Luigi Madonna
Luigi Madonna has been a standout talent in the electronic music space for well over two decades, loved by audiences and industry peers alike for his magnetic personality both on and off-stage. Absorbing the influences of his native Italy, along with those who have gone before him, Luigi has created a definitive sonic palette founded on stripped-back techno and experimental sensibilities that have rightly earned him his place amongst techno’s elite.
From his humble beginnings in the Province of Caserta, Luigi Madonna’s journey to becoming a global icon is a testament to his passion and talent. Raised on the sounds of Louis Vega, Frankie Knuckles, and David Morales, he played his first gig at the age of just 14. As he honed his craft and sought a sound to reflect his soul, the rise of minimal techno and its purist qualities resonated with Luigi. Inspired by its advocates Richie Hawtin, Jeff Mills, Chris Liebing, and Marco Carola, the sound began to infiltrate both his track selection and productions, setting him on a new creative path that would subsequently ignite his career.
A dominating figure on the DJ circuit in possession of infectious enthusiasm and a uniquely dynamic presence, Luigi has become a firm favorite with audiences on every continent. Reciprocating the energy the crowd shows him, he mixes with natural flair, often opting for long and adventurous blends. Cutting his teeth at such historic regional venues as Old River Park, Madonna now graces the decks at some of the globe’s most iconic clubs, including Printworks, London and Crobar, Argentina and Amnesia, Ibiza, in addition to residencies at both Watergate, Berlin and Fabric, London. Considered a staple name on many top festival lineups, Luigi has enjoyed stellar performances at Awakenings, Sonus, Hideout, Resistance Ibiza & Latin America tour, and joining Carl Cox for Blend Athens’ Techniques series.
Equally vital to Luigi’s ascendency into the top tier has been an impeccable stream of records that have showcased his mastery of club-ready cuts. The catalyst for international success came in 2009 with the release of his ‘Madonna’ EP on Rino Cerrone’s acclaimed Loose Records. The 4-track offering enjoyed global success and paved the way for further label affiliations with Sleaze, Overdrive Music, Analytic Trail, and MKT, as he began adapting his signature traits to create something fresh and original for each release. By 2011, Luigi had announced himself as a significant player on the international circuit by signing to two of the most essential labels in techno’s history, Drumcode and 8. Cementing his Drumcode ties with a debut EP contribution to the imprint, Madonna’s 2013 ‘Primo’ marked another seminal release to his growing back-catalogue. Industry support flooded in from every corner of the globe, with further tracks ‘Unconditional Beauty’ and ‘Le Ly Land’ proving commonplace among the touring playlists of some of the scene’s key DJs.
In recent years, Luigi has pioneered a nouveau strain of purist techno that remains tethered to the roots of his early works. Unrelenting in his forward momentum and pursuit of new sounds, his ever-flourishing discography has continued progressing, leading the circuit into new territories with this hypnotic blend of old and new. Now, with four total EPs, split records, and remixes for Drumcode, in addition to countless releases on staunch labels Second State and REDIMENSION, Luigi has proven himself to be a pivotal contributor to the evolution of techno.
But perhaps the objective evidence of this truly versatile artist lies in the hidden depths of his hard drive. Experimental music that may never be released is a breeding ground for the ideas found in his uniquely fluid strain of techno. His ability to cultivate lasting impressions with international crowds is a testament to a profoundly talented artist who deftly balances a club-friendly sound with the spirit of innovation in everything he does.