Don Quan is another in a long list of newcomers that has been lighting up our dance floors in the last year or two. Alongside the likes of Synne and Schmooze and Brus, the DJ is currently contributing to the rich sonic tapestry of Oslo’s club music scene.
It’s contained within his contribution to the Jaeger Mix, going from those metallic digital sounds of Paul Hardcastle in the eighties to modern Garage rhythms. Everything is contemporised with a modern production sheen that ties disparate genres and styles together.
Like his DJ counterparts there’s an all-embracing foundation to his musical tastes that permeates this generation’s DJ mixes. The sponge-like manner in which he and the like absorb influences, is channeled into individual sounds with a laser-like focus on the dance floor. A familiar presence on either side of the booth, Don Quan’s experiences on either side of the booth is cemented in this mix.
Don Quan is something of MC Kaman protégé, following the unbridled encouragement, if not the advice of the latter. We know little else of the newcomer and took the opportunity to find out more while we listen back to his Jaeger mix.
Hey Don Quan. It’s good to finally have a moment to talk to you. We feel you’ve been a regular fixture here in the past year, and yet we don’t know much about you. When did you start DJing and how did you get into it?
Thank you for the invitation! I’ve been eagerly looking forward to sharing the music I love listening to and enjoy playing at clubs. It’s only been two years since I started DJing out at venues and at home. My first gig was at Jaeger actually, where I warmed up for a DGS residence evening.
I initially started out by collecting records, which eventually led me to purchase a pair of Technics 1210s and a mixer. Learning to DJ on turntables was more challenging than I would have thought , but it has given me great flexibility in my DJing. I also own a controller and enjoy both mediums equally.
Honestly, I wouldn’t have been able to start DJing out if it weren’t for Kaman, who reached out to me and gave me a push. I’m incredibly grateful for that. He’s a true musical wizard and a great guy!
What’s your earliest memory of hearing a piece of music?
My first exposure to music was most likely through Metallica and Pink Floyd. Albums such as The wall and Ride the lightning. My uncles loved listening to them, and I really enjoyed it as well. And still do!
How did you arrive at electronic and club music?
I lived in Beijing for five years, from 2009 to 2014, and during that time, the club scene was thriving with EDM and similar genres. The clubs were massive, featuring state-of-the-art lighting, sound systems, and visuals that were truly impressive. I was drawn in, and my passion for electronic music stayed with me even after I moved back home. However, over time, my taste evolved, and I discovered styles that resonate with me more. This journey eventually led me to Jaeger.
How would you describe your style/sound as a DJ?
I would describe my DJ style as a dynamic blend of grooves, rhythms, and driving energy, all while keeping things interesting by switching between genres. Focusing more on the tracks rather than the blend.
How has that sound evolved your earliest musical tastes to the kind of stuff you play and listen to today?
My sound has evolved a lot over the years, but it’s only in the past three that I’ve discovered the music that best represents the style I love to play and listen to.
You and Synne often play together and there seems to be a connection to a bigger network of DJs in Oslo. Would you consider yourself part of anything like a scene or music community, and how would you describe the nature of the community?
I’d say we share the same passion and energy—both through the music we play and the vibe we bring from the booth. That’s probably one of the reasons we’re often paired together at club events at Jaeger.
Before stepping into the DJ booth, I had already been part of the scene for some time. Now that I’ve made the transition, I feel like I’ve become part of the community. It’s an open and welcoming space, always willing to share, support, and lend a hand to those who are passionate
Is there something like a sound currently permeating the city?
I’d say there isn’t just one sound dominating the city. In places like Jaeger, for example, there’s a diverse mix of styles, and DJs—including myself—enjoy blending different grooves, rhythms, and energies to keep things fresh and interesting.
There is a lot going on in your Jaeger Mix, jumping from vintage sounds like Paul Hardcastle to Garage rhythms. What is the one thing that underpins the whole mix?
The driving energy ties together the vintage sounds and garage rhythms in the mix, creating a cohesive theme that runs throughout. However, during a club set, I tend to stay within a consistent vibe rather than shifting genres too much.
What was your mindset in terms of putting together the tracks in this mix?
I wanted to showcase the different tracks within the different genres. As I enjoy a broad spectrum of sounds. With this mix, I aimed to highlight a selection of my favorite elements from various genres, and I hope that comes through clearly.
What do you look for in the music you buy as a DJ generally and where do you usually find it?
I look for music that fits with my style and the energy I want to convey. I usually buy my music from Bandcamp, where I can discover new artists and support them directly, or from local record stores like Filter Musikk, where I enjoy finding hidden gems and supporting the local scene.
You’re no stranger to Jaeger’s dance floor either, what‘s the biggest challenge going from one side of the booth to the other side?
Going from one side of the booth to the other has definitely been a shift. As a DJ, you’re used to being in control of the energy, setting the vibe, and responding to the crowd. The biggest challenge is letting go of that control and simply enjoying the moment, rather than driving the energy from behind the decks
When you would’ve recorded your set here, it would be just as the dance floor is starting to develop and the cusp of the evening. How did it affect your approach to the set compared to what you were planning to play?
My goal was to keep the mix dynamic while allowing the energy to grow naturally, setting a solid foundation for the rest of the evening
As far as we understand, you haven’t made the leap into production yet. Do you have any other musical interests beyond DJing?
Not yet, but I’ve been thinking about making music for some time now. When time permits, I’ll definitely give it a try. To add to that, I used to play violin and piano when I was younger, which has given me a solid musical foundation to build on.
What else is on the horizon for Don Quan after this?
I’m hoping for more opportunities to play not just in Oslo, but also in other places, and eventually, to dive into producing my own music!