Matt Clarke really needs to no introductions to those of you who have been around on the hard dance scene for a while and even for those fresh newcomers there’s a chance you will have heard of the legendary night Fevah and their infamous resident. You can set aside your fears because over the past year or so Matt has only been on a much-needed break and now he’s back, stronger than ever and ready to set those wheels of steel on fire once again with his unique, driving, energetic style of hard dance. Fusion on Friday 2nd April will see the return of Matt to his home turf; on the stage in the main room at Heaven, tearing it up like only he knows how….
So what’s the elusive Mr Clarke been up to for the past year?
Been busy beavering away, working hard at home, in the studio and finding my dancing feet again. Enjoying a normal life, seeing friends and family and observing the wonderful scene we all love so much. Been observing the politics that I’ve not been involved in. Tee hee. It all comes down to me finding myself generally – within the studio, within the music which I suppose has given me a more realistic feel for what’s going on in the scene now. I’ve always kept my ear to the ground even though I haven’t been going out.
But now it seems that you’re back and back with a vengeance having landed your residency at Fusion plus doing your tour in Oz and New Zealand. Tell us a bit more about that?
It all started in December when I was offered the residency for Fusion, which rekindled my faith in the London scene, which was perfect timing. Then low and behold I get a phone call from New Zealand and Australia saying come and play, we miss you. From that point I picked up the headphones and got mixing away and got back in the studio in preparation for the tour, which involved Frantic Melbourne, Fevah NZ amongst other promotions I played for. After having a wonderful 3 weeks of 6 gigs, I’ve now come back ready to rock London, armed to the teeth with new material from my wonderful friends in the southern hemisphere.
You made a name for yourself as the resident at Fevah and Fahrenhite. Was it a good or bad thing for you when they finished?
I’ll be honest, it was a terrible thing to lose the residency that I loved as it would be for anyone in that position. But as they say, life goes on. And I regard it as an amazing chapter of my life, but now I’m looking forward to Fusion.
So what kind of effect did this have on you both personally and professionally?
Well personally it was very hard to deal with purely because I love it so much. The hardest point was not playing out to so many crowds as much as I used to, which actually makes it for me in the scene. Professionally I hope that London hasn’t forgotten and I assume London hasn’t forgotten me as I will still give 110% for my fellow clubbers. I also feel professionally I may have matured as I’ve had some time out working on more tricks and surprises. Never forgetting about the fun.
Matt @ Tasty 9 (Photo thanks to Tom Allen)
Are there specific reasons why you took time out from the scene after Fevah finished?
Not specific reasons, but general reasons. I needed my own space and time to figure out what was going on in my life with personal things and work, plus obviously it’s very difficult when you’ve had such good residencies to go out and feel as confident as usual. For this I needed time and needed to become myself, which I’ve done. It has been hard. I’ve pushed away the feeling of resentment because I’m not that type of person and it’s opened my eyes to what can happen overnight – literally, which has made me a much stronger person.
Saying that you’ve matured, would you say your style of music has changed or developed in any way? What can we expect from you these days?
My personality hasn’t changed behind the decks. My music style has adapted with the times, but still full of energy, full of life and uplifting.
What direction do you feel the scene is taking and are you one to follow the times or set them? How important is it for you to maintain your own individual style?
It’s always important for me to maintain my own individual style, which I’ve always tried to do. The scene is doing its usual thing, constant change, with some pleasant surprises and some duff surprises as well. I’m not sure if I want to follow the scene because then you may be losing your individuality, but I’ll certain watch the scene and embrace any good tracks and styles that come along and it may be presumptuous of me to say that I’m going to set the scene, but I’ll certainly throw in my penny’s worth throughout the future. I just want to do my own thing at the end of the day, which involves having a lot of fun in and out of the clubs.
Having said this, is there anyone over the years who has been a big influence for you?
That is a bold question. There have been so many that I couldn’t name but one. Starting from going to Sunnyside Up and hearing Tony De Vit and Pete Wardman plus constantly playing BK remixes over the years. The list is long and distinguished.
There’s a lot of fresh blood pushing through to the forefront of the scene. Do you think this has had a positive effect on the quality of DJs out there?
Depends on how well they play. It would all totally depend on how well they play and how good their contribution is to the scene. In the past there’s been lots of fresh blood that haven’t played well at all, which then in turn makes it really difficult for those that are good to push through. But generally fresh blood is always good as it creates competition and new vibes and it keeps the old boys and girls on their toes.
Clubs and to a certain extent DJs out there are starting to break the stale and rigid boundaries, with many events catering for a whole spectrum of tastes and DJs playing crossover styles of music. Is this perhaps what the scene has been lacking?
Yes for ages. London has been so set in its ways in comparison to Oz and New Zealand, who have been doing parties with three different styles of music. As the scene is so much smaller in these countries, they have to cater for a wider variety of people. The same should have and should apply in the big smoke, known as music capital of the world, London. Exactly what Fusion is doing is the way forward, plus it broadens people’s horizons.
So what does the future hold? Are there any plans in the pipeline that you can tell us about?
Obviously Fusion is playing a big part in the future for me in London as it’s a wonderful foundation for me to work from, to experiment and to get back out there in my own time. Upon return from my trip to Oz, I was offered a residency for Frantic Melbourne on a quarterly basis, so my international bookings are also playing a big part in 2004 with 4 trips already planned. This residency alongside a residency in New Zealand will also play a major role. On the home front my studio and my studies in music technology are priority. Plus having a damned good time.
So I gather Fusion is going to be a double celebration – your residency and your birthday!
Of course! A double whammy. Here’s to my birthday, Fusion and rocking around London.
Friday 2nd April 2004 is the second chapter in the history of Londons freshest, most adventurous and innovative parties.
Here at the Fusion HQ we believe that more and more people are beginning to appreciate more than just one genre of music but very rarely have the time or opportunity to listen or explore anything else. Usually because they are forced to go to the clubs that most their friends are going to be at and these clubs don't cater for all.
This is where Fusion is different. We aim to bring together not only a range of dance music genres (hard dance, trance, techno, house and breakbeat), but also to showcase a diverse range of DJs from different promotions and combine experience with the industry young guns and fresh blood.
All 4 rooms with 5 different genres of music and a sound system that will blast you from here to Oblivion. Add to this breathtaking decor and mindblowing graphics that will provide a visual sensory experience to ensure this is a night you won't be forgetting in a hurry.
Just by taking a quick glance at the line up you can see that with all those djs under one roof it is bound to be not only an amazing musical experience, but at the same time a party with a vibe more electric than the National Grid.
Chris Liberator (Maximum Minimum/Wah Wah/Stay Up Forever)
Ant (Powertools/Cluster/Stay Up Forever)
Alex Calver (Glitch/Fusion)
Thermobee (Bang On)
Johny Mac (East Coast NRG USA)
Pattrix (Antiworld)
Breaks and House:
Tom Real (Ignition Crew)
Terry Church (The Gallery/DJ Mag)
Darz (Thirsty DJs)
Reza (Tempo Tantrum)
Xerxes (Tempo Tantrum)
Matt Juice (Tempo Tantrum)
From: Stevi Don 31st Mar 2004 10:24.00 The man with the million dollar smile. Matty, good to see you back!! Glad your trip(s) went well. And looking fwd to catching up. Happy Birthday for the weekend mate and do wat you do best - bang it out fuct Up!!
From: Craig Paxtonon 31st Mar 2004 10:28.12 Welcome back Matt Moo!! And about bloody time too! I'll see you at the bar for a tequila on Friday night mate.
From: Neatson 31st Mar 2004 11:25.55 Bring it on Matt
From: Lizzie Curiouson 31st Mar 2004 12:48.41 one of my favourite ever DJs - always smiling and enthusiastic and super-skilled mixer!!
look forward to seeing you soon Matt!
From: Mrs Lawsonon 31st Mar 2004 14:28.47 Lock up your Daughters!!!!!
A really good interview - from the heart - will see you Friday Matt!
From: Gordanon 31st Mar 2004 16:27.18 Noice one Mattski!
Had a chat some time ago now - gotta catch up soon!
Happy birthday mate!
Aaaai!
From: Jo Brighton 31st Mar 2004 20:34.57 Nice 1 mathew!!......... Weve missed u.
Have a wicked b'day.x
From: Camden Nurseon 1st Apr 2004 08:25.34 Can't wait for this one and Happy Birthday Dude!
From: Vivaciouson 1st Apr 2004 16:20.54 We'd never forget you Matt!!!! Looking forward to hearing you play out again soon!
From: Minx!on 2nd Apr 2004 10:25.46 Wicked interview Matt and Alix!!! Good to have you back Matt and cant wait to see what you have up your sleeve for Friday!!! And a big happy birthday to you too hun!!! See you at the bar for a birthday drink!!!
From: Steve Princeon 2nd Apr 2004 12:46.03 let see what your made of
From: Jeff Flakeon 2nd Apr 2004 14:28.42 Add your comments here !Hi, Miles and Miles of smiles - This interview makes you out to be some kind of Mr. nice guy!! Pah...Great to see all is good with you. p.s. re-open your e-mail address so we can hook up in Melbourne G & J ( now in Vietnam!! )
From: NUMBERPLATEGIRLon 8th Apr 2004 17:06.14 Welcome back matey - bring on that double wiggle!
From: Mariaon 9th Apr 2004 10:44.30 Stay with us...plissssssssssssssssssssss
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And about bloody time too! I'll see you at the bar for a tequila on Friday night mate. 
to you too hun!!! See you at the bar for a birthday drink!!!