The propulsive and uncompromising nature of D.Dan’s sound, both DJing and on record, tactfully navigates a distinct intersection of raw grooves, slippery psychedelia and visceral techno bass rhythmics. Informed by his Korean- American roots, musical training as a percussionist, experiences in the Seattle DIY underground, and current residency in the notable Berlin-based party Mala Junta, D.Dan’s sets create an intense state of dynamic tension, deep hypnosis, and sublime release, evolving to define a singular sound and experience.
D.Dan began his musical journey in his hometown of Seattle playing in shoegaze and psych-rock bands, as well as attaining a musical education as an ensemble and corps percussionist. He bought his first Technics turntables in 2010 originally out of an interest in turntablism, but quickly discovered the world of electronic music and subsequently dove head first into the Seattle underground club and DIY scene. In 2014 D.Dan had his first residency at a monthly UK Club/jungle night called Structure, where he started to forge his own sound melding jungle and UK influences with old-school and modern
techno. As D.Dan delved deeper into the Seattle underground, he became involved in running a DIY house venue called Salmon Town, as well as throwing warehouse raves, club nights, and renegades in Seattle’s expansive natural landscapes with a crew called secondnature, where he held his second residency honing his craft for longer journeys with a more hypnotic deep
techno-centric sound. Meanwhile D.Dan’s expansive engagement with dance music culture broadened at this time with his involvement in teaching fundamental sound engineering courses and hosting an internet radio show at the University of Washington, interning at several local record labels, and assisting in weekly overnight FM radio shows at the renowned KEXP Radio.
In 2016, D.Dan moved to Berlin, where he is currently based. He found a genuine connection with the sound and ethos of Mala Junta, parties which are recently contributing to an exciting wave of new energy in Berlin, and was invited to become the party’s first resident after performing his debut at Mala Junta in 2018. D.Dan has found the space to fluorish within the energetic Berlin club landscape at Mala Junta over the last years, with notable closings, all- nighters, a 12.5 hour b2b with DJ TOOL, and recently with Mala Junta showcases at Berghain Klubnachts. During this time he also had his breakthrough releases “Covert Operation EP” and “Mutant Future EP”, as well as releases on Arsenik Records, Amniote Editions under his Sidewinder alias, and the Kyiv club K41-affiliated Standard Deviation, which brought wider recognition but also a deeper impression as a multi-faceted artist. In 2021 D.Dan debuted his summerpup record label as his own platform to further carve out his own distinct sound and release secret weapons from his close affiliates.