Get yourself a techno fix…Blast the mundanity of the working week out of your weary head with a techno fix from forward-thinking beat-fiend *Clockwork*, in the latest exclusive Clash DJ mix.
Though only working under his Clockwork moniker since 2010, the Italian producer (aka Francesco Leali) has gathered quite the fanbase and evolved his already-refined take on four-four. Initially leaning towards a housey vibe with early tracks like ‘It’s You Again’, Leali has favoured a deeper techno sound on recent releases (and on 2013 debut album ‘B.O.A.T.S. – Based on a True Story’), dipping into the dubby textures of Basic Channel and the twitchy electronica of artists like Clark.
For his Clash DJ mix, Leali goes into full-throttle dark techno territory after a moody introduction. Here’s what he told us about his selection, followed by a fuller interview that explores what makes Clockwork tick.
“Not having put out any mixes or podcasts for quite a while besides my Fabric mix from 2013 and my recent podcast for Electric Deluxe – which was very different from the Fabric mix I had previously recorded – I thought it was the right time for a new mixtape that showcased a little more some of the music I like to play in clubs. I kind of took some of my favourite producers involved mainly in techno, amongst other genres, and put together a selection of tracks that, in my opinion, best represent them. Besides giving you a ‘bedroom dance experience’, for as lame as that can sound, I think it’s just meant to be enjoyed.”
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Tracklist:
01. ‘Graveyard’ (Perc Remix) - Headless Horseman
02. ‘OX1’ (Oscar Mulero Remix) - Tommy Four Seven
03. ‘Halo Heart’ (Lucy Remix) - Soft as Snow
04. ‘CH4’ (Speedy J Remix) - Tommy Four Seven
05. ‘Skotos’ (Henning Baer Remix) - Sawf
06. ‘Penny & Pound’ - Ansome
07. ‘Sodium Trimmer’ (Marcel Dettmann Remix) - Clark
08. ‘BAR’ (Bas Mooy Mix 1) - Mr. Jones
09. ‘Bloodless’ - Shifted
10. ‘Third Dimension’ - Diagenetic Origin
11. ‘A Pleasure Mode’ - Voidloss
12. ‘Ful’ - Paula Temple
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*Is it true that you trained as a classical musician? Does that influence your electronic productions?*
“It definitely does. Most of what I learnt from my conservatory studies over the years has made the process of actually writing and playing music live easier for me.”
*Are you still planning to release another solo Clockwork album next year?*
“I’m sitting on quite a bit of material I have worked on since my debut LP was released last year, and I’m definitely planning to use some of it for both an EP, to be released early 2015, and an LP that will follow.”
*With so much of the industry based around touring and club/live shows, how important is the album format for dance music these days, and for you personally?*
“Good question. I believe it differs for each artist and their take on how they want their full-length to be perceived. I think it’s important that an album tells a kind of story, something you can understand or relate to, otherwise you risk it being just a random collection of tracks on the same record. In some kind of way I think it’s important to show musical versatility when making an album and give the listener a specific listening experience.”
*You launched Parachute Records earlier this year. Is there an ethos behind the label, and the music it will release?*
“The label focuses mainly on techno-adapted productions, but we also sign stuff that wouldn’t necessarily be playable in clubs. What really matters to me is the work behind each release and the impact it makes. The aim isn’t to release immediate dancefloor hits, but music that somehow pushes boundaries and explores new grounds.”
*What releases do you have coming up?*
“That would be a CW/A record that Avatism and I are releasing on Parachute, which will include a Lucy remix, a Dario Zenker remix and a new CW/A track we will be putting out on Vakant’s 10-year compilation.”
*Do you play out in Italy often? And how healthy is the scene there for underground house and techno?*
“This year has been the year I have played the most in Italy, and I have to say I witnessed quite a few pleasant changes in the Italian clubbing industry. I got to play some clubs I hadn’t played yet, such as Cocoricò in Riccione, but also got to play with artists I really look up to. Italy has offered an incredible selection of artists over the years and has thrown some amazing festivals, so I definitely think it’s all pretty healthy at the moment. Let’s hope they keep up the good work and continue thriving off good music.”
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Words: *Tristan Parker*
*Clockwork online*
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