You’ve all got radio jock, John Peel to thank for playing Juan Atkins in the back of daddies ride – if that little sequence of events didn’t come together, the world would never have come to appreciate one of electronic music’s most breathtaking successes. A curious and roguish (what’s changed) young man, Dave was partial to analyzing different things and people. “I liked technology – I still do. I like flashing lights and loud noises”. A fan of gadgets, fast cars and the w.w.w, it is no surprise then, that he is a proponent of distributing music on the net. Indeed, think back to the internet exclusive, Compass’ quirky lyrics - South side Groove, North side Groove, East side Groove, West side Groove. This time, he tours promoting his latest work – the aptly named Devil’s Advocate - a dirty but funky summation of all the material he has released over the last 2 decades. He has even called on the services of Chicago’s unconventional yet punishing DJ Rush for some jackin’ vocals as well as sampling Chick’s on Speed, among others.
No doubt I have put my fingers to the keyboard stating that this or that artist has been around for ever and a day – but in this case – it really is for ever and a day – Dave Clarke was enjoying turntables before Plastikman donned glasses and before Jeff became The Wizard. “Streetsounds” is what Clarke terms it – and it was long ago – a time when electro and rave became one. “I started buying records in 1977 and playing early urban music. In the 1980s, I got sacked for playing a gig with acid house! Another time I was first to play soul in a hip hop club”. But we already knew he was a law unto himself. Damn, where you’re that good, you can be. A snooty temperamental bastard no less (who else could title a track Before I was so Rudely Interrupted - based on how his career had been handled by his former record company), but when you see the concentration on his face behind the Technics, you understand why he is considered if not the best, then certainly one of the best techno has to offer. And he knows it too, voicing his opinion about all things controversial without restraint – citing in a previous interview that “I hate all that journey shit being pushed by trance DJz. The majority of them hide behind it with their non descriptive adjective free musical genre to make the audience feel they belong to something”.
And his style is as varied as his musical influences. In the car, he might bump Public Image Ltd, The Eurythmics or Rachmanimov. In the club, he might bump his adored Terence Fixmer, Anthony Rother or Laurent Garnier – and in the process establishing himself as an iniquitous and unconquerable individual. He has flexed muscle with remixes for Underworld, Moby and Phat Planet. Further, his ability with a Pioneer DJM600 and EFX500 is unparalleled – playing both as though they were musical instruments. “I hate the sound quality, but I love what you can do with them – no on else has come along with the features of the machine”. A note to promoters though, “if I get a DJM500 I’m pissed and if I get an Allen & Heath I’m really, really angry!” Incurring the wrath of an angry Dave Clarke – a sight to behold!
So from the massive success that was the Red series on Bush Records, to Archive 1, Fuse presents and Electric Boogie, to his latest Devil’s Advocate - a mixture of beats, electro and techno – Dave continues to enjoy his time experimenting with sounds. “The reason I did it (D.A) is because I get bored doing one thing. I have a sort of A.D.D when it comes to music. I wanted to spend more time in the studio and thought it was about time to do an artist album. It is designed to challenge preconceptions about me. People think my life revolves around techno but it doesn’t”. The album was released on Skint Records after a ghastly rift between himself and Bush label boss, Eric Powell. I only thought that pop artists had trouble with labels, but apparently not. “Let’s be honest about this – record labels have your interests at heart if you have their interests at heart. Its not just about the money, it’s about the credibility – I do believe I get that from Skint. They’re a company, they’re a business and they pay me”. Well I guess that’s important.
At the end of all of this, I hark back to the last time Dave decided to present his music on a cerebral platter and how since, I haven’t really witnessed anything that was as eccentric, fluid and faultless. That was 2001, on a cold night when a room full left Chevron nightclub changed people. What they witnessed was totally remarkable and out of this world. It was a fusion of electro-boogie and ghetto tech -all presented with a certain piquancy and dynamism. Expect nothing less this time.
Oh and just as an aside, what would a conversation with Dave be without some bite:
”David, you are married with one child, correct?”
“Divorced actually”.
“Right, is that because of your hectic schedule”.
“Next question”.
“OK, then, how about a record bag Top-5”.
“It’s too fucking early to be thinking about records!”
Damn, I’m out of questions. Just come take me to another world Dave. You call it World Service. I call it high risk adrenaline junkie turntablism. You are The Wolf. I am the prey. Eat me…
inthemix will be hosting a live webchat with Dave Clarke on Wednesday April 7, at 7.30pm AEST. Login for your chance to win tickets and signed CDs, plus chat with Dave live! For more info click HERE.
‘Devil’s Advocate’ is out now through Skint/Sony. Dave Clarke tour dates:
Perth: 33 1/3 Festival on Sun April 4 @ Mulberry Farm, (BUY TICKETS)
Hobart: Thu April 8 @ Halo Nightclub
Melbourne: Telephunk_V1.0 on Fri April 9 @ Prince of Wales
Sydney: Astrofunk on Sat Apri 10 @ Space (BUY TICKETS)
Adelaide: Sun April 11 @ Black Cat
