Dan Kelly - My Year In Hard Dance

What's been your biggest achievement of the year?

It's hard to say really.. 2011 has been an amazing year for me! Personal highlights would probably be.. My track with Chris Cornish being played by Kutski on BBC Radio 1. Playing a set from the Radio 1 studios at Cafe Mambo in Ibiza for BFBS Radio 1. My tracks getting in the top 5 on Trackitdown and the KloneZ remix of my track getting to number 1! Playing on the main stage of various amazing events alongside Organ Donors, Mark EG, Scott Attrill, Eddie Halliwell and many many more. For the trance side of my productions my highlights would be gaining support from Rank 1, Stonebridge and many other legendary artists, including 'Devotion' achieving 'Tune of The Month' on the USA's #1 DJ Christopher Lawrence's Rush Hour radio show. Also having my tracks featured in Mixmag is always amazing!

What moments will you never forget?

A couple of things stand out for me.. Probably running the main stage at Summit Festival 11' due to the amount of stress created and organisational problems! :-P Other than that it would have to be playing a set from the Cafe Mambo studios and chilling out and partying with the Cosmic Gate guys afterwards. 

Who's been your favourite newcomer of the year?

Again a hard question.. I think some of the new 'Hard Electrik' stuff coming out is great. Guys like Leon B, Jordan Duke, Joe Rodgers, Leon Clarke and others have began the new wave of hard dance and I believe they are the future of the sound. A big mention has to go to Lee Mac who after having many releases on Electrik Shandy has gone on to produce and remix for some of the biggest labels and artists worldwide. Some of the guys who have impressed us at Electrik Shandy towers this year include Tom Brown, Prime Perception,  Shaun T, Revolution 19, Eddie Hallett, Criostasis, Philthy  Jennorators and a few others. 

Who's been the artist of the year for you?

A hard question... but I think KloneZ has been the man to beat this year. Forward thinking and banging work every time without fail! It was a great honour to have him remix my track back in the summer. Other than that I would have to say the Organ Donors.. for the new skool sound they are moulding with such massive results! The times I have seen them DJ they have blown me away too. Other artists doing the business for me are the Riot! Recordings guys, Leon B, Scott Attrill, Jordan Duke, Leon Clarke etc. Each of them pushing their own sound forward and absolutely nailing it in my opinion! A special mention has to go out to all the boys down here in the South West UK.. Some serious talent around here and I'm very proud to be a part of what's happening! Big shout to Louk, Leon B, Mike Steventon, Side E-fect, Arron Jones, Busho, Joe-e, Nick the Kid and anyone else I have missed out!

What's been your favourite label of the year?

I would say Electrik Shandy Recordings! Not just because I co-own it :-P but a large majority of the tracks I have played have come from one of our three labels! I think this means we are doing something right anyway! Other than that Riot! & Traffic have done the damage for me! Great stuff coming from the South West's Digitally Infected & Compulzion too! 

What do you think has been the best track of the year?

There's a few! The KloneZ remix of my track with Lucy Clarke is one of my favourites for sure.. The fact it's a remix of my own track is a bonus! Lol. A track called 'Homeless' by Tom Brown signed to Electrik Shandy has featured heavily in my sets.. Also Jordan Duke's track 'Near Me' on Riot! has probably had more than its fair share of plays from myself.. big fan of that! My favourite track of the year has to be the Dark By Design remix of Shaun T - In Flux on Electrik Shandy.. Gaz is one of my all time idols and this remix just blew me away! It was an honour having him on the label.. It was featured in Mixmag too! 

What's been your favourite event of the year?

So many to choose from.. Goodgreef with Eddie Halliwell, Tidy Weekender, Judgement Sundays and loads more! but I would have to say my favourite was Summit Festival 11' where Electrik Shandy ran the main stage and we had a bloody good laugh doing it! Considering the weather was typical English summer time - torrential rain, it was an amazing event where the Organ Donors, Scott Attrill and Leon B all played wicked sets and I absolutely loved my set! Free to download on my soundcloud! ;-) 

What's the funniest thing that's happened to you?

Definitely something that happened in Ibiza.. just wish I could remember more from the trip :-P The funniest thing I can actually remember involves me getting stuck in the toilet of our chalet at the Tidy Weekender in March and having to get the old Pontin's caretaker to get me out at 3am.. I had to fend for myself for at least half and hour before the door was kicked down. I felt like a shit version of Bear Grylls. 

What do you have planned for the next year?

Lots of new tunes! Originals and collaborations! Lots of gigs.. Including the brand new Noize events in Exeter ran by Leon B & Scott Attrill which I am very excited about! Festivals, Ibiza 2012, the new 'House of Trance' podcast I'm presenting, remixes for some wicked labels and so much more! Keep doing what I'm doing now really.. keep on learning and keep on evolving my sound! In terms of the label 'Electrik Shandy Recordings' we have sooo much planned! The big 100th release compilation is taking shape and we are very excited about it! Myself and Arron Jones are on mix duties and we have some brand new material to let loose as well as a big selection of shandy classics from the last 3 years. Along with a new series of 'Electrik Shandy Remixed' releases and the usual top notch hard dance we are gearing up for another busy and impressive year! :-)

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