Dano

In an era of advancing technology and the Internet, today’s music industry has seen the
rules for business rewritten and the doors to a global music community open where before
they remained closed to all but a few select major record labels with deep pockets and
strong influences. Until recently, dance music in America has remained somewhat of a
novelty to the public at large, often being poorly represented by the various media outlets,
if represented at all. However, with the recent burst of commercially-fueled enthusiasm in
the progressive / trance genre settling down to a more balanced, less ‘market-hyped’
level, underground house music is re-emerging as the enduring backbone of the so-called
electronic dance music. And with the world watching, the West coast of America has
revealed several key players in the evolution of house music…

Within this musical landscape, San Francisco’s own Dano has emerged as one of the Bay
Area’s most prolific DJ/producers championing what has recently been coined as the tech
house genre. In addition to owning and managing Red Melon Records, Dano maintains
arduous production and touring schedules. The year 2000 was a breakthrough year for
him, following five years of solid production for Red Melon culminating in a slew of
remixes for artist such as Dajae, Terry Lee Brown, Jr., Mood II Swing and Swayzak,
along with various projects for such respected labels as NRK Sound Division, Honchos
Music, Junior Recordings, and Low Pressings. He has also completed two mix albums
recently; one for the Under Cover Music Group’s Tech House Phenomenon CD series
and more recently, Slip N Slide’s Mix CD compilation entitled Golden Gate Grooves.
As a DJ, Dano began developing his turntable skills after attending architecture school in
Copenhagen, Denmark in 1990, where he was initially exposed to the underground sounds
of house and techno in small clubs around the city. Once settled in San Francisco in
1994, he began honing his mixing skills and developing a unique sound that blended
elements of techno and house. Influenced along the way by the legendary Wicked and
Come-Unity contingents, Dano went on to plant the seeds of working relationships that
eventually rooted the Red Melon imprint into existence. Currently preparing its sixteenth
release, Red Melon has championed a style that reflects many of Dano’s own tastes and
influences. By deftly combining various elements of techno, house, funk, and the everpresent
‘groove factor’ into a unique sound that is hard to categorize but never sacrificing
quality or musical legitimacy, the Red Melon catalog has ensured a place in the record
crates of hundreds of influential DJs all over the globe.

On the decks, Dano's mixing style is a smooth and seamless effort, often riding the line
between funky techno and deep house. This recipe has proven successful for him and
has earned him growing demand as a headlining DJ around the world, leading to regular
appearances at some of the most notable clubs in the world such as The End in London,
the famed Zouk in Singapore, and Pacha in Portugal and The Arches in Glasgow,
Scotland. Host cities around the world have all had Dano provide a taste of the San
Francisco vibe that has made such an impact on today’s underground dance music.
In addition to its core record label business, Red Melon has always been actively involved
in running club nights and events around the world to help spread its uncompromising
musical philosophies. Along with its current flagship San Francisco weekly, Melon (often
showcasing world class talent such as, Ralph Lawson, Darren Emerson, David Alvarado,
Chris Udoh, Red Melon has continued to provide its listeners with regular opportunities to
enjoy its unique brand of sounds and vibe. The epic Watermelon boat parties on San
Francisco bay have a world-renowned reputation, along with the many Red Melonbranded
nights thrown in conjunction with various clubs and promoters around the world.
With the combined effect of its solid musical production output, high-profile event
promotions, and unwavering commitment to quality, Dano and Red Melon Records are
poised to make their mark on the global dance music industry at large as an organization
to watch for the year 2003 and beyond.