It
must be something in the water, as many talented folk have emerged
from that emerald green isle of Ireland. One of those people is
DJ/Producer “Danny Cullen“. A name synonymous
with pure quality dance music infused with an emotional substance.
Danny has been paving his own way to stardom from early on. He lit
the way under his joint project “Tucandeo“,
alongside fellow Irishman and friend “Kevin Murphy“.
The sound they joyfully forged in the studio went on to influence
numerous artists and music enthusiasts around the world, gaining them
both a clear advantage, ushering them like a strong current to the
forefront of the dance music scene. Their music was heavily supported
by some of the industry’s high flyers including a personal interest
by none other than “Markus Schulz” himself. In
addition to all that, a lifelong dream was realized, the launch of
“In Sessions“, a label focused on the search for
the next best thing that embodies the sound they love. All good
things must come to an end and so the power duo of artists parted
ways. Danny continued on a solo career, donning a new name and
releasing lots of new spellbinding material as “Artisan“.
Many new and exciting adventures lie ahead for Danny and I am
fortunate to present you with an exclusive interview I did with the
man himself for TranceFix.nl!
Question
1:
Could
you please share with us all the tale of how a young Irish guy became
an active member of the dance music scene?
It
was around the early 2000s when I first got involved in the music
scene. I had a friend who worked in the music industry and I just
said to him one day…how do you do that? Luckily for me, he was
happy to show me the ropes! From this point I started to carve out my
own pathway onto the dance floor.
Question
2:
Alongside
Kevin Murphy as the legendary producer duo dubbed “Tucandeo” you
introduced us to your own distinct and characteristic sound that was
unlike no other, infusing the dance music community with said sound
and gathering your own loyal followers as well as the full attention
of well known and established artists. What would you consider as
your big break and when did you realize this is what you most desired
in life?
The
"Tucandeo" days will always hold a special place in my heart…our
first major support was from "Paul Van Dyk" for a remix competition in
2010. The Tucandeo sound was created and support followed from
artists like "Tiesto", "Armin Van Buuren", "Paul Oakenfold" and, in
particular, "Markus Schulz". What really made it for me was seeing how
much of an impact our music had on people and seeing how happy it
made them. That’s what it’s about. One really special moment for
me was playing at "Luminosity Beach Festival" in 2011. Watching
people’s reaction to the music was insane!
Question
3:
After
years of vast success under the previously mentioned “Tucandeo”
project the two of you went your separate ways and just when we were
all wondering what will happen next out of nowhere “Artisan” was
born. What was your inspiration behind this alias and what has it
meant to you?
Artisan
was created to share a more progressive big room sound, ideal for
clubs. I’ve always loved emotional melodies especially soundtrack
music. I wanted to experiment and combine this with a more
progressive dance sound that would captivate an audience.
Question
4:
There
are rumors that you will be reviving your sound under your own name.
Is this a fact and what inspired this change?
The
rumors are true! I’m really excited to release under my own name
this year. I’m going to combine all of the styles of my previous
aliases to create a fresh, unique sound. It’ll be a massive year
for music!
Question
5:
What
big plans are in store for next year and could you please share some
information about that?
The
year has already kicked off with a bang with the release of “Miri”
under "Aly & Fila’s" "Future Sound of Egypt"! Expect more great
tracks to be released under "Armada Music", "Universal" and others. I’m
thrilled about upcoming collaborations with the likes of "Marlo",
"Christina Novelli", "Hit The Bass" to name a few…
Question
6:
Which
artists were your biggest inspiration when entering the scene years
back and who are some of the artists that inspire you today?
I’ve
always been a huge fan of music with touching melodies… I was
inspired by artists like "ATB", "Moby", "Tiesto", "Ferry Corsten" and "Markus
Schulz". These days I draw inspiration from so many sources, from
everyday experiences to music produced from artists across all
genres. "Hans Zimmer" would be high up on the list. His film scores are
incredible!
Question
7:
You
have been rather quiet on the music front as of late but rumor has it
that lots of new music is ready to surface? Care to share some
information regarding that?
Absolutely,
I’ve been cooking up quite a storm in the studio. There will be
lots going on in the forthcoming months. I have a collaboration with
"Drew Ryn" and "Hit The Bass" out this month on "Armada" which Armin has
already shown huge support for on his radio show. As for new
releases… watch this space
Question
8:
Running
your own label “In Sessions Recordings” is no small feat and you
always seem to discover some really unique and creative artists out
there. What is the process behind it all?
It’s
been great to have the opportunity to promote some really talented,
upcoming producers. We have a great team for scouting these artists
and helping them develop their sound. I think it’s really important
to give honest, positive feedback to an artist. This allows them to
find their own sound and add at the richness of the scene.
Question
9:
A
while back you released a mix compilation entitled “Artisan
presents In Sessions Volume 1”. A fantastic two disc journey,
packed with some exclusive music by yourself and some of the label’s
finest. Any plans for a second installment and if so when can we
expect it?
It
took quite some time to piece together a two disc package to create
"In Sessions Volume 1". Luckily, we had many talented artists who
wanted to contribute. With regards to another installment, it’s
definitely a possibility further down the line…
Question
10:
Which
artists would you like to collaborate with if you had the chance and
who were some of your favorites you worked with in the past?
It’s
funny that you’re asking me this question now! I’m currently
working with one of my favorite singers in the scene, "Christina
Novelli". The collaboration also includes another artist who is
massive in the scene but I can’t share the info yet! I’m also
working on some exciting music with my buddy Dimitris, better known
as "Hit The Bass". I really enjoy working with others artists as I feel
it’s more than just business. I’ve been lucky to make many
friends along the way, artists like "Anki", "Dennis Sheperd" and "Nifra" to
name a few and hopefully many more to come
Question
11:
Many
know you from your releases on “Markus Schulz’s” “Coldharbour
Recordings”. Any plans for a return to the harbour or even
participating in one of their themed “Coldharbour Nights”?
I’ve
always worked closely with "Coldharbour Recordings" under various
aliases. "Markus Schulz" has always been very supportive to me. I would
certainly like to work more with the label down the line and would
even be happy to get involved in the nights.
Question
12:
What
inspires you to begin your creative process when working on music and
is your music ever based on your own personal experiences?
Inspiration
can flow from absolutely anywhere or anything! I’m always aware
throughout the day… simple things like a walk in nature, a film, a
chat with a loved one, travelling, playing in front of a crowd of
fans can really boost my will to create music. Everything I’ve
created to date relates to my personal experiences, good and bad.
Emotions always come out in my music no matter what they are.
Question
13:
When
not busy in the studio creating ecstatic beats what else do you enjoy
doing to pass the time? Are you one who enjoys traveling or do you
have any other hobbies?
I
like to spend a lot of time keeping healthy and fit at the gym,
escaping the city with walks and socializing with friends. I also
find time to get lost in a good book or relax to a nice movie.
Question
14:
Some
artists choose a place to unwind from the craziness and fast pace of
the scene to relax and regenerate themselves. Do you practice this as
well and what is your safe haven so to speak?
I often find myself out in nature when I need
to take time away from the studio. I really find it peaceful and it
often puts me into a meditative state.
Question
15:
What
are your five all time favorite tracks from the dance music scene and
which out of your own creations holds a special meaning to you?
Here
are five of my favorites "Motorcycle - As The Rush Comes", "Rank 1 –
Airwave", "Robert Miles – Children", "Reflekt - Need To Feel Loved" and
"ATB – Ecstasy".
It’s
amazing how a track can transport you back in time… My
collaboration, ‘Awake’ with "Molly Bancroft" under "Tucandeo" is
certainly a timeless track for me that holds a special place in my
heart. I’ve taken it to many shows and it always receives a great
response. It brings back so many great memories for me, in particular
from playing at events like "Luminosity Beach" and "Trance Nation".
A
massive thank you for your time and amazing interview Danny!
(This interview was conducted and written for Trancefix.nl in March 2019)
