Contributing Writer
Italian-born, Brooklyn-raised DJ/producer Dave Turk has been a fixture in his city’s electronic landscape for over a decade, regularly appearing at iconic venues such as Cielo and Output. Now, with the arrival of his new label, CLOOFORILLUR, we caught up with him to discuss the inspiration behind the label, the biggest challenges, and what’s in store for the future.
Hey Dave, thanks for speaking with us today – how’s your day been so far?
Hey guys, Thank you for having me. The day is going great, I woke up early, took a 30 minute siesta, made an espresso and back at it in the studio.
You’ve hit the ground running this year with the launch of your brand-new label, where did the idea come from?
The idea came from a concept in 2015 that I thought up, with the label staying true to the number 3’s structure. For example, the VA has 9 tracks, the first vinyl release will have 3 tracks on it and so on. Plus I always dreamt of having a label.
Tell us about the name, how did that come about?
It happened naturally, actually. I’m a fan of numerology, and being that 3 is my universal number, I wrote up a chart of letters to numbers (A-1 / B-2 / C-3 etc.) and played around with the letters, and CLOOFORILLUR was born. 12 letters, 3 words, every letter is connected to the number 3 (btw, it’s literally 6:39pm as I’m responding to this question) + to tie everything all in, the name of the label is a play on words; as in, get a Clue, for iller music!
We’re approaching the launch of CLOOFORILLUR’s VA, what’s been the biggest challenges so far?
The biggest challenges so far have been taking on new responsibilities (gladly, and gratefully) and balancing everything. Also, I sometimes go a little “extra” with what I’m doing…so knowing when something is ready for the public’s ear is an art within itself.
‘pre’ will be the world’s first taste of CLOOFORILLUR, how did you select the artists for the VA?
Also, something that happened organically. The artists I selected for the VA are people I’ve been speaking to for quite some time. Some old friends, some new, some from music sent to the label. I have collected a nice amount of demos, and I made it so there was a nice variety and range. From my minimal version of “Actin’ Like a Baby” to Zamoras Remix being a peak hour energy banger, to Lukas Aoki’s deeper grooves, to Gian-Paul & Dayna C’s Deep-Housey energy jam. So I’m very happy with the selection. I believe in all the music that is on the VA as well as the artists. I think everyone did an amazing job on their tracks. Also, the early feedback has been nothing short of amazing from the Big Boys like Jamie, Marco, Dennis Cruz, and Archie Hamilton, as well as the word on the streets in general.
You’ve worked with the likes of Paradise Music and Dark Side Of The Sun on your own releases, what labels do you look up to and why?
Well, I definitely look up to Jamie & Paradise. He’s been a huge inspiration for me throughout the years, and to release on his newest label and to play for Paradise has been very motivational as well as inspirational. Luuk Van Dijk & Dark Side of the Sun was a big kickoff to 2023 with the ‘Tell Me Whatcha Lookin’ Foe’ EP. Every label I have released on (Nervous Records, VIVa MUSIC etc.), as well as have releases forthcoming on, makes sense to me. The label’s vision, direction, art curation, and of course, prior music released on the labels, play a factor for me.
Some other labels I look up to are ‘SlapFunk Records’, Seth’s new label ‘Slacker85’, Gene on Earth’s ‘Limousine Dream’, ‘Jackie’s Music Records’, I’m really into ‘Locus’ as well. The list goes on, and for me, their consistency, music selection & quality of music is fresh and it resonates with me.
Your label is based in New York, what’s the scene like there currently?
The scene is great. You can go to Brooklyn, Manhattan, basically anywhere in NYC and catch more underground vibes with parties like Resolute, larger-scale events like Teksupport, and locals like Shvili, Simon Heyliger, Pablo Romero, Luna Mar, and Love & Logic from S.O.U.P. to name a few. Always doing their thing and pushing the envelope, like at Apollo, for instance. There’s always something going on in New York.
(I always go back to when I sometimes hear people say, “There’s nothing going on tonight,”…and my response is usually “Really?…go on RA or check on Instagram, and I’m sure you can find something to do”)
What sort of scenes on a global scale would you be interested in representing?
Well, of course, I would love to keep representing New York and bringing that flavour to all the other destinations of the world: the U.K., France, Italy, Germany, and Australia. Anywhere that matches the frequency of what I’m doing musically and is accepted is a blessing, and I would be grateful to have the opportunities to play and be/stay relevant.
If ‘pre’ was a club/club night, what would it be and why?
If ‘pre’ was a Club/Club night, it would most definitely fit the 3 artists on the Bill for the night. Theme parties, Go-Go Dancer’s slightly elevated and booth slightly elevated as well so the vibe stays thick, and vibe heavy. Plant’s on the Booth overflowing, a Retro Neon Logo above the Booth to represent, Funktion-One or Danley sound system, and fruit platers carried through-out the venue towards the end of the night to replenish and recharge everyone. I can keep going.
You were born in Rome and raised in Brooklyn, how have these places influenced you musically?
Brooklyn, and New York, in general, have shaped me, not only musically but as a person as well. Fast-paced and you gotta be on it all the time, as well as coming from a strict European background, had me tapping into early rebelliousness in the sense of sneaking out to clubs at 14 etc. Yet, I have for sure calmed down from my early days of clubbing.
What’s next for Dave Turk?
Next up after the VA (from what I can mention right now) will be my first Vinyl Release EP, as well as a remix from Boris Werner, an EP on Leon’s label ‘Futura’ with my dear friend Roberto Valerio, an EP out on S.O.U.P. Records + a few more releases, exciting collaborations, and my party CLOOFORILLUR.FUNction and touring as well.
Dave Turk:
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