In the rich tapestry of electronic music, Danny Tenaglia stands as an artist whose works transcend genre boundaries and touch the heartstrings of listeners. His latest magnum opus, “GU45: Brooklyn,” is more than just a DJ mix album; it is the essence of a life dedicated to curating soundscapes that defy norms and embody the soul of a city. It’s a journey through House music, and it bangs like only Danny Tenaglia can make it bang.
Brooklyn: A Love Letter
“Brooklyn” is an homage to Williamsburg, Brooklyn โ the cradle of Danny’s musical odyssey. Comprising 42 tracks, the album is a rich collection of stories narrated through the beats of artists like Guy J, Moderat, Ralph Falcon, and Monika Kruse. It serves as the perfect finale to the Global Underground series, which already features milestones in Tenaglia’s career like “Athens” and “London” which I as a young DJ grew up with.
In my opinion, “Brooklyn” is the best of Danny. Ever.
Tenaglia’s career is a sequence of moments that have shaped not just a genre but the entire club culture. From his beginnings at Paradise Garage to his influential stint at Cheers in Miami, he has always created soundscapes that cross boundaries.
His remix of “Surrender Yourself” in 1992 was more than just a hit; it was an expression of his musical ethos. “Mix This Pussy” (1994) and his residency at Twilo (1996) further solidified his status as a visionary.
When I met Danny about 15 years ago at the Winter Music Conference in Miami, I encountered a person whose warmth and attentiveness were as profound as his music. He is just the the nicest and sweetest guy, and an artist whose heartbeat syncs with the rhythm of the people on the dance floor.
Personal Battle
Lately, Danny’s life took a turn when he disclosed his battle with colon cancer. This revelation was not a note of defeat but a testament to his indomitable spirit. His message was clear โ life, like music, is a journey through ups and downs, and one must approach it with the same passion one brings to the turntables.
As Danny continues his treatment, with the future’s uncertainty looming, his dedication to his craft remains unshaken. He stands as a beacon of strength, reminding us of the power of music to heal, unite, and inspire.
A Symphony of Resilience
Danny Tenaglia’s story is more than the sum of his albums or the clubs he has transformed. It is a narrative of resilience, a reminder of the enduring power of art in the face of life’s unpredictability. “Brooklyn” is more than just an album; it’s a chapter in the life of a man whose music will continue to echo through the annals of time.
As I listen to the driving and soul-stirring rhythms of “Brooklyn,” I’m not just hearing music; I’m experiencing the heartbeat of a true legend.
I wish Danny a full recovery and only the best, from the bottom of my heart.
Before we proceed, I want to make it abundantly clear that I fully support Ukraine in the ongoing conflict. This post may contain viewpoints that are upsetting to some, particularly my Russian fans. While I appreciate your support for my music, it’s crucial to be transparent about where I stand on this issue.
As you might know, I have a diverse fan base that spans across the globe. I’m grateful for the love and support I receive from all corners of the world. Especially strong are the Latin American countries, the Baltic region, but also Turkey, Northern Africa, Southeast Asia, Japan and โ of course โ Russia.
However, the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine has put me in a difficult position, particularly when it comes to engaging with my Russian fans. I feel compelled to address this issue openly, as it’s something that has been weighing heavily on my mind.
Music has an unparalleled ability to bring people together, regardless of their geographical location, cultural background, or political affiliations. However, in a world increasingly divided by geopolitical conflicts โ most notably the ongoing crisis between Russia and Ukraine โ I find myself grappling with a complex moral dilemma. Specifically, how do I navigate interactions with my fans from countries embroiled in such conflicts? To delve deeper into this issue, I’ve compiled a comprehensive Top 50 ranking of countries where my music is most popular, based on data from SoundCloud, Spotify, and Apple Music.
The Global Footprint of My Music: A Comprehensive Top 50 Ranking
First and foremost, I want to express my deepest gratitude to all my fans around the globe. Your unwavering support has been both humbling and inspiring. According to my multi-platform statistics, the Top 50 countries where my music is most listened to are as follows:
๐บ๐ธ United States
๐ฉ๐ช Germany
๐ท๐บ Russia
๐ฌ๐ง United Kingdom
๐บ๐ฆ Ukraine
๐ฒ๐ฝ Mexico
๐จ๐ฆ Canada
๐ฏ๐ต Japan
๐น๐ท Turkey
๐ซ๐ท France
๐ฎ๐ณ India
๐ฆ๐บ Australia
๐ญ๐บ Hungary
๐ช๐ธ Spain
๐จ๐ญ Switzerland
๐ง๐ช Belgium
๐ณ๐ฑ Netherlands
๐ฆ๐ท Argentina
๐ง๐ท Brazil
๐ต๐ฑ Poland
๐ฎ๐ฑ Israel
๐ธ๐ช Sweden
๐ฎ๐น Italy
๐ท๐ด Romania
๐ฆ๐น Austria
๐จ๐ฑ Chile
๐ฐ๐ท South Korea
๐ต๐ญ Philippines
๐ณ๐ด Norway
๐ซ๐ฎ Finland
๐ณ๐ฌ Nigeria
๐ธ๐ฆ Saudi Arabia
๐ฑ๐น Lithuania
๐ฆ๐ช United Arab Emirates
๐ฒ๐พ Malaysia
๐ฐ๐ช Kenya
๐จ๐ฟ Czech Republic
๐น๐ผ Taiwan
๐ญ๐ฐ Hong Kong
๐ธ๐ฌ Singapore
๐ฎ๐ช Ireland
๐ฐ๐ฟ Kazakhstan
๐ต๐ช Peru
๐ฌ๐ญ Ghana
๐ฎ๐ถ Iraq
๐ฉ๐ฐ Denmark
๐ฎ๐ฉ Indonesia
๐ช๐ฌ Egypt
๐จ๐ท Costa Rica
๐ช๐จ Ecuador
Fan Support by Continent
When we consider the fan support by continent and adjust it for the total population, the list becomes even more telling:
North America (Approx. 579 million population)
Europe (Approx. 748 million population)
Asia (Approx. 4.6 billion population)
South America (Approx. 430 million population)
Africa (Approx. 1.3 billion population)
Oceania (Approx. 42 million population)
It’s interesting to note that despite Asia’s massive population, it ranks third in the list, suggesting that the per capita fan engagement is higher in North America and Europe. Similarly, Africa, with a population of around 1.3 billion, ranks lower.
Europe’s second-place ranking is particularly noteworthy given its smaller population compared to Asia. The high level of engagement from European countries speaks volumes.
The Weight of the Numbers
The presence of Russia (#3) and Ukraine (#5) in my Top 50 ranking is both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, it’s a testament to the universal language of music, its ability to transcend political and cultural barriers. On the other hand, it serves as a constant reminder of the ethical tightrope I walk on. Engaging with fans from countries actively involved in conflicts that have resulted in atrocities is a moral minefield.
The Fan-to-Population Ratio: A Revealing Metric
One of the most striking aspects of my fan base is the disproportionate level of support I receive from Ukraine. Despite the vast difference in population sizes, Ukraine ranks impressively high in my Top 50 list, even surpassing many larger countries. This outsized support from Ukraine is not just heartwarming; it’s a testament to the love and passion I receive from the Ukrainian people.
๐บ๐ฆ Ukraine (5th in the ranking, 37 million population): The support from Ukraine is remarkable when you consider its population size. The country ranks impressively high on the list despite having far fewer residents than many other nations in the ranking.
๐ท๐บ Russia (3rd in the ranking, 144.4 million population): Despite its large population and high ranking, there’s a discrepancy here. The per capita support from Ukraine is significantly more intense.
๐บ๐ธ USA (1st in the ranking, 331 million population): As the largest country on the list, it’s not surprising that the USA tops the ranking. However, in relation to its population size, the support isn’t as intense as it is from smaller countries.
This contrast adds another layer of complexity to my ethical considerations. While the sheer numbers from Russia are higher due to its larger population, the intensity of support from Ukraine is incredibly meaningful. It serves as a constant reminder of the human aspect behind the statistics and the ethical tightrope I walk on when engaging with fans from these conflicting nations.
The Harsh Reality of War
The conflict between Russia and Ukraine is not merely a political issue; it’s a devastating humanitarian crisis. Reports of war crimes, including targeted attacks on civilians, forced deportations, and sexual violence, are more than just headlines โ they’re a horrifying reality for countless individuals. What complicates matters further is the seeming indifference or even tacit approval of these actions by a significant portion of the Russian populace. This societal lethargy in the face of human suffering adds another layer of complexity to my dilemma.
Specific Atrocities
It’s crucial to understand the gravity of the situation in Ukraine. The invasion by Russian forces has led to a humanitarian crisis of immense proportions. According to credible sources, including the International Criminal Court, there have been numerous war crimes committed, ranging from targeted attacks on civilians to mass killings, forced deportations, and sexual violence.
Over 121,000 Ukrainian children have been kidnapped and deported.
During the siege of Mariupol, thousands of residents were forcibly deported from Ukraine to Russia.
Arbitrary detention and enforced disappearances of civilians are rampant.
Attacks on civilians, including the use of cluster munitions in populated areas, have been documented.
Massacres like the one in Bucha have occurred, where hundreds of civilians were killed, some through execution.
Just to name a few.
A Balancing Act
Herein lies the essence of my moral quandary. My music enjoys popularity in the Top 50 across multiple platforms, including in countries like Russia and Ukraine, which are embroiled in a deeply troubling conflict. This presents a precarious situation: How do I reconcile the love and support I receive from Russian fans with the harsh realities of their country’s actions? How can I engage with my Ukrainian fans without appearing insensitive to the immense suffering they are enduring?
No Easy Answers
I hope this post, framed by my comprehensive Top 50 ranking, offers a nuanced perspective on the moral and ethical challenges I face. While I am profoundly grateful for the love and support from all my fans, the ongoing geopolitical crises compel me to reassess how I engage with fans from countries involved in such devastating conflicts.
