In the fabric of contemporary music, few artists resonate with the depth and authenticity of St.David, a guiding light whose auditory journey through the realms of House music is both nostalgic and forward-thinking. As we delve into the nuances of his creative expedition, we unravel the essence of an artist whose origins harken back to the golden era of ’90s House, yet whose artistry transcends temporal boundaries. From his studio nestled in the sun-kissed haven of Bari, Italy, St.David graciously invites us into his world, where each beat tells a tale, and every melody reverberates with reverence for the genre’s illustrious past. Join us as we embark on a captivating exploration of rhythm, passion, and the timeless allure of House music with the maestro himself.
Torture the Artist: Hello Davide, tell us something about your day. Where do we catch up with you and what have you been doing?
St.David: Great to have a little chat with you, mate. My morning routine always starts in my studio. I’m checking out new stuff, emails, finishing mix downs, and making new music. I’m based in Bari, a bustling town in Southern Italy where the sun is always shining! (I’m quite the meteorologist)
I was always searching for music that gave me goosebumps.
Torture the Artist: You were born in the early ’90s, and your sound pays homage to that era of House music. When did you first come into contact with ’90s House music, considering you probably weren’t around when it first emerged?
St.David: Since I was just a kid, I’ve always collected my favorite timeless classic records from labels like Strictly Rhythm, Nervous, and Henry Street. I started producing music and DJing at a young age, just 14 years old. I was always searching for music that gave me goosebumps.
Torture the Artist: What were the tracks that stuck with you and made you decide to become an active part of the House scene?
St.David: I have one of my best childhood memories when I was 8 years old and went on a summer holiday to my parents’ favorite vacation spot. It was a little village with animation, and I remember it was the summer of ’99. I liked listening and dancing while the DJ played some Disco music. In later years, I discovered those songs were “Get Get Down” by Maestro Paul Johnson, “Horny” by Mousse T, or “You Don’t Know Me” by Armand Van Helden. I just realized that those house grooves were inside my blood since I was a baby.
Torture the Artist: Now you can look back at your career in the scene, having released highly acclaimed music and even having your own label called Theory Of Swing, which you founded back in 2019. We’ve just seen the 9th release by R.O.P Underground Traxx, a five-tracker highly influenced by ’90s New York House Music. Why is New York such an important musical source for you, and why does it never grow old on you?
St.David: I’ve always been fascinated by the rhythms of Todd Terry, Kerri Chandler, Vega, Kenny Dope, and I am very devoted to the American House scene. These real Maestros have given me lots of inspiration for my productions. I believe most of my taste comes from here. The Big Apple is like the Mecca for House Music fanatics. I’ve been there already twice, and I hope to come back as soon as possible because the atmosphere is great.
I’ve always done things that represent my soul without following trends.
Torture the Artist: As for yourself, besides providing a remix for R.O.P Underground Traxx, you just had an EP on Snatch! called “Housewerk“. Or in other words: another great EP in the name of House. How do you feel about all the positive energy around your releases, and have you actually reckoned with all this positivity you and your music have garnered over the years?
St.David: I’ve always done things that represent my soul without following trends. I’m really happy about the message I’m bringing with me, and even more glad that people love playing my music even on big stages. It’s a big goal of my career.
Torture the Artist: The “Housewerk EP“ is one out of two releases on Riva Starr’s Snatch! label. Firstly, how did those releases come about, and what’s the story of you both?
St.David: Talking about the Snatch releases, it’s one of those releases that are bringing a lot to me in terms of results. I was a bit afraid in the beginning to make a release only in digital. I’ve released only vinyl until now, but now I’m very happy to open my music even to those who don’t exclusively buy vinyl. The market is huge, and I think that everyone should listen to what you have to say.
Since the ’90s, Italy, alongside America, has always been a huge hub of House music producers. It’s great to see producers now being inspired by that magical past.
Torture the Artist: The Italian House Music scene drew a lot of inspiration from the golden era of House in the US back then. Now with the ’90s making a comeback almost everywhere in the world, is House Music experiencing a renaissance in Italy again, or what is the current big thing there?
St.David: Since the ’90s, Italy, alongside America, has always been a huge hub of House music producers. It’s great to see producers now being inspired by that magical past. I’m not surprised that in our country we have lots of big talents. For me, House Music is like a mission, and I respect the people who take this task as seriously as I do.
Torture the Artist: Coming back to your own label, where you keep a rather streamlined schedule with one to two releases per year only. Have you ever thought of releasing more music on your label, and what is the reason you’ve kept it a bit slower?
St.David: Yes, unfortunately, with vinyl, everything slows down, thanks to the limited presence of pressing plants and the huge amount of music released. Nevertheless, with Theory Of Swing, I decided to keep it special and wait a bit longer for releases to come out. It’s becoming really tiresome to see tons of new music being released every day without a purpose. I’m happy that when a new Theory Of Swing release is coming out, lots of people are waiting for it. It’s also nice to create that sense of suspense. Behind every Theory Of Swing release, there’s a huge amount of work, from approving 300 mixdowns to choosing the artwork and the right mix names. I’m very strict about how my music and the label releases must sound. That’s the secret sauce!
Torture the Artist: What’s an artist you’d be keen to sign for your label, and why?
St.David: There’s no specific artist I’m looking for, but I’m always open to listening to new music from people. It must contain that magical ingredient to be part of the Theory Of Swing catalog.
Torture the Artist: Personally, who would you like to sit in the studio space with and work on music?
St.David: Kenny Dope or Todd Terry, just to see how they use their samplers. Kerri Chandler, to see the way he processes his tracks.
Torture the Artist: When it comes to your productions, what is your go-to equipment that you just have to use for your tracks and why?
St.David: Every time I sit in my studio, I switch on my MPCs 2000xl and Live, and the magic starts. Sometimes, I’m just listening to new samples, and all the inspiration comes in a second. I think it’s not about having tons of machines to make great music but only about your idea.
When it comes to making new music, it’s always about catching the moment.
Torture the Artist: How much improvisation is in your productions, or do you follow a strict plan when you work on your music?
St.David: When it comes to making new music, it’s always about catching the moment. There’s even a moment when you know in your head that you are composing the perfect groovy drum track, and the rest falls into place on its own. The important thing is always to be recognizable and for people to feel your personal touch.
Torture the Artist: What is the track you’d love to produce but have not?
St.David: I would love to work with a ’90s diva singer on a House banger. Who knows, maybe it’s already in the making? Is the ’90s House sound going to take a step into the mainstream market? Probably.
Torture the Artist: What track of yours is your favorite, and why?
St.David: Personally, I’m really attached to all my discography because every track belongs to a very important episode of my life. I see my music like a movie where all the productions have their experiential development. I have been very emotionally attached to my “Timeless EP” on Groovin‘ after the loss of my father 2 years ago or “I See U Movin” on DJ Kicks by Cinthie… but if I have to pick one, I would say “The Message”. I’m very proud of that track, first because it was released on one of my ’90s idols’ labels and was remixed by the maestro Jovonn. For me, it was a great step in my career to release a record on his label. And second, that track gives me goosebumps every time I listen to it.
Torture the Artist: Lastly, if you could change anything about the electronic music scene, what would it be?
St.David: I would reduce the social media addiction a bit. I would love to return to the era where the music spoke more than a video. Nowadays, we are giving more importance to the visual aspect of music rather than its real soul. However, technology will always help us. The thing that makes the difference is always the way you use it! Thank you guys for having me.
Words by Holger Breuer
Torture the Artist 