Oh, what a year it’s been for rising DJ phenomenon Dan De León. In addition to spinning celebrity parties for VH1, MTV, Michael Kors, the Oxygen Network and Out magazine, 2006 also saw De León shaking up the circuit scene. He was featured at D.C.’s Cherry party, Palm Springs’ White Party and Miami’s Winter Party.

He ends the year in the city he fondly calls his second home, San Diego. De León spins New Year’s Eve at Bacchus House.

Rocket: How do you plan to bring us into the New Year?

DDL: I’m really excited about this year’s event. I’m getting ready to throw down a very energetic set. Lots of stuff you haven’t heard before and a lot of rare vocals you won’t hear anywhere else.

Rocket: Can you give us a hint?

DDL: Victor Calderone and Chus’ new track “Superflyin” is one of my favorites right now, as well as the new underground mixes of Justin Timberlake’s “My Love.”

Rocket: What track will you hold to throw down until the room is ready to take off?

DDL: Definitely Tony Moran’s “Café Com Alegria.”

Rocket: So once we hear Moran’s track, we’ll know it’s time to shake our thang?

DDL: Honey, I think you’re gonna be shaking your thang all night long.

Rocket: How was the year in music in 2006?

DDL: It was a good year. In fact, a damn good year. Every one of the producers that I’ve been following has been pumping out the tunes. It’s been dizzyingly good.

Rocket: What was your favorite track of 2006?

DDL: Outwork’s “Elektro.”

Rocket: Oh yes, “Electro” has been on every DJ’s top 10 list. Who, in your opinion, was the best artist of 2006?

DDL: This year was Justin Timberlake’s year. The new album is simply a step ahead of everyone else in the genre. When it comes to dance music, I think Terranova & Leeds have produced the most consistent string of dance floor monsters this year.

Rocket: The Dixie Chicks, John Mayer, Gnarls Barkley, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Justin Timberlake are competing for Album of the Year. Is Justin bringing home the Grammy?

DDL: Justin. It’s all about Justin. That is the sound.

Rocket: What was your personal highlight of 2006?

DDL: Headlining NATION VI in Thailand. It was the largest dance floor I’ve played to date, and it was full of the most stunning energy. One of the best moments in my career. Simply amazing. I’ve posted some videos on my MySpace page.

Rocket: Did you award yourself with a special gift this holiday season?

DDL: I built myself a new home studio. Production is my first priority now.

Rocket: How do you feel 2006 was for the gay community?

DDL: Well, we got Congress back. How much more could we ask for? Considering where we were a year ago, I think it’s been a pretty good year.

Rocket: Are we doing enough in the fight for equality?

DDL: I got married this past summer to my lover of two years.

Rocket: Congratulations!

DDL: Thanks! Gay marriage is a wonderful thing. If we stand up for ourselves and start living the way we feel we should be allowed to live and demand respect, I think we’ll get it.

Rocket: So I guess now we know who you’ll give your first New Year’s kiss to.

DDL: My husband, of course.

Rocket: What’s your goal in 2007?

DDL: I really want 2007 to be the best year of my life.

Rocket: How will you make it happen?

DDL: I’m going to play as much as I can and get out there as far as I can. I want to create and push the limits of what I think I’m capable of, to grow, to learn, to give more. I’d like to see large-scale circuit events focus more on giving back to the community, like how it used to be. That would be something.

I’m putting together a big event for Hope’s Voice that advocates for youth with HIV. I think there’s no cause more pressing. It’s time to take action.

For more information on DJ De León and his New Year’s Eve party at Bacchus House, visit www.djdeleon.com.