Jon Dasilva

Recognized as an innovator and influence by a range of DJs including The Midfield General, Sasha, and Rob Bright (Bugged Out / Electric Chair), Dasilva's stature as a seminal DJ is well-established. Following his teenage involvement in Punk-Funk bands playing guitar and sometimes drums, Dasilva was inspired by the unconventional disco of 80’s New York and the sonic explorations of artists like Can, Suicide, and Adrian Sherwood of On-U Sound, leading him to begin DJing in '86. Captivated by the dark tones of Chicago House, he relocated to Manchester, England, determined to DJ at the pre-E Haçienda. His impressive mixing skills and innovative approach quickly earned him a spot as one of the club’s resident DJs during the iconic HOT night. The legendary days at The Haçienda (88-91) were later celebrated by DJ Magazine as the “No.1 Club of All Time.” Also, don't miss his DJ cameo in the Haçienda scenes of “24 Hour Party People”!

As the U.K. scene gained momentum, Dasilva found himself in high demand, playing at every major club nationwide, including prominent Super-clubs and avant-garde nights like Slam, Back-to-Basics, and Planet K. Beyond the thriving U.K. club scene, Dasilva's unique style has reached audiences worldwide. From I.D. Magazine and New Order/Haçienda tours in the U.S. to multiple tours across Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Western and Eastern Europe, Moscow, Israel, and four recent tours of China, his performances at Amnesia and Manumission are also noteworthy.

In terms of style, Dasilva delivers powerful beats and the dark, twisted enchantment central to great House/Electronica, remaining true to the original, open-minded House ideal by mixing tempos and styles across the spectrum. Hailed by I.D Magazine as “one of the finest mixers in the country,” Jon Dasilva, “the acid house legend” (Jockey Slut Magazine), continues to prove his relevance in his own dynamic way.

Some words about Jon Dasilva:

“The bomb dropped with no warning that I can remember, apart from maybe DJ Jon Dasilva’s siren sound effects. HOT didn't last long – from summer to Christmas ’88 – but it's perhaps the most memorable night in the club’s history. Jon Dasilva and Mike Pickering provided the soundtrack for the chaos. Dasilva earned a reputation for using thunderstorms and rain sound effects to emphasize the madness...Minus the tales of excessive indulgence, these are the stories you might share with your grandchildren…” The Face Magazine (1997).

“I first heard Jon Dasilva playing a cappella, he was the master of that and I adopted his style. He was the one DJ at the Haçienda who truly crafted a set, using a cappella and sound effects, mixed in key, and built a set into a soundscape. He influenced me more than any other DJ.” Sasha (Interview in Jockey Slut Magazine, 2002).

"Jon Dasilva is the Eric Cantona of House music!" Mark Rae (Rae and Christian, 1998).