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MARVIN CORONEL: A Pioneer of House Music, Shaping the Global Sound

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From the sun-drenched beaches of Playa del Carmen, Mexico, to the underground clubs of Chicago, USA, Marvin Coronel stands as a defining force in contemporary house music culture. DJ, producer, sound architect, and visionary curator, Coronel has built a career rooted in evolution—bridging eras, scenes, and continents through sound.

Emerging from the early foundations of house music, Coronel belongs to a rare generation of artists who not only witnessed the genre’s formative years but continue to shape its present and future. His sound is expansive and fluid, moving effortlessly across afro house, deep and vocal house, Latin soul, disco-driven grooves, and underground electronic rhythms. Unified by rich percussion and an instinctive sense of groove, his sets are designed as journeys—emotional, rhythmic, and deeply connected to the dance floor.

 

“My sound is hard to define because I embrace the full spectrum of house music. Every set is a journey—blending the timeless energy of disco, the pulse of Latin rhythms, and modern grooves that ignite the crowd.”
— Marvin Coronel

 

For over two decades, Coronel has been a cornerstone of Mexico’s electronic music culture. Between 2005 and 2016, he was the creator and driving force behind Coco Maya Beach Club in Playa del Carmen—one of the Riviera Maya’s most iconic electronic music destinations. More than a venue, Coco Maya became a cultural landmark, helping define the region’s global reputation for underground house, sunrise sessions, and immersive beachside experiences.

His impact during the 1990s rave era opened international doors, leading to performances across Europe and Asia. In 2003, he was recognized as the most popular DJ in Mexico, a milestone that cemented his global trajectory. Soon after, his work at Coco Maya and major festivals—including The BPM Festival, where he opened the year in 2007—solidified his reputation as both an artist and a scene builder.

 

A pivotal new chapter began with Coronel’s relocation to Chicago, the birthplace of house music. Immersing himself in the city’s deep musical heritage, he quickly became a sought-after DJ across the Midwest. Inspired by Chicago’s legacy and driven by a mission to connect global house communities, he founded Chicago Global Radio®, a groundbreaking 24/7 platform dedicated to underground and global house music culture.

 

More than a radio station, Chicago Global Radio® operates as a movement—connecting artists, DJs, and listeners worldwide through exclusive live sets, curated programming, and behind-the-scenes access, while reinforcing Chicago’s enduring role at the heart of house music.

 

Today, Coronel brings the spirit of the Riviera Maya to Illinois through his residency at Playa, a new, immersive venue in St. Charles that feels worlds away from the Midwest. Designed to transport guests into a Tulum-inspired atmosphere, Playa is a sonic and sensory experience curated entirely by Coronel himself. As resident DJ, Talent Buyer, and Audio Engineer, he oversees every musical and technical detail—crafting a space where sound, rhythm, and environment merge seamlessly.

 

At Playa, Coronel channels decades of experience from beach clubs, festivals, and underground dance floors, creating a destination where global house music, refined hospitality, and high-level production converge. The result is not simply a venue, but a living extension of his artistic vision—one that brings the soul of Playa del Carmen into the heart of Illinois.

 

Disco remains a foundational element of Coronel’s musical identity—first through sampling, later through refined selection and original production. Today, that influence continues to evolve through curated compilations and studio projects that honor the genre’s history while pushing it forward. He is currently working on his latest album, drawing from the full lineage of disco and house music, reimagined for modern dance floors.

 

From Playa del Carmen to Chicago and beyond, Marvin Coronel’s story is one of continuity, reinvention, and cultural impact—where every performance is a celebration of rhythm, connection, and the unifying power of music.