Danny Perez – Feature Interview – Zone Magazine Issue 052 –

Danny Perez is a DJ, producer and founder of one of the world’s leading Latin house record labels, Native Music Recordings. With a distinct identity in the global house music scene, he draws on his half-Spanish heritage (Tenerife) and a deep-rooted passion for house music, blending the two seamlessly to create the signature Latin summer sound he is known for today.

From an early age, Danny developed a strong musical foundation as a percussionist, beginning at just nine years old. This early influence remains at the core of his productions, where live percussion plays a defining role. By incorporating real instruments and collaborating with musicians, he creates an authentic, organic sound that sets his music apart from the more programmed approach often found in electronic music.

Over the years, Danny has worked alongside some of the biggest names in Latin and Afro-Latin house, including Mijangos, Stacy Kidd, Doug Gomez, Jerry Ropero, Bah Samba, Dario Nuñez, AWA Band, Roger Garcia and Carlos Castro, among others. His releases have consistently gained recognition within the industry, regularly breaking into the Traxsource Top 10 and beyond.

As the driving force behind Native Music Recordings, Danny has built a platform dedicated to authentic Latin-influenced house music. The label showcases both his own productions and a growing roster of international artists, specialising in Soulful Latin and Afro-Latin House, as well as Brazilian, Bossa Nova, Samba, Nu-Jazz and Latin Chill Out. With a strong focus on musicality, culture and real instrumentation, the label continues to push the boundaries of the genre while staying true to its roots.

Through his productions, collaborations and label work, Danny Perez continues to shape and influence the evolving Latin house sound, bringing a timeless, sun-soaked energy to dance-floors around the world.

Tell us about Danny, before music, as a kid?

Music has been my life since I was 7 years old so it’s difficult to remember a lot before music, but I was very
created as a kid. I used to enjoy drawing and making models. I also liked skate bourding, ice-skating and I
played a lot of basketball.

How did you get involved in the scene?

I used to listen to a lot of rave music and when I was 14 I decided I wanted to become a DJ, so I got some
turntables for the Christmas and the rest is history as they say.

House / trance or techno? Or a mix?

I’m all about soulful, Latin and Jazzy house music these days, although I will always have a love for classic
trance and oldskool Hardcore. I’m also a big fan of chill out music.

Tell us about your other hobbies.

Unfortunatly, I don’t have a lot of time outside of music and family life, but if I do find time I like to go Metel
detecting.

You were a percussionist, tell us about this.

I started learning the drums at school when I was 9 and played in the school orchastra. I was obssesed with
drumming as a kid. I since went on to play Latin percussion which you’ll hear in a lot of my productions today.

Vinyl, CD or Digital, or a mix, and why?

I’m a serious vinyl junkie at heart and would love to still be playing vinyl in my DJ sets, but it’s just not possible
these days, so digital it is.

Tell us about your first DJ gig, when, where, how?

My first proper gig in a real club was a DJ competition at Club Extreme in Bournemouth, UK, with my friend. I
was 19 and the prize was a weekly residency. We played our hour set and ended up winning! Unfortunatly
though the club shut down before we could claim our prize.

Best club you have played in and why?

It would have to be Ministry Of Sound in London, because it’s just such an iconic and legandary club.

You have worked with some big names, who’s missing and why?

I would love to work with Rasmus Faber. His music has always inspired me and he’s such an amazing musician
and producer.

Tell us about Native Music Recordings

I launched Native Music recordings in 2012 as a platform to release my own music. 14 years on and over 100
releases, we have now signed some of the biggest artists in Latin and afro-latin house music around the world
and are recognised as one of the leading record labels in our genre.

What’s your favourite label and why?

That’s a really tough one, as there are so many great labels. A few labels which I do play a lot of is; Kinich
Music, Groovebomb and without sounding protencious, Native Music.

Who influenced you most in the scene and why?

My influences came a lot from artist like; Louie Vega, Rasmus Faber and Mijangos. I love the musical and
percussive elements they include in their Latin house productions.

If you were on an island alone, for the rest of your life, what 5 tracks/Releases/Albums would you have with you and why? For each one.

1, Orbital – Belfast – Because it’s such a beautiful and calming track.
2, Bah Samba – Calma (Louie Vega Roots Mix) – Because I love the vocals from Isabel Fructuoso and Louie Vega’s production around it is just amazing.
3, Mambana – Libra (Axwell Vocal Mix) – Because it’s one of my all time favorites.
4, Inner City – Good Life (Buena Vida) (Tommy Onyx’s Summer Fiesta Mix) – Because this track screams “summer time” and that’s what i’m all about!
5, Dario Nunez – Sunday – Because the guitar in this track is so good and puts a smile on my face every time I hear it.

What other music do you enjoy apart from dance music, and why?

I’m a big fan of ambient and chill out music because it helps me relax and unwind.

Why do you love Latin house so much?

I love Latin house music for many reasons, but mainly because of it’s musicality; percussion, guitars, keys,
horns, etc, and the Spanish or Portugues vocals.

What did you learn from lockdown, And Covid-19?

Do not trust the government.

Tell us a little about your production process.

I use Logic to produce my music and most of the instrument parts in my productions are recorded live. I work
alongside many amazing musicans wich is always so exciting.

Fake DJ’s, Insta DJs thoughts?

I’m not a fan at all. In my opinion this has taken the skill and seriousness out of DJing.
What in your opinion is the main difference from the early days of the scene and now, and pros and cons for each?
When I first started I spent years mastering the art of beat matching and building my DJ sets, along with traveling the country to hunt for vinyl. It was always about the music and not about what you look like. I think it’s sad to see how things have gone, but we must keep positive and educate the new up and coming artists.

Festivals, Super clubs, Small clubs, or House parties, and why?

I love them all just as much as it’s a chance for me to play across all the sub genres of Latin house. At Festivals and big clubs I can play the tougher Latin Tech stuff, where as in smaller clubs and bars, I can keep a more soulful Latin house vibe.

Advise for budding producers and DJs?

Always keep it real and make music the priority. Find your niche and be unique in what you do.