Clive Henry Interview: At peace with the past

Image: Clive Henry

Clive Henry has held his own in a competitive music scene for over twenty years, conquering Ibiza, touring the world and representing the unique breed of true electronic talent that stems from the UK.

As one half of seminal tribal house duo Peace Division with Justin Drake, Clive Henry began to make major waves within the underground scene in 1994. His musical journey was then followed by the founding of the iconic label Low Pressings with X-Press 2 member Rocky.

After stumbling upon a Circoloco party in 2000, Henry was soon welcomed as part of the DC10 Ibiza family, which he is still very much a part of to this day. We caught up with him ahead of his gig at the first ever Sankeys Warehouse showcase this weekend.

Did you recently do a Peace Division set? Why not do more? How did that one go down?

That's news to me. Where did you get that from?! Yeah I suppose it would be interesting to do a Peace Division set for sure as there's a new generation of clubbers/ravers that probably have zero idea that I was half of Peace Division, that's if they've even ever heard of us!

I quite like to be forward thinking with most things I do and try not to dwell on past experiences or glories too much as you'll never move on.

Do you miss working as a duo, or do you like the solo life?

Of course I miss it. It was a huge, important chunk of my life and without having that it's had some bearing both positive and negative on how I've been as a person and artist these last few years. But like I said in my previous answer, you always have to try and look to the future so there's zero point in dwelling on the past.

What sticks in the memory as some of the best moments over the summer for you?

The Garden at DC10 without doubt. There's something quite special about playing to a crowd in the open air and doing what I do and having people react to my music like they do. It's indescribable really. And the back to back with my sister from another mister Tania Vulcano at the anniversary there was dope too.

Do you get much music writing done in summer, or is it more about partying?

Have tried to but its near on impossible but have got a single coming via Vitalik over the next few months that's near completion now.

Are you someone who likes winter? Will it be creatively inspiring for you?

For me winter is when you can get much more done with less distractions. Summer's too full on and you don't wanna be cooped up in a small windowless studio when it's blazing sunshine outside and everyone's out enjoying it.

British summers are predominantly so sketchy weather wise you have to make the most of the good days. But to be honest, if I have the opportunity to get in the studio whatever the weather I'll get in there. 

You play for Sankeys Warehouse in the UK soon. What's your relationship with the club like? How aware are you of its history?

I'm totally aware of its history and I've been going to Manchester since the Hacienda days, I'm showing my age now haha. Charlie Chester the legendary London promoter from back then was organising coaches up there from here.

Like Leeds and Manchester has a rich clubbing heritage that compares solidly with London over the years. Charlie always used to get Justin Robertson from Most Excellent to come spin at events down here we were involved in or regulars at so there's always been a good connection with the city.

What will you pack for the Sankeys Warehouse party? More dark, raw stuff than usual or?

I try and stay true to my musical ethos and ideaology wherever I play because people come to hear what you do normally. It would be pointless to start banging out a load of Drumcode inspired techno even though it's always nice to surprise people.

How close have you been to the music scene in Manchester over the years?

It's had a real vibrant scene from baggie to indie rave to acid and now it seems to really have a thing for techno. Yeah, techno is back at the forefront of most promoters minds at the moment which is fine by me but it doesn't mean I'll necessarily play it or jump on it. 

Although when I was younger, we used to go check Jeff Mills etc who for me is techno. He's not like some of these lame ass attempts of DJs that are jumping on the bandwagon now. 

What else have you got coming up?

Just about to confirm some regular nights at Tokyo Nights (Summer Tales' winter venture) here in Shoreditch from November which for me is one of London's better regular club nights. It's got a great relaxed crowd, zero moodiness and really open to any vibe musically that gets given to them. The owners and management there are first class.

Also got a tour of Australia coming up early December with some Circoloco parties in amongst the dates there which are always off the scale.

Plus I'm starting a project with Alex Arnout called Black to The Future which will be meaning getting some more trax released, edits etc and playing more regularly together. And of course my Vitalik release which is coming under the moniker of The Ugly Truth.

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