Mirko Loko

Mirko Loko

Mirko Loko is a Swiss electronic DJ and producer associated with minimal, techno, minimal techno and tech house. He begins DJing at 17 and gains attention through a style shaped by Detroit and Chicago influences.

Early career and radio work

He works for three years as a programme planner and resident DJ on the Swiss radio station Couleur 3. He also starts playing at Loft electroclub from its opening in 1998, helping to establish his reputation in Switzerland.

International club dates

Loko builds a profile on the international club circuit, playing at venues including Rex in Paris, An-Fer in Dijon, Cova and Moog in Barcelona, Mazzo in Amsterdam and Cielo in New York. He also appears several times at the Matrix in Zurich and at the Detroit Electronic Music Festival, which is organised by Carl Craig. He plays at the 2004 Winter Music Conference as well.

New York residency and return to Switzerland

In 2003 he moves to New York, where he takes a residency at Tronic Treatment in Soho. The club regularly books artists such as Matthew Dear, Richie Hawtin and Christian Smith. He returns to Switzerland in 2004 and becomes artistic programmer at Loft electroclub.

Lazy Fat People

In 2005 Loko meets Raphael Ripperton and the two begin a studio project that becomes Lazy Fat People. The project is supported by Carl Craig and James Holden. Its first EP appears on Border Community, Holden’s label, and in 2006 the duo signs to Wagon Repair and Planet E, the label run by Carl Craig.

Style and scene

His later work is described as moving between minimal, jacking and electro grooves. He is supported by Carl Craig, Derrick May and Laurent Garnier, and remains active both in the Lazy Fat People project and as a DJ across Europe.