After visits spanning the globe, the Residents Series stops off at home in Dublin for a very special fifth episode. This week, we’re joined by one of the city’s fastest rising talents; Mr Daniel Stritch. Formerly the go-to man for the memorable JACK brand, he’s gone on to lead the way for its worthy successor Sense and their Button Factory-based adventures, sharing the stage in recent months with everyone from Jaymo & Andy George to John Digweed, while also also throwing it down with the likes of the Strictly Deep crew and the Curve outfit.
We caught up with Dan this week ahead of his show with Maeve’s Baikal to talk making a break, the ideal opening set and an upcoming debut appearance at Forbidden Fruit Festival. Enjoy!
WWD : Thanks for taking the time to chat Dan! We’re delighted to have you featuring in our Residents Series. We know a lot of Dublin’s clubbers would love to know about how you first got involved in DJing?
Thanks for having me. Growing up I was always big into my music, then when I started in DIT I decided to act on it so I joined the DJ society, it was just a group of people in the basement of the college with Pioneer decks and a mixer, people would play a few tracks and jump in and out, it all spiralled from there then.
WWD : Your residency at Sense is quite the mark of respect for a DJ still very much at the beginning at his career. How did the opportunity come about? Has it provided a good platform for you to develop your career?
My first residency was with JACK, when that slowed down the guys from Sense approached me about doing some shows for them, they showed me their forthcoming bookings and I was really impressed, since i’ve started working with Sense I’ve been involved in some great shows, up next is Sidney Charles on May23rd, Im buzzing for that one.
WWD : Talk to us about some of your fondest memories as a resident! Who are the guys who have impressed you behind the decks?
Tough one, Ive had seen some amazing DJs over the past few years but to name a few. Jamie Jones at DC10 2 years ago was special, I also played just before John Digweed at the Button Factory this year. His set that night was one to remember.
WWD : Can you give us an insight into your secret recipe for the ideal warm-up?
I think the ideal warm up needs alot of preparation, firstly it’s vital you know exactly what vibe the headliner is going to play, listen to there previous recorded sets online etc if your not sure, then you can have a rough idea of what way your going to take your set. The key part for me is not going to heavy and dropping it down 15 minutes before the main act comes on, that way your giving them the option to start off whatever way they want.
WWD : You’re all set to make your Forbidden Fruit debut this year, how does that feel?
I’m delighted to be booked to play, what makes it even better that its one of the biggest line ups to hit Ireland in the last few years. Im playing on the Saturday evening. All I need to do now is buy a new t shirt for it lol!
WWD : I know you’re busy working away in the studio, if you could put a track together with anyone from the FF line-up who would it be?
It would have to be Hot Since 82, my sound is similar to his so it would be a good fit, Im also a big fan of everything on Crosstown Rebels so doing something with Damian Lazarus would be very cool too.
WWD : One track that for you will be an anthem this Summer?
That’s a tough one, It’s not released just yet but I’ll go with
Azarii & lll – Reckless With Your Love (Steve Lawler remix). I’ve included it in the the mix for those who have not heard it yet!
WWD : Before we leave you, give us the big dates coming up in your diary for the next few months!
Baikal at the Opium rooms on May 15th is my next big one followed by Sidney Charles on May 23rd, Ive also been booked for the Forbidden fruit afterparty with Hot Since 82 on May 31st. Apart from that Ive some cool shows in for Galway & Waterford this summer.
Hear Dan Stritch LIVE on Existence every Monday night from 11pm (GMT) on RTE Pulse.
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