night In Soul [Always Alive Recordings]
Aligator feat Daniel Kandi – The Perfect Match [Armada Music]
On the 10th November, you will be headlining for the very first time in London at Trance Sanctuary’s party at Egg nightclub. What do you already know about Trace Sanctuary?
Well I know that it is quickly becoming known for being the best trance party in London. So I’m excited to see what it's all about!
You have previously mentioned your love for the UK clubbing scene, in your opinion what is good about it here?
A lot of clubbers seem to like the driving stuff! Also they never usually let you down as a crowd. I just like being in the UK in general.
What releases can we expect to hear from you in the next few months?
You can expect a lot of new tunes on my record label Always Alive Recordings as well as releases from a load of different upcoming talents! My track "3 Strikes UR In" has just been released and my newest production is called "#trancefamily" so look out for that one.
Being an international DJ sounds likes the dream job, what is the best thing about it?
The places you get to see and the effect you have on people. That's live changing!
Finally we have got some questions from some of your fans; here is what they would like to ask you . . .
Sarah Jones
What are your favourite tracks that you have made?
Not for its lack of club appeal, but “Let Go” for the melody. My remix of "Technology" for having some balls! “Human Beings” Remix also and “Symphonica” for what it’s achieved has to be mentioned. However I change my mind often!
Bill Wright
I am just starting to learn how to produce and I am keen to know how long does it typically take you to make a song?
AGES if you aren't inspired but also just a few hours to a day if all the ideas come together well. The problem with Uplifting Trance is that there is sooo much detail in the work!
Evan Drake
Who is the funniest or craziest DJ or Producer that you have played or worked with and why?
Hmmm, funniest... dunno! Marcus Schossow is hilarious, but haven’t seen him in a while. I have good memories of Arnej tbh ... Funny character!
Thanks for speaking to us Daniel, we look forward to seeing you on the 10th.
Thank you, see you then!
Images courtesy of Daniel kandi. Not to be reproduced without permission.
Ticket information
£6 Early Bird Tickets - SOLD OUT
£9 Advanced Tickets
MOTD
Tickets available now from
Skiddle - http://www.skiddle.com/events/11717082/
View Tickets - http://www.viewlondon.co.uk/clubs/trance-sanctuary-earlybird-tickets-37515-9712.html
If Trance Sanctuary is on your birthday weekend, we'll make it extra special by giving you and a guest free entry. Just send us an email with your name and d.o.b. (and remember to bring ID)!
Described by Harderfaster.net as "London's hottest new event" Trance Sanctuary has gained a reputation for its great festival atmosphere, which has attracted clubbers from all over Europe. After our successful summer events, TS is back on Saturday 10th of November for its biggest party yet at Egg in London.
Headline DJs
Daniel Kandi (Anjunabeats/Enhanced Recordings) http://www.facebook.com/danielkandimusic
Hailing from Denmark, Daniel Kandi has been synonymous with the Trance scene with tracks such as 'Soul Searchin', 'Flying Blue' and a whole host of excellent remixes, On the decks, the 28 year old is highly in demand, having played at numerous A State Of Trance events, as well as countries as far and wide as Argentina and Australia.
With many of his tracks having previously been played at Trance Sanctuary, it's a privilege to welcome the man himself to London on the 10th November.
Signum (Classics Set) http://www.facebook.com/SignumFanPage
Trance Sanctuary has received many calls for a main room classics set, and Signum are without doubt the act to deliver it. Signum have played at every major trance event; from Global Gathering to Dance Valley, to A State Of Trance. Having made classics such as 'Coming On Strong' (As featured in Kevin & Perry Go Large), 'What Ya Got 4 Me', 'Timeloard', 'First Strike' and the Signum remix of Oceanlab - 'Beautiful Together', it's easy to see why Trance classics CD are often littered with Signum releases. Make sure you can say you were there for this special classics set.
Estiva (Enhanced Recordings) http://www.facebook.com/EstivaOfficial
Having made his successful London debut at Trance Sanctuary back in July 2011, Estiva has only increased his reputation as one of the scene's most promising up and coming talents. His tracks such as 'Death Of Me', 'Better Days' and 'Next Level' have been supported by Armin Van Buuren, Above & Beyond and Ferry Corsten. On the gig front, the Dutchman has recently toured North America and Ibiza with his chunky/melodic sound.
Of course Trance Sanctuary isn't just been about our headline acts. Giving exposure to talented local DJs has been a cornerstone of our parties, and with the likes of Ehren Stowers, Mark Landragin, John Mig, OFFSHR, Tristan C and Messy A also playing, this is without doubt a party not to be missed.
The Basement (Main Room)
Daniel Kandi (Anjunabeats, Enhanced Recordings)
Signum (Classics Set)
Estiva (Enhanced Recordings)
Ehren Stowers (Discover Records/Trance Generation)
Mark Landragin David Murtagh (Prehab)
John Mig
Terrace (Room 2)
OFFSHR
Tristan C (Pure Dance)
Messy A
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