Since the early-’90s, Dave Clarke has flown the flag for UK techno around the world. Now a resident of Amsterdam, the plain-speaking DJ, known for never pulling punches, has become one of the names most affiliated with ADE. His “Demolition” Panel, which he took over five years ago, is an annual highlight, with attendees lining up to have their demo’s critiqued in public by Clarke’s panel of dance music experts.
URB spoke with Clarke about all these things and more just days before the start of ADE.
URB: Before dance music you enjoyed post punk, how much does that genre and the others you were interested in influenced your work?
Dave Clarke: Not so much my dj work, although I do like a rough edge, just more in my day to day attitude and in my production.
When you look at the ‘new’ sounds coming out of England today, are these sounds surprising, or do these all make sense in the evolution of seeds already planted?
I wish I was inspired by them enough to be interested, but to be honest, music is so global now. Societies are far more aware of each other and more integrated, so looking for a specific sound from a specific country seems a bit anachronistic these days.
You were one of the first UK artists to release on R&S, how do you feel about the direction of their sound, and the recent UK artists that have followed?
R&S is owned by trendy extremely-rich posh people now, right? R&S was a great thing to be involved with in the 90’s they were a hotbed of production and obscure licensing, they even had a full studio in their living space, very cool. I don’t really follow labels anymore, just artists.
As the Baron of Techno, you stopped playing vinyl in the early 2000’s. Did this receive much backlash and how do you feel towards DJs that still insist vinyl is best?
Hmm, I think I did that as Dave Clarke, not as “The Baron of Techno!” I got a shit load of backlash, even now from Rush Hour. Very weird insecurity around the last remnants of vinyl lovers.
I miss the ease of a single format. I miss the fact records got engineered by mastering engineers. I miss the chase of that elusive track you have been searching for, and I miss the intense happiness when you find it. But there are so many good things from digital that to go back 10 years for me is unthinkable. Each to their own.
Your remix history spans artists from the Chemical Brothers, to Fischerspooner to Depeche Mode. Is there something in particular you look for when you are determining whether or not you would be interested?
Yep, depth. Is there depth to fathom and can I add anything extra?
In terms of your own career, what is a focus right now? Production, touring or other music ventures and involvement?
Getting back into production via remixing, radio show, and constantly touring.
How much are you touring today, and how do you feel the respective demographics have changed throughout the two decades of you playing these specific cities?
Still going out almost every weekend. The demographics have changed radically, mostly from the demise of the record shop and it’s inherent culture. But Europe still has it good for people that are passionate about music.
What prompted you to move to Amsterdam?
A stunning city, with a relaxed way of life that doesn’t centre on car culture. Buildings that are always beautiful in all lights, modern architecture that is well conceived most of the time, good food, a superb airport that I am very rarely delayed from and to, a train service that can take me to France, Belgium and Germany with little issue….it’s a very long list.
Do you feel like Berlin may be too much of a focus for those looking to Europe for a very vibrant scene?
Berlin has some cool clubs, but so do many many European cities.
In various interviews I understand that you are very political and also a very active environmentalist, are there any different initiatives you are involved in right now, and are you using your music to communicate any of these initiatives or beliefs?
I follow politics intensely and occasionally I am fortunate enough to speak about them in a public forum. Recently, I wrote a piece in a Dutch Newspaper called NRC. My job isn’t exactly the most environmentally friendly occupation one could have, with the flying and large usage of electricity in clubs, but I try to do my bit, I do not own a car anymore for example.
Your annual Demolition panel has become an ADE staple. How did you originally come up with the idea? Has anyone ever said anything that even you thought crossed the line?
I took it over about 5 years ago. I think it is a great forum for wisdom and experience to talk to those who need it. I try to get everyone to be constructive and not destructive. Mr. Jones is an artist that featured in last years panel, this year he is part of my remix team “_Unsubscribe_”.
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