Shane McCormick
Eric Estornel, known by his stage name Maceo Plex, is a Lewisville High School class of ’97 alum who didn’t exactly embody the Fighting Farmer spirit during his time there. A small guy in a big school, he felt out of place amidst the jeans and boots culture, opting instead for JNCO jeans and oversized headphones. Fast forward to today, Estornel has transformed from an awkward teen into a global superstar DJ, set to headline at one of Dallas’ most renowned dance clubs this month.
Making the bold move to Barcelona over 15 years ago to pursue his passion for music, Estornel is now at the forefront of a bustling summer festival season, one notably energized by the World Cup festivities. “I moved to Spain in 2009, and Spain won the World Cup in 2010,” he recalls. “It was a three-day party; the entire country rejoiced.” Estornel’s journey from humble beginnings to international acclaim illustrates how far an artist can go with ambition and resilience.
The Origin Story
Estornel’s journey into music began in Miami, where his young ears were introduced to electro and breakbeats. Moving to Dallas at age 13 opened up a new world of techno and house for him. The moment he could, he took jobs at local record stores to fuel his vinyl addiction. In exchange for sweeping floors, he snagged discounts on music, turning what could have been mere chores into an education in sound and production. His roots deepened in Dallas’ vibrant underground scene, laying the groundwork for his future success.
“Jeff K changed my life,” says Estornel, reminiscing on his influences. “His radio show on 94.5 The Edge was must-listen radio for me; I recorded shows religiously from ’93 to 2000.” His dedication eventually led him to the University of North Texas and a UPS job, where he lived at home to save money and channel funds into his burgeoning studio. Rather than attending events as a partier, Estornel would carefully study the DJs, absorbing their techniques and sounds. This dedication paid off when he began receiving bookings in Europe, eventually leading to his permanent move abroad.
Under various aliases like Eric Entity and Maetrik, Estornel showcased his diverse musical interests. Maceo Plex emerged in 2009, followed by the electro project Mariel Ito in 2018. At his peak, he had the top-selling track on Beatport across three genres, flaunting his versatility. “If you haven’t blown up, then reinvent yourself,” he says, capturing the essence of his journey through the evolving music landscape.
The Rise
Maceo Plex represents Estornel’s most significant reinvention — a project that rapidly gained traction and shook the dance music community. From earning a mere $500 per gig, he began commanding $10,000 fees as his following grew. The pivotal moment came with the release of his celebrated album “Life Index” in 2011 on Damian Lazarus’ Crosstown Rebels label. This launch solidified his place among elite techno and house artists like Jaime Jones and Seth Troxler.
Estornel often expresses gratitude towards those who guided him, including Kelly Reverb, who inspired him to tour Europe, and local DJ Brett Johnson, who encouraged his move abroad. For Estornel, returning to Dallas is an experience of pure nostalgia; here, he’s simply Eric — but come midnight, he dons his Maceo Plex persona and unleashes a powerful set at SILO. Reflecting on his journey, Estornel emphasizes that he didn’t aspire to be the best DJ in Dallas; rather, he aimed to be among the best in the world.
On July 31, the local DJ-producer duo Paradigm Shift, consisting of Coy Wright and Trent Pawley, will open for Maceo Plex at SILO Dallas (1340 Manufacturing St.), with tickets starting at $23, making this a must-see event for electronic music fans.
