Dutch DJs and producers Dannic and Dyro have spent years making their mark on the international electronic music scene, building careers that have taken them from clubs in the Netherlands to some of the world’s biggest festival stages. During Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE), the two artists stopped by the Nexus Lounge to speak with Frank about the changing direction of dance music, the realities of touring, artificial intelligence, and what continues to inspire them creatively.
For both artists, Amsterdam Dance Event is about much more than performances and parties. With demanding international touring schedules, opportunities to meet face-to-face with fellow producers, record labels, and industry colleagues can be surprisingly limited. ADE brings much of the electronic music industry together in one city, allowing artists to reconnect, exchange ideas, and get a better understanding of where the scene is heading. Dannic emphasized the importance of maintaining those personal relationships, while Dyro pointed to the event as an opportunity to observe emerging trends and consider how they might influence his future projects.
One of the biggest topics of conversation was the evolution of electronic dance music and the growing crossover between genres. Both producers have witnessed significant changes in the industry throughout their careers, from the explosive popularity of big-room EDM to the rise of house, techno, and more experimental electronic sounds. Dannic believes dance music is beginning to move back toward higher-energy, uptempo productions, with elements of traditional EDM finding their way into newer styles. Dyro shared a similar perspective, noting that many emerging sounds no longer fit neatly into established genre categories. While these developments create exciting opportunities for producers, they also highlight how quickly trends can change as artists and labels respond to what’s gaining popularity.
Despite the excitement of performing around the world, both artists acknowledged that touring comes with challenges that audiences rarely see. For Dannic, the long flights, constant travel, and limited time spent in each destination can sometimes outweigh the excitement of a performance. Spending 12 hours on a plane for a one-hour set is not unusual, although the opportunity to experience different cultures and meet new people continues to make the experience worthwhile. Those moments often provide inspiration that eventually finds its way back into his music.
The conversation also brought back one of Dannic’s most meaningful career memories. During Tomorrowland 2022, his parents joined him onstage, turning an already significant festival appearance into a personal milestone. For an artist who has spent years building his career, sharing that moment with family offered a reminder of how far the journey had taken him. Away from the stage, Dannic enjoys returning home, spending time with his dog, and getting back into the studio, where he can focus on music without the distractions of a busy touring schedule.
When the discussion turned to dream collaborations, both producers had some interesting names in mind. Dannic expressed interest in working with Kryder, whose groove-driven approach to house music aligns with elements of his own production style. Dyro, meanwhile, mentioned Eric Prydz as an artist he admires for his distinctive sound and approach to electronic music. He also brought up Dua Lipa as a potential collaborator, reflecting his appreciation for music that reaches beyond the traditional boundaries of the dance scene. The conversation even included a lighter moment about Dyro’s label, WOLV, and the story behind an amusing naming mix-up.
Technology and its influence on music production also became a major talking point, particularly the growing role of artificial intelligence. As AI-powered tools become increasingly accessible, producers are finding new ways to incorporate them into their creative workflows, whether through generating ideas, experimenting with vocals, or speeding up parts of the production process. Dyro acknowledged the complicated questions surrounding copyright and ownership, while Dannic focused on the possibilities these tools offer when used to support an artist’s existing creative vision.
Discussing the technology's potential, Dannic explained, "AI is an asset, especially when crafting vocals," highlighting how producers can use emerging tools to develop initial ideas before refining them into something that reflects their own artistic direction.
For Dyro, the creative process remains closely connected to experimentation and the freedom to explore different sounds. His interest in combining progressive house influences with modern production techniques reflects a broader shift within electronic music, where established genres increasingly overlap. Both artists recognize the importance of evolving without losing the musical identity that helped establish their careers in the first place.
Although Dannic and Dyro have developed distinct approaches to production and performance, their conversation revealed plenty of common ground. Both remain passionate about the creative possibilities within electronic music, even as the industry continues to change around them. From the return of high-energy EDM influences to the opportunities and uncertainties surrounding artificial intelligence, their perspectives offer an interesting look at how experienced producers are navigating the next chapter of dance music
Listen to the full Nexus Lounge interview with Dannic and Dyro to hear more about their Amsterdam Dance Event experience, dream collaborations, unforgettable touring memories, the future of electronic music, and how technology is influencing their creative process.
