Brussels-based producer, DJ and artist Cleveland, is up next for #62 on our Tape Series. 

The sound universe of Cleveland, although versatile, is clearly recognisable. Cleveland's productions are subtle with a modern feel built around warm "Left-field" tones and organic rhythms while keeping a dancefloor focus through strangely elegant grooves. 

Cleveland makes dark electronic music full of suggestive atmosphere and contemplative having a surprising balance between carefully designed loops that help the listener to get lost by keeping a propulsive side. Similar to his own creations, his DJ & live sets captivate his audience, bringing influences of various references in one of his unexpectedly dynamic, hypnotic, adventurous, and personal journeys.

Tracklist

Dashiell - Going Nowhere Fast
Ebbs’n Flow - Spy Kids
Renzo - Rodeo
Boom Generation - Bird
Mouvement Perpetuel - Coop 8AM
Primitive - Tools Edition 2
Solar Suite - Sad Machine
Can’t find the name of that record
UK - Gold Confined
Saturn Reigns - Grove
Conrad Pack - Informant
Mittens - Self Care Industrial Complex
Pugilist - Chrysalis
Kincaid - Air-ism
LCY - Shhh
DJ Nukem feat Jamie Wong-Li - Secrets (Vocal Mix)
D. Tiffany & Roza Terenzi - Grains Of Sand
Plush Management - Slumber Party 5.0
Mezz - Cubism (Steve Porter Remix)
Downstairs J - Orion
DJ19 - Breakin’ Of The Dawn

Hey Andrea! Welcome to the Tapes series. How are things? Let’s start with some introductions!

Hello Origins crew, thanks for having me :) Tutto bene in Brussels! things are quite relaxed right now. I’m looking forward to moving into a new studio space next week.

What are you up to at the moment?

Right now I’m balancing my work time between a radio job, mostly audiovisual art projects and trying to finish a bunch of new tracks that I have been cooking for months.

What’s the nightlife scene like in Belgium?

It’s exciting! Brussel’s best part is that it’s still a secret so people actually don’t know how good this city actually is! I can sense big positive energy after the pandemic; a bunch of new talented DJs that have been working a lot during these two years; Kiosk radio and Horst Festival that have grown a lot of (well-deserved) international attention; many small new labels and parties popping up, a very intimate scene with lots of nice and motivated people. It’s also amazing to see that many crews are supporting each other. Nacht, Gayhaze, Planet, Horst, C12, Kiosk, Crevette to name a few.

Let’s talk about your productions! Your last record on Kalahari Oyster Cult was reviewed on RA as ‘Halloween Techno’. I love the spooky sounds, especially in Golem! What are you working on at the moment?

I’m trying to work on my first extensive project, so something that is maybe a bit bigger than a classic EP. I definitely love spooky intimate sounds, it’s really triggering me when I hear odd and weird sounds and especially putting them into a festive context is quite exciting as well.

What does your studio setup look like?

An analog drum machine for the beats and grooves, two digital synths one from Waldorf and another from Yamaha for quirky digital synth sounds, and I also started buying some Eurorack modules some time ago to add some unexpected random LFO, and effects. Ah also my essential OTO reverb pedal. Everything goes into a 6 channel mixer and then into Ableton. This mix was recorded with my CDJ700s and a Xone23 mixer.

Where did the name Cleveland come from?

I can’t really remember if there was a specific reason haha… I guess I liked English sounding words when I was younger, and the fact that it has ‘land’ may have attracted me at that time, since I’ve also been using geographical locations as track titles in the past. But the truth is that  there is no link to the city, or the US, or the tv show. Sorry  :(

Exciting gigs coming up?

I’m really looking forward to playing in Milan for the BUKA event series in June.

QUICKFIRE!! 3 artists that have shaped your sound?

Early Roman Flügel Records. The Other People Place. Soul Capsule. (to name a few)

One piece of hardware you have always dreamed of owning?

The OG Roland Tr 808.

What are you most looking forward to this Summer?

Summer without masks and distance.

Thanks for being a part of the Tapes series!

Interview by: Alicia Steanson

Follow Cleveland —

soundcloud.com/clevelandmusicpage
www.instagram.com/clevel4nd