In the pantheon of house music legends, few artists have witnessed and shaped the genre’s evolution quite like David Morales. Now, with over 1000 records under his belt and his own label DIRIDIM thriving since 2018, he continues to push boundaries while honouring house music’s roots.
In this conversation, we explore the shifts in DJ culture over four decades, the magic behind his creative partnership with vocalist Antoinette Dunleavy, and his philosophy on staying true to the music in an increasingly commercialized landscape. From the old record store culture to AI’s impact on production, this is a master class in passion, persistence, and the enduring power of house music.
1. Reflecting on your journey from growing up in Brooklyn to becoming a globally revered house music legend who’s worked with Michael Jackson and Madonna – what moment or milestone made you realize you’d truly “made it”? How do those early days in New York’s underground scene still influence your approach today?
Everything happened organically for me. I’m a DJ that always had passion, I never thought that I would become a successful remixer producer that was going to work with the biggest pop stars in the world. I was fortunate to have met some remixers and producers that invited me to the studio and sit in on their sessions. I actually started by editing songs for remixers and record labels. I got my first big break in 1987 when I asked a promotion friend that worked at RCA Records to let me remix Instinctual by Imagination. It did well then soon after that Jellybean asked me to remix Love Will Save The Day by Whitney Houston. I was just 25 years old. The remix was never released commercially which really bummed me out. It was only released as a promo for DJ’s.
2. Since launching DIRIDIM in 2018, you’ve built an impressive roster featuring everyone from Róisín Murphy to Timmy Regisford. How do you curate the label’s sound while maintaining that quality house music ethos, and what’s your vision for where DIRIDIM goes next?
I started DIRIDIM because I wanted a platform to release my own music and not have someone tell me that it wasn’t for their label. For me DIRIDIM is about all types of music. We don’t just put out one style of music. I didn’t even start the label to really sign other artists even though we have. I like to produce different styles of music, so by having my own label I can release my music. I’ll be releasing some collaborations with other DJ’s as well. I’m open to signing new artists as well.
3. “You And Me” marks another collaboration with Antoinette Dunleavy after your recent successes with ‘Deep Inside’, ‘Tell Me’ and ‘Do You Believe’. What is it about working with Antoinette that keeps drawing you back, and how has your creative partnership come about?
Antoinette is my muse. We worked together many years ago in New York which I totally forgot (embarrassing), then we reconnected when a friend of mine DJ Meme from Brazil sent me a demo that they did to listen to. Antoinette is an amazing singer and a brilliant songwriter. She loves writing and she has the passion like I do.
4. From the underground clubs of New York in the ’80s and ’90s to today’s festival main stages and streaming platforms, you’ve witnessed house music’s complete transformation. What do you miss most about the “old days,” and conversely, what aspects of today’s music landscape do you think are actually better than before?
That’s a huge question to answer. I’ve witnessed and have been a part of the whole DJ, clubbing culture for the last 45 years. I never in my wildest dreams would have thought that scene would evolve to what it is today. What I miss from the “old days”, 1. is playing all night. 2. The DJ was not the center of attention even though the DJ was known and important but they came to listen and not watch you. 3. Men and women danced with each other. 4. It was never about the promoter per se. People would come because it was a good club with good music. Back then we all played the same music, I’m talking before house music came on the scene and even when it did people still danced together. I miss going to the record stores. All the DJ’s would go to the stores before the weekend. Now we take today where the DJ culture is bigger than ever and still growing. I would have never thought that a DJ would become as big as a rock star drawing massive crowds just as big as some of the biggest acts in the world. The negative aspect to all of this is that there’s too much emphasis on the DJ when we’re not doing any magic tricks lol. People are enjoying themselves but there’s less interacting bet themselves because everyone is looking at the DJ. The evolution of the technology has made it easier for anyone to become a DJ. Even DJing had to be done on turntables then you wouldn’t be having as many people wanting to do it because it’s not easy and it’s more expensive to buy records as opposed to buying music files on the internet which is cheap. Now with social media playing a big part of everything today people can become a big name overnight without really having the passion. The evolution of festivals is incredible. The stages that the build is amazing. It’s entertainment. I am privileged to have witnessed this scene become so big and still be a part of it.
5. With the music landscape so different from when you started, how do you discover new talent now? Are you finding artists through streaming platforms, social media, or do you still rely on the underground scene and word-of-mouth recommendations?
I find new artists by hearing them on other peoples tracks. Some artists reach out to me on social media. I was at a restaurant the other day and there was a guy singing and playing guitar singing covers. I introduced myself and asked him if he was open to doing some dance music.
6. As someone who’s produced over 1000 records, what’s your take on AI’s growing presence in music production? Do you see it as a tool that could enhance creativity, or are you concerned about its impact on the human element that makes house music so special?
AI has it’s positives and negatives. Again it’s making it easy for people to make music more economically for one and I like some of it. It allows you to be able to learn how to make music without having to rely on others. But nothing beats the human element. There are some things that it just can’t do. Yet.
7. Your DIRIDIM parties at Pikes Ibiza have become legendary. How has the island’s scene changed over the years, and what keeps you coming back to that Wednesday night residency year after year?
Pikes is my favorite place to play right now. Playing there makes me realize why I love to DJ. They let me play all night which is 5 hours and I can play whatever I want. I have the time to tell my story. Having a huge knowledge of music from the last 5 decades allows me to also play some songs that they’ve never heard. The DJ booth is small and the room is intimate which I miss. Also people are dancing and looking at the DJ also no phones allowed. The island has changed alot, it has become very commercialised and very expensive, you can’t expect it to stay the same. Ibiza has a magical vibe on it’s own. It’s not as organic as it used to be.
8. With decades of touring under your belt and regular residencies like your DIRIDIM nights at Pikes, how do you maintain work-life balance? Has your approach to touring and performing changed as you’ve gotten older, and what keeps you energized for those late-night sets?
Music is the air that I breathe. If I’m not playing somewhere then I’m in the studio working on music. It’s the traveling that gets tiring.
9. What advice do you give to emerging producers and vocalists trying to break through in today’s oversaturated market?
If you love it then do it because you love it. If you have expectations or get frustrated because you’re not where you want to be then you’re doing it for the wrong reasons. For DJ’s and artists they can try streaming platforms for one. When I do seminars I ask the class why do you want to DJ and the answer better be because they love music.
10. Looking ahead, what’s on the horizon for you this year and beyond?
I’m going to continue to do what I love. I’m having the best time ever right now and I find that to be a blessing.