SHAZAM

Microhouse is often thought of as cold, detached music where even the most soulful moments get steely, nocturnal surroundings. Producer Lucien Nicolet -- or Luciano or Lucien-n-Luciano when he feels like it -- works in the world of microhouse, but his Chilean upbringing adds a sunny and warm tinge to the style. Born in 1978 in Switzerland, Nicolet moved to Chile with his family in 1980. It was there he began DJing at the age of 16. Soon he was rubbing shoulders with Ricardo Villalobos, Atom Heart, and other initiators of the Latin American electronica scene. This small group of DJs and producers had talent and enthusiasm, but without the support of the local press or welcoming venues, Chile's left-field house scene was developing way too slow to support them. Nicolet headed to back to his native Switzerland in 2001 with hopes of moving his career along a bit faster. A year later he was touring Europe as a DJ and releasing his minimal blend of techno and house music on labels like Klang Elektronik and Lo-Fi Stereo. Releases on Transmat, Perlon, and Mental Groove followed, as did collaborations with Pier Bucci and Argenix Brito as Monne Automne and with Ricardo Villalobos as Sense Club. ~ David Jeffries, Rovi