David Morales and Glenn Morrison are two highly influential figures in the world of electronic music, each with a distinguished career that has significantly shaped the genre.
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David Morales, an American DJ, Grammy-winning producer, songwriter, and businessman, has remixed over 500 records for artists like Mariah Carey, U2, Michael Jackson, Aretha Franklin, Madonna, and Whitney Houston. He helped bring dance music to mainstream radio and started DIRIDIM Records in 2018 to celebrate all dance music styles.
Glenn Morrison, a modern DJ/Producer, began as a classical pianist and won many awards before moving to electronic music. He has international club hits and residencies at clubs like Amnesia and Space in Ibiza. Glenn has topped charts and earned multiple awards, including the SOCAN Dance Record Of The Year in 2015.
EG interviewed David Morales and Glenn Morrison about their latest releases, their collaborative remix, and others. They discussed their musical relationship and influences from the UK and Ibiza and advised newcomers to be passionate about music.
EG: Hi David and Glenn, welcome to EG. Where are you right now?
David Morales: I am presently in Puerto Rico on holiday before the summer madness.
Glenn Morrison: I am currently in Toronto in the studio, in between touring and working on a new record.
EG: Congratulations on your latest releases on Fall From Grace Records! David, your “Escape (Red Zone Mix)” has received massive support. How did this track come together, and what inspired it?
David Morales: The inspiration for ‘Escape’ came after I was released from detention in Japan.
Glenn Morrison: When David sent me this record, I was immediately drawn to it. It has David’s signature ‘Red Zone’ club sound, which is extremely hypnotic and features lots of live instrumentation. It is a unique record, and perfect for the Fall From Grace label sound.
EG: What can you tell us about “Stereo Retrograde” with David’s Relentless Remix, and how did the project develop?
Glenn Morrison: I always like to send David my latest records, not only for him to enjoy and play at his gigs, hopefully, but also for his constructive feedback – he gives a no-bullshit opinion and is always honest and focused. I love that about him. So I sent him one of the singles from my artist album ‘Into The Deep.’ He felt it had great energy – and within a few days, he delivered this incredible mix that got a lot of support in the clubland, marrying the vocal motif from my original, fused with his signature hypnotic red zone sound.
EG: Let’s talk about your musical relationship. How did you two initially connect, and how has your collaborative process evolved?
David Morales: Glenn was always a great supporter of my music. He would always keep me in the loop of what he was up to. Then he asked me if I would remix a track on his label, and of course, I said yes, and we just kept going from there. Glenn is a sweetheart.
Glenn Morrison: Thank you, David. I appreciate that. And yes, that is precisely what he said. We both have a mutual appreciation for house and electronic music, and our musical collaborations formed from there. I am grateful to be friends with David; I’ve learned so much from him.
EG: You both have been influential in the electronic music scene for years. Can you share any particular experiences that have shaped your sound and approach to music production?
David Morales: DJing keeps me in the loop, but I must say that the UK had the biggest impact on me. Besides house music, they had another sound that influenced me. One track that stands out is ‘What Time Is Love’ by KLF.
Glenn Morrison: I think my five years as a resident in Ibiza at Amnesia and Space crafted the sound that I play today – it is a Balearic mix of wispy synths and house grooves, rave-inspired music that started in my teens listening to Paul Rogers’ Sumsonic Records or Peace Division’s Nitelife.
“We both have a mutual appreciation for house music and electronic music, and our musical collaborations formed from there.”
EG: With your extensive experience, what advice or wisdom would you offer to industry newcomers looking to make their mark?
David Morales: You have to have passion. Don’t have any expectations. It’s supposed to be a form of expression. It’s art. I’m normally in the studio every day. It’s a commitment. Don’t force yourself to make music. It’s not a job, it’s an adventure.
Glenn Morrison: I agree with David – he said it beautifully. We are making art and the true purpose of the art is the journey and excitement in making whatever it is at the time. As time goes on, our sounds can morph and change, as does our personality. It is a living process.
EG: Your upcoming Mediterranean summer tour sounds exciting! You’ll be hitting major hotspots like Madrid, Ibiza, Rhodes, and Athens. What can fans expect from these shows?
David Morales: Don’t expect anything hahaha. I normally play most of my new tracks and reworks.
Glenn Morrison: I am playing a lot of my new records as well on tour – it feels good to see the translation from making this music in a studio to then a party environment.
EG: Touring can be both exhilarating and exhausting. How do you balance the demands of touring with your studio work? Any tips for staying creative on the road?
David Morales: Technically, my laptop is my studio. I always have a 25-key keyboard in my bag. I work on planes, hotels, and even a restaurant if I’m in a zone.
Glenn Morrison: I am a bit different than David where I prefer to do all of my studio work once I am home. When I am on tour, I like to fly with minimal gear, and I try to find inspiration from the place where I am, bundling it all up until I get home and back into the studio again.
EG: Regarding studio work, what upcoming projects or releases can you share with us? Any exciting collaborations we should be looking out for?
David Morales: I just released a cover of ‘Ain’t Nobody’ with Romina Johnson and I’m also releasing ‘Needin’ U’ 2024 featuring Antoinette Dunleavy later this month.
Glenn Morrison: I have one of my latest club singles ‘Across The Sea’ released a few weeks ago, and prior to that, ‘Before The Storm’ we put out, replete with a James Harcourt remix that has been getting great support from Tale of Us, Adriatique, Sasha and more.
EG: Collaboration often brings out the best in artists. What do you both look for in a collaborator and how do you ensure the creative process is productive and enjoyable?
David Morales & Glenn Morrison: The headspace of an artist and their musical talent are the biggest metrics when working together – having those be in sync, will ensure good harmony in the studio environment.
“Don’t force yourself to make music. It’s not a job; it’s an adventure.”
EG: Reflecting on your careers, what has been a standout moment for each of you, and what are you most looking forward to in the future?
David Morales: Fortunately, I’ve been blessed to have many. As far as the future goes, I will take it one day at a time. I’m having the best time ever right now.
Glenn Morrison: Like David, I feel grateful to have lived a life filled with purpose and intent. Many of my accomplishments came from when I least expected them. I try to enjoy each day as it unfolds and what it brings me.
EG: What are your thoughts on Social Media and how has it affected dance music?
David Morales: It’s Pandora’s box. I don’t think that it has affected dance music; I feel that it has affected the DJ culture.
Glenn Morrison: I agree with David. There are tons of incredible electronic musicians and artists today – that is the positive side on the growth of electronic music over time. The culture of DJs however, has soured with the constant need for attention in social media portals.
EG: Can you share with our readers something that no one knows?
David Morales: I never graduated high school, hahaha. But I do have a diploma.
Glenn Morrison: I have been growing a massive raspberry garden for the past 3 years – filled with golden raspberries, as well as heritage red. An insane amount of raspberries.
EG: Thank you both for the time. It has been a treat!
David Morales & Glenn Morrison: Thank you for having us.
Follow David Morales: Spotify | Soundcloud | Instagram | Facebook
Follow Glenn Morrison: Spotify | Soundcloud | Instagram | Facebook
