A chat with Luca Daniele...

Luca Daniele is an Italian DJ, producer, and selector with a deep-rooted passion for electronic music. His journey into the scene began at just 12 years old when he and his friends would painstakingly cut and edit DJ sets to create their own mixes. Over two decades later, his dedication to music remains stronger than ever.

With a sound that blends minimal, deep tech, and underground influences, Luca's music is a reflection of both his technical skill and instinctive approach to production. He officially began producing over ten years ago, experimenting with early software like Music Maker, but in the last five years, his craft has become more refined and focused. As a DJ, he prefers the term selector, always striving to curate sets that create deep, immersive experiences on the dancefloor.

Luca is a key part of Clero Records, an Italian label founded by his close friend Renke. Alongside Renke and Rox, he helps drive the label’s artistic vision, blending techno and its subgenres with a strong sense of authenticity and creative freedom. Drawing inspiration from labels like Solid Grooves, Catch & Release, and PIV, Luca is continuously evolving his sound, pushing boundaries while staying true to his musical identity.

Whether through his own productions or collaborations with labels like SelectA Rec. and Distance Music, Luca Daniele’s music is about more than just beats—it's about energy, emotion, and connection. With an exciting year ahead, including new releases and performances, Luca is set to make waves in 2025 and beyond. We chatted with him recently to learn more…

How did you first get into electronic music and DJing? What were some of your biggest musical influences growing up?

I don't know if it was me who approached music or if it was music that approached me, but I can say that since I was born, I have had a good relationship with music in almost all its genres. I got into electronic music at around 12 years old when some friends and I downloaded DJ sets and, in a very tricky way, cut the tracks we liked best. More than 20 years have passed since then—now everything is much simpler.

I produced my first beat about 10 years ago using software called Music Maker—I think it was the 2004 version. I’ve been producing more seriously and consistently for about five years.

I've been DJing for around three years, though I prefer to call myself a selector, as I still have a lot to learn about DJing.

I've had many influences, but the ones that left the biggest mark on me were Pastaboys, Click Box, Italoboyz, and Raresh.

Tell us a bit about Clero Records. What was the inspiration behind the label?

Clero is a project I’ve been part of for a short time. It’s an Italian label founded by Renke, a Sicilian musician and a close friend. The concept behind the label is deep, and I’d prefer Renke to explain it. What I can say is that right now, our main focus is Techno in its various subgenres.

What labels do you look to for inspiration? Is there one label in particular whose success you’d love to emulate?

I’m mainly inspired by Solid Grooves, Catch & Release, and PIV. I’ve been in contact with some of them, and I hope to release music with them one day.

You work with Renke and Rox on the project. Can you tell us a bit about how you met in the first place? Who does what in the project?

There’s a strong friendship between Renke, Rox, and me. We’ve all known each other for a long time. We were born in the same city, and even though we don’t all live in the same place now, we continue to work on Clero and our personal projects.

Renke and I have known each other for a long time, but musically, we’ve only been collaborating for a few years. He was my mentor—he shared a lot of his knowledge with me in a very natural and sincere way.

With Rox, we also have a long-standing friendship, and we connected musically through Clero. We’ve even collaborated on projects outside the label.

Renke is the founder and the guiding spirit of the label, as well as a sound designer and composer. Rox and I handle A&R and help Renke manage the work.

What’s been the most exciting moment for the label so far? Or do you feel the best is yet to come?

We try to make every moment exciting by searching for music that transmits deep vibes to clubbers. When our music gets support, that’s a great feeling—it’s the most rewarding moment and makes all the hard work worthwhile.

How does your approach to music production differ when working with different labels, like SelectA Rec. and Distance Music?

I generally produce freely. Once a track is finished, I look for labels that fit the sound. In my opinion, when producing minimal or tech house, the process doesn’t vary that much across different labels.

How do you decide what gets released on Clero versus other labels?

It’s mostly a matter of intuition—it’s something you feel rather than define with words. On my EP released on Clero, for example, there are some elements created with analog synths that came out in a very spontaneous and curious way.

What’s your creative process like when making a new track?

Sometimes, ideas come to me outside the studio when I’m not actively making music. I hum melodies in my head, take strange notes, and then write them down once I’m in the studio.

Other times, it's completely random. I use sample packs and analog machines, so my production is a hybrid. For me, music is freedom.

What’s your favourite track from your own catalogue, and why? If you were to introduce one track of yours to someone, what would it be and why?

It depends on the situation, but a track I really like is FFKKK, released on Distance Music by Bassel Darwish. The cold, raw sounds I created in that track represent a part of my soul.

How do you balance maintaining your signature sound while experimenting with new styles?

Experimenting with new styles comes naturally to me—I don’t even think about the process. I usually do it to clear my mind and keep my creativity flowing.

With tracks like ‘Doggo Traxx’, you seem to embrace playful titles. Is there a story behind this particular name?

I named the track Doggo Traxx because while I was producing it, my dog was staring at me from behind the window, calling me to play.

I often take my four-legged friends to the studio—they listen to my music, and sometimes they even inspire me. They’re special beings.

How has your music evolved over the years, and what direction do you see it taking in the future?

Over time, my music has evolved, especially in terms of quality. Right now, I’m focused on the minimal deep tech genre, and I don’t have any plans to stray too far from it. I also have a number of projects in progress that I’m excited about.

What do you think of the current state of underground electronic music?

There’s a lot of quality music out there, but also a lot of filler—it all comes down to personal taste. Vibrations don’t work the same way for everyone.

How does it feel to see your tracks chart on platforms like Beatport? What else constitutes success for you in music?

Seeing my tracks chart doesn’t have the same impact on me as it once did. I used to get really excited about it, but the market is so saturated now, with thousands of releases coming out every day.

For me, success is making people connect with my music, even if the track doesn’t blow up in sales.

Do you have any advice for emerging DJs and producers trying to make their mark in the industry?

My main advice is to study and be humble towards the music itself. Take the time to understand production processes without taking shortcuts.

Stay down to earth, share your ideas with others, and surround yourself with people who truly inspire you to grow—without rivalries or unnecessary competition.

What’s next for you in 2025? What are you excited about musically and professionally?

I’m working on a lot of new music, and I’ll be announcing new releases soon. 2025 is going to be a fun year—I’ll be playing here and there, and I’ve got several confirmed gigs.

See you on the dancefloor! ❤️

Keep up with Luca Daniele on Instagram

Keep up with Clero Records on Instagram