Vintage Culture

Born Lukas Rafael Ruiz Hespanhol on July 7, 1993, in Mundo Novo, Brazil, Vintage Culture’s early life was marked by a nascent interest in music. Growing up in a border town, his mother’s protective nature meant he spent considerable time indoors, leading him to discover music through his father’s collection of 70s, 80s, and 90s sounds, including bands like New Order, Depeche Mode, and Pink Floyd. This early exposure sparked a curiosity about music production. He began experimenting with software on a computer his father provided, learning to create beats in his room. At 19, he moved to Maringá to study law, a path he pursued to fulfill his father’s dream. However, his passion for music production continued to grow.

A pivotal moment arrived when a dangerous encounter, coupled with his growing disinterest in law, prompted him to fully commit to music. He uploaded a melodic house remix of Pink Floyd’s “Another Brick In The Wall,” a bootleg that gained significant traction on SoundCloud, leading to his first performance opportunities. Realizing the potential in the burgeoning electronic music scene, particularly in Brazil, he co-created a movement known as “Brazilian bass,” a blend of deep house and strong basslines. This genre resonated with local audiences, and his profile quickly rose. By 2015, he appeared at No. 118 on DJ Mag’s Top 100 DJs list and No. 2 on House Mag’s Best Brazilian DJs list. His 2016 EP “Hollywood” with Ganza Seal Skol Music, in partnership with Spinnin’ Records, and his remix of Sofi Tukker’s “Drinkee,” which hit No. 4 on Beatport’s Dance chart, further solidified his presence. “Wild Kidz” by Spinnin’ Records earned global recognition, entering Spotify’s “Global Viral” chart.

Vintage Culture continued to build his international career, consistently climbing the DJ Mag rankings, reaching No. 54 in 2016, No. 31 in 2017, No. 19 in 2018, No. 10 in 2023, and No. 9 in 2024. He has made an impact with collaborations and remixes for artists such as Tiësto, David Guetta, Meduza, Robin Schulz, and Jorja Smith, many of which have achieved Platinum status. Beyond his music, he is also a record company manager at Só Track Boa, an initiative that started as a local party and evolved into a significant festival and record label, hosting events for crowds of up to 30,000. He actively monitors music metrics and embraces a professional approach to his career, viewing himself as an athlete to maintain his demanding schedule.