Erick Morillo Biography

In the electrifying world of house music, few names shine as brightly as Erick Morillo. A maestro who orchestrated beats to create symphonies, Morillo’s influence on the global dance scene is undeniable. We’re about to delve into the life and legacy of this iconic DJ and producer.

Born in Colombia, raised in New Jersey, Morillo’s journey is a captivating tale of passion, persistence, and pulsating rhythms. From his early days spinning vinyl in New York clubs to creating worldwide hits, his story is as dynamic as his beats.

Join us as we turn the tables and drop the needle on the life of Erick Morillo, a man who made the world move to his tune. His biography is not just a chronicle of his life, but a testament to the power of music that transcends boundaries and unites people.

Early Life & Background

Born in 1971, Erick Morillo showed an affinity for music from the cradle. He first tasted life in Cartagena, Colombia, his birthplace. At a tender age of 11, Morillo moved to Union City, New Jersey, an event that greatly influenced his future career. Deeply ingrained in this vibrant, multicultural setting, he honed his musicality, drawing inspirations from diverse genres and cultures, an aspect evident in his eclectic mixes. Morillo’s school years found him focused on music, paving his path as a trailblazing DJ and producer. His relentless pursuit of musical excellence epitomizes Morillo’s early life, embedding a solid foundation for his illustrious career in the dance music panorama.

Breakthrough in the EDM Scene

It’s in the mid-90s that Erick Morillo blasted onto the Electronic Dance Music (EDM) scene with the roaring success of Reel 2 Real’s track, ‘I Like To Move It.’ That instrumental hit, infused with reggae, house and Caribbean beats, topped charts in numerous countries. By creating a blend of multi-genre beats, Morillo elevated the EDM scene, pushing it from underground basements into mainstream music arenas. His seamless mixes gained tremendous footfall at club events, making him one of the most sought-after DJs in the industry. Embarking on a global tour, Morillo’s music reverberated from Miami to Ibiza, tightening his grip on the international dance music scene. The story of Morillo’s breakthrough in the EDM scene underpins his unique ability to resonate with a broad audience, sculpting an era of dance music that continues to reverberate through today’s industry.

Signature Sound & Production Techniques

Breaking boundaries with his innovative and distinct style, Erick Morillo carved a niche for himself in the EDM world. His blending of various genres shook the EDM scene and compelled audiences worldwide to move to his beats. This section explains Morillo’s signature sound and the production techniques that marked his musical journey.

What Type of EDM is Erick Morillo?

Erick Morillo pioneered a form of EDM that blended different genres, noticeably House and reggae, with a dominant Caribbean influence. His unique sound—distinguished by heavy percussion, deep basslines, and rhythmic synth patterns—captured the essence of multicultural dance floors. With a penchant for creating an energetic, catchy, and groovy spell on listeners, Morillo found himself holding the reins in the progressive house genre. His musical versatility, however, meant that his influence extended into several other EDM sub-genres. His technique ensured that each track holds an unexpected mix between beats, a defining element of his musical signatures.

For example, his mega hit, ‘I Like To Move It,’ embodied a fusion of house, reggae, and Caribbean beats, showcasing his adeptness at merging different sound worlds. The track was an instant global sensation and boosted the popularity of cross-genre mixes in mainstream EDM.

While predominantly known for his house mixes, Morillo was no stranger to experimenting within the confines of EDM, often venturing into sub-genres like Tech House, Tribal House, and Latin House. In each sub-genre, Morillo’s signature sound remained evident, showcasing his ability to give traditional structures a unique twist while often incorporating elements of surprise in every mix. His tracks were refreshingly unpredictable, attesting to his skill in devising creative beats and his instinctive understanding of the dance floor’s DNA.

Similar Artists to Erick Morillo

Going beyond Erick Morillo’s intriguing journey, let’s dive into the artists whose works resonate with his unique musical style. Exploring this aspect provides additional insights into the EDM landscape. The three artists we’ll discuss manifest similarities with Morillo’s signature sound, innovatively blending EDM sub-genres, and introducing the unexpected into traditional structures. They are Mauro Picotto, Adam Beyer, and Benny Benassi. Picotto, an Italian DJ, excels in using deep basslines and heavy percussion similar to Morillo’s style. Beyer, a Swedish techno producer, captures the dance floor dynamics effectively with his rhythmic synth patterns. Benassi, another Italian artist, uses cross-genre mixes in his works, much like Morillo’s global hit ‘I Like To Move It’. Together we can further appreciate the diverse influences shaping the EDM landscape.

Discography

In shedding light on Erick Morillo’s discography, it’s instrumental to highlight his key releases that not only rose to international acclaim but also showcased his distinctive touch. His debut album, ‘Double Platinum’ in 1997, marked his arrival to the EDM scene. It included tracks like ‘Dance I Said’ and ‘Reach,’ which displayed Morillo’s talent for merging various EDM sub-genres, echoing his later works. Progressing to ‘My World’ in 2004, Morillo established his niche, experimenting with reggae elements amid the prominent House music landscape. Examples such as ‘Break Down The Doors’ and ‘Sunshine’ are evident of this. Embarking on collaborations later, Morillo’s works with P. Diddy in ‘Dance I Said’ or Audio Bullys in ‘Break Down the Doors’ speak volumes of his versatile, ever-evolving discography. It’s crucial to underline these milestones while looking at Morillo’s musical journey.

Tours & Live Performances

Continuing from his record releases, Erick Morillo’s vibrant presence lit up stages worldwide. An in-demand performer, he played in locations such as Ibiza, Spain, and Las Vegas, Nevada. For instance, his annual performances at Pacha in Ibiza attracted electronic music fanatics globally. Stadium shows, consisting of thousands of fans at the Electric Daisy Carnival in Las Vegas, illustrate the soaring popularity he commanded. Festival appearances, like Mysteryland in the Netherlands and Tomorrowland in Belgium, further solidify his international influence. Every performance, regardless of the location or audience size, encapsulated Morillo’s dynamic, high-energy style and ingenuity in transforming EDM and House into a transcendent experience. With every tour and live show, Morillo affirmed his place as a pivotal figure in the global music landscape.

Personal Life & Off-stage Persona

Erick Morillo’s personal life mirrored the vibrancy of his soundscapes, but it wasn’t without its challenges. The highs and lows amplified his unique off-stage persona, offering an insight into the man behind the evolving beats. Born in Colombia but growing up in New York City, he derived a multicultural influence that shaped his character. His passion for music was kindled early and he studied at the city’s private arts school, LaGuardia High, renowned for nurturing creative talent. Personal struggles with substance abuse formed a tragic counterpoint to his professional triumphs, revealing a vulnerability often unseen in the limelight. It’s this juxtaposition of progress and adversity that shapes Morillo’s off-stage narrative, a testament to his enduring character beyond his role as a global music icon.

Follow Erick Morillo

Instagram: @erickmorillo

Twitter: @ErickMorillo

Facebook: Erick Morillo Official

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the style of Erick Morillo’s music?

Morillo broke boundaries with his unique blend of House music and reggae. His creativity and talent are showcased in key releases such as ‘Double Platinum’ and ‘My World.’

Who have been some of Erick Morillo’s collaborators?

Morillo collaborated with numerous artists, including high-profile names like P. Diddy. These collaborations allowed him to innovate further and added diversity to his music.

What is known about Erick Morillo’s personal life and struggles?

Beyond his music career, Morillo grew up in New York City and battled with substance abuse. These personal battles provided a deeper understanding of the man behind the tunes.

Can you tell more about Erick Morillo’s live performances?

Morillo was known for his energetic presence on tours worldwide. He captivated audiences at prestigious venues like Pacha and global festivals such as Mysteryland.