TROVE 026 | DANN

Amsterdam’s DANN is one such artist. At the whipper-snapper age of 21, he’s already performed under a stack of aliases and held down DJ booths across the Netherlands, China, and Ibiza. When I caught up with the sprightly musician just last week, he told me he’s “entering a new sound phase, inspired by UK Garage, Club and Breakbeat.”

Alongside this, DANN has given his live performances a new lick of paint, amalgamating digi, wax, and live MPC to fashion sets that speak in club tongues.

If you’ve yet to dive into DANN’s world, start with his debut release “talk to me”—a bouncy, breakbeat bop with a beautifully synthesised female vocal. “wanting more” (his most recent release) carries more brute force and sits on a more introspective plain. For any Amsterdammers, investigate his event series CLOSECALL—a place where connection and community come before the tracklist.

In a sea of fresh-faced producers, DANN’s refined catalogue and community-first approach feel refreshingly real. As he so beautifully put it: “I’m just trying to create a world that feels just as good as it sounds. No frills—just good music, a clear vision, and crowds that get it.”

What songs make up this world he’s trying to forge? TROVE 026 has the answers.

1. DANN | “talk to me”

Maybe it’s a bit strange to start with my track, but this is the one that started it all. “talk to me” was created during the exam period at my music school in Amsterdam. Together with a good friend who also co-produced the track, we started the demo, and from there, my interest in UKG-influenced music really took off. After about 1.5 years of experimenting and learning about different genres, this track marked the beginning of a new journey. The reactions were unreal — way beyond anything I expected, and it motivated me to keep going.

2. Joy Orbison | “Hyph Mngo”

This is my reference track for every beat I create. If it doesn’t slap like this one, it’s not good enough. Joy Orbison is a true magician — I can’t wait for his next project to drop. Every sound he uses feels so expensive, and the way he approaches deep basslines is one of the things I admire most about his productions.

3. Jamie xx | “Waited All Night” (ft. Romy & Oliver Sim)

I went to a Jamie xx show a few months ago and to be honest, I didn’t really know him before (i know it’s bad). But I think I became his biggest fan that night. The way he blends genres and does whatever feels right creatively was a full-circle moment for me. Especially this track, it was one of those moments where I thought, “I wish I made this.” I’ve tried to recreate something similar a few times… but so far, no luck (:

4. Brighter Days Family | “Breathe”

Something completely different, but this track has been on repeat on my Spotify lately. A while ago, a friend recommended the whole album to me, and it’s 100% worth checking out. It’s a project by a collective of producers, DJs, and artists who call themselves the Brighter Days Family. Honestly, this is the kind of music everyone needs in their life: good vibes, slick production, and perfect for almost any moment of the day. A big inspiration for me!

5. bullet tooth | “IMMACULATE SKANK”

I’ve literally played this one in every set recently. It hits hard on any sound system. bullet tooth has dropped multiple bangers, but this one is just undeniable. From the intro to the build-up, it’s the perfect DJ tool and when the drop hits, the crowd has to move. Tracks like this are fantastic to have in your catalogue as a DJ, because they let you transition into any direction you want.

Just to put it out there, there are so many more tracks and producers that have inspired me. With my music, I hope to pass that inspiration on to other producers as well. If you ever feel like collaborating, don’t hesitate to reach out — I’m always up for connecting and creating together!