Dave Leck has been quietly refining his sound for years, balancing a full-time career in software architecture with a steady output of melodic, atmospheric tracks that pull from his love of progressive house. His latest release, Floodgate, out now on Magnetic Magazine Recordings, shows how far that process has taken him—delivering a track that’s equal parts hypnotic and emotionally grounded and feels like a natural extension of his influences but fully shaped through his own lens.
In this interview, we talked to Dave about the artists that shaped his music early on, including U2, Depeche Mode, and Sasha, and how those influences show up in his current productions. He also opens up about why chasing trends can distract from finding an authentic voice, and how committing to his own style has been a long-term effort that pays off through the satisfaction of finishing tracks that resonate on a personal level.
What makes this conversation even more valuable is Dave’s perspective on staying independent. He’s upfront about the challenges artists face when trying to make music a full-time career and offers practical advice for producers trying to develop a unique sound and gives a look inside the mindset and workflow that shaped Floodgate, and what he believes keeps music authentic in a scene that can often feel driven by algorithms.
Who are the artists or sounds that most shaped your style early on?
My earliest influences were U2, The Cure, Depeche Mode, New Order and Radiohead. A little later in the electronic music world it was Sasha. His ‘Airdrawndagger’ album was a huge inspiration for me.
What’s the one sound or technique that you think defines your signature style?
I think my style can be characterised by very rich atmospheric pads with a lot of subtle interweaving musical elements. I love using long reverbs and delay effects to create a deep and engaging sound to immerse the listener, alongside my best version of progressive house drums, bass and percussion.
I like the juxtaposition of an introspective and melancholy ambient voyage with the uplifting energy of progressive house.
Why do you think it’s important for artists to focus on developing their own sound rather than chasing trends?
Everyone benefits. The world gets the authentic version of the artist and the music that’s created. The artist can also experience a degree of freedom from external expectations and find a solid and unwavering base for themselves from which to create. It’s a long term commitment to do it this way and takes a long time.
I think it’s ok to be inspired by the latest trends but in order to learn and deepen your own journey, not to try to copy.
Why do you think some artists get stuck in a certain sound, and how do you keep pushing your boundaries?
Maybe because they had some past success and want to keep various industry stakeholders happy, or it’s a personal identity thing. I have a full time job in software technical architecture, so I am free from this dependancy for now. I still have challenges around identity and how to engage with the music industry, but it’s largely minimised as I am not financially dependant on music.
I have the greatest respect for those trying to going full time with music and wish them the best, but it’s a hard road to bear the insecurity.
How do you know when a track is finished?
It’s an internal feeling that the musical story has been told and nothing else needs to be added and the mix is clean. The longer I have been producing the more I trust my gut feeling about it. If I slow down and am honest with myself there are always little niggles that I have to put right in order to feel at peace and content with the track.
Once I have that feeling I know it’s done to the best of my ability.
What’s the biggest mistake you see other producers making when it comes to their creative process?
Mistakes are often the best ways to learn and grow and people are different. My mistakes or creative challenges have been comparing myself to others and thinking I should be somewhere other than where I am. I still have to make an ongoing effort to put my attention on being grateful for what I have, rather than focus on what I think I am lacking.
This can steal your joy, creativity and the precious moments of your life.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to an artist who’s struggling to find their sound?
Realise it’s a long term game. Slow down, enjoy the process and tune into your own heart to find the way forward. Iterate the whole production process from idea conception to fully finished master over and over again, and release when you can. As a producer, actually ‘producing’ is jet fuel for inspiration.
What’s the one element every track you release has to have to feel complete to you?
When I love listening to the new track over and over again and just enjoy experiencing it. I love that feeling.
What do you think makes an artist’s music stand out in today’s crowded music industry?
Quality production and emotive storytelling. The storytelling may even be more important, but nowadays, with so much music being released, the quality needs to be on point too.
Why do you think some artists become trendsetters while others just follow trends?
I think those who follow a true artist path are fuelled by the desire to get a tiny bit better with every new creation. It’s an upward momentum of pushing and stretching for mastery that will never be reached. Seeing a developmental improvement over a long period is rewarding and this is how great art is made I believe.
It’s natural at times to want a shortcut, so maybe that’s where following trends come in. Having said that, when approaching labels it is good to be able to be more objective to see how your sound can fit and suit a particular market.
Where do you think the future of electronic music is heading?
With AI music I predict the number of tracks being released will explode over the next few years. Also these days the social media component is more influential than ever and I know that a lot of musicians generally don’t enjoy that (including myself). I feel as with music, people are also starving for authentic expression, so I think there will always be a place for what can touch us as human beings.
What do you think is missing in the music industry right now?
I don’t think artist / producers are recognised enough for what they contribute and how it is the foundation of the whole industry.
Will Vance is a professional music producer who has been involved in the industry for the better part of a decade and has been the managing editor at Magnetic Magazine since mid-2022. In that time period, he has published thousands of articles on music production, industry think pieces and educational articles about the music industry. Over the last decade as a professional music producer, Will Vance has also ran multiple successful and highly respected record labels in the industry, including Where The Heart Is Records as well as having launched a new label with a focus on community through Magnetic Magazine. When not running these labels or producing his own music, Vance is likely writing for other top industry sites like Waves or the Hyperbits Masterclass or working on his upcoming book on mindfulness in music production. On the rare chance he's not thinking about music production, he's probably running a game of Dungeons and Dragons with his friends which he has been the dungeon master for for many years.
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