St. David Talks Remixing, Vinyl-Led House, and Peak-Time Dancefloor Energy
- Undrtone Blog
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
St. David has built his reputation on groove-led house, swing, and vinyl-first releases that prioritise movement above all else. His latest contribution, a remix of RUZE’s ‘I’ll Be Your’ for South Records, is designed to deliver peak-time energy while respecting the track’s club-ready foundation. The release, out now alongside reinterpretations from Andrew Azara and Max Chapman, gives DJs multiple options for different set moments.
“Usually, it’s about how the record translates physically. If the groove is interesting on headphones but the room isn’t reacting, it’s usually a weight problem,” St. David explains. “Weight lives in low-mid energy, transient punch, and how simple the message is. Detail is great for repeat listening — weight is what makes people move instantly. If I find myself adding hats, textures, or ear candy but the drop still feels ‘polite’, that’s when I strip back and reinforce the core instead.”
Rooted in 90s house but fully contemporary, his approach focuses on groove rather than nostalgia. “I never think about recreating a 90s sound. It’s more about how those records moved. The push and pull in the groove, the way drums and bass talk to each other — that’s what I carry forward. Sonically, I want things to feel current: cleaner subs, tighter drums, more control in the top end. If you chase nostalgia in the sound palette, it can get dated quickly, but groove never really goes out of style.”
St. David’s DJ-first perspective shapes his production. “Honestly, DJ brain comes first almost every time. I’m thinking about where this would sit in a set, what moment it serves, and how it changes energy in a room. Once I understand that, the producer part of me figures out how to build something that actually delivers that feeling.”
His vinyl-led ethos continues to inform both his creative and label work. “Vinyl slows things down in a good way. You release less, but you care more about each record. It also keeps that connection with DJs who really listen and really dig — not just scrolling through folders looking for the next quick tool.” Even in digital releases, the principles remain: less layers, more intention, stronger core loops, and a focus on functional sound design.
Sound choice and arrangement combine to deliver maximum impact. “Sound choice is massive. If the kick and main drum sounds already feel right, everything else gets easier. Arrangement is what gives you movement and tension, but if the sounds themselves don’t have authority, you’re fighting uphill the whole time.”
With support from The Martinez Brothers, Riva Starr, Jovonn, and Chris Stussy, his productions are trusted for reliability under pressure. And when placed alongside the contrasting remixes of Azara and Chapman, his remix stands out as a peak-time weapon. “If all remixes sit in the same emotional lane, DJs only pick one. If they each solve different set moments, the whole package has a longer life.”
For St. David, the remix balances immediate dancefloor impact with a reflection of his current sound. “Usually it’s both, but weighted differently. This balance between movement and punch — that’s where my head is at right now when I’m working on remixes.”
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