A new dawn at DanceFM, meet the presenters

IF IT HAS all gone Pete Tong the night before, there's now only one place to start your day. DanceFM 97.8 has fired up its first breakfast show from 6am to 10am. It's name: Danny Cee's Rude Awakening featuring dynamic duo Danny Cee and Katie Overy. Every morning of the week they'll be getting you through the early hours, educating you on the nuances between a David Guetta classic and a Diplo dud.
We caught up with the pair to see how life on air was treating them so far.  

Have you both known each other for a while or will the chemistry build over time?
Danny: I haven't known Katie that long, but I feel I already know everything I need to know... and some things I don't.
Katie: We feel the chemistry can only grow from here!

What for you makes the perfect breakfast show?
Danny: The right mix of great music, great personalities and inviting listeners to 'join your party'.

Do you think it's the best slot?
Danny: I don't think there's a 'best slot', especially in this region, but for us it's perfect.
Katie: I love having the rest of my day free, but not enjoying the early alarm going off.

How early do you have to get up?
Katie: My alarm is set for 4am!
Danny: 4.15am with twenty snooze buttons.

Is it ever too early for dance music?
Katie: No never!

How long have you been in Dubai and how has the city changed for you during your time here?
Danny: Nearly 18 years and my goodness has it changed!
Katie: Coming up nine years. It has changed so much, but then again it changes month to month. I love living in a growing country.

For those unaware, can you explain the concept behind DanceFM?
Danny: Dance FM 97.8 is the only dedicated dance music station in the UAE providing listeners a 'voice' and a platform where they can be entertained all day, all night and all year!

Do you have to be a fan of hardcore dance music?
Danny: No, the good thing about dance music is it spans every genre, language, culture and demographic.
Katie: At Dance FM we don't just play hardcore dance music at all, we have something for everyone especially with the incredible remixes we play.

Who in the dance world do you like most?
Danny: At the moment Disciples, their new track had the whole office bouncing.
Katie: I can't pin point anyone specific at the moment, but loving the piano and saxophone vibes on a lot of tracks from the likes of Route 94 & Klingande.

What is your best clubbing memory overall and in Dubai?
Danny: An impromptu night out to a Hed Kandi party about 15 years ago in Dubai.  We didn't know who was playing or that it was anything to do with Hed Kandi, but it was insane.
Katie: I have a lot of clubbing memories from a holiday in 1995 in Corfu. Great memories and dodgy fashion choices.

Is there any way people can get involved in the show?
Danny: Absolutely! They can call or text through to the studio and we love it when people get involved on social media too @dancefmuae

Will you be featuring competitions and how active are you on social media?  
Danny: Of course, we love giving stuff away.
Katie: As a new station and show we're just getting into it, but we will be super active on social media.

Why do you think it's only now Dubai has launched a dedicated dance station?
Katie: Well I think nobody really had the skills and technique to launch such a unique concept, until now.

Will you be having special guests on and if so who would be the ultimate Dance FM breakfast show guest?  
Danny: Yes we will try to bring you the best interviews with local and international DJs, especially when they come to the UAE.
Katie: We're aiming for a David Guetta live set in the studio.
Out of the two of you who is the most...
 a) barmy - Katie because she has way too much energy.
 b) clumsy -Danny. He could trip over nothing!
 c) optimistic? Katie. Hands down.
 d) corny? Katie - she finds 'Dad jokes' genuinely funny!
 e) passionate about dance? Danny. Don't get me wrong, I love dance music, but Danny knows every detail about each track and artist.
The inevitable zombie apocalypse has struck. People are tuning into your station for any news/ advice from the outside world. What do you do?
Danny: Play Zombie Nation by Kernkraft 400 and tell everyone to run.
Katie: And whilst Danny is running away, I would try to keep people at least a little bit updated... to a great soundtrack.
david@khaleejtimes.com