Gio Lucca Q&A: Beatport Charts, Big Support, and New Directions

Peruvian-born DJ/producer Gio Lucca is one of those names you’ve probably started seeing more and more—on lineups, in tracklists, and popping up on the labels that matter. His sound pulls from tech house, minimal, funk, and hip-hop, but it doesn’t feel like a mash-up for the sake of it. It feels natural, like he’s building a world that fits him.

Over the last year, Gio’s releases have landed on Nervous Records, Deeperfect, Black Book, Short Circuit, Take Notes, and his imprint ISO, with multiple tracks charting Top 10 on Beatport and getting backed by some of the biggest selectors in the game, including Michael Bibi, Jamie Jones, Marco Carola, Pawsa, Dennis Cruz, Paco Osuna, and Gordo. One of his real “wait…this is happening” moments came during Miami Music Week, when he heard Michael Bibi drop his track at Solid Grooves on the Terrace while Gio was standing in the crowd with his friends (with Beltran right there singing along too).

He’s also been building momentum as a performer, with shows at venues like Floyd Miami, Exchange LA, Elsewhere, and Spybar Chicago—and a full-circle return to Floyd that marked a major turning point for him. Off the decks, Gio’s locked into studio life too, pulling inspiration from everywhere (yes, even a Donkey Kong Country soundtrack rabbit hole), with his dog Ollie officially running the session from his beanbag chair.

In this interview, Gio talks about his roots, the moments that made everything feel real, what he’s chasing next creatively, and why 2026 is already shaping up to be a big year.

1. Being from Peru, how has your cultural background shaped the mood of your music today?

Being from Peru has had a big impact on why I’m so passionate about music. It’s more of a cultural and emotional influence than a sonic one. I grew up around music—from cultural parades, live performances, and art, to learning instruments. It really opened my appreciation and passion for music and shaped how I approach it.

2. You’ve received support from major names like Michael Bibi, Jamie Jones, and Marco Carola — what was the first time you heard one of them play your track, and how did that moment feel?

One of the first times I heard my music played out by Michael Bibi was at Solid Grooves on the Terrace during Miami Music Week. I’d seen videos of artists playing my tracks before, but this was the first time I was actually in the crowd for it. I was with my friends, and as soon as that kick hit, I recognized it right away.

Seeing someone I look up to play my record, watching the crowd react, and having everyone around me hyping me up—that’s something I’ll never forget. Not to mention Beltran being in the crowd with me singing along to the track, hahah.

3. You’ve performed at iconic venues like Exchange LA, Floyd Miami, and Spybar Chicago. Is there one gig that stands out as a real turning point for you? What is a bucket list venue for you to play at and why?

A big turning point was playing Floyd earlier this year and getting invited back for a second run. The first time I ever went to Miami Music Week in 2023, the first show I went to was at Floyd. I had just started making the music I really love, so coming back as an artist felt full-circle.

One of my bucket list venues is the Space Terrace. I’ve seen so many of my favorite artists play there. Being able to join that lineup someday would be insane.

4. When you’re in the studio, what’s something you always do to get into a creative flow — any rituals, habits, or setups that are non-negotiable?

When I first set up my studio, I threw a beanbag chair in the back thinking it’d be a chill spot for me or for friends to hang while we worked on music. My dog, Ollie, instantly claimed it as his chair. Now every session starts with making sure he’s in there with me—he sets the vibe every time.

5. You’ve worked with labels like Nervous and Deeperfect. What is a dream label to release on?

Solid Grooves. All of the artists that have influenced my sound in one way or another have released there.

6. Many artists are experimenting with genre crossovers lately — is there a sound or scene you’d like to explore next that might surprise your listeners?

I’ve been into indie electronic and funk as of late. It might not be a huge surprise since I already use analog synths and linndrum vibes, but I really want to dive deeper into that world and make something that feels uniquely mine.

7. What’s a lesson you’ve learned about DJing or production that you wish someone told you early on?

Appreciate the highs and the lows. It won’t always feel like you’re moving uphill—everything comes in waves. Enjoy the ride.

8. What’s the most random or unexpected thing that’s inspired one of your tracks?

When I was working on my remix for Dimmish on Deeperfect, I randomly fell into a Donkey Kong Country rabbit hole, listening to the soundtrack and messing around with the same types of synths. I ended up making all these funny, nostalgic sounds that ended up shaping the remix.

9. If your DJ career had a “deleted scenes” folder, what’s one hilarious or chaotic behind-the-scenes story that would be in it?

My first time playing in LA. It was one of my first gigs outside my city, so I road-tripped with all my friends. It was also the first time I had ever been offered a rider. At the end of the night, my friends convinced me to take the empty rider bottle as a souvenir. I stuck it under my shirt and walked past security trying to look normal. We got back to the hotel and just died laughing. I still have that empty bottle in my studio.

10. Any exciting upcoming releases or projects you’d like to hint at or discuss?

I’ve got a few things lined up on my own imprint, plus some returns on other labels. Can’t say too much yet, but I’m really excited for 2026.