Dan Azzo is a DJ and producer based in Australia, known for blending the classic and contemporary sounds of house music. Drawing inspiration from the golden era of house, his high-energy sets and productions merge deep basslines with dramatic builds, paying homage to house music’s roots in queer nightlife.
He has performed at iconic events like Sydney’s Mardi Gras Party and Amsterdam Pride, alongside house legends such as Carl Cox and Louie Vega. Eariler this year, Azzo released his debut single “Perfect Love” featuring Ngaiire – an unashamed celebration of vocally-led, passionately created timeless house music that calls to mind legends of the house scene like Dennis Ferrer and Sandy Rivera.
After receiving global support from The Blessed Madonna, Nic Fanciulli, Jamie Jones, Kiddy Smile, and Defected Records, ‘Perfect Love’ has now been remixed by the legendary Stereogamous, who have collaborated with RÜFÜS DU SOL, Kylie Minogue, and George Michael.
With the remix out now, we caught up with Azzo to discuss his journey in music to date.
Who were some of the key artists or tracks that inspired you to pursue a career in house music, and how have they shaped your sound today? Can you recall a pivotal moment or experience in your early years that sparked your passion for house music and set you on this path?
It all started when I picked up the Ministry of Sound 2005 Annual CD. As an early teen, it felt life-changing. Tracks like “My My My” by Armand Van Helden, “Strings of Life” by Soul Central, “Lola’s Theme” by The Shapeshifters, and Junior Jack’s “Stupidisco” had a huge impact on me and are still on heavy rotation. In the past couple of years, I’ve had the incredible experience of sharing stages with both Soul Central and The Shapeshifters, which feels like a full-circle moment.
How does your cultural background and upbringing in Australia influence the music you create and perform?
Growing up in Western Sydney, or “The Area,” I was surrounded by a mix of cultures and sounds. Locally, R&B was huge, and at home, my Italian and Maltese parents were a little too obsessed with their ABBA and Bee Gees records—while my nonna always had Italian radio on, playing Italodisco and pop. What ties all these together is the soul and passion behind them, which is something I carry into everything I create and perform.
Could you talk about the role of technology in your production process? Are there any tools or techniques you swear by?
From using Spotify’s algorithm to discover references, to composing with Ableton, technology plays an extremely important role in my process. Plugins, high-quality sample libraries, and effects processors offer a lot of inspiration, versatility, and room for experimentation. However, without the support of talented people, these tools would only get me so far. Big shout-out to the all-round musical genius Chris Arnott and mastering engineer Klaus “Heavyweight” Hill.
How did you and Ngaiire find common ground musically when creating “Perfect Love,” given her background in R&B and future soul and your roots in house music? What surprised you most about working with Ngaiire during the production process, and how did her unique style influence the final sound of the track?
That she said yes to working together… I’ve been a massive fan of Ngaiire since her debut album, Lamentations, first came out. Her powerful, soulful voice just captures you. House music is packed with emotion, and I couldn’t think of anyone more perfect to collaborate with.
What do you hope listeners take away from “Perfect Love” on both a musical and emotional level?
I want people to feel energized when they hear “Perfect Love.” Whether that’s dancing their faces off by getting lost in the beat and rhythm, or coming together to share special moments of joy and connection.
How has the Australian house music scene evolved since you first started, and where do you see it heading in the future?
It’s definitely evolved, but there’s still a way to go. As a queer performer, it can sometimes feel difficult to navigate a largely straight, male-dominated scene without feeling like the “diversity hire.” However, One Hit Agency, the Sydney promoter behind Club Above and the Defected and Glitterbox Australasia tours, has been making moves—bringing out house legends and giving local queer artists a platform to share stages with them authentically, paving the way for more diverse lineups in the future.
Can you share a memorable moment from your European tour that had a lasting impact on you as an artist?
It was all really special, but a standout was playing at Amsterdam Pride on the iconic canals, surrounded by hundreds of thousands of people. The connection was incredible, and it felt like everyone was fully on board with the energy I was bringing. As an artist, it was a reminder that at the end of the day, I’m there to make others feel something—it’s not about me.
How do you maintain your creative energy and avoid burnout while managing such a demanding schedule?
Ritalin… But seriously, before my late ADHD diagnosis, I thought I was lazy, uninterested in everything, and incapable of properly expressing my creativity. Now that I understand my challenges and strengths related to ADHD, I’ve developed coping strategies, such as medication and mindfulness exercises.
What role do you believe house music plays in today’s global music landscape, particularly in bringing different communities together?
House music has always been about unity and love. It’s a genre that brings people together, transcending boundaries and celebrating diversity. Now, more than ever, we need to lift each other up, stand against the hate, and lead with love.
Perfect Love (Stereogamous Remix) is out now
The post “I’m there to make others feel something” Dan Azzo interview appeared first on Magnetic Magazine.