From discovering disco through his older sisters’ records to creating dance music loved by new generations, Michael Gray reflects on the sound that never gets old.
For more than two decades, British DJ and producer Michael Gray has been bringing the spirit of disco to dance floors around the world. Best known for his timeless hit The Weekend, he continues to connect the golden era of disco with today’s house and dance music. But Michael’s love for disco began long before his international success. Growing up with four older sisters, he discovered the music of George McCrae, the Fatback Band, the O’Jays and other artists who helped shape the disco era. One of his most memorable discoveries came around 1980, when a trip to a London record store introduced him to Candido’s Dancin’ & Prancin’ – unexpectedly found on the B-side of a record he had bought for another track. On October 17, 2026, International Disco Day™ founder Robert Ravenšćak met Michael Gray in Zagreb, Croatia, ahead of his performance at Peti kupe. The meeting was an opportunity to share their passion for disco and celebrate the music that continues to connect people across generations. In this exclusive interview with International Disco Day™, Michael shares his personal memories, explains why disco continues to inspire new generations, and reminds us that keeping disco alive means celebrating its history while supporting the artists creating its future.
1. Michael, what does disco mean to you personally?
Feelgood vibes, glamour, happiness, nostalgia. Disco was a big part of my youth. I was born in the late 60s with 4 older sisters. So I was exposed at a very young age to the music they listened to. Songs like George McRay “Rock Your Baby”, Fatback Band “The Spanish Hustle”, O’Jays “I Love Music”, etc.
2. Do you remember the first disco record that really inspired you?
There were lots but one of them was Dancin’ & Prancin’ Candido. It has the perfect balance of uplifting melodie’s but it’s also deep, meaningful and a little bit trippy. I went to buy the single Jingo and found this on the B side of the 12 inch single at HMV in London. I think that would have been 1980.
3. Why do you think disco is still so popular after all these years?
I would say it’s the feel good vibe. There’s nothing better than the up beat feeling of a good disco track. In fact my Fiancee Mel was born in the 70s whereas I was born in the 60s so the music of our youth is a decade apart. However, we’ve recently been looking for upbeat songs for our wedding next year and disco tracks feature heavily from both of us. They just stand the test of time! The tracks never age. 90% of the tracks contain vocals which are timeless. New Disco records are now being written and produced by many artists now such as The Shapeshifters, Dave Lee & myself which is keeping it fresh.
4. How much of today’s house music comes from disco?
That’s a tricky one to answer. Maybe 40%. We’re making a lot of original disco music now. Tracks which don’t sample anything from the past.
5. Your biggest hit, The Weekend, has its roots in classic disco and boogie records from the 80s. Was it your intention to bring that disco feeling to a new generation?
I always hoped I would make a track that would last maybe 10 years. I never imagined that I would make a track that was still at its peak over 22 years later. It’s an amazing feeling though and I love that new generations continue to love and listen to the music I have made.
6. If you could remix any classic disco song, which one would you choose, and why?
I’ve already remixed a lot of my favourites so nothing springs to mind.
7. What part of disco history or culture do you feel is still misunderstood, overlooked or underappreciated?
There’s nothing that comes to mind. I think disco has had a real revival in recent years and it’s especially appreciated by the younger generations. It never went away, it’s just become more popular with younger audiences.
8. If you could bring back one thing from the original disco era, what would it be?
The glitz and glamour on the dance floor……and flares!
9. We’re celebrating International Disco Day every July 12. Do you think disco deserves its own international day?
There’s an international day for most things these days so why not? We need to keep disco alive. I actually find that disco in many instances is more popular with today’s younger generations as well as older.
10. What would your message be to disco lovers around the world?
Keep supporting new and old disco music. Open your minds to new tunes because without continued creation, the scene will eventually die out and that would be a tragedy!
UNITED THROUGH DISCO.
Interview: International Disco Day™ | Zagreb, October 2026
