Among the legion of global superstars alighting in Miami for Winter Music Conference and Miami Music Week 2013, perhaps only one is peaking at this very moment: Maceo Plex.
DJ-producer and Ellum label boss Eric Estornel's rise to international stardom over the past couple of years has been nothing short of meteoric. But it's also been two decades in the making. And it all started here in his hometown of Miami.
Maceo Plex returns to the 305 for a string of highly anticipated March appearances. The trip also marks the new heights of his success as he prepares to debut at Ultra Music Festival.
"I'm going to bring everything I've got to Ultra," he promises. "I take it very seriously. It's a place where I can play and have fun educating or at least trying to educate the kids who are just now discovering underground music while growing away from commercial dance music.
"It's also where my family always asked, 'Oye, when are you going to play Ultra, chico?'"
Of course, underground-dance-music connoisseurs who've been following Maceo since he was still EDM's best-kept secret are most looking forward to his Ellum label showcase alongside Matt Tolfrey's Leftroom Records at the Electric Pickle.
"The sickest lineup for a Wednesday in Miami!" Estornel exclaims. "We're going all out on decorations to create a vibe of party devastation and aftermath lasting all night long. Think Fear and Loathing compacted and concentrated into musical chaos and sexiness.
"Also, names not so often seen under one roof, like Anthony Rother and Doc Martin playing, while Ellen Allien and Green Velvet play in another room," he adds. "Or me and Danny Daze playing as Jupiter Jazz, just after legendary Josh Wink takes us on one of his acidic techno rides.
"Will be amazing, to say the least!"
