Image via Complex Original
I had the pleasure of hanging out with Danny Avila and his father Jose last weekend at Electric Adventure at Six Flags. We were tucked in a green room with 12th Planet and Zeds Dead, and shared this wonderful time bouncing between the backstage and the crowd. He's so humble, incredibly down to earth, extremely talented, and he's only 18-years-old.
His "Ready To Jump" series has been hugely successful, and we're wondering where he gets the time to knock these mixes out. The demand for his live performances and production is high, but he's using this platform to break records and flex his skills as a DJ. He has the support of the industry, and will no doubt elbow his way into the ranks of the elite within the next few years.
I found it interesting to uncover facts on someone that is creating music that I'm not incredibly familiar with. Seeing someone that's so incredibly passionate about the art he is creating and grateful for his position within the industry was enough for me to do a bit of digging, even in a market that I don't often cover.
His father didn't finance this article
I may or may not see Danny or his father again, and could care less about slamming people within the industry. Rumors that his father is rich and finances Danny's career seem false, though. Jose Avila has taken a managerial role, helping his son navigate through this industry. He's trying to keep his son close and mentor him, and it warmed my heart to see how strong their relationship is. There are also rumors that his father is paying for placement. You cannot deny the charisma and output of this talent, and I find it hard to imagine that they are lining pockets for placement. Do Androids Dance doesn't accept money for placement, if that's an indicator.
Danny HATES vegetables
Danny Avila doesn't like vegetables. At all. We went out for sandwiches at six in the morning and he was incredibly vocal about his distaste for organic sustenance. His work schedule is becoming increasingly demanding, and we're hoping his management steps in to figure out some nutritious foods that can be added to his rider to help fuel his movements. I'm led to believe smoothies would work.
Deviation from house music is inevitable
This young phenom loves trap. We spoke on how much he appreciated different genres, and I wouldn't be surprised if he climbed to the top and started releasing records that are outside of the industry standard. He also claimed to love techno, and seemed to focus on deep house and tech house tunes at the private after party that he played at once his paid gig came to an end.
Danny can rock on turntables
Most kids don't know what a rotary mixer is. This was the standard in any big clubs for years, and quickly turned into a rare find once CDJs and the DJM became the standard in most clubs. Danny has a rotary mixer and Technics 1200s at his house. We're quite sure he'll be fine spinning a set on turntables if the club's CD decks malfunction.
He's as self-made as they come
Danny Avila made the life-changing decision to become a DJ when he had the chance to glimpse into a club in Ibiza when he was 12-years-old and watched a Tiesto set. Danny also never had any professional guidance or a mentor to help him with mixing. He purchased an entry-level mixer and learned mixing and DJing completely by himself, with a little help from watching Youtube videos.
Danny will be the next EDM superstar
...according to Tiesto, at least. In a recent interview with the Las Vegas Weekly, Tiesto, who just signed Danny's upcoming single "Tronco" to his label Musical Freedom, predicts that Danny Avila and Hardwell will be the next super star DJs in the EDM game ruling the worldwide scene. That's an incredibly bold statement, and one that shouldn't be taken lightly.
Danny almost became a professional athlete
Danny Avila is an avid wakeboarder. In fact, he once was second in the Spanish Wakeboarding Championships, 7th in the Euro Competition and 12th in the World Wakeboard Championships. A serious knee injury stopped a further pro career. I think we're all secretly a bit glad he was sidelined from this career.
A security guard is required for his U.S. bookings
When playing in the U.S., Danny requires his own security guard to ensure entry to clubs since he is still under the age of 21. This isn't a problem in the rest of the world, as drinking ages are lower, and the attitude is lax.
He found his own management when he was 15
Despite common assumption, Danny Avila set up the first meeting with his manager all by himself and only told his parents weeks later about it. He was 15-years-old back then.
Danny is dedicated
Danny Avila is here for the duration. His attitude and work ethic are absolutely inspiring. For him to stay an additional six hours at a gig that he was booked for, then play music for a crowd of 10 people shows how much he truly cares about this music.
