DJ Plastik Funk: Unleashing the Groove in the World of House Music

In the vast world of electronic dance music, few genres have had the enduring impact of melodic house music. At the forefront of this genre stands DJ Plastic Funk, a true legend and pioneer within the house music scene.

With his infectious beats and undeniable talent, Funk has taken the world by storm, captivating audiences with his unique sound. This article delves into DJ Plastic Funk’s journey into the mesmerizing world of house music.

 

About DJ Plastik Funk

Where Were Plastik Funk Members Born?

Rafael Ximenez-Carrillo was born in Madrid, Spain but later moved to Grevenbroich, Germany. On the other hand, Mikio Gruschinske spent the former part of his life in Tokyo, Japan before settling in Berlin, Germany.

Who is DJ Plastik Funk?

Currently, Plastik Funk is a solo project of Rafael Ximenez-Carrillo, a Spanish DJ and producer whose music captivates fans globally. Before 2018, DJ Plastik Funk was a music duo consisting of Mikio Gruschinske and Rafael Ximenez-Carrillo. However, Gruschinske stopped touring due to health issues with his back.

In a past interview with Nexus Radio, Ximenez-Carrillo said, “It’s just me, I mean we were two and we are still partners. We have a label and we have another company but he (Mikio) had some health issues. Now everything is good because he stopped touring…”

The DJ is known for his catchy and energetic house and tech house music that appeals to a wide audience. He has collaborated with some of the biggest artists in the scene including Tujamo, NERVO, and Timmy Trumpet. During partnership and after separation, Funk has performed at international festivals and venues such as Tomorrowland, EDC, Ultra, and Ushuaia.

How Old Are They?

Rafael Ximenez-Carrillo was born on June 15, 1980.

Where Plastik Funk Live

As a duo, members of Plastic Funk were living in Duesseldorf, Germany. However, it’s not known whether he continued to live there after Gruschinske left. It’s worth noting that he travels frequently for performances and events. As a result, their actual place of residence may vary.

Where Are They From?

Plastik Funk is from Germany where he met his partner Mikio Gruschinske while they were performing at a nightclub in Düsseldorf.  They formed their duo in 2002 and started producing house music together.

What Are Plastik Funk’s Real Names?

Plastik Funk’s real name is Rafael Ximenez-Carrillo. His partner Mikio Gruschinske left the duo in 2018 due to health complications. He decided to focus on studio work instead of touring for performances.

Starting Plastik Funk’s Music Career

When Did Plastik Funk Start DJing?

Plastik Funk started DJing when he was in high school. He was influenced by hip-hop music and began spinning records at parties. He later discovered house music through legends like Frankie Knuckles and David Morales and switched to that genre. He met Mikio Gruschinske at a nightclub in Düsseldorf, where they both worked as DJs. They decided to join forces and form Plastik Funk in 2002.

How Did Plastik Funk Get Their Stage Name?

When asked about the origin of their stage name by Darkus Magazine, he explained, “Many years ago, Plastik Funk was originally a duo and we had a party brand called Funk Records. We were talking about doing a party called plastic (which is actually spelled ‘plastik’ with a ‘k’ in German), and when we were producing, we wanted to link this to the plastic material of vinyl, and then the funk part comes with the music – that’s how the name was born!”

When Did Plastik Funk Become Famous?

As a duo by then, Funk became famous in 2012 when they released their single “WHO” with Tujamo. The track was a huge hit that gained the support of Avicii who invited them on stage at his Ushuaia Ibiza residency.

The track was also played at the Winter Music Conference in Miami where it caused a sensation. The track reached number one on Beatport and received millions of streams online.

The Popularity Of Plastik Funk

How Did Plastik Funk Become Famous?

The DJ became famous by releasing their hit single “WHO” with Tujamo in 2012. Avicii’s support and invitation to perform at the Ushuaia Ibiza residency further boosted their fame. Their track caused a sensation at the Winter Music Conference in Miami.

It reached number one on Beatport and garnered millions of online streams. Plastik Funk’s energetic performances and unique blend of electronic genres appealed to a global audience. Their catchy tracks solidified their position in the electronic music scene.

Why Is Plastik Funk So Popular?

His current popularity can be attributed to his ability to create catchy and energetic tracks when they were two and individually. Funk’s music combines Latin influences with modern electronic sounds and vocals which creates a unique and fresh style.

Additionally, he has a loyal fan base that supports their music and live shows. Not forgetting his passion on stage and his outstanding ability to understand and interact with the crowd.

What Is Plastik Funk’s Most Famous Song?

His most famous song is probably “WHO” with Tujamo which was released in 2012. The track was a breakthrough hit that catapulted them to global fame and recognition. The track has millions of streams on Spotify and over 20 million views on YouTube. The track is also considered one of the most influential tracks in the history of EDM. It introduced the “drop” concept to the mainstream.

 

Plastik Funk And Music Production

What Does Plastik Funk Use To Make Music?

Funk’s music production involves a combination of various hardware and software.

What DAW (Software) Does Plastik Funk Use?

In an interview with Music Rader while in their studio in 2016, they disclosed to use of Logic Pro X as the main DAW. However, it’s unclear whether Ximenez-Carrillo continues to use the same software.

In What Styles Of Music Does Plastik Funk Make Tracks?

Plastik Funk makes tracks in various styles of house and tech house music.

Plastik Funk And Ghost Producers

What Does Plastik Funk Think About Ghost Production?

DJ Plastik Funk has not expressed his opinion on ghost production publicly. However, he stated that he produces all his music and that he is proud of his work. He said that he likes to experiment with different sounds and effects to create his style of electro-house and dance-pop music. Music Rader has displayed various equipment in the Studio they used with his former colleague, Mikio Gruschinske.

He once said in an interview that being professional in the music industry is all about connecting with your music. Bringing good vibes to people, which can’t be faked or bought, is essential. This means that he’s probably against ghost production.

Does Plastik Funk Have A Ghost Producer?

No, Plastik Funk does not have a ghost producer. He produces all his music and has collaborated with other producers such as NERVO, Timmy Trumpet, and Tujamo. He correctly credits all the contributors to his tracks.

 

Final Thoughts

The world of house music is a vibrant one and Plastik Funk has been at the forefront of its development. His unique sound, live performances, and dedication to his craft have allowed him to make a name for himself in this genre. With his current popularity, it is clear that he will continue to make an impact on the dance music scene for years to come. He stands as an example of what can be achieved when hard work and dedication are combined with a love for music.