‘The greatest dance party you’ll ever attend:’ 11 questions with Dillon Francis before Vail performances
Iconic DJ and electronic music producer will perform on and off the hill this weekend
Moisnomois/Courtesy photo
Q: This ski town is abuzz in anticipation of you performing at Chasing Rabbits and at the top of the Eagle Bahn Gondola. Have you played many ski towns before? If so, do you ski or snowboard?
A: Yes, I’ve played a bunch of ski towns across the world! I’m also a snowboarder, or an Urchin, and I don’t trust any skies. (If you don’t get this reference, you need to watch “Johnny Tsunami.”)
Q: What can people expect at your shows this weekend?
A: The greatest dance party you’ll ever attend in your entire life awaits you. If it’s not there, there will be no refunds.
Q: I know you played the legendary Red Rocks Amphitheater, have you spent much time in Colorado? Are you going play in your boxers again like you did at Red Rocks?
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A: Oh yes, I absolutely love Colorado! I used to visit Telluride frequently with my parents when I was growing up. One of my most cherished memories is snowboarding in Vail with my brother. Unfortunately, both my dad and brother got altitude sickness, and my mom had to take care of all of us while we were vomiting at the hotel. That being said, it was an incredible day of snowboarding.
Q: What’s the difference/what are the pros and cons between performing at large venues and festivals compared to intimate venues like Chasing Rabbits?
A: It all means the same to me — just trying to make people have fun, connect with music and create cherished memories.
Q: You’ve been in the industry for a while, how has it changed over the years?
A: I suppose I’d say how people market themselves these days. Everything is online. For instance, this interview will likely be read on a phone and then shared in messages. And let’s not forget TikTok!
Q: What led you to start DJing in the first place?
A: I started DJing because I needed to pay to live in my parents’ back house. It seemed to have worked out well!
Q: How do your collaborations with other artists come about? Are there any artists you still want to collaborate with that you haven’t done so yet?
A: It’s always genuine and organic. I’ll be a fan, and vice versa, and we’ll start talking through any social media app, and then boom, collab. Honestly, I’d love to collaborate with Calvin Harris again because I love him so much. He’s an incredible friend who has helped me through a lot.
Q: What advice do you have for emerging DJs?
A: Be inexcusably you, and hustle …
Q: You seem to bring so much fun and creativity to your work. How important is it to keep the good times rolling and enjoy the ride?
A: If I’m not having fun I don’t want to do it. Period.
Q: What’s next for Dillon Francis?
A: The world!
Q: Anything else you want to add?
A: I want to add that I love to subtract.
