Meet Dan Rivera | DJ & Producer (deeinagi)

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dan Rivera and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dan, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I was born in the Lower East Side of New York City during a time when the city was less gentrified and there was a rawness to the area. Music was always a driving force of my life, from the sounds of disco and latin music, to the beginnings of new wave and punk. I heard “I Feel Love” by Donna Summer for the first time when I was about 5 years old and I was amazed by the production. It sounded different every time I listened to it. I used to think of Latin music as an annoyance because my father used to play it at such a loud volume it would sound distorted. As I grew older, I learned to appreciate and respect it as part of my culture.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I produce and DJ what is called Organic and Progressive House under the name, “deeinagi”. The lower case is intentional as I think it stands out. I’d like to think my sound falls between the two genres. I am most proud to be working on my dreams at an age when many people think about settling or slowing down. Social media has played a large part in getting me where I am now. It has enabled a forum for communication to individuals and organizations all over the world. What has helped me overcome the challenges was a belief in myself and an ability to clearly communicate. All of my actions have purpose and meaning.

I would like my story to inspire people to not give up on their dreams. The music business is vastly different than when I first got involved in it years ago. It is much more difficult to make money, and essentially there is no “middle class” in my field. I am not a gigging musician who can play in bands and I am not the type of DJ who does weddings (no shame in that, by the way).

I would suggest that any creatives to not think of themselves as “aspiring”. If you want to be a creative you must think of yourself AS a creative.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If they were in New York City, I would tell them to avoid Times Square like the plague. I would tell them to go to the West Village or SoHo or go uptown to Harlem or Washington Heights. I would walk through Central Park.

If they wanted to go to Long Island, I would recommend Fire Island. It feels like a different planet and can provide a respite if you need it.

If they wanted to go to a great outdoor party, I would recommend the Brooklyn Mirage. I would love to play there one day.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to shout out the crew at Loud Creative Radio in the United Kingdom, They gave me the confidence to believe in myself as a DJ and as a producer. They provided me the outlet to grow as an artist and to combat “imposter syndrome” which can be crippling. They also provide a community for DJs all around to world to be heard. Without them I would not have had the courage to submit demos to labels.

Instagram: @deeinagi

Twitter: @deeinagi

Other: SoundCloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/es72L

Image Credits
RYNTH The Purr Music Future Avenue Sound Avenue Elebated Records Univack Records