It’s the party that came out of nowhere to take over the world. After a series of summers’ at the world’s largest club Privilige in Ibiza, Don’t Let Daddy Know embarked on a world tour that just keeps rolling on. Creamfields, Chile, Hong Kong and Istanbul have all recently seen the likes of Martin Garrix, Sander Van Doorn, Showtek, Steve Aoki and Steve Angello rocking sold out arenas and next month they’ll be getting set for Scotland before the 17,000 capacity Ziggo Dome awaits them in Amsterdam. Dan Prince gets the world exclusive with the two guys behind this phenomenal event…
Essam, Alex a huge welcome to DMCWORLD and to begin with, congratulations on a stupendous 2015! So before we get into 2016 and March’s event in Amsterdam, let’s rewind to where all this began. Don’t Let Daddy Know launched at Privilige in Ibiza in 2012, had you two put on any events together prior to this?
Thank you. It was always has been a dream of us to produce an event in Ibiza as all the big DJs are hosting their own night on the island. It was a big step for us. We had been organizing small events in our hometown (Amsterdam) for a couple of years and eventually we saved enough money to make the move and host our own event on the island. It was our first event where we booked big DJs and live acts such as Diplo, Steve Aoki, NeYo, Wiz Khalifa and Major Lazer. Everything was new for us; the big productions, the big DJ riders etc. In the end it all has been a good lesson for us because in a short period of time we learned a lot about the industry/scene. We met all sorts of people who played an important role in this industry/scene. I think we may say we introduced the brand BIG in Ibiza. Without the experience in Ibiza we wouldn’t be where we are right now.
Why was the world’s biggest club chosen to launch the party?
At that moment Tiesto left the venue and Armin Van Buuren came in. We wanted to introduce DLDK as a big brand, in a kind of ‘festival’ setting, so Privilege was the best option for us to introduce DLDK with a big production.
What is the story behind the name?
Essam: I was always thinking about creating a lifestyle brand. There are so many events with regular names but for me it was important to come up with more than a name; a lifestyle. In the beginning we invested a lot of money to make the brand popular. Merchandise, huge billboards, radio etc etc. I think at the moment DLDK is one of the most popular EDM brands in the scene…
Ibiza is obviously full of ‘club DJ exclusives’ where certain DJs can only play for certain clubs. Was this a problem for you at Privilige when you launched, did you see the party as bigger than the DJ?
Of course, the big names like Tiesto or at that time the Swedish House Mafia all had their own club night in Ibiza. We came up with a concept and for us the concept was more important than the DJ’s, but you need big talent to fill the place. So we booked the most popular acts who didn’t had a residency.
Essam – as resident DJ under your Sem Vox guise, who were the producers you looked up to growing up back in the day?
As a little kid I was in Ibiza with my friends and family and my biggest inspiration at that time was the Swedish House Mafia. They just started their residence at Pacha Ibiza names Masqurade Motel. That night was huge and a big inspiration. I have my own vision which I created by all the things I saw when I was a little kid. I used all the things and came up with my own brands. 2016 I’m going to launch a lot of new music so be ready #DLDKMUSIC
Can you remember the moment at Privilige when you knew you had cracked it, when you knew you were about to breathe life into the world with a new major brand?
Essam: YES for sure. Our first night at Privilege was magical. For us it was our best Ibiza show in 3 seasons. We had Major Lazer and Sean Paul and the venue was packed. All my friends and family were there, after my set during the night I looked to my partner Alex and we both knew we’d made it.
Why do DJs love playing for Don’t Let Daddy Know?
Because of our Ibiza events we have a big worldwide following. People from all over the world are traveling to attend a Don’t Let Daddy Know show. During events all nationalities come together put their flags and DLDK merch up, we think that makes it a lifestyle and not just a brand.
When did the idea formulate to leave Privilege after 3 years and go on a major world tour? Was it a risk?
After 3 years in Ibiza hosting our own nights and having achieved big successes we thought it was time for the next step. As I said before, during our time in Ibiza we had created a huge international following. At the moment our biggest following is in the UK, last year’s Manchester show was sold out in 1 week. Which is crazy. We think DLDK after Ibiza was ready for even bigger crowds. We’re now known for our stadium kind of shows. Even in new regions as Hong Kong we hosted a DLDK show in the biggest indoor stadium of HK. That’s part of our identity nowadays, BIG shows.
What locations around the world have been the most memorable?
To see your brand at the other side of the world is magical and it always will be. Hong Kong and Santiago were crazy. People over there have so much energy!!
Who are your clubbers’ favourite 3 DJs?
Martin Garrix, Showtek and Steve Angello.
March 5th sees you return to Amsterdam at the 17,000 capacity Ziggo Dome with Steve Angello, Sem Vox, Sunnery James & Ryan Marciano, R3HAB, Dannic, Blasterjaxx, Don Diablo and newcomer ASONN. A real Dutch treat! Is there more pressure on you guys putting on a party in your home city than anywhere else?
The Amsterdam Ziggo Dome is a massive venue, we’ve sold it out the last 2 years. We’ll make sure the 2016 event is going to sell out as well. I mean look at that line-up.
Will you ever return to Ibiza?
Never say never Dan.
What else have you planned for the party in 2016 and beyond…
BIG things, stay tuned J. We’ve announced some new countries: Scotland, India, Macau and more.
And finally, gotta ask. What does your father think of the party?
Haha! He’s into Jazz music so he kind of hates the music, lol.
