In the landscape of modern electronic music, few artists possess the shapeshifting brilliance of Maceo Plex. Born Eric Estornel and also known by his aliases Maetrik and Mariel Ito, this Cuban-American maestro has spent decades crafting a sound that is as emotionally complex as it is dancefloor-ready.
A Triple Threat: Maceo Plex, Maetrik, and Mariel Ito
What makes Estornel a true outlier is his mastery of multiple sonic identities. While his Maetrik project explores the darker, industrial-leaning edges of techno, and Mariel Ito dives into abstract electro and IDM, the Maceo Plex handle is where he fuses deep house grooves with cinematic, melodic techno. His landmark 2011 album, Life Index, and the deeply personal 2017 project Solar—named after his son—solidified his place as a pioneer of the "melodic techno" movement.
Label Visionary: Ellum Audio & Lone Romantic
Maceo Plex is not just a performer but a curator of global talent through his two primary labels:
Ellum Audio: Launched in 2011, this imprint is a sanctuary for high-quality, groove-driven techno and house, hosting artists like Raxon, Dino Lenny, and Fedele.
Lone Romantic: A platform dedicated to more experimental, breakbeat, and electronica-focused sounds, showcasing the "darker" and more introspective side of the Estornel universe.
2026 Highlights: Residencies and the Global "Prismatic" Influence
As we move through 2026, Maceo Plex continues to dominate the global circuit with an itinerary that spans secret warehouse raves and the world’s most prestigious hyper-clubs.
Ibiza 2026: Continuing his legacy on the White Isle, he remains a staple at venues like UNVRS Ibiza and Amnesia, often bringing his signature Mosaic concept to life.
Secret Location Series: In April 2026, Maceo Plex returns to Porto for a highly anticipated secret-location event with RDZ Agency, proving his commitment to intimate, underground experiences.
Festival Headlining: Catch him at major 2026 gatherings including Time Warp (Mannheim), Movement (Detroit), and Kappa FuturFestival (Turin).
