Double page spread write up

Sam Clarke was voted the best DJ of this year. He has just released new album “Metronome” expanding on his trance style. He’s never shared much about his personal life, so last week he opened up to us for a casual Q&A!

What made you want to become a DJ?

“When I was in my 20’s, dance music was always been played around the city which made me fall in love. I was rarely seen without my walkman! I was always that kid at discos that would dance all night. I felt like music was my life, and I needed a way of expressing my feelings. I always wanted to become a DJ, but life got in the way. I was bullied at school for being shy, so music became a coping mechanism. I bought myself a cheap mixing desk and it started from there. Over time, I created a lot of music and I was learning new skills everyday (thanks to YouTube tutorials) and I kept buying more expensive equipment until I had a full on set. Don’t get me wrong, it wasn’t easy, and I made a lot of mistakes, but I was determined.”

What was your first job as a DJ?

“My very first job as a DJ was working with a business called “The Silent Disco Company” in New York. I was basically working as a sound technician, and helped set all the DJ’s equipment up. After a few months of working here I plucked up the courage to ask the owners of the company if they’d listen to my music as I had been DJing for 3 years before I got this job. It took months for them to agree to this. Eventually they finally let me perform to them in their studio and they looked amazed. They said that they wanted me to be part of their DJing crew immediately and not before long, I had been working there for 3 years enjoying every minute of performing to crowds of people. Over time I realised I wasn’t covering everything I loved about DJing. I was only mixing and remixing current tracks for people to dance along to, but I wasn’t able to release any of my own creations. I wanted a bigger crowd at this point and my ambitions were growing.”

Good for you man. Tell us how you made the leap?

“I had a meeting with the owners and I told them the truth that I wasn’t happy and that I wasn’t fulfilled as much as I could be. I asked them if I could release my own music to the crowds, but they wouldn’t let me. There was a long silence before one of the owners named Jack suddenly said “Sam, I see a lot of potential in you, and I feel like we are restricting your journey and your passion if we keep you here forever, and especially if you aren’t enjoying it. You need to get out there and be famous, if that’s what you want. I think you could do it.”  My face lit up, and I asked how I could get out there, even though the thought made me feel so sick. The other owner named Joe by this point was staring at Jack saying “What? He is our best DJ, why would you get rid of him?!” (laughs) “So then Jack said “Leave this to me.” I nodded, Joe shook his head and the meeting ended. I couldn’t stop smiling.

A few months later, Jack sat me down and said that he had been in contact with his local friend who owned a nightclub not far away called “Cielo.” Boy I love that club! My jaw fell, as that was one of the most popular nightclubs in the NYC area, and I couldn’t believe it. Jack said that his friend wanted me to perform for 2 nights in his club the following week to see how I did and to see if other people liked me. If they did, I could stay in that club. Joe said that if it didn’t work out they’ll accept me back. I put my mix together and I was nervous, but my confidence had grown I was nervous but my confidence had grown so much I wasn’t afraid.

Both nights went savage. People kept coming into the club and before long it was completely full. I had never felt so much passion and love, and I felt like I was floating and being lifted. This was my passion, and it was my job. I had tears of joy. I couldn’t wait to perform in this club again. The next day I had a meeting with the owner, and he said that I was more than welcome to join his team. I was overjoyed. Joe, not so much.

Sounds like such a high. How did it go from there?

“I had been performing at this club for about a year now, and I met a beautiful girl at the club named Gillian Hadid. She looked like a model. Man, she was gorgeous. She stayed right up at the front of my whole set, making loads of eye contact. I don’t remember how I managed to focus and mix without making a mistake if I’m honest. After my set, we went off outside and had a chat. She was great, and we got to know each other really quickly by going on dates in our free time.

Not before long we became a couple, and because she was a famous model paparazzi found out about it so fast. Quicker than the rate of fire in my opinion. It was so fast that I became scared about sharing my life in front of the world and wondered if she was worth it, but she was.

Gillian suggested that I make a YouTube channel to upload all of my tracks and videos. I loved using the computer to show off my creations, and eventually I had a good amount of subscribers. Vevo contacted me and asked if I would like to have some music videos filmed professionally, and of course I agreed. My record label “All Night” was created, and I also got asked to perform in other clubs in the area as well such as “Amnesia” and “Le Bain”.  I’m telling you, seeing people dance to your songs is the best feeling in the world”.

So tell us what else is Sam Clarke in to?

 “I own a plane, and flying is something I have always loved doing ever since I was a teenager when I took lessons and got my license. When my job became serious I wasn’t able to fly as much, but I’m free to do it more often now. I love taking friends, family members and especially Gigi up. Everyone loves it.”

What have you been up to recently and are there any projects you’re currently working on?

“Of course my wedding, but besides that I toured Eastern Europe last summer. Those Bulgarian clubs were mad. I’m still currently performing in clubs, and I’ve made it into the top 10 dance tracks eight times over the last two years. I released my latest album right before the tour, and I’m wondering what will happen next”.

What is your advice for young people out there?

“Take me as inspiration. I learnt how to DJ and I became successful when I was in my late 30’s which is unusual in this day and age. Let that show you that age isn’t everything and nothing is restricting you. Do what you love and try it. It might not work out, but at least you can say you gave it a go. Be open to every opportunity, it will build who you are. Gain confidence, and find something that you love. If there are difficult times, music will always be there”. (Laughs)

Purchase brand new album “Metronome”- £10.00-HMV