Flux BPM Online Exclusive interview In Conversation With: Dan Cooper
Dan Cooper is a trance music producer and DJ from London. He is also the Nocturnal Knights Music record Label Manager, one of the top 10 trance music labels in the world. He has performed across the UK, Europe and globally playing at clubs and festivals such as the legendary Ministry of Sound, Trance Sanctuary, Pacha, Full Moon Festival, ADE, Anomaly, Egg London, SEONE, Trance Signal Germany and Unkonscious Thailand.
Dan is currently one of the top 100 selling trance acts in the world on Beatstats and has released tracks on FSOE, Armada, Pure Trance, Nocturnal Knights, Amsterdam Trance and other established music labels. With 4 tracks charting in the Beatport Top 10 and numerous others in the top 20. With support from industry heavy hitters like Armin Van Buuren, Andrew Rayel, Alex Morph, Solarstone, Sean Tyas, Roger Shah, Dave Pearce, Raz Nitzan and Aly and Fila. Dan has a full release schedule for 2026 and is looking forward to sharing loads of new music with the trance family!
Armin Van Buuren and others playing Dan’s music at Tomorrowland, EDC Las Vegas, Ultra, Luminosity Beach Festival, Rong Manchester, Ushuaia Ibiza and across the globe.
Dan is focused on driving his Disciple of Trance radio show forward, playing new music by established and up and coming artists. He can’t wait to drive the trance music scene forward with his passion for the music and his fresh TechLift sound.
Welcome to our exclusive interview with the talented Dan Cooper, one of the leading figures in today’s global trance music scene. From his early days mixing vinyl at just 13 years old to performing at iconic venues like Ministry of Sound and international festivals such as Full Moon Festival and Unkonscious Thailand, Dan has carved a unique path in electronic dance music. As a top 100 selling trance act on Beatstats and Label Manager for Nocturnal Knights Music, he continues to push the genre forward with his signature TechLift sound. In this conversation, Dan opens up about his journey, creative process, and life philosophies, while sharing the story behind his latest release, “Mai Pen Rai,” a dynamic collaboration with the legendary Alex M.O.R.P.H. Inspired by a chance meeting at Unkonscious Festival in Thailand, the track embodies the uplifting spirit of “no worries” and reflects Dan’s vibrant outlook on life and music.
Stream & Buy Alex M.O.R.P.H. and Dan Cooper - Mai Pen Rai
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Dimitris: How did your journey into the electronic dance music (EDM) scene begin, and what were the key influences that shaped your style?
Dan Cooper:At 13 years old learning to mix 3 vinyls on a set of Gemini belt drive decks… fat boy slim into basement jaxx into daft punk! Before moving into speed garage and 2 step followed by some drum n bass!
My love of trance came at 18 seeing Ferry Corsten play at Ministry of Sound. Dropping Clear Blue Water in the main room! And from there grew into loving all things trance!
My love of trance came at 18 seeing Ferry Corsten play at Ministry of Sound. Dropping Clear Blue Water in the main room! And from there grew into loving all things trance!
Dimitris: What personal values or life philosophies do you carry that also reflect in your music?
Dan Cooper: One life one world! Enjoy both! I have a very happy outlook on life. Personal trauma has taught me to keep smiling and embrace life, enjoy being alive!
Dimitris: How has your understanding of the electronic music culture changed from when you started to where you are now?
Dan Cooper: Ignore the politics and those that get a thrill from complaining. Stay positive and remember why you fell in love with the music!
Dimitris: Which piece of music equipment or software can you not live without, and why?
Dan Cooper: Serum! I love the creativity it offers.
Dimitris: Can you share an unforgettable incident from your career—whether funny, unexpected, or challenging?
Dan Cooper: This summer while playing Moon Baze Festival in Amsterdam… I was pretty tired and closed my eyes while laying on the floor backstage… next thing I know I’m waking up to Ram spraying me in the face with a bottle of water! One way to wake up!
Dimitris: Could you please elaborate on the inspiration behind the track Mai Pen Rai with Alex M.O.R.P.H. that is out now on FSOE? How does it align with your current artistic aspirations?
Dan Cooper: I’d been a fan of Alex M.O.R.P.H. For many years… I remember playing one of his tracks the first time I played Ministry of Sound back in 2007! And his Tomorrowland set in 2019 is one of the best crafted trance sets I’ve ever heard. Anyway we started chatting at a few festivals we were playing at but a conversation in Thailand while playing Unkoconsious Festival led us to start throwing ideas back and forth and eventually Mai Pen Rai was born! Which means ‘No worries’ in Thai! Absolute pinch me moment working with Alex!
Dimitris: Have you produced any new tracks since the one we're discussing in this interview? If so, could you share the inspiration behind them?
Dan Cooper: Lots of music in the works… a couple of upcoming releases with Mauro Picotto, including a remix of his track with Giuseppe Ottaviani Ibiza Dream that’s been hammered across the world! A collab with Rene Ablaze and some other collabs that were debuted at Luminosity Beach Festival this year that I have to keep under wraps for now! As well as my own solo stuff! Exciting times!
Dimitris: Could you describe your current approach to music production and how it has evolved over the years?
Dan Cooper: I definitely try to be more structured in my approach… with so much going on I need to make sure I set aside specific days each month I dedicate to studio time. But my brain is constantly thinking about music… writing down any ideas that I have or anything that inspires me!
Dimitris: What are some of the challenges you face when producing music, and how do you overcome them?
Dan Cooper: Time! Managing a record label, DJing, producing, work and life takes up so much time. As I mentioned above… being structured and organized as possible!
Dimitris:How do you stay motivated and creatively inspired amidst the fast-paced nature of the EDM scene?
Dan Cooper: I just love the music. Love all genres and listen to all! That’s keeps the creativity flowing! Some ideas work and some don’t. I don’t ever want two of my tracks to sound the same.
Dimitris: Looking ahead, we're curious about your aspirations. What exciting plans and ambitions are on the horizon for you?
Dan Cooper: I don’t really know what the end destination is… I just want to enjoy the ride! Continue to grow and enjoy what I do!
Dimitris: What are your future plans in terms of new releases, collaborations, or live performances?
Dan Cooper: I’ve mentioned a few collabs above but gig wise… we have Entrance at the Beach in September, then our Massive Nocturnal Knights event at ADE. Then 2027 currently taking bookings, looking to grow the NK live event port folio and also a Dan Cooper Asia tour is being worked on! We’re also growing the NK Label family this year! More news coming soon!
Dimitris: Are there any collaborations you dream of, either with other artists or brands, that you haven’t yet explored?
Dan Cooper: There are so many amazing artists in the trance scene and I’d love to work with as many of them as possible. But it’s about time we did a Dan Cooper and Ram track! And also one with Richard Durand who is one of the all time greats would be legendary! And my good friends Collide1, Ralphie B and Frank Waanders have got to be up there!
Also think I need to get one done with Luvstruck or Frankyeffe… 🤘
Also think I need to get one done with Luvstruck or Frankyeffe… 🤘
Dimitris: How do you incorporate new trends or technologies in your music while maintaining your unique sound?
Dan Cooper: Listening to other music and other genres for inspiration but always bringing it back to my sound! Then it’s trial and error… what works and what doesn’t… so much doesn’t make it to a release!
Dimitris: What message would you like to share with your fans and the broader trance community about your journey and vision?
Dan Cooper: Just a thank you for anyone that has danced with me, listened to me, followed me or liked a post!
Dimitris: How do you see the current state of the electronic music industry, and what changes would you like to see?
Dan Cooper: It’s bigger than ever! More parties and more dancing!
Dimitris: What role do you think AI technology plays in the future of electronic music production, and have you experimented with it?
Dan Cooper: I’d like to see more control over music made solely by AI have more regulation and stop flooding streaming services with it! AI is a great tool and can be embraced but having tracks solely made by AI and algorithms isn’t great!
Dimitris: How do you feel about the shift towards streaming platforms for music consumption—do you think it's beneficial for artists?
Dan Cooper: It makes music more accessible for all but does take the thrill of hunting for new music away… as tastes are fed by algorithms and what they think you want to hear or what the big labels a shoving down your throat… we just need to keep it real, hunt for new music, support smaller artists and use the technology wisely!
Dimitris: How important do you find online tutorials and classes for aspiring producers, and do you engage in any form of music education yourself?
Dan Cooper: Huge! YouTube is your friend! I’m forever looking up ways to make sounds!
Dimitris: How do you maintain a balance between your personal life and your music career?
Dan Cooper: It gets harder and harder! My phone never stops! I have to remind myself (or Nicole my wife reminds me) to put it down and to quote Armin ‘be in the moment’.
Dimitris: What advice would you give to aspiring DJs and producers looking to make their mark in the industry?
Dan Cooper: Remember to stay happy and positive!
Dimitris: What inspired you to transition from producing to DJing, or did both passions develop simultaneously?
Dan Cooper: I came back to both after suffering some personal trauma… it’s what I love. Working with Ehren Stowers on our Stowers and Cooper project really started opening up my love for producing!
Dimitris: Can you walk us through your DJing process—from track selection to live mixing? How do you curate a set that resonates with different audiences?
Dan Cooper: I love energy! My style of mixing is taken from my garage days where a switch in basslines builds the energy. So more bass cuts than a smooth blends!
Dimitris: What are some essential DJ techniques you’ve mastered over the years, and how have they evolved with emerging technologies?
Dan Cooper: I’ve been DJing since I was 13… you can learn everything on technology but reading a crowd is a skill that takes time! Spend more time watching the crowd and interacting than looking down and tweaking an eq!
Dimitris: How do you handle unexpected challenges during a live set, such as equipment malfunctions or shifts in crowd energy?
Dan Cooper: It happens! Get on with it! I may be screaming in my head but I try not to let it show on my face!
Dimitris: What are some essential DJ techniques you’ve mastered over the years, and how have they evolved with emerging technologies?
Dan Cooper: I’ve been DJing since I was 13… you can learn everything on technology but reading a crowd is a skill that takes time! Spend more time watching the crowd and interacting than looking down and tweaking an eq!
Dimitris: Which mixing style do you prefer—long transitions, quick cuts, harmonic mixing, or another technique? How do you decide which style suits a particular set?
Dan Cooper: Quick cuts and harmonic mixing! But ever set needs a few long blends… all depends on how the crowd are going and what they need!
Dimitris: How do you incorporate effects, loops, and EQ adjustments to add depth and dynamics to your live mixes?
Dan Cooper: I don’t over use them… sometimes to add atmosphere and tension but as 90% of my sets are my own productions, remixes or mash ups… if I wanted FX on the track I’d have already put them there!
Dimitris: Do you prefer beatmatching manually or using sync features? How do these choices impact your creative flow during performances?
Dan Cooper: I do both… depending on the mix, the track, the monitors, the decks, the sound system.
Dimitris: How do you seamlessly blend different genres or tempos within a set to keep the energy consistent and engaging?
Dan Cooper: I play music I love. Sometimes it works sometimes it doesn’t… but majority of the time it does!
Dimitris: Reflecting on your career, what has been your most memorable DJ set and what made it stand out for you personally?
Dan Cooper: There’s been some I absolutely love… but this years set at ministry of sound for Trance Sanctuary is possibly one of my most complete sets ever! Up on my SoundCloud! The energy in the room was unreal!
Dimitris: Have you ever been inspired or influenced by another DJ’s set that left a lasting impact on your approach to performances? If so, could you share that experience?
Dan Cooper: I try and take different things from different DJs… but two I’ll mention… Mauro Picotto’s use of basslines in the mix to drive energy! Rams ability to interact with a crowd! Alex M.O.R.P.H. For his ability to pull on every emotion!
Dimitris: What cues do you look for in the crowd to gauge their energy and adjust your set accordingly?
Dan Cooper: I like to look across a crowd and find someone enjoying that moment ensuring I make eye contact and enjoy that moment with them!
Dimitris: How do you handle moments when the crowd’s energy dips? What strategies do you employ to reignite the vibe?
Dan Cooper: Always have a collection of go to tracks to get the crowd bouncing again!
Dimitris: What DJ equipment or software do you consider indispensable, and why does it hold such significance in your performances?
Dan Cooper: Pioneer CDJ3000s or CJD3000x’s industry standard!
Dimitris: How do you integrate your own productions into your DJ sets to create a signature live experience?
Dan Cooper: 90% of my sets are my own productions, remixes or mash ups so it’s quite seamless!
Dimitris: How do you manage the creative balance between producing new tracks in the studio and preparing for high-energy DJ gigs?
Dan Cooper: Planning and keeping organized!
Dimitris: Does your approach to music production change based on the feedback or experiences you gain from live performances?
Dan Cooper: I’ve changed multiple tracks after the first time I’ve played them live… looking what’s worked and what hasn’t!
Dimitris: Please tell us your final statement to our readers who will read this interview.
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your journey, insights, and experiences with us. Your thoughtful responses will surely inspire and resonate with fans and fellow artists alike. We truly appreciate your contribution to the electronic music community and look forward to witnessing your continued success!
Dan Cooper: Hopefully see you soon on the dance floor!
Our interview with Dan Cooper offers a fascinating glimpse into the heart and drive of an artist who lives and breathes electronic music. From his reflections on overcoming personal challenges and balancing life with a demanding creative career, to his philosophy of positivity and constant evolution, Dan’s story is as inspiring as his music. His latest track, “Mai Pen Rai” with Alex M.O.R.P.H., perfectly captures his energy and passion, while hinting at the exciting collaborations and performances ahead. As Dan expands his creative horizons with upcoming releases, international gigs, and a growing Nocturnal Knights label family, one thing is certain: his journey is just as exhilarating as the music he brings to dance floors worldwide. Hopefully, we’ll see you soon on the dance floor!
Thanks so much to Stuart at FSOE for organizing this interview and thanks to Dan Cooper for his great answers.
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