John Morales: Disco is "just good music people forget exists"

John Morales is a disco great. Born in the Bronx of NYC he lives for his art and has worked with some of the most famous and influential artists in the world.

And we are talking The Greats, from Jocelyn Brown to Aretha Franklin, Tina Turner, Candi Staton and the Rolling Stones, just to name a handful. Having played the most infamous clubs around the world, he comes to Manchester this week to appear at Beat Boutique as their headline DJ for the night at Soup Kitchen.

Before his visit, we had a quick catch-up with John Morales to find out a bit more about the man behind the disco greats.

How did it all begin for John Morales?

It began as a young kid, buying and listening to 45s when I was about 10. My parents always had a radio on in the house and being that I am from Puerto Rican parents, the music was Spanish, but I would mess with the stations and hear the latest '60s tunes. I always loved music and like many frustrated musicians, I used to play the guitar. I was going be the next Jimi Hendrix! Guess that didn't happen, so I constantly looked for ways to get into the music. I was always into gadgets so I built all my own equipment and started to play records in my room.

What was it that made you realise that you wanted to be involved in music in a capacity which was more than just a pastime?

When all I ever thought about was music, I knew it would be my life's passion.

After meeting Sergio Munzibai, you became an unstoppable duo. How did you both meet and decide to work together?

We met at WBLS radio station in NY, and after knowing him for a bit, I invited him to the studio where I was working. After a few sessions I invited him to partner in M+M.

What is your fondest memory of the M+M days?

My fondest memory was all the great music we were fortunate to work on .

You have worked with so many influential artists. Who stands out the most?

Every artist is great but I always took great pleasure in working with Jocelyn Brown. I spent a lot of time in the studio watching her sing, she's a true professional and a creative genius. To me Jocelyn's voice is so unique and powerful you can pick her out of a crowd of thousands. From the first day I met her, I was blown away by her amazing talent and I am proud to call her my friend for over 30 years.

Is there anyone you would have loved the chance to work with?

One of my favourite artists is Sade, I would have loved to work with her.

You took quite a long break, around 10 years in the mid-90's. What was the reason for that and what was it that made you decide to come back on the scene?

I think I got pretty burned out for a while and took a break, though I stayed in the music business in a different capacity. I returned because I felt it was time, and the passion and love for music was rekindling inside of me.

What are your thoughts on the current music scene? Do you feel new technology and the internet has helped or hindered the scene?

I've always loved all types of music and and embrace the advances of technology.

Disco edits have suddenly become really popular lately. Why do you think this is?

I feel it's mostly DJs just trying to create something special for them to play in their sets. There are quite a few guys out there doing some great work.

Why do you think Disco isn't as commercial as other genres?

Probably because most people are listening to the wrong music. Disco is thought by many to be old music, it's not - it's just good music people forget exists.

What can we expect from your set at Beat Boutique on Friday?

Expect great music and a fun night. I like to play music people can enjoy and sing to.

And finally, if John Morales was a record, what would he be and why?

That record hasn't been recorded yet (laughs)

You can catch John at Beat Boutique this Saturday 29th September at Soup Kitchen. Tickets are available below.

Words: Jo-Anne Waddington

Tickets are no longer available for this event