Vintage Music Label is proud to unveil “Commonplace feat. John Russell” – an electrifying collaborative journey that marries timeless songwriting with cutting‐edge electronic production. Originally written by John Russell, a gifted songwriter from Peterborough whose early work once shimmered with promise before life took an unexpected turn, this track has been reborn through the visionary efforts of Stark D and the innovative production touch of Dashdot.
In 2021, while sifting through a trove of archival tunes, Stark D rediscovered the unreleased gem “Commonplace.” Recognising its potential, he immediately contacted John Russell to reimagine the song, inviting him to lend his soulful vocal delivery to the project. Soon after, Stark D brought his longtime collaborator Dashdot on board to add dynamic synth layers, infusing the track with a fresh and modern vitality.
The result is a heady blend of deep progressive techno and melodic house & techno, driven by a pulsating bassline and punctuated by a striking lead that is designed to set dance floors alight. “Commonplace feat. John Russell” captures an irresistible fusion of nostalgic emotion and contemporary club energy, promising to resonate with DJs and dance music connoisseurs alike.
This project is a celebration of artistic revival and creative collaboration, bridging the gap between a forgotten classic and today’s electronic music landscape. The track will be available across digital platforms and in a limited-edition physical vinyl format, catering to both streaming audiences and collectors who value tangible musical artistry.
Grab it here!
“Commonplace” was a song rediscovered by Stark D. What specifically resonated with you when you first uncovered John Russell’s original track, and why did you feel compelled to revive it?
Stark D: John was actually one of the first people I met when I moved to the UK in 2007. We crossed paths at Bar Bloc, where I was one of the resident DJs, and we connected through a mutual friend, Joe Ferrari, a local chef and raver. At the time, John’s band was really gaining traction, and he kindly gave me a promo CD. I even took it to Brazil on holiday and managed to get some of the tracks played on local radio.
Years later, while listening to artists like Monolink, Bob Moses and Phonique, John’s voice popped back into my head. I tracked down his old MySpace page, found the original tracks again, and began playing around with the arrangements. I contacted John and shared the idea of reviving Commonplace. He was immediately on board. For me, reviving a song with so much emotional depth and untapped potential felt like a rare opportunity. I’m really grateful that John resonated with the vision, now we’ve brought the track to life together.
Collaborating with multiple artists often creates unexpected creative chemistry. Can you describe how your individual styles influenced each other and shaped the final sound of “Commonplace”?
Stark D: To be honest, I’m not usually drawn to collaborations, they can be filled with ideas but often lack momentum. But with this one, it all happened naturally. I met Dashdot during a voice chat on Clubhouse during the pandemic, where we were discussing Logic Pro and music production.
During one of those chats, I introduced the idea of a collab and sent him Commonplace. He instantly loved it and began working on guitar textures. From there, it flowed organically, it was a perfect creative match.
Given that the track combines nostalgic emotion with contemporary electronic music, how did you approach balancing classic songwriting elements with the cutting-edge production that defines your style?
Stark D: Coming from a musical background, I approached it as a re-arrangement more than a full reinvention. Interestingly, the original version already had the right tempo, so when I started building it out, everything just clicked into place.
It honestly felt like the song was made for this transformation. When John came to the studio to re-record the vocals, he was buzzing with excitement. That moment confirmed we were doing something special.
The release includes your ‘Stark D Edit’ version. What was the goal for your alternate take, and what unique qualities does this version look to bring out?
Stark D: Initially, I considered reaching out to other producers for remixes, but many were unavailable or didn’t respond. I’d always had the idea of creating a version that paid homage to the folk tone of the original, while keeping it aligned with my progressive melodic style.
Eventually, I decided to create the Stark D Edit myself, not just to maintain the original spirit, but also to explore a different emotional tone. It turned out beautifully and adds a distinct flavour to the project that I’m really proud of.
The sound of “Commonplace” is described as echoing artists like Monolink, Phonique, and Massano. Were these artists direct influences during production, or did these similarities emerge organically?
Stark D: I was definitely listening heavily to Bob Moses, Phonique, and Monolink during the period I revisited Commonplace. Their sound influenced my mindset and approach to production.
As for Massano, those similarities probably came naturally as a result of the synth work, which aligns with what’s happening in the melodic techno scene right now. It wasn’t planned, but it fits.
In the words of the label “great music evolves rather than fades.” In your view, what role does reinterpretation and reinvention play in the longevity and vibrancy of electronic music today?
Stark D: I’m not someone who regularly remakes songs, but I’ve come to realise that the right remake can be powerful. I wouldn’t touch a track that’s already been remixed to death; but one that never got its moment? That’s a different story.
I think reinterpretation helps bring hidden messages to new audiences. Electronic music listeners often stay within their genre bubble, so it feels like part of my job is to rediscover the unheard and give it a new stage. I can’t please everyone; but I always aim to create something that feels unique and honest.
