We’ve wanted to feature Roland Clark for a while. His guilty pleasure is German chocolate cake and he’s a huge Prince fan. We knew we were always going to get along with the house music legend...
What’s the first record you ever bought?
‘For You’ – Prince.
It was actually my mother who told me about Prince, after seeing him on SNL I found a few dollars laying around in my mother’s purse and went out to a local record store to purchase it.
The first time you remember hearing electronic music?
Life Night Club in Manhattan.
In protest because I didn’t think I’d be into that kind of music but my buddy Hani was deejaying that night and I went to go support, who knew that night would change my life forever.
Your favourite ever record?
‘Something in the Water (Does Not Compute)’ – Prince
I use to listen to this record as a teen, it helped me through those awkward moments of not being able to get girls.. it was my inner protest record.
The guaranteed floor-filler?
‘I Get Deep’ – Roland Clark
I remember the first time played my own record, wondering what all the hype was about, and then I saw for myself.. I use to be embarrassed to play my own records. Imposter Syndrome was and still is a real thing for me.
The best tune from last year?
‘We Can Dance Again’ – Armin Van Buurren & Roland Clark
When you get a Whatsapp call from Armin asking you to help him create an anthem, and it comes to pass..well let’s just say it was a good year indeed…
The guilty pleasure?
German Chocolate Cake.
I remember it being the first dessert I couldn’t get enough of, I don’t know whether it was the chocolate, or the coconut, needless to say, I was sold.. add vanilla ice cream to the mix and it’s basically sex.
The last track of the night?
‘Hug All Your Friends’ – Cavetown
I heard this tune on XM Radio surfing and it touched me deeply, we never know how much time we have on this earth, so appreciate your friends in your own way, a hug wouldn’t hurt.
The best chillout record?
‘Inside Out’ – Oddesy
Nels nightclub NYC, 1998.. When DJ Basil played this tune, no matter how cool I was that night, when hearing this tune, I became even cooler.
The record everyone loves but you hate?
‘Baby Don’t Hurt Me’
This is the most annoying tune in the world that I wish I would’ve written $$$.
The best record for a family party?
‘Summertime’ – Will Smith
It’s a black thing, family reunion cookouts with cousin Pookie & Nem, Aunt Shirley’s potato salad, Big Mamma’s friend chicken and Will Smith paying in the background.
The soundtrack to a lazy Sunday afternoon?
Anything Bon Iver
Another artist I came across thinking he was the best-kept secret only to find out he was a major song writer, I can’t go to a major film without hearing one of his tunes. Great songwriter.
The worst record you’ve ever heard?
Too many to mention just one!
NO really, there are too many to mention. Do better labels.
The record you’re proudest of?
Who Keeps Changing Your Mind –South Street Player aka Roland Clark
I wrote this tune for Ten City, and when their label turned it down, needless to say, I was crushed.
At the time I lived across the street from Strictly Rhythm Records and just happened to be hanging out in A&R George Morels’ office. I told him about my day and perhaps out of shear pity he signed my tune. Needless to say everyone but Ten City won that day.
The future classic?
Tulum- Roland Clark & Ant LaRock.
THIS IS A FUTURE HIT RECORD…written by myself and buddy Ant LaRock I hate to pat myself on my own back, but here we go.. pat pat pat..
Roland Clark ‘DJ’s Prayer’ is out now. Find Roland Clark on Instagram.