Cologne Music Week: Luca Eck / MRD

Crowned as “the future of techno” by Deutsche Welle, non-binary DJ and producer Luca Eck has captivated audiences across the world with their eclectic sound while making appearances on internationally acclaimed media outlets such as BBC Radio 1 and Arte Concert.

2024 saw them release their sophomore EP CONSUMED and sell out their first-ever live show at Berlin’s Trauma Bar und Kino within 48h of announcement. Described by Metal Magazine as “a multilingual masterpiece,” the EP features the queer club anthem “sexo no tradicional,” a collaboration with Argentinian perreo-rave siren Six Sex, which DAZED celebrates as one of their favorite tracks of the summer. Luca Eck began their musical journey at the age of 5, mastering classical piano and double bass. From the tender age of 11, they ventured into electronic music production, meticulously crafting their distinctive blend of pop and subculture with a keen eye for sonic innovation. Fusing the dystopian soundscapes of harsh electronic music with heartfelt songwriting and their background in classical music, Luca Eck “brings emotion into everything they touch” (Wonderland).

Throughout their journey, Luca Eck collaborated with a range of forward thinking artists as diverse as their own sound - including AIM award winner TAAHLIAH, Berghain regular Nur Jaber, German new-wave rap legend SHOKI and the critically acclaimed Izzy Camina.

Hailing from the Norwegian club scene, MRD has crafted his musical aesthetic from an eclectic mix of influences from both home and abroad.
His extensive experience as a producer for genres across the musical spectrum – from pop to hip-hop music – and the regular use of his own singing skills, have given shape to his own varying forms of electronic music experimentations, with melodic, nostalgic and classic sounds blending effortlessly with subtle touches of new wave, ambient, hardcore and darker-feeling techno.
MRD has developed a signature sound, both indefinable and instantly recognisable, which brings a fierce strength and character to each of his productions and performances.