Today we’d like to introduce you to Santan.
Hi Santan, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
DJing for me, lets see. Growing up and into my adult life, I played football. My last season was in the German Football League in 2023. I left Dallas after working at Wonderbar #RIP, to go play quarterback in a small German village. When I came back is when i was introduced to going to shows and DJing. Me and a couple friends went to see F.K.J. at South Side Ballroom and after that a good friend suggested we go to Stereo Live to see some riddim DJ. Thats when i fell in love with the community, EDM, P.L.U.R., all that good stuff. Then in that same friend group one of my bestfriends Don Teriyaki was the DJ & he taught my other friend CVPID, & they both kind of taught me together. From that I purchased my first little pioneer ddj200 and began practicing non stop. From there I got my first gig at HIDEBAR #RIP in September of 2024. I started my own party called “Viva La Groove” on the rooftop where I would have local DJs come and showcase or give up and comers opportunities to showcase their skills. While all this is going on im still in the works of trying to get more opportunities and things begin to align and we continue on that path. I ended up playing my first Sunset Session and then things began to continue to move forward. Then Wes booked me for COBA after hours. So i decided i wanted to go B2B for 3 hours with my brother Spicy Nick, who i met through some friends. and even before that him and i played at The Cut in Austin & also ripped it at Lunasol in miami together. with all that and the momentum i had, a good friend of mine introduced me to some people who would book me at this banging new spot in Dallas called Ritual. They would book me friday nights and it would be incredible nights, so we sat down and the opportunity for a residency arrived and i took it head on. So now every Tuesday I am at Ritual from 8pm-12am depending on how the night it going. Now I have that and then i get booked here and there throughout dallas and am striving for more shows outside of dallas and also the states. I want to take Santan Global
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There is always adversity in any given situation and nothing good ever comes easy. Whether that is the long nights of practice or getting no sleep because i am playing a show and then i need to network at the afters. There is always something, but finding a good balance is key. Being in music and this scene is not easy and there is so many moving parts and people involved. there will always be hiccups, but you just keep plugging and pushing. 1% better everyday
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am i creative, an artist, a music producer, a DJ, a vibe curator, a painter. all of the above. I think creativity flows within me. I love fashion and figuring out what to wear for my next set. there is just so much that goes into it and i would not confine myself to one thing.
for me i am most proud of putting myself on the map, i have always had support and people around me, but Santan is my thing and is me, no one can take credit for who santan is and the energy that santan brings to the party. I am him, he is me.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters most is that no matter where i am, if thats me showing up to support my favorite DJs, my friends sets, or I am curating an event. Is that the people whoever they may be can feel the love of art, music, and community that I am so desperately trying to give to the world with my team.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yosoysantan/
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/yosoysantan
