Ricardo Villalobos

Ricardo Villalobos

Ricardo Villalobos is an electronic music producer and DJ associated with minimal techno, microhouse, techno and electronica. He is a key figure in the minimal techno scene and works under several aliases and collaborative names, including Sense Club, Gucci, Ric Y Martin, Hombre Ojo, Vilod, Odd Machine, Butrich and R+R.

Background

Villalobos is born in 1970 and is based in Santiago, Germany. He is Chilean-born and moves to Germany with his family in 1973, after the military takeover in Chile. He begins playing conga and bongos in childhood and starts making electronic music in the late 1980s. From a young age, he follows Depeche Mode closely and travels around Europe to see them on tour.

Early releases and labels

While studying at university, Villalobos plays music at parties for his own enjoyment. He sets up the Placid Flavour label in 1993, although it is unsuccessful. His first record appears on the German Playhouse label in 1994, and he starts professional DJ work in 1998. His releases also appear on Perlon and ARPIAR.

Career highlights

In 2006, Villalobos performs with Richie Hawtin and Luciano at the Berlin Loveparade, where the audience is estimated at around 300,000 people. He places first in Resident Advisor's Top 100 DJs of the year at the end of 2008 and again in 2010.