DJing is a lot of fun, but for many people it isn’t something they want to do full-time for their whole life – Dan Savidge is one such DJ, and here he tells us a little about how he created a business from his contacts made while DJing, and what he looks for in the DJs he hires for his company, Euphonica.

Can you tell us a bit about your path from DJing to what you do now, and tell us a little about Euphonica?

I’ve DJed professionally for 25 years, and along the way played on every continent, was resident at The End, released over 20 tracks and remixes on Defected, Strictly Rhythm, Ministry of Sound, Hed Kandi, Mn2S. I had a writing partnership with Byron Stingily, and have produced the likes of Robert Owens and Barbra Tucker. About 5 years ago, I yearned for daylight, and armed with a black book of DJ and venue contacts, founded Euphonica. We are a music agency, who curate music experiences at venues like Somerset House and Tate Modern, for private clients and brands like Dior, Google, Rolls Royce and Krug. We represent DJs, bands and classical musicians.

What led you to make the transition from front end to behind the scenes?

The nightclub / studio / tour life treated me well, but it was time to surface, blinking into the sun.

You work with a lot of DJs, across all manner of events. What sort of qualities will make you go back to DJs for regular bookings?

Selection – A DJ set at the V&A is going to be very different to a set at Printworks.

Consistency – we programme residency DJs seven nights a week at the likes of Skylight and Swingers – we require high standards day in day out.

Absence of ego. To quote Henry Rollins: “No one has time for your rock n roll star bullshit.”

What are the biggest challenges of having to rely on dozens of different DJs to represent your brand?

Performance is key, though subjective. Clients like Dior or Facebook won’t mind if a mix falls out or a guitarist misses a note. They get twitchy if an artist is late, or a dick. We respect and look out for our artists, and get the same from them.

What’s the most unusual venue you’ve organised an event for?

Euphonica delivered 20 drummers pitch-side at Twickenham Stadium for the Rugby World Cup Finals.