David De Valera has been a regular fixture on the Dublin scene for the past 8 years as a DJ and now with his debut EP already making some noise with Alan Fitzpatrick and Fergie, this man is ready to unleash his collection of new music on to the international circuit.
How did you get into electronic music?
I first got into electronic music at the age of thirteen, my introduction to music was really The Prodigy and then quickly followed by the Dublin pirate radio scene. The acid house scene was kicking off in a big way in Dublin, we had some amazing clubs that put on DJs like Tony De Vit, Tall Paul, Carl Cox and Irish DJs that, back then, were considered Gods. I was too young to go to clubs but I followed the scene through pirate radio stations, buying mix tapes and just getting the low down off friend’s older brothers and sisters. I bought my first 12inch at age 15 then bought decks at 16, that was ten years ago now and I haven’t looked back. The passion I have for music hasn’t changed, if anything, it gets stronger.
How did the hook up with Club 66 come about?
I have been producing for the past few years and only in the past 12 – 18 months have I become confident in my ability to write music that I felt comfortable sending to labels. I sent the track to about ten labels, just to test the waters. 66 were one of the labels that were on that list, they replied straight away and here we are with the track getting support from Dubfire, Paulo Mojo, Christian Smith, Slam, DJ Vibe, Jerome ism-ae and more…
Did they have much say in the final track or did they leave you to it?
They liked it just the way it was, although I think I changed it about 500 times – I’m my own worst critic, which I suppose is a good thing in trying to get the best results, It can be pain staking but it’s always worth the extra effort.
What kit did you use to record the track? Is it all on computer?
I use Logic 9 now, but to make ‘Say That’ I used Cubase. I think both are pretty much the same but the new logic 9 has so many amazing new features, it was an essential change and I’m loving it. I also use an Access Virus, Moog little phatty and some on board VST’s. I also use a pioneer efx1000 for some of my effects.
How did you choose who would remix the track?
I first discovered Loko, who is a producer from Argentina about 18 months ago. I always had 4, 5 or 6 of his tracks in my collection and the guy never disappointed in any of his productions. I sent him a mail with the track, asking him would he be interested in remixing it. I thought it was a long shot as he was getting increasingly popular. I was delighted when he came back saying he wanted to remix it. His mix is doing the business with people like Bart Skils, Timo Mass, Tim Green, Carlo lio, and more…
The other remixes are from two very good friends of mine, Brian Taaffe and Def Disko. The lads did a blinding job on it, Brian’s mix is getting support from Anderson Noise, Simon&Shaker DJ Pena and more. The Def Disko mix is getting nailed by guys like Guy J and Paulo Mojo.
What sort of dance floor do you think it will work well on?
Think dark and dingey, just the way I like it!
What have you got planned for 2010?
2009 was a year that I worked hard on my weekly club night in Dublin nightclub, The Pod [ http://www.pod.ie ] I dedicated a lot of my time to promoting it. I’ll continue to do that in 2010 . It’s been running for the past 18 months and it’s going really well so I’ll now have more time to concentrate on my productions. In January / Feb I’ll have a remix out on new label Spacepig which is the Brainchild of Brian Taafe that will feature tracks from himself and remixes from Anuria, Christain Viviano and myself.
I will be working on some productions with a very promising indie / nu-disco act called Neosupervital [ http://www.myspace.com/neosupervital ] I’m looking to add a more live element to my productions and I think this guy is going to add something very special when we collaborate. I’ll also be working and releasing a whole host of brand new music under my own name and some other material with Def Disko who is a good friend. 2010 is the year that I’ll be glued to the chair in the studio… I can’t wait !
