 is a Brazilian-born artist who has made his mark as a talented DJ and techno music producer. Since his debut on the global stage in 2013, he has become known for his riveting performances. Currently based in Europe, Victor's musical journey takes him across the globe, from New Zealand to the USA, and Argentina to Denmark.

Ruiz's story begins with a love for heavy metal, sparked by his brother's influence. At the tender age of nine, he received his first bass guitar, a gift from his parents that would shape his future. A self-taught musician, 

 mastered the bass guitar, drums, and piano, playing in various bands before deviating from traditional education to study electronic music production.

Lucky Strike

His passion for music led him to the DJing, where he polished his skills on the fly without having decks to practice on at home. Despite these initial hurdles, Ruiz's perseverance paid off when his music caught the attention of renowned DJs, 

. His success snowballed, leading to performances at major festivals such as Lollapalooza Brazil, Tribaltech, Tribe Festival, XXXperience Festival, and Kaballah Festival.

The year 2013 marked a significant turning point in Ruiz's career when he received his first European bookings. These experiences opened his eyes to Europe's progressive club culture, and by 2018, he moved to Berlin to further his career.

Ruiz's dedication to his craft extends beyond the stage. He is also a prolific music producer, releasing a steady stream of top-notch techno tracks, each embodying his unique blend of musicality and energy. His remarkable edits, including The Prodigy’s "Breathe" and Depeche Mode’s "Everything Counts," reveal an upbeat and playful approach to music production. His tracks have found homes on major labels like Drumcode, Noir Music, Suara, and Senso Sounds.

This is the live recording of my presentation at Fusion Festival 2014 in Lärz, Germany.
I hope you enjoy it as much as I did playing at this amazing festival!
Thank you! :)

--------

Essa é a gravação ao vivo que fiz do meu set no Fusion Festival 2014, em Lärz, Alemanha.
Espero que curtam tanto quanto curti tocar nesse festival incrível!
Gratidão! :D

Victor Ruiz - Live Set At Fusion Festival 2014 by VictorRuiz

 remains grounded. His approach to music is uncomplicated, reflecting his appreciation for the simple things in life. Driven by a desire to inject positivity into the lives of his listeners, Victor is committed to providing the soundtrack for memorable moments of self-expression and release. For him, music is not just about entertainment; it's about creating an escape from the world's troubles.

Brazil

brazilian techno

dark techno

deep minimal techno

deep techno

minimal techno

Victor Ruiz

United Kingdom

house

schranz

uk tech house

Carl Cox

Spain

Indira Paganotto

Ukraine

ukrainian electronic

Miss Monique

Germany

Patrick Mason

France

french tech house

french techno

Popof

tech house

techno

Oscar L

brazilian edm

Vintage Culture

Aaron Suiss

Canada

Julian Prince

melodic techno

melodic house

indie dance

Magit Cacoon

MANTi

organic house

deep house

Sinca

minimal tech house

Traumer

Janeret

Australia

AK Sports

 is not your typical electronic music festival. It’s a sunny open-air rave with a twist. Born in the parks of Montpellier in southern France, this lively gathering combines the underground dance music spirit with the laid-back vibe of a Sunday picnic. Attendees lounge on blankets under the trees, kids play and dance alongside grown-ups, and world-class DJs spin techno and house music from morning until midnight. The atmosphere is friendly and accessible, making seasoned clubbers, curious newcomers and future ravers all feel welcome.

From a Picnic in Montpellier to a Movement

Family Piknik began as a local passion project in 2012, dreamed up by Montpellier DJ Tom Pooks as a day-long festival that people in their 30s (and their kids) could enjoy together. The key idea was to blend top-tier underground electronic music with a family-friendly atmosphere. Early editions took place right in the heart of Montpellier, where party-goers could bring their own food, dance barefoot on the grass, and soak up the music under shady park trees. This open-minded concept, uniting all generations around house and techno, was something very new in France at the time, and it quickly caught on. Year after year the event grew, drawing thousands of attendees from across Europe even in its initial seasons. What started as a humble picnic party soon became a movement, turning lazy Sundays into an all-ages dance celebration.

As the festival’s reputation spread, Family Piknik evolved from a one-day gathering into a full-blown multi-day extravaganza. Growth came naturally: more stages, longer hours, and ever-bigger crowds, all while keeping its uniquely welcoming vibe. The festival has even been recognized among DJ Mag’s Top 100 festivals worldwide for its special blend of big-room energy and underground soul. Over the years, Family Piknik’s stages have been graced by a who’s who of electronic music. Techno legends and crowd favorites like 

 (to name just a few) have delivered unforgettable sets under the open sky. Thanks to its consistently stacked line-ups, the festival has solidified its standing as one of France’s top electronic music events, even being hailed as 

“the biggest underground French festival”

. And with tens of thousands of “party-people” joining in from over 30 countries, it’s clear that Family Piknik has grown into a globally recognize

In recent years, Family Piknik expanded beyond its original city setting, finding a new home in the nearby coastal town of Frontignan. This move, about a 20-minute hop from Montpellier, gave the festival more room to spread its wings (and speakers) while retaining its open-air charm. The current venue is a picturesque park in Frontignan, lush with old trees and natural shade, just minutes away from the Mediterranean’s sandy beaches. Dancing here comes with a sea breeze - an added bonus to an already magical atmosphere. The transition to Frontignan marked an exciting evolution: the festival could welcome larger audiences and experiment with new stage setups, including a now-iconic giant pink flamingo art installation watching over the crowd. Through this expansion, Family Piknik proved its resilience and creativity. Even when a partnership with Montpellier’s city hall ended and new locations were needed, the organizers seamlessly transformed venues like a bullring in Lunel and the park in Frontignan into their electronic playground, without missing a beat. The result is a festival that feels both fresh and true to itself - bigger in scale but still as intimate and free-spirited as ever.

A One-of-a-Kind Atmosphere and Cultural Impact

What truly sets Family Piknik apart is its inclusive, multigenerational atmosphere. It’s one of the only electronic music festivals where you might see children blowing bubbles and dancing next to veteran ravers in the afternoon, and grandparents nodding along to the beat by early evening. The organizers actively welcome all ages, offering free entry for kids (typically under 14) and even for seniors over 55 – because they believe electronic music should bring everyone together. They back this up with thoughtful touches: a dedicated Kid Zone with games and water fun, chill-out areas for relaxing, and the freedom to bring your own picnic treats. Yet, despite the family-friendly feel, the party never loses its edge. When night falls and the lights glow, the dancefloor is in full throttle, united by music and positive vibes rather than VIP barricades or ego-driven antics.

Culturally, Family Piknik has made a significant mark. It has put Montpellier and its region on the map as a hotspot for electronic music, showing that a festival can be world-class in talent and production while remaining warm and community-oriented. Each edition injects energy into the local scene and economy, attracting international tourists and showcasing the south of France’s love affair with dance music. More importantly, it has pioneered a new kind of festival experience – one where 

 meets a family picnic ethos. In doing so, Family Piknik has nurtured a loyal following that spans generations, proving that great music and a welcoming spirit are truly universal. Friendly and accessible, this festival continues to grow and inspire, all while staying true to the joyful, inclusive culture it started with in Montpellier’s parks.

Family Piknik

Parking du Stade Lucien Jean

Family Piknik 2025

spanish techno

Bastian Bux

Shalev

United States

Analog Brooklyn

Victor Ruiz [Drumcode] + Bastian Bux / Shalev

Melanie Ribbe

Netherlands

organic electronic

Unders

Jonny Rock

nyc club

Layton Giordani

Alex Stein

Joplyn

Olive F

Romania

rominimal

Rhadoo

Tinlicker

Emerald

Brazilian-born, Berlin-based techno titan Victor Ruiz's first memories are connected to music. The Beatles, The Beegees, Eric Clapton, Phil Collins, and ABBA soundtracked his family meals. And he shared a room with his older brother, who ensured he was lulled to sleep by the sweet sounds of Metallica, Iron Maiden, Led Zepplin, and AC/DC.

He charted a route that began when he got an electric bass at eight years old. He traveled the well-trodden routes of a rock and roller. He was in bands through high school and thought he was destined to be a rock star. However, he changed course when he discovered psytrance late in high school.

“It was somewhat similar to heavy metal,” he says about the moment he discovered his newfound obsession. “And to classical music as well. Because there were so many layers, so many sonic textures, and rhythms and dynamics.” He was fascinated by how something so repetitive and uncomplicated, could be so compelling.

Ruiz was introduced to techno at university in a similar way. And he began to complete yet another musical transformation in his life as he started his degree in electronic music production. He was drawn to techno because he could achieve peak emotional impact by using far fewer elements.

These seismic shifts in his career always occur with great introspection and thought from Ruiz. And during the pandemic, he went through a different kind of transference.

“I think the mental health part of this journey is quite important.” He explains. “I even had a big crisis. The beginning of this year, I thought I was going to quit."

He explained to me that he began to see holes in the fabric of the dance music scene. And a steady progression away from the founding tenants of Peace Love Unity and Respect. 

"There's so much weird shit and wrong stuff in the scene that I don't agree [sic]. I don't think it's healthy long term. I hope everybody's noticing that.”

Ruiz needed to realign himself and ponder why he was a musician in the first place. 

”Is it for as an egotistic thing? Do I want just applause? Do I want to be regarded? Or I just want to share happiness with people? Or [do] I just want to have a good time? Or am I running away from something? Or maybe it's everything together.”

His moment of introspection led to an important life lesson. He needed to take better care of himself and create a more healthy routine. It also led to a super-secret project that he says will help make the dance music scene healthier.

“I'm stronger than ever. And I'm very excited. I'm very excited to do things differently.” He begins. “I just want to make our scene a little bit healthier. So we can change a little bit of the consciousness and the awareness. So we stop being so egoistic so selfish. And be a bit more altruist a bit more selfless, a bit more willing to help the other.”

He also spent time with his partner and fellow techno DJ and producer Tao Andra. A year ago, they created a podcast that documents their journey through quarantine. At times it feels like you are listening in on an intimate conversation as they cover everything from their childhood memories to how they stay healthy. 

Ruiz adores Andra he says, “she's an amazing speaker, you know, and so eloquent.” 

Andra created the podcast to encourage long conversations. Ruiz says it has made him a better communicator.

“I learned to listen more actively. I always had issues expressing myself in past relationships. I learned how to have a safe place to talk. And that's the most important thing now when you're talking with someone that's giving you a space to be yourself, to be who you are and also to feel safe, not feel judged or criticized. And that's key.”

Learning to be vulnerable has been difficult for him. However, it's been a window into what he says is a dangerous and toxic culture of silence among men.

“It's harmful. We're very, we're very sensitive people as well. think if we were more connected with our feminine side, you have more balance, you're gonna have a much more actually relaxed life.”

As the conversation draws to a close, I feel inspired by this winding conversation that has allowed me to begin to understand who Victor Ruiz is beyond his career as a DJ. 

He says music is what opens the door for these kinds of conversations. “Music is my tool to get to you. And then I send you my message. You know, I think that's the important thing. Music is beautiful, music is often how I feel, and how I perceive the world. And how I actually connect to people. And once you have the connection, then you can talk freely, and are open actually to listen.”

Brazilian-born, Berlin-based techno titan Victor Ruiz's first memories are connected to music. The Beatles, The Beegees, Eric Clapton, Phil Collins, and ABBA soundtracked his family meals. And he shared a room with his older brother, who ensured he was lulled to sleep by the sweet sounds of Metallica, Iron Maiden, Led Zepplin, and AC/DC.

He charted a route that began when he got an electric bass at eight years old. He traveled the well-trodden routes of a rock and roller. He was in bands through high school and thought he was destined to be a rock star. However, he changed course when he discovered psytrance late in high school.

“It was somewhat similar to heavy metal,” he says about the moment he discovered his newfound obsession. “And to classical music as well. Because there were so many layers, so many sonic textures, and rhythms and dynamics.” He was fascinated by how something so repetitive and uncomplicated, could be so compelling.

Ruiz was introduced to techno at university in a similar way. And he began to complete yet another musical transformation in his life as he started his degree in electronic music production. He was drawn to techno because he could achieve peak emotional impact by using far fewer elements.

These seismic shifts in his career always occur with great introspection and thought from Ruiz. And during the pandemic, he went through a different kind of transference.

“I think the mental health part of this journey is quite important.” He explains. “I even had a big crisis. The beginning of this year, I thought I was going to quit."

He explained to me that he began to see holes in the fabric of the dance music scene. And a steady progression away from the founding tenants of Peace Love Unity and Respect. 

"There's so much weird shit and wrong stuff in the scene that I don't agree [sic]. I don't think it's healthy long term. I hope everybody's noticing that.”

Ruiz needed to realign himself and ponder why he was a musician in the first place. 

”Is it for as an egotistic thing? Do I want just applause? Do I want to be regarded? Or I just want to share happiness with people? Or [do] I just want to have a good time? Or am I running away from something? Or maybe it's everything together.”

His moment of introspection led to an important life lesson. He needed to take better care of himself and create a more healthy routine. It also led to a super-secret project that he says will help make the dance music scene healthier.

“I'm stronger than ever. And I'm very excited. I'm very excited to do things differently.” He begins. “I just want to make our scene a little bit healthier. So we can change a little bit of the consciousness and the awareness. So we stop being so egoistic so selfish. And be a bit more altruist a bit more selfless, a bit more willing to help the other.”

He also spent time with his partner and fellow techno DJ and producer Tao Andra. A year ago, they created a podcast that documents their journey through quarantine. At times it feels like you are listening in on an intimate conversation as they cover everything from their childhood memories to how they stay healthy. 

Ruiz adores Andra he says, “she's an amazing speaker, you know, and so eloquent.” 

Andra created the podcast to encourage long conversations. Ruiz says it has made him a better communicator.

“I learned to listen more actively. I always had issues expressing myself in past relationships. I learned how to have a safe place to talk. And that's the most important thing now when you're talking with someone that's giving you a space to be yourself, to be who you are and also to feel safe, not feel judged or criticized. And that's key.”

Learning to be vulnerable has been difficult for him. However, it's been a window into what he says is a dangerous and toxic culture of silence among men.

“It's harmful. We're very, we're very sensitive people as well. think if we were more connected with our feminine side, you have more balance, you're gonna have a much more actually relaxed life.”

As the conversation draws to a close, I feel inspired by this winding conversation that has allowed me to begin to understand who Victor Ruiz is beyond his career as a DJ. 

He says music is what opens the door for these kinds of conversations. “Music is my tool to get to you. And then I send you my message. You know, I think that's the important thing. Music is beautiful, music is often how I feel, and how I perceive the world. And how I actually connect to people. And once you have the connection, then you can talk freely, and are open actually to listen.”

Victor Ruiz

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