Renowned Italian Producer and DJ Rino Cerrone has passed away. He died at the age of 52. The news of is death was known through a publication that reads “My friend, I can’t believe you are gone. You taught me everything, supported me in difficult times and we shared days making music and talking about life.” The actual cause of his death has not been known.
Rino Cerrone, born in Naples in 1972, has crafted a multifaceted career as a DJ and producer that reflects a spirit of adventure and an insatiable curiosity for sound. His early years were marked by a passion for motorcycle racing, where he competed in national competitions with notable success. However, it was his love for music that ultimately charted the course of his life.
By the late 1980s, Cerrone began immersing himself in Italy’s vibrant music scene. During his teenage years, he found himself drawn to punk and rock concerts, and quickly gravitated towards the underground culture of squat parties and illegal raves. This environment fueled his exploration of new musical territories, particularly the burgeoning realm of electronic music. Influenced by pioneering acts like Orb and Future Sound of London, he was captivated by their dreamy and chill-out soundscapes, which ignited his passion for the genre.
As the 1990s dawned, Naples became a hub for innovative electronic music. Cerrone was at the forefront of this movement, engaging with notable artists and DJs like Paul Daley, Darren Emerson, and Derrick May, who frequently performed in his city. This era was characterized by a vibrant party scene, where Cerrone attended legendary events organized by Ivan & Susy and became a resident DJ at after-hours venues like Space Race. His relentless pursuit of rhythmic and sonic exploration was undeniable.
In 1995, motivated by his growing interest in music production, Cerrone purchased a second-hand Juno 106 synthesizer, marking the inception of his recording studio. His initial foray into music production came with his involvement in the group Q-Men, leading to his debut solo release, “X Phase Up,” on Marco Carole’s Design Music in 1997. This was just the beginning; Cerrone quickly followed up with releases on notable labels like Speaker Attack, Phont Music, Relentless, and Primate.
The establishment of his own label, Rilis Records, in 1999 was a significant milestone in Cerrone’s career. The first two releases under Rilis garnered critical acclaim, positioning the label as one of the most prestigious in the global techno landscape. Cerrone’s unique sound—an amalgamation of techno, minimal, and deep house has not only defined his artistic identity but also influenced countless emerging artists in the scene.
Rino Cerrone’s obituary will be released by the fa mily
