Dave Clarke interview "A lot of records offended people in weird ways; how did they get that sound?"

British techno icon Dave Clarke has recently reissued his influential album Archive One and Red EP series in a stylish vinyl boxset, and brought them all to streaming services. To mark the release, we sat down with Clarke in London to talk about the making of those classic releases, the changing state of dance music, how Clarke tackles remixes, and more.
Dave Clarke presents Archive One and The Red Series is out now: daveclarke.com/
Special thanks to Phonica Records.
In this video:
00:00:00 - The studio behind Archive One and the Red series
00:02:49 - '90s influences
00:03:42 - The resurgence of the '90s techno sound
00:04:56 - Dave Clarke on DJing
00:07:17 - Has dance music got better or worse since the pandemic?
00:09:50 - Remix philosophy
00:12:36 - Classic remixes
00:13:22 - How has production changed since the '90s?
00:17:47 - What's the latest technology that inspired you?
00:20:11 - One essential music making tip

[@dremorant]

Dave Clarke played a party in Houston Texas in the mid 90's. While he was djing he had to use the restroom, so the promoter asked me to man the decks while he was gone. I used to play really fast and mix quickly back in those days and flew threw about three or four of his records while he was gone. When he returned I quietly stepped aside and let him take over. The next day I get a phone call at about 9 am from Dave Clarke thanking me for filling in for him. He asked the promoter who I was so he could thank me. Awesome guy, and he's always been very suportive of my music. True pioneer in the scene

[@ThePistpet]

Have you got a link to your productions or mixes?

[@greyhawkmusic]

That's really a cool story mate!

[@alpinebob22]

Andrei Morant?! You were well known by the time I started going to parties in Houston in the late 90s. If I remember, Wink and Hawtin were playing some of your tracks at the time.

[@aikighost]

@@alpinebob22 good tracks. Nice.

[@DocScott31]

I could listen to the guy talk for hours, speaks so much common sense, one of the real ones.

[@dominicturner77]

Big up Doc Scott

[@johncitizen8828]

Doc Scott! Big up - nice hearing you on Scubas podcast recently. 💪

[@leecatling6154]

Doc Scott and Dave should hook up and do a mad hybrid of Shadowboxing. Both Doc and Dave are the dons in their field 👍Imagine if Dave did a remix of that classic dark roller man that would be a mindblower and a half (and if Doc did a remix of any of Daves tracks too) 😁👍

[@IWitnessDnB]

totally

[@midierror]

I interviewed him for over an hour on my podcast if you wanna hear more

[@klinkske]

Parties were best when nobody looked at the dj instead of me, drooling over the turntables and mixer. Analyzing what the dj did. He barely had time to talk, he had the next song to beatmatch. I don t dj anymore but if i would, it would be just like that. Very nice guy, great interview

[@moonmonkey303]

I used to buy records from Dave and Luke Slater when they both worked in JellyJam records in Brighton. Great time, every weekend visit uncovered amazing new records and sounds.

[@leechi001]

@moonmonkey303 I also used to buy records off Luke Slater in Jelly jam records but don't remember Dave working there but I do remember Tony Lee.

[@moonmonkey303]

@@leechi001 I don't remember anyone else working there but its a long time ago and I only visited a lot over one summer, then we switched to visiting London's west end shops like Black Market as hardcore took over.

[@leechi001]

@moonmonkey303 You're right it was a very long time ago Tony may have worked there on different days. It was really small as well above that clothes shop. I've still got all my vinyl from back then

[@chattyman4740]

I remember going to watch Dave DJ at Bugged Out! about 25 years ago, and it was just like walking into a wall of sound & heat and sweat dripping off the ceiling, proper techno!

[@172Break]

Was that the night with Justin Robertson also playing?

[@andyjardine8192]

Nation?

[@philharland]

I remember that in Le Bateau Liverpool.

[@sammL19]

@@172Break Yeah, they were both residents at bugged out. DC played a lot there. Was great post voodoo years

[@sammL19]

@@philharland the glory days

[@kiytek2835]

Long live Dave Clarke, doing the good work out there

[@digitalduch1111]

I remember when this guy came to a club-gig, opened the MK II's and used a screwdriver to re-adjust the pitch-range, so he could play 10-12 % easily 😃 and he used that range 🎉

[@usdjxavi]

Dave Clarke is a god

[@gn1943]

I remember hearing red 1 for the first time in a club: it made me feel like i was in the middle of a welding factory and all I could hear was metal being bent and flexed with a banging hammer in the background.

[@AFCA4EVER]

Legend! First time I got in touch with him was his legendary Essential Mix on BBC Radio 1 back in 2000. Still think that is one of his best sets ever!! 🥰

[@JonathanRCross]

How is he such an awesome all round character, person, artist, producer, dj? His ethos, attitude, sound and entire package is just inspirational.

[@synthoelectro]

we need this again, because it made stuff so unique.

[@zomgoose]

I have been listening to Dave for almost 15 years. This was an amazing interview. Listening to him get deep into how he produces music is a real treat.

[@rocknets]

I don't know who this person is, but I don't know who most people are. He talks a lot of sense and I'm enjoying this video.

[@glovebunniesvideos4278]

Dave's radio show is a masterclass on mixing and record selection.

[@usdjxavi]

Blew my mind when he said 60 tracks in and out

[@markarmstrong7188]

Getting to play alongside a couple of "names" back in about 1995 inspired me to DJ more, they were crap! Within about 4 years I got to play with DC! He's the don!

[@nathanbell6962]

legend

[@PAZPERDEE]

Nice one Dave, it’s probably 20 years since I last saw you play, good times back then, good interview

[@jaygrist165]

Hi, Thankyou for uploading this episode,Mr Clarke,Massive Respect And Gratitude for the Red mixes, Red 3, Iconic All Time Favourite, Keep Smiling, Peace And Love, J 😁🌼🏵️👌🚌✌️

[@ProBloggerWorld]

Loveparade, Dave Clark’s Protective Custody: fantastic time. 🙏🏻

[@thumpinjumpin]

His shows in MTL over the years blew my mind - thank you DC :)

[@user-bw2fw5nj3o]

Thank you, Dave!!!

[@MikeFromDownUnder]

Thank you! ❤

[@TheWardBond]

Absolute legend, hearing his first essential mix in my bedroom at 1am broke my brain!!

[@dimswan1]

Dave Clarke the baron of techno! For those that know the difference:)

[@pernilladagger-magnell8113]

Maestro 🙏🏼 Fantastic interview!

[@willkriel-hartley1156]

absolute legend.

[@sazianasazi1182]

Wisdom of the Wise 🎧

[@T.M.Warren-qp2gq]

🗣 *Nuff said?* 💯☑️

[@matski7690]

Inner city/ Nitro deluxe stab

[@Andygb78]

I thought it was Wisdom To The Wise. Red 2.

[@sazianasazi1182]

@@Andygb78 You're probably right.... I fetched the title from my declining memory ;)

[@howiprogram]

Thank you for your pioneering music and DJing Dave.

[@emzed1275]

Seen him a good few times, but can’t remember exactly 95-96 he absolutely tore the room to shreds, I have had mind blowing nights out, but this night really stands out, everyone went nuts, he went about his business and we climbed the walls.

[@easytoassemble54321]

It's odd, because - throughout the 90's - I was never a Techno fan (I am now), but did own a copy of Surgeon's 'Basictonal Remake EP', which I loved. No one likes a music snob, but the "Boiler Room-ification" of dance music has been an utter embarrassment. Instagram DJs pushing buttons, dancing around with their knackers and / or tettays hanging out. How did we get here?

[@edgrace6935]

money

[@TheJacksonscience]

And boiler room has only gotten worse and worse

[@tr606]

Amazing video. Thank you ❤

[@robertbosson5223]

Good to hear Dave's opinions, the Red series and his electro stuff was fire BITD

[@hdsubstance1]

Brilliant conversation always from Dave, and the necessry bit if swearig is much appreciated too

[@oscillated139]

Thanks Dave!

[@TJG31100]

Very cool Interview. Thank you.

[@marcmcleanphoto]

Respect Dave you inspired me at Soma Skool about 15 years ago, huge fan of your music in the 90s so was bucket list stuff actually meeting you and absorbing your talks about the future of sound technology 🙏

[@ShaunyWalker]

Interesting & Wonderful insights. Thank you.

[@jaguarvssnake]

What I like about Dave is his big, beaming smile and boundless enthusiasm. This is someone who knows how to enjoy life.

[@ewignichjesehn]

great guy, great interview. especially the tips for good producing environment. 🙂

[@dj_Davepz]

Respect Dave 🎶

[@toumbas]

Legend.

[@InkyDaCaT]

Great interview 😉🌟

[@cbyrne2466]

Always worthwhile listening to what DC has to say.

[@DvjKaa]

What an amazing interview, thank you Dave for putting into words what a lot of us have been feeling lately about the dj and electronic music scene, I have a feeling that a lot of us is waking up and wants to change things for a better future by connecting to spontaneous creativity, dancing and enjoying to party for the essence of it.

[@Manna515]

Yea they all say it now bc its true init..fkn weird haha. And yes people are waking up and changing things for the better in more ways than one woohoo😍😁

[@Hercules_88]

Dave's sets are better than the others 🔥

[@MeMyselfAndHer92-..]

Plus je découvre l'artiste, plus j'apprécie l'homme. Merci Monsieur Clarke, merci pour tout!

[@KenWenWinPow]

love this

[@mistercrispy]

Listening to Dave in the mid 90s early 2000s was like opening a portal into another dimension. Absolute ledgend

[@alexpn_]

Good interview! Always has solid opinions

[@MrBrownAlliance]

Dave and I are the same age, I was there at the beginning, he’s a proper DJ and #Legend…

[@Waxadisc]

Dave Clarke Blue Southside was a banger. Great video , decent guy

[@lukeb1360]

And on the B side Surgeon’s mix of The Storm. One of my favourite pieces of vinyl.

[@straightouttacornwall]

Listening to Dave talk about being embarrassed about being a dj hit home for me. Even recently I had to listen to someone bang on about some tiktok dj's who are terrible but they have a 'following'. I was cringing listening to them talk about how 'godly' there are and me knowing I could wipe the floor with them in a heartbeat but being polite and nodding away.

[@airfixx_8952]

It's always been that way to a large extent tbh..... The DJ scene has always been over-saturated with poseurs and people that are only where they are due to being networking whores.

[@vslsnd2320]

Somehow, I have the feeling back then it was more about the spirit and trying to connect with the scene, and now is about technocrats snobs, competing for being stars, legends with divas' egos. Feels like a major corporatization of the scene, including the internet. Major shift.

[@Puschit1]

Not surprising, though, that's what happens to anything that is successful. "Pop will eat itself" proves true time and again. Nothing stays raw forever because it is constantly cooked until it's overcooked.

[@stewartmacdonald601]

What a lovely interview, with a facinating legend of the scene. Completely ruined by the egregious quantity of unskippable ads. Really took away from the interview.

[@galaxion500]

interesting hearing about scavanging every byte on the sampler memory, remember it well. great chat from dave.

[@RedSeventy]

Great words of wisdom Sir, I'm so glad to hear your thoughts about the new wave being more creative and better because I've been thinking, feeling and saying the same all my life but punk was necessary just like a hammer to broke everything and then built it again.

[@storsender5523]

Thanks Dave#

[@RandomnessTube.]

He has so much knowledge of the culture seen him play many times in the old shine in Belfast.

[@user82938]

90s tunes have a raw exuberance that has gone a bit missing in newer, slick DAW tracks.

[@sawtooth808]

I agree on the 90s tunes (and late 80’s {R-Tyme, Rhythm Is Rhythm, Model 500, Inner City, Maurice {This is Acid} Joshua, Joey Beltram to name a few) DAWs do not necessarily = slick productions. I do everything within my ability to make sure what I do is lo fi sounding (and there are lots of plugins for that)

[@NTRSN-Archive]

It’s not the Daw but the persons behind the daws . A lot of dance productions don’t have a original spirit anymore .

[@Manna515]

Yea you can tell.. the new tunes are made for digital decks. its like an inside club eww haha

[@johanh9637]

​@@NTRSN-Archiveyes the wannabies have every oportunity nowadays. And the originals-could-be-music-makers don't get bored enough

[@pawnotdaw4559]

Nice one. I use to love spending hours and those Brighton record fairs. Used to get the most out of 1mb of my old Ensoniq eps16+. Good old days

[@Screaming-Trees]

Everything Dave says about inspiring technology is echoed in my sentiments as well. The unsexy DAC from Crane Song, the big speakers from ATC (we use PSI but similar style), the ergonomics and microphones...this is the stuff that really makes your life easier/better. The big speakers just are inspiring period. That's what moves the whole thing forward for me. Same with the DAC. You don't think about it but it makes the music thing progress naturally. I have a bunch of hardware synths and stuff but I would be fine to do it all on big speakers with a nice dac and a laptop in a great space/environment. Plants, natural light, radio in the kitchen, ergonomics (super important) etc.

[@helpyousleep7386]

i salute you sir!

[@DARRENPRIEDE]

its always the youth that drive the progress of musical genres,no generation as blessed as gen x.we really did have it all thanks to people like DC and his inspirations.

[@billywood2814]

I loved his red 1,2 and 3 records and still have them today with others he put out. Dave Clark was a big thing for me in the 90s and loved his music and wanted to sound like him on the turntables but now feel a bit like him about being a DJ and am now playing Guitar and Bass or trying to. Loved Luke Slater also.

[@julesscamell9279]

Spot on about the djing side. Often, back in the day, we couldn't see the dj or even know who was playing at the time unless there was an mc or the style of music been played

[@speedfreakpsycho]

All on point. Super cool guy.

[@cryptout]

Techno is doing great, plenty to choose from. I like Hypnotic Techno these days and I think the production of the music is incredibly good, way better than most of the old 90s or early 2000 stuff. Keep it underground ❤

[@JB9000x]

I agree. The scene is massive. Yeah there's lots of posers and sexy DJs now, and the boiler room style is more about "being there", but there is tons of amazing music and events to enjoy. The crowd at the events are genuine. Roll on J2 2024!

[@dominicturner77]

Spent a lot of time listening to his Radio 1 mixes around 2001

[@simonpalframan6534]

Legend

[@De_Bar_Gullibles_Travels]

Dave Clarke…The Master!!!! Isn’t a snob about music,just fcuking loves the sh1t out of it!!!

[@f9Pete]

The Baron of techno

[@variator7466]

When I think about great techno in the 90s I think about Dave Clarke and compressors

[@WallieTheRed]

My musical hero, he changed the world for me when I stumbled on world service 1. Never looked back two decades later

[@TheBarnster75]

Only heard him once which was at Pure, Edinburgh around '95/'96. Was a great night.

[@user-qd2pc5gz4n]

I went to Pure every weekend it was and always will be one of the best clubs EVER❤️

[@robertjohnthorpe]

Wise man!

[@DjProducerTerrex]

For DJing Dave and Laidback Luke are my greatest inspirations ! Dave with his cutting and mixing , but still telling a story in his dj sets. Luke his inspiration is Dave and i love luke his way of mixing true the years. Dave his productions i still love to play ! Great Hero

[@sawtooth808]

I would recommend another Luke in there, Luke Slater, if Dave Clarke, Luke Slater, Mark Broom, and The Surgeon decide to do a Masterclass in music production, attend that Masterclass and soak everything up like a sponge 🧽

[@djmastergroove946]

Self absorbed people thinking their DJs is very embarrassing. Tik tok people, "influencer's" Ohh look at me twiddling knobs doing absolutely nothing! I use to DJ in the early 90's and it was all the passion about the music. Now it's about how great people are and look! I wish there was a time machine 😢

[@nym053]

Ooohh that thing with recording a 303 at full res, and than use the filter in the sampler is quite clever! I should remember that trick

[@BobbyGeneric145]

This Town was EXCELLENT

[@joanne4692]

Brilliant, ca scratchy, scratchy back spin. Class. ❤❤❤😂❤❤❤

[@StereoAnthony]

What a fantastic interview. It's an interesting perspective how he articulates the future of dj culture in comparison to punk. I hope he's right. Most of us that were around in the 90s and 00s recognize how embarrassing dj culture is now, so I totally understand that. I've even started referring to myself as a music collector that plays live sometimes, because "dj" is such a dirty word.

[@Jayremy89]

Two things I really agreed with him. The part about the discovery & struggle being what makes it a great genre, there is so much fun, relatability, creativity in trying to make unusual or unnatural sounds work into music into some grand composition. There is a huge embrace of fantasy & sci fi it seems that is fostered as a theme to the music. It's a deeply added enjoyment. Another was about how people have emphasized too much on performance. The last number of EDM festivals i went to I was SOOO disappointed, because the DJs who have good original tracks, don't play their tracks or best ones, and if they do it's a 30-60 second bit. They definitely cater to marketing & advertising, than the actual on the ground experience. I just want DJs getting back to doing their tracks, presented in their best light, best audio, best sound set up, best theme possible & I could care far less than some BS they say or do on stage (if the pure music itself isn't great). Also incorporating live instrumentals to their tracks on parts it fits never hurts. I also miss seeing more of them do their first releases on stage of full or half songs. The 15-90 second versions on stage of 4-8 minute tracks is a cancer. If I want a backyard DJ remixing & scratching a disc I'll go find or hire one, they're cheap & everywhere... Hell, I could do that.

[@Dezzasheep]

Saw him at 1997 tribal gathering. Was epic.

[@T.M.Warren-qp2gq]

I was at the first one i believe Clarke was in the *Detroit cyberpunk tent playing before Air Liquid at 5am in the morning!* 💯🔊🔊🔊

[@SonofChurchill]

​@@T.M.Warren-qp2gq Good memory. Davie Homes only remember bit that. seem think I see Air Liquid 😁

[@marcmcleanphoto]

Was there too such epic times ❤

[@Dezzasheep]

I don't remember much of that night tbh... I was twatted. I do recall him stood alone on a big stage with his keyboard/console. He looked quite lonely up there haha.

[@UNDERGROUNDHITRADIO]

i love this man the best parties were when Dave was at the turntables

[@cuevable]

I am not a techno head, I didn't know the guy, but this was an amazing interview

[@Modwerks]

"Purity of discovery" great take.

[@tomasnovis]

I got goosebumps when he was talking about DJing. He is so right about what it's become.

[@svenlabots1869]

This guy talks the real deal!

[@SELEKTROw]

Interesting interview. Also does this make my original red vinyl red series records value go up or down?!

[@brokko_le3]

I was watching a nature relaxation video at the same time as this one and it combined into this almost spititual sermon.

[@Manna515]

Yea haha i did that last night with liquid jungle dnb and reading a spiritual vid and omg

[@damienconnor8054]

Dave Clarke- OG to the core 🤘🏻 Great interview, especially the early technicals! Shouldn’t pay so much interest in current fads and trends imho. Different eras & different expectations from new dance music fans. The older ravers will always listen to and love DC & techno from back in the day. (BTW not sure if DC is reading this but I’ve moved on from the disappointment of you not coming to Australia in February 2017 for Babylon festival with a pretty lame excuse! If you just said “fuck that shit, Australia is too far away and I can’t be arsed” that would have been proper punk!)

[@djkaya9558]

Dave so true about the punk influence ❤

[@burger659]

would have been nice to see his actual studio

[@audian666]

10 years old but it's something ;) kzbin.info/www/bejne/a3yXgIpsmp6aaas

[@deadlyDM]

Real talk

[@jayfunk5988]

Get insights into a great mind❤

[@nicadiacachimba]

I remember when dave came to the Orbit Room here in houston like 25+ years ago.

[@thegroove2000]

GWARN DAVE.

[@borisborisov500]

Glasgow. The Arches. Multiple times. Always epic.

[@SELEKTROw]

Before i was so rudely interrupted pt2 logic bomb. One of the first mp3s was it? I treasure that vinyl!

[@DjDugiUK]

I saw Dave play Atomic Jam, played Prodigy Firstarter last tune. Don't think Technasia on after him liked that too much. Seemed to kick off 😂 great Dj

[@basmatine]

That last bit of advice- having the radio on in the kitchen- I’ve worked on tracks and heard a note or sound from the radio or tv or even a car horn from down the street and wam, that’s the missing element this track needs!