Exclusive Interview with John Morales
John Morales was born in the Bronx, New York and has been involved in the creation of hit records for the better part of almost 35 years, playing at many NY clubs in the 70s and 80s. John ventured into the studio more through need than necessity, making medleys and remixes because the records in those days were too short and being a DJ, he needed to get more out of the records he was spinning. A meeting at New York’s influential WBLS radio station, where Cuban-born Sergio Munzibai worked as musical director alongside Frankie Crocker (and later at Motown Records), would signal the next chapter in Morales’ career resulting in the most prolific remix partnership in the 1980s and 90s. M&M productions have over 650 mixes to their name, with ground-breaking records for the likes of The Temptations, Tina Turner, The Rolling Stones, Aretha Franklin and Rod Stewart.
Siam2nite had the opportunity to have an exclusive interview with John Morales, shortly before his performance at Black Pagoda on 2nd November.
You grew up in the Bronx, New York and were involved in the creation of hit records for the better part of almost 35 years. How did you get in touch with electronic dance music?
I have always loved all kinds of music and just gravitated to dance music because in the neighborhoods I grew up in (mid-seventies Bronx, New York) there was a predominance of Soul and Latin music, certain vibes and rhythms that were so exciting to me and inspiring from a very young age. As a young kid I got a job of sorts at a record store and at the end of the week I got paid in ‘45s. It was I those days that I knew dance music is what I wanted to do. After I had a few years as a local DJ in the Bronx behind me, the limits of playing those very short 2 or 3 minute singles inspired me get a reel-to-reel tape recorder and start making non-stop medleys and extend individual songs to 6, 8 or 12 minutes length. I got pretty good at it, and the rest is history.
You produce Disco and Soulful House. How would you describe your own music in just a few words?
Percussive, rhythmic , lots of energy , soulful, uplifting and always an expression of a good time.
Out of all tracks you have made, which would you recommend to someone that is not yet familiar with your music?
I would recommend to anyone who wants to know about my music to pick up John Morales presents The M+M Mixes on BBE Records… they have a variety of different styles and types of music and really reflects what I do, both past and present.
What are your thoughts on the remarkable revival of Disco tunes in today’s electronic dance music?
I love everything about it. It has given a new younger audience the opportunity to listen and enjoy the music that has been a part of my life throughout and once again allows me to share that music with a larger audience and keep it going on. It really brings the past and the present nicely together, not just as a history lesson but, in many ways, as an affirmation of how much contemporary dance music is indebted to what disco started.
As part of M&M productions you have made over 650 mixes. Could you point out some remixes that you are especially happy about?
I am happy and proud of all my work. It is a love and passion that goes into every song that makes it am M+M Mix. If I was to pull out one particular mix that still puts a smile on my face, it is my remix of Marvin Gaye’s ‘I want you’. Maybe not so much a dance floor remix but one that will really touch people deep in their soul.
What are you currently working and focusing on? What’s on your agenda for the near future?
I am always busy with a lot of different things, and have been doing a lot of DJing all over the globe. In the studio I just finished producing a new EP for the group Level 42 that I am very proud of and it should be out really soon.
You travel a lot. What are the essential things you need to have with you at all times and what are the things you miss when you are on tour?
Well it’s all about the music, I travel with CDs and USB memory sticks and sometimes take my Pioneer effects unit. My music bag never leaves my side, to be honest. Oh and some clothes J. I do my miss my home studio a bit when on the road.
Looking back on over 3 decades of producing music, what are your personal highlights or fondest memories?
I guess my fondest memory was the first time I stepped into a real recording studio and realized that this is I wanted to do. After an amazing day I really had a profound revelation that what just happened would really shape my life.
What was the best and the worst gig you ever played and what was the funniest thing ever occurred during any of your performances?
I don’t really think best or worse categories, I try for every party I play at to give everyone the best experience and the best music. I don’t care if it’s ten or ten thousand people - I have had too many memorable gigs to single one as the best one. But why not make this Saturday take the prize?
On 2nd November you will you perform live here in Bangkok. Have you visited Thailand before? Will your performance be your Bangkok debut?
I have been in Bangkok before but this is my first party and performance thanks to Jan and I am really looking forward to his Disco Robot party, and to play with Beaten Space Probe. We have been looking for an opportunity to do this since we first met in Bangkok earlier this year.
What can Bangkok expect of your upcoming performance?
A lot of really joyful, uplifting disco, boogie and house music, from someone who was around when this music first started moving people on the dance floors of New York City. I always enjoy myself and give it everything and I hope that this shows when I perform. As always, I have some special M+M remixes in the bag that were previously unreleased and I’m sure they will light up the floor.