Inside Five: David Morales talks about ‘Life Is A Song’, musical escapism & more

Born in Brooklyn to Puerto Rican parents, David Morales’ career spans over 30 years, and he was one of the world’s first touring DJs and a crucial part of integrating dance music into the top 40 charts. 

In 2020, due to the global pandemic and inability to travel, David created his Sunday Mass live-streaming show on Twitch to entertain and stay connected with his fans. Subsequently, the 2021 IMS Business Report cited him as one of the dance music artists who experienced particular online success during the pandemic. 

Late last month, David released his first album in over a decade. ‘Life Is A Song‘ came out on his esteemed DIRIDIM imprint and offers a pleasantly generous 15 tracks to submerge yourself within. 

We caught up with David for the latest edition of our Inside Five series. Here’s how it went: 

Hey David, thanks so much for joining us! It’s hard to imagine how we can fit an interview with someone so historically and consistently influential inside five questions, but we’re always up for a challenge!

You recently released your first album in over a decade. How long in the making has ‘Life Is A Song’ been, and what was the inspiration behind it?

“This album has been 2 years in the making. That’s as long as I’ve been locked down. I really wasn’t intending on releasing an album, but since I wrote and produced so many songs, I figured why not! If I was going to release a single at a time, then I would already be into 2023!”

You’re undeniably one of the most influential people in House music history. Do you ever feel the weight of such a title or feel like you have a responsibility to be a specific way or do certain things?

“No, I really don’t think about those things. I just keep it moving. If I can inspire anyone in the process, then great. The same way that a new DJ/producer can influence me, then it works the same for me.”

If you could bring back one artist that is no longer with us, who would it be and why?

“That’s a loaded question. But for me, Michael Jackson. He was always evolving and pushing the boundaries. Class-A all the way.”

What first inspired you to get into music, and what do you think you’d be doing today if you hadn’t followed that calling?

“That’s a good question. Music was my escape. In the ’70s, you had to entertain yourself with what you had. That was either sports, a book or a hobby. I loved music and reading books. I even tried joining the military and that didn’t work out lol. I just followed the path, and the common link in it all was my passion for DJing and music.”

What’s next for David Morales? Are there any projects or upcoming announcements you can give us the inside scoop on?

“I’m now in a zone of making new music. Plenty more coming soon!”

David Morales’ ‘Life Is A Song‘ is out now on all major stores and streaming platforms.