Maceo Plex is a producer and DJ from Miami that now calls Spain his home. He produces and spins Dark House, Deep House, Nu-Disco, House, and even a little Techno. Now in his mid-30s, Eric Estornel saw his start all the way back in 1993 – over 20 years ago, something that’s hard to wrap my mind around as a Millenial. I’ve really been on a Maceo Plex kick recently, thanks in part to our writer JD who hails from the Chicago House scene and may be one of the biggest Maceo supporters I know. Jon also posted Maceo Plex’s remix of “Crossfade” by GusGus, an absolute dance floor destroyer that I had the pleasure of hearing Hot Since 82 drop at Public Works in San Francisco last weekend. I think what really sold me on Maceo Plex was witnessing his phenomenal b2b set with Danny Daze at the end of Miami Music Week where he performed at Trade as part of Deep Ellum (STREAM HERE or WATCH HERE). Neither the SoundCloud link nor the video does that set justice, as the sound was booming, the lights were off, and the dance floor had just the right amount of people on it. Just like DJ Dan has been around for years and I’m only scratching the surface with his stylings, I have lots of digging to do with Maceo Plex and his extensive career that has led him to the top of the books in the underground scene.
Fortunately I don’t have to dig too far yet, as Maceo Plex released his Conjure Two EP today on Richie Hawtin’s Minus records. The three-song EP is a little on the darker side but it certainly packs a punch. Label boss Hawtin says of Conjure Two:
“Bringing a direct connection between ENTER. and MINUS, Maceo Plex delivers his CONJURE TWO EP that represents both the stripped down sound of MINUS and the atmosphere of ENTER.Ibiza!”
Personally speaking the standout track has to be “Conjure Sex” which was an absolute BOMB to hear live at the Trade show in Miami. The actual beat itself is quite unique sounding, but it’s when that heavy bass comes in that I lose it, plus the airplane effects add an element of mystery. “Conjure Bots” is a little trippy and a little more mellowed out while “ENTER.Space” has the feeling of something building up, a DJ set picking up steam as the song goes on.
I’ve had this EP written down as one to look out for and I’m glad it’s finally here. If you’re a fan of House music that goes a little darker, a little deeper, and stays way off the beaten path I suggest you download the Conjure Two EP and also take a solid listen to all of Maceo Plex’s work (I plan to revisit his 2012 Essential Mix). Show the man some love if you like what you hear!