Dave Rose Interview

Words-Art Jefferson
Photo courtesy of Dave Rose

It is no coincidence that the House music that Dave Rose creates moves dance floors in the biggest of clubs. Maybe it was the possible feeling of nostalgia from what the response would be to his tracks from the crowd who attended the various venues around the city. No matter the reasoning, the fact is, the New York producer’s music exudes the excitement of going to one’s favorite nightclub and letting yourself become engulfed into an almost hypnotic state from the sound and movement. One of his club classics include “Tumba Me” with Deka on Nervous Records. Having gained support from House heavyweights such as Roger Sanchez and DJ Chus, Dave Rose’s tracks can be heard from New York to Ibiza. With the new track “Get Up” which is featured on the CR2 Records “Live & Direct Ibiza 2011 Part 2” release, it seems as if 2011 through 2012 will be another busy year for Rose, which will also make club goers happy as well.

AJ-Talk about your roots in house music. What drew you to house and was there an immediate knowing that this is what you wanted to produce or were you already producing other styles of music?

DR-Well my roots in house music actually were born from my mom always playing disco records around the house. Even from the 70s and early 80s, that music style was very similar to house music today. That is why so many producers have been sampling those tracks. Even I have been inspired lately to do classic disco remixed like “Everybody Dance” and “Shame,” which were two of mom’s favorites. As far as other styles of music production, I have always been a musician, songwriter from a really early age so the transition was easy.

AJ-You’ve gotten support from pretty big heavyweights such as Roger Sanchez. That must be a great feeling!

DR-Being around the club scene following pioneers of house music like Roger Sanchez, the feeling you get when people you idolize recognize your work and even give you a shout out is priceless. It makes it feel worthwhile.

AJ-You have also done a number of collaborations with other producers, one being Junior Vasquez. How did that come about and also, how difficult or easy is it to do collaborations, because I know at times producers have their own individual ways and process of making tracks.

DR-Well I wouldn’t exactly call the Junior Vasquez thing a collab, but I did play keys on a few things of his and it is an honor that he approved what I put into it. Lately more than ever I’ve been collaborating with established house music stars, as well as upcoming ones. I love it. It is always great to bounce your ideas off someone else and get their spin on things. The internet is an amazing tool and has made the world so small. I’ve met so many talented people I might have never met. As far as difficulty, sometimes it doesn’t flow, but when it does it can be explosive. Look out for some things coming down the pipe because there are plenty that I’ve done lately that I’m proud of.

AJ-You have an excellent remix of Pray for More’s “Shame” track. How did that remix project formulate?

DR-I was contacted by Pray For More via Soundcloud, which by the way is one of the best ways to market yourself and reach out to people. I just love the mix Mark Simmons did and I wanted to put my spin on it.

AJ-You have released quite a number of releases over the years including records such as “Tumba Me” with Deka on Nervous Records. Many of your records have definitely moved the dance floors. In your opinion, what makes a really great house record that is guaranteed to move the crowd?

DR-“Tumbame” with DJ Deka was a total accident. Deka was messing around with some samples and wasn’t feeling it. He sent it to me as a goof and was going to trash it, but I heard something in it that I loved. We then got into it and the rest is history. That track really exploded on the floor. I think the recipe for a real crowd pleaser to me is great element, great arrangements with peaks and valleys, and a dope baseline.

AJ-Although this may be a difficult question, which records that you have produced, are you the most proud of?

DR-That is a hard one. I love my tracks for different reasons. “Tumba” was a big one, my “Knas vs. Witchdoctor” bootleg was highly supported by the S-Man. Right now I think I’m most proud of “Feel the Underground” (Original Mix) because it’s on the new Bud Light commercial. It’s a short clip but whenever I see it, it still gives me goosebumps.

AJ-What projects are you currently working on at the moment?

DR-Way too many to list but I’ve got some great collabs going with the local boys DJ Deka and DJ Mike Ivy. Also got stuff going with DJ Nino Anthony, Hausjacker, Ted Nilsson, Sick Elektrik, Alexei & Carlos Kinn, Elias R., Will Clarke, and more. It’s going to be a great summer.

AJ-Finally, in your opinion what is it about this music called house that has been able to literally bring everyone from all walks of life together on the same page?

DR-The thing about house music is, it’s not only music, it’s a feeling. It just makes people happy and be able to feel free to express themselves, especially in the summer. Nothing is better than going to your favorite beach party and to be out in the open air, to feel the beat from your favorite deejay, and see the crowd reacting and feeling exactly the way you are. It’s a very comforting, warm togetherness that cannot be described any other way than it’s house.