10 thirsty pics celebrating DJ Dani Brasil’s Capital Pride debut

Dani Brasil has traveled the world, performing many of the biggest gay festival events in New York City, Sydney, Singapore, Dubai, Shanghai, and elsewhere. He’s also appeared on the Billboard charts, most notably with his remix of Tina Turner’s “The Best” and his original tracks “Black Tears” with Maya Simantov and “Stitches” with Nina Flowers.

The superstar hunk now adds our nation’s capital to that list when he headlines the Kinetic Pride 2024 DC’s Under the Sea party at Echostage (2135 Queens Chapel Road NE) on Saturday, June 8. The party which promises to transform the nightclub and concert hall into a gay underwater wonderland is one of several official Capital Pride partner events hosted by Capital Pride Alliance and premiere nightlife producers Dougie Meyer, Jesus Quispe, and Zach Renovates, the trio better known collectively as KINETIC Presents.

Kinetic Pride 2024 DC begins Thursday, June 6, and wraps on Sunday, June 9.

We caught up with DJ Dani Brasil to talk about his music, D.C. debut, and more.

DJing has enabled you to travel the world. Do you have a favorite city?

DB: I cannot say I have a favorite. Every city I travel to always brings me something special.

Will this be your first-time headlining DC Pride?

DB: Yes! I’m really looking forward to celebrating Pride in the nation’s capital! It’s going to be a night of great music capped off with a performance from Slayyyter!

Are you a fan of Slayyyter’s?

DB: Her music is very upbeat and fun! I’m excited to see her perform live!

Take us back to the beginning. What was life like for you growing up in Brazil?

DB: My parents actually moved to the USA from Brazil when I was ten years old so I spent much of my youth in New Jersey and NYC until 2012, when I moved back to Brazil. I did enjoy life growing up, especially being in a new country. However, because I was from South America and I wasn’t very fluent in English, I was often bullied by other kids. Back then, they all assumed that Brazil was a big jungle and we lived in the trees!

How did you make your living before becoming a DJ?

DB: After graduating college, I worked at Gucci in NYC as a marketing assistant. Shortly thereafter, Gucci opened their office in São Paulo and they needed a Portuguese-speaking staff. I was offered a better salary and position, so I moved to Brazil and worked in the company until 2019.

What inspired you to become a DJ?

DB: I always loved the club scene and was heavily connected with DJs. They were my friends, as were many of the party promoters. I used to download the tracks that were hot on the dance floor and make CDs for everyone. One day, it occurred to me: why not learn how to DJ and bring my own flavor to the dancefloor? I reached out to a producer from Brazil and asked him for music production lessons.

What were the biggest challenges in learning to produce music?

DB: There’s so much to learn. It’s endless! I still only know part of it and am eager to learn it all!

How do you describe your sound today?

DB: Right now, I’m trying to do a unique blend of circuit music and tech house. It’s a new sound that isn’t out there yet. We have had circuit music for so long in the scene that I feel if we could add a bit of tech house to it, we could keep the current crowd that appreciates circuit and also bring in the new generation that appreciates tech house.

Do you prefer DJing or music producing?

DB: That’s a tough question. I love being on the dance floor, sharing my work and bringing happiness to the crowd. I also love being in the studio and developing new beats. If I had to pick one, it would be DJing. Having that connection to the crowd and feeling their energy is something that I cannot describe, it’s incredible.

How many tracks have you released?

DB: I have actually never looked it up before! One second… according to Beatport, I have 38 releases! My biggest was the cover I did for Tina Turner’s “The Best.”

Do you plan your shows in advance or do you create on the fly?

DB: Typically, I put together a folder with about 200 songs that I know will fit the party I’m about to play. It changes for a pool party, main party, or after-hours event. However, how I play the songs and the order they come in – that happens live. Most times, I never stay too focused on the folder either, because there’s always a track that was not added to the folder that comes to mind because it fits the atmosphere. I dedicate myself to always bringing full energy during my live shows. I’m all about spreading happiness and positive vibes.

Do you play mainstream artists on your dance floor?

DB: Yes, I never make my set too commercial but I think that a few artists who are currently on the hype makes a difference to the set. Also, the crowd always asks for mainstream artists.

Besides yourself, who are the DJs helping to shape the next generation of the gay dance floor?

DB: Jerac is amazing. Also, Alex Acosta, Sam Gee, and Nina Flowers… I can go on and on. I love how each DJ brings their own identity to the floor and adds to the scene in a positive way.

What does Pride mean to you?

DB: To me, Pride means happiness, being free, enjoying yourself with friends and having fun!

What are you most looking forward to this Pride season?

DB: This year I feel blessed to be playing at five pride events. I’m looking forward to seeing smiles on everyone’s faces!

General Admission and VIP passes for KINETIC Pride 2024 are available now at www.kinecticpresents.com. A portion of the proceeds is to be donated to the Capital Pride Alliance.