Dan Azzo makes a bold entrance into production with his debut single “Perfect Love.” Teaming up with powerhouse vocalist Ngaiire, this track is a sultry celebration of classic house, drenched in thumping basslines, addictive percussion, and a rich vocal performance that oozes soul.
Drawing from the golden age of house music, “Perfect Love” hits hard, evoking legends like Dennis Ferrer and Sandy Rivera. Ngaiire’s smoky, sensual delivery amplifies the track’s deep, pulsating energy, making it a surefire anthem for the dancefloor.
Azzo’s reputation as a DJ is built on his ability to merge high-octane bass with euphoric builds, paying homage to house music’s roots in queer nightlife. A staple at Sydney’s iconic Club Above, he’s shared the stage with the likes of Carl Cox and Louie Vega, and in 2023, set Europe on fire with sets in London, Milan, and Amsterdam.
His closing set at Sydney’s Mardi Gras Party was the stuff of legends, while his performance at Amsterdam Pride electrified the canals. With “Perfect Love,” Azzo steps into the spotlight, delivering a track that pulses with passion and history, perfectly capturing the essence of house music.
With Dan still buzzing from the release of Perfect Love, we caught up with him for a quick chat.
“Perfect Love” is described as a celebration of timeless house music. What elements from the golden era of house did you consciously incorporate into the track, and how do they resonate with today’s listeners?
The driving beats, infectious rhythms, soulful vocals, and meaningful lyrics. My goal is to honour the timeless energy of the genre while infusing contemporary elements, ultimately bringing something new to the table that feels both nostalgic and forward-thinking.
House music has a rich history rooted in LGBTQIA+ communities. How does this heritage influence your work, both as a DJ and in your production of “Perfect Love”?
It deeply inspires my work. I approach my DJ sets and productions by focusing on the sense of hope, freedom, and unity that define the genre, aiming to create shared experiences that resonate emotionally.
Ngaiire’s soulful vocals are a standout feature on “Perfect Love.” What drew you to collaborate with her, and how did her unique style influence the direction of the track?
Ngaiire is someone I’ve admired for a long time. I remember listening to her debut album and being instantly captivated by her piercing, soulful voice. House music is filled with emotion, and I couldn’t think of anyone more perfect to collaborate with.
Having performed at iconic events like Sydney Mardi Gras and Amsterdam Pride, how do these experiences influence your approach to creating music that resonates on the dancefloor?
These events are not just massive celebrations of diversity and inclusion but also powerful reminders of our ongoing journey. It’s important for me to match their high energy and create music that brings people together.
House legends like Dennis Ferrer and Sandy Rivera are cited as inspirations for “Perfect Love.” What specific qualities of their work do you admire, and how have they shaped your musical identity?
They’re pioneers of the genre. I’m drawn to Dennis Ferrer’s skill in blending soulful vocals with catchy hooks and deep house beats, and Sandy Rivera’s talent for crafting infectious rhythms and emotive melodies. But above all else, their authenticity as artists has had a huge impact on me.
As someone deeply embedded in Sydney’s nightlife, how do you see the local house music scene evolving, and where does your debut single fit within that context?
The local house music scene is definitely evolving, but there’s still a way to go. As a queer performer, navigating a largely straight, male-dominated scene can be challenging. I hope my track draws attention to local queer artists as a whole, opening up more mainstream opportunities.
“Perfect Love” just got played on Defected’s latest radio show. How does it feel to have the seal of approval from such an influential label?
I actually cried when I found out. A lot of time, energy, and passion went into creating and releasing this project independently, so receiving validation from such an influential label means everything to me.
Given your recent European tour, including performances in London and Amsterdam, how do you perceive the differences in house music culture between Australia and Europe?
Europe feels more diverse and experimental, offering more opportunities for people to experience house music culture. Australia seems very focused on electro pop, tech house, and techno at the moment.
“Perfect Love” is your debut single. How does it reflect your journey as an artist so far, and what can listeners expect from you in the future?
This is just the start of my journey, and I have a lot to learn and grow as an artist. A remix of “Perfect Love” by Australian music royalty is coming soon. I’m gearing up for the Australian summer festival season, and I’m working on my next release. I’m also planning for UK and EU summer 2025, so I’ll be seeing you very soon!
Perfect Love is out now