UK DJ and producer Will Clarke has long been a force in the electronic music scene, known for his Grammy-nominated songwriting and his candid, charismatic presence. Recently, he joined forces with Oliver Heldens for a high-energy rework of the Sister Sledge disco anthem, ‘Lost In Music,’ released on Charlotte de Witte’s Époque imprint. The track, which has already become a staple in sets worldwide, represents the culmination of a long production journey and a shared vision between two of dance music’s most respected artists.
Reflecting on the collaboration, Will Clarke notes that the project was a natural evolution. After releasing ‘WHAT!?’ on Chris Lake’s Black Book, he received interest from Spinnin’ Records regarding a potential rework of the Sister Sledge catalog. Having grown up with the group’s music playing in his family home, the opportunity felt deeply personal. While his initial edit leaned heavily into techno, the final version with Oliver Heldens strikes a perfect balance, blending classic disco sensibilities with modern club-ready production.
The Pursuit of Timeless Music
It has been five years since the duo last collaborated on the track ‘Check’ under Heldens’ HI-LO alias. When asked about the longevity of his work, Clarke emphasizes that he does not chase trends. Instead, he focuses on creating music that resonates with him personally, whether he is playing it in a marathon set or listening at home. He believes that if a track works for the artist, it will naturally find its place on the dancefloor. This philosophy extends to his upcoming projects, including his November single, ‘Dance With Me,’ a record he has spent over five years perfecting.
Navigating the Modern Industry
Beyond the studio, Clarke maintains a refreshingly honest perspective on the role of social media in the modern music industry. He admits to having a love-hate relationship with digital platforms, acknowledging that while they are integral to a successful career, they can also be overwhelming. For Clarke, the key is to have fun with the process, treating each post like a lottery ticket—you never quite know what will resonate, but you have to keep showing up.
Following a successful tour across the United States, which included a standout 10-hour set at Refuge in New York City, Clarke is looking ahead to a busy end of the year. With a remix of Basement Jaxx’s ‘Red Alert’ on the horizon and a new deal with Ultra Records, he remains as prolific as ever. When asked where he truly gets ‘lost in music,’ he points to the simple, quiet moments at home, cooking while classic Motown and gospel vinyls spin on the turntable.
Oliver Heldens & Will Clarke ‘Lost In Music’ is out now on Charlotte de Witte’s Époque imprint. Get it HERE.
Catch both artists at Amsterdam Dance Event at Heldeep showcase on October 21st. Tickets here.
