INTERVIEW: Dave Clarke (2013)

After ten years of interviewing DJs, producers and artists, I rarely get nervous when speaking them.? However, approaching Dave Clarke was a bit nerve-wracking, because people that are into techno are REALLY into techno and are practically experts, so it’s kind of intimidating to techno purists.? Imagine my pleasant surprise to discover that the “baron of techno” is cordial, friendly and helpful.? Dave Clarke is one of the most respected DJs in the world and his radio show/podcast has a loyal (almost cult-like) following of listeners (its available through 2FM RTE and iTunes).

DJ Ron Slomowicz: Starting with the basics, who would be 5 artists, including yourself, that someone should follow to learn about techno?
Dave Clarke:? Jeff Mills definitely needs to be there; he is less abrasive now with his sets and has been in his Spaceship vibe for the last couple years. Occasionally he can be a bit abrasive, and that is when he is my favorite. If you are looking for someone from a vinyl or heritage prospective, I would say DJ Bone.?? If you are looking for someone that is bridging the gap and latecoming into the scene, I would say Chris Liebing, he has his own sound that is very specific to him. I would also say Derrick May because he can be funky, which a lot of people forget how to be- and also Green Velvet.
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SONG OF THE DAY: Luciana “U B The Bass”

We are a point of transformation for our beloved Luciana. Originally gaining club acclaim for her raspy and raw chants over electro tracks like “Yeah Yeah” (Bodyrox) and “I Like That” (Static Revenger and Richard Vission), she’s recently moved into realm of traditional melodic singing with songs like “Calling All the Lovers” (Manufactured Superstars) and “Something for the Weekend” (Dave Aude). So as she steps out on her own with her first major solo single, what does she have next up her sleeve? Nothing less than a brilliant combination of both personalities produced by herself and partner Nick Clow. Starting of with a contrasting beats, like the theme from the original Beverly Hills 90210 fighting with a horror move instrumental, the robotic voice wins and ushers into an energetic stadium house track. Luciana talks the verse and sings the chorus, bringing her two distinct styles together as a T-Pau-like autoduet. The idea of her being the beat and you being the bass stretches the musical analogy in a fresh unique way. Also fresh, unique, and more than a bit ironic is the use of fully dressed models wearing baggy sweatsuits as backup dancers. With the majority of EDM videos featuring scantily clad women in overtly sexual situation, the video is almost subversive. What makes it all the more humorous is the first label releasing the track is Ministry of Sound, home to many of the classic videos that featured said scantily clad women in overtly sexual situations. Regardless, Luciana has another club hit on her hands and DJs will be anxiously awaiting mixes for their club sets.

Image Courtesy of Luciana Facebook.

SONG OF THE DAY: Sander van Doorn & Mark Knight vs Underworld – “Ten”

Ever wonder what Faithless would sound like in 2013? Celebrating their 10-year anniversary, Toolroom Records pulled together three incredible artists to create a vision for the future. Label owner Mark Knight teams with rising producer Sander van Doorn to create this proggy electro track with a strong vocal performance by Karl Hyde of Underworld. Looking forward always means respecting the past, and there is a clear influence of Faithless (Karl sounds remarkable like Maxi Jaxx, while some of the synth stabs are descendant of the classic Rollo/Goetz “Tuff” sound). The track is definitely unique unto itself with a modern electro feel, big shuffling beats, and dramatic fills. The video reinforces the lyrical message of unity with people coming together to dance their emotions out. “Ten” is one of those rare tracks that are accessible and dancefloor-friendly, yet dark and cool at the same time.

Track available at Beatport.

Image Courtesy of Toolroom Records.