Interview: DJ Clinton Sparks

Armed with a Barney Stinson level of confidence and charisma, Clinton Sparks is the jack of all trades who’s left a Bigfoot-sized imprint on Hollywood. He’s variously been a decksmith, Boston radio DJ and entertainment host for E! News – but he’s also highly respected behind the scenes as a producer, lending his boisterous touch to tracks by fellow musical heavyweights like LMFAO, Notorious B.I.G., Ludacris and Pitbull. Most recently, his work on Lady Gaga’s ‘Bloody Mary’ (from Born This Way) had him in the running for a Grammy award. Swinging back into Singapore for F1 weekend at the Johnnie Walker Circuit Lounge after a riotous set at Mink last November, he tells us about living life in the fast lane.

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This will be your second time in Singapore in less than a year. What did you like about the city during your last trip here?
I loved the people I met and the city, as well as the cookies in my hotel. All of these factors played a role in my decision to return.

Will you be rooting for any particular driver in the F1?
Unfortunately I won’t be here long enough to – I’ll only be in Singapore for a day. But if it were up to me, I would be a driver.

You’re well established in many creative realms. Which do you love doing the most?
I just love bringing ideas to life, so I love them all for this reason. Any time I can think of something that makes other people see or hear [something new], that’s awesome.

What has been the standout moment in your career as a producer?
There are so many milestones in my career and all of them mean a lot to me, but I guess the biggest would be being nominated for a Grammy this year for producing on Lady Gaga’s new album.

What was it like working with her?
It was super-awesome! She has a very creative mind. It was great to know that DJ White Shadow and I could be very experimental and she would get it, and know what to do with it or add to it. Everyone on that project was really awesome.

Out of the many huge names you’ve worked with, whom have you enjoyed producing for the most?
Pitbull, because he’s very cool, involved, and knows what works and what doesn’t. He’s also one of the most down-to- earth guys in the business. He’s been the same guy for the past ten years I’ve known him.

Which are the bands you can’t get enough of at the moment?
I like a lot of bands, from old to new. I love underground ones like Stars in Stereo, Gentlemen Hall, Hey Champ, Bad Rabbits and Chester French, to major bands like My Chemical Romance, Weezer and Queen.

Do you prefer playing for major festivals or more intimate settings?
I like playing wherever people are ready to rage. I’m not a fan of spots where people stand and watch, or think they’re too cool to get involved. I want you to come with the intention of jumping, singing and raging! That’s why I’m coming for the Johnnie Walker Circuit Lounge.

Some DJs are known to be strict about not taking requests from the crowd. What’s your personal policy on that?
I’ll listen, but it doesn’t mean I’ll play. The worst scenario is to have a girl who asks you for a request and comes back every ten minutes until you play it. That’s how you get it not played for sure. Your cuteness doesn’t make me alter my vibe to play your request, ever.

Do you have anything big in the works for the year ahead?
Yes! Most important is the official release of my debut single ‘Watch You’ featuring Pitbull, which is off my Disco Ball & Chain project coming soon. I’ll be performing it in Singapore. I’m also working on albums for other people, from Pitbull to Enrique [Iglesias] to Flo Rida. I also have a new clothing line called Let’s Rage Clothing, available online.