Australian DJ Dan Azzo announces his debut single ‘Perfect Love,’ featuring Papua New Guinea-born R&B and soul singer-songwriter Ngaiire. 

Known for his high-energy sets, Azzo draws from the golden era of house music, blending thumping basslines, intricate percussion, and uplifting builds. ‘Perfect Love’ channels classic house legends like Dennis Ferrer and Sandy Rivera, with Ngaiire’s soulful vocals adding depth to the track.

Azzo’s career spans performances across Australia and Europe, supporting icons like Carl Cox, Louie Vega, and Todd Terry. In 2023, he closed the Sydney Mardi Gras Party and toured Europe, performing at venues in London, Milan, and Amsterdam, including a standout set at Amsterdam Pride.

Ngaiire, acclaimed for her eclectic mix of R&B and future soul, has collaborated with artists like Sufjan Stevens and Flume. Her albums have earned critical acclaim and multiple award nominations, solidifying her reputation in Australia’s music scene.

A regular at Sydney’s Club Above and part of the Glitterbox Australasia tour, Azzo is a key figure in Australia’s house music scene, delivering performances that celebrate the genre’s rich, queer roots.

We sat down the Aussie artist to discuss everything ‘Perfect Love’ and what he’s learned from industry legends!

WWD: How did your background as a DJ shape the production process of ‘Perfect Love’ and did your experience behind the decks influence how you structured the track?

Because of my background, I wanted to create a track that would hit hard in a live set, structuring it to build and release tension in a way that translates from the club to the speakers.

WWD: What role does cultural diversity play in your music, especially considering your collaboration with Ngaiire, who brings a unique blend of R&B and future soul to the table?

I grew up in Western Sydney, which is incredibly diverse, so I was surrounded by a mix of cultures and sounds. Locally, R&B was huge and probably my first musical love affair. That blend of influences naturally comes through in my music, and working with Ngaiire—whose R&B and future soul style fits so well with house—just feels like a perfect fit.

WWD: ‘Perfect Love’ taps into the nostalgic sounds of classic house. How do you balance paying homage to the past while ensuring your music feels fresh and relevant to modern audiences?

I focus on the core elements—driving beats, infectious rhythms, soulful vocals, and meaningful lyrics—blending the sounds of classic house with contemporary touches that match the timeless energy, making it feel both nostalgic and current.

WWD: With house music often seen as a genre deeply connected to physical spaces like clubs and festivals, how do you see the role of this music evolving in the age of digital streaming and virtual experiences?

For me, house music has always been about creating a sense of connection. Even when we’re not physically together, we can still experience shared moments, whether it’s through recorded DJ sets on SoundCloud, collaborative playlists on Spotify, or a TikTok in the group chat.

WWD: What was the most challenging part of transitioning from a DJ to a producer, especially when creating a track as personal and meaningful as ‘Perfect Love?’

The biggest challenge was translating the energy of a live set into a studio environment, where you have more control but less direct feedback. It took time to adapt my DJ instincts to crafting a track with depth and emotion, ensuring it resonates just as deeply with listeners.

WWD: As a DJ, you’ve supported icons like Carl Cox and Louie Vega. What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned from sharing the stage with such legends, and how has it influenced your work on ‘Perfect Love?’

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that, at the end of the day, you’re there to bring happiness to others. Sharing the stage with such icons, you realize that the reason they’ve had such long and successful careers is because they stay grounded and always put the audience first. It’s an important reminder that pushes me to stay present while elevating my craft.

WWD: How do you see the current global resurgence of vocal house music, and what do you think has driven this renewed interest in the genre?

I think this renewed interest is driven by a desire for deeper connection—seeking music that feels both personal and communal. It’s like a return to the emotional depth and energy that first made the genre popular.

WWD: The energy and vibe of a live performance can’t always be captured in a studio recording. How did you attempt to translate the feeling of your live sets into ‘Perfect Love?’

I kept in mind what really gets a crowd going—thumping basslines, dramatic breaks, vocal hooks, and uplifting builds—so it had the same excitement, intensity, and connection as a live set.

WWD: Considering your history with Sydney’s LGBTQIA+ scene, how does ‘Perfect Love’ connect with and reflect the community’s spirit and history?

My aim was to embody the sense of hope, freedom, and unity that define the genre and the community it emerged from. It’s a celebration of love in all its forms and the resilience that has always been at the heart of our community.

WWD: What message or feeling do you hope listeners take away from the track, especially those who may be new to house music or unfamiliar with its roots?

I want people to feel energized when they hear ‘Perfect Love.’ Whether that’s by getting lost in the beat and rhythm, or coming together for moments of joy and connection.

WWD: Thanks for the chat, Dan!

‘Perfect Love’ is available here