DJ Dan Slater :: 'Dazed' But Not Confused

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Featured DJ Dan Slater is headlining at Circuit Daze, the Saturday evening Bill Hardt event, which is returning to the Hall of Champions in Balboa Park after many years in other venues throughout the city. The Rage Monthly spoke to this hot Aussie about coming up from down under.

Slater grew up in Sydney, Australia and, as he said, music has always been a part of his life. "There was always music playing in the house and in the car and my Mum was a music teacher, so she taught me how to play the piano and saxophone." He developed a passion for dance music early as well, laughing as he shared, "My first cassette single - remember those? - that I had was 2 Unlimited's "Workaholic." I used to make my own mix tapes for my friends: "Dan- iel's 100 Percent Hits!" I guess it just goes to show that the DJ bug was in his blood from the get-go.

There have been many sojourns along the way to the booth, though his early days also began on a stage. Music was a part of the process as well, but his perspective was very different. Rhythm is innate to his character, obviously, though this time it took him into a much more physical realm. Slater talked about that part of his life.

"I worked as a professional dancer from the age of 18. I toured with numerous major musicals throughout Australia and Asia, as well as dancing for recording artists, corporate events and TV commercials. It was a really fun career, but in the end, I became hungry for something different."

Modeling and event production are a part of his repertoire as well and both followed. "I used to produce the entertainment for numerous events in Sydney. I really enjoyed the creative process. From casting and choreographing dancers, to designing costumes and creating the overall concept on stage. It was hard work and often stressful, but it's really rewarding seeing the impact it makes on an event." Slater laughed again when he added, "I still model some, advertising campaigns and TV commercials mostly. It was a shock at first, but now I'm regularly cast as the 'young family father.' " Guess nobody escapes the march of time...

His DJ calling started as a part of his continued search for something different to fulfill his creative needs, though it quickly became a full-time gig. "I started to play around on the decks towards the end of 2011; I got the bug and found myself behind them at every opportunity. My career really kicked off when I won the Sydney Mardi Gras DJ Spin-Off Competition in March 2012. It's been a crazy non-stop journey since then." He talked about his favorite experience thus far: "DJing in one of the biggest pavilions at Sydney Mardi Gras this year was an amazing experience, but I have to say that Paradise Club in Mykonos last year was pretty special too."

There is a lot that goes into planning world-class dance events and Slater had this to say about what makes for a successful one: "Quality music, good production and promotion and a great crowd that is ready to have fun is key - leave the attitude at home!"

This is his first gig in the U.S.. As to what he is expecting, Slater had this to offer: "I made my U.S. debut on this tour, and the crowds here know how to have a good time and are musically aware. I always get a little nervous in new territories, because I never know how the crowd is going to react to my set, but I kicked off this tour spinning at New York Pride, so I'm raring to go when I get to San Diego!"

The Hardt of Pride

Pride is upon us once again and the mix of international DJs is about to heat up dance floors all over the city. Nobody does a better job of reeling in the best than Bill Hardt Presents when it comes to top talent. Each year Hardt's four parties are a veritable list of "who is who" on the international DJ scene and 2014 is no exception. Opening the weekend for the Pride Ball at Spin nightclub on Friday, July 18, are local talents Shane Stiel and Floridian Alyson Calagna, who bring their unique styles of music to the Spin floor.

On Saturday, July 19, look for Circuit Daze, returning to the Hall of Champions in Balboa Park, with international superstars, Danny Verde as well as Dan Slater. Sunday, July 20 brings the famed Zoo Party featuring a spin-off between local DJs Marcel Hetu and Taj, followed by superstar Wayne G (see his interview in our May edition). Finally, to cap off the weekend also on Sunday, look for Pride veteran, DJ Rosabel, at downtown's House of Blues, spinning for Fete Accompli, the close to the weekend's festivities.

For tickets and more information on any of the events go to billhardtpresents.com

Pride Bar Hot Spots

BABYCAKES

Annual After Parade Party

Saturday, July 19

#1 FIFTH AVE.

Lolapalooza - Friday, July 18

The Big Pride Party

Saturday, July 19 and Sunday, July 20

FLICKS

HillcrestSocialNet Parade Viewing Party

Saturday, July 19

Current Music Video Requests

Saturday, July 19

Pride Sunday Beer Bust

Sunday, July 20

MARTINIS ABOVE FOURTH TABLE + STAGE

RuPaul's Drag Race Kelly Mantle & Friends

Comedy Show - Saturday, July 19

Gay Bingo Brunch - Sunday, July 20

RICH'S

#Lez Pride Blackout Party - Thursday, July 17

Dirty Pop Pride - Friday, July 18

Pride Parade Party - Saturday, July 19

Pride Massive Afterhours - Saturday, July 19

THE LOFT

Pride Leather Night Party - Thursday, July 17

THE MERROW

Bearracuda - Friday, July 18

Pride Parking Lot Party - Saturday, July 19

TOP OF THE BAY

LGBT Happy Hour at Porto Vista Hotel

Friday, July 18