Akelarre – the stunning new debut album from Valencia-based multi-instrumentalist, DJ & producer Clemente – is out now via Pieces of Life.
One of the most exciting talents to emerge onto the European electronic music circuit over the past few years, Clemente is a Spanish artist whose been making serious waves in the melodic house scene, with releases on notable record labels such as Super Flu’s Monaberry, Madorasindahouse and Fayer.
Established in 2019, Pieces of Life is a record label known for its deep and melodic style that incorporates Afro rhythms and organic textures. Clemente has been one of the imprint’s most popular artists over the past few years, alongside others such as Yamil.
Although the majority of tracks on the album are solo productions, the 11-track release also includes contributions by Yamil, Djolee, Thimble or Adrian Roman. This stunning album captures the full range of Clemente’s style and showcases why his past releases have picked up support by DJs ranging from Black Coffee to BLOND:ISH.
We sat down with Clemente to find out more…
Hi Clemente and welcome to House Music With Love. Where are we speaking to you from today?
Right now I’m sitting outside the studio located just outside Valencia, Spain. I have with me a cup of coffee which is a must during long production sessions. It’s one of my little vices!
Tell us a little bit about your background, and how you came to be a musician.
Since I was very young I felt a strong attraction for music, that’s why my parents immediately enrolled me to study piano. As a teenager I started to feel very interested in bands like Pink Floyd, New order, Depeche Mode, etc. That’s why I started to learn to play a little bit of everything: drums, guitar, bass and percussion. This is where my love affair with analog synthesizers began. I’ve had several bands, but a few years ago while studying in Germany I had my first contact with the club culture and I got totally stuck, that’s why today I do what I do. I found a genre where all my musical influences could coexist.
Who have been your biggest supporters in your career so far?
We all know that the road from start to finish a solid track is a long one, but when the artists you admire start to support your music… that’s when you really feel you can be a part of it! My biggest endorsements have come from Black Coffe, Rufus du Sol, Pablo Fierro, Super Flu, Andhim, Blondish, Trikk, my current team and more!
What have you been up to so far in 2022?
2022 has been marked by several highlights. I’ve been a father for the first time and you can’t imagine what a source of inspiration this is since I look for my best version every day and that in the end is reflected in the art. At the same time I have been making my first debut album “Akelarre¨ which will be released in our own label Pieces of Life. Also a new project band with Edu Imbernon called ‘Imbermind’. It has been a year marked by experimentation in the studio where I have been able to reflect all my musical influences, I’ve had a great time so far!
What inspires you the most when making music? How do you stay inspired?
I think every artist has to pay a lot of attention to this, it is very important to know when you have the flow to be able to make music. In my case I always accompany it with a ritual; first I go for a walk and try to clear my mind, then when I get to the studio I light a good palo santo wood and most of the time it works. Sport is very important to me because you have to maintain a good physical and psychological balance. I never follow a formula to create, I like to start by turning on a synthesizer and looking for some interesting sound or texture to make a 0 point, this can last 5 minutes or 2 hours. The hardest thing is to handle the frustration because when there is no inspiration I just experiment with some new plugin or go out for a drink with friends 🙂
What would you say has been your biggest career highlight to date?
My highlight is undoubtedly the day Yamil and Borja (my manager) proposed me to be part of the Pieces of Life team. It’s amazing when you share your passion with people you admire. That day my career changed and became much more professional. From that moment on, having a real team behind me has made a such difference, it has helped me to professionalize my day to day work-flow, also to not do things in a hurry, which is so important when you’re a ‘newcomer’ in this industry.
What is the best venue you have played and why?
Playa Venao in Panamá without a doubt. That place has a very strong vibe, it is magical and with an unforgettable sunrise. Yamil and I were playing for more than 7 hours in front of the sea.
What can you tell us about your new album Akelarre?
It is an album in which I wanted to reflect all my musical influences since there is a lot of everything and that was essential for me. The concept of the album as the name says, ‘witches meeting’, has been from the beginning to surround myself with the people with whom I have had more chemistry these past years. You can find collaborations with Thimble, Djolee, Adrian Roman, Yamil, G.Zamora and Apo Lucia.
You can find cuts from downtempo or melodic house to soundscapes… I hope you like it as much as I do! 🙂
If you could put on your own show anywhere in the world, where would it be and who would you have join you on the lineup?
Any place in the world with my Pieces of Life’s team.
Beyond the album release, what is coming up next in the world of Clemente?
It’s time to go back to the desks. Soon I will be playing in Doha, Cairo and many more…
Where is the best place to stay up to date with you?
I live in the middle of nature where I have built my own studio, you could say it’s a good place to spend the day with me 🙂
Thanks for chatting to us today! Hope to see you soon.
Thanks so much for having me with you guys !
Clemente – Akelarre is out now via Pieces of Life.