Purple Disco Machine
Purple Disco Machine is the stage name of Tino Piontek, a German DJ, record producer, and remixer born on February 12, 1980, in Dresden, who specializes in nu-disco and house music.[1] He began his career producing tracks under the alias Stereofunk from 2005 to 2012 before adopting the Purple Disco Machine moniker in 2012 as a homage to funk icon Prince and the dance energy of Gloria Estefan's Miami Sound Machine.[1][2] Piontek's breakthrough came with the 2013 single "My House," which propelled him to international recognition in the electronic dance music scene.[3] His sound fuses classic disco, funk, and soul elements with modern house production, earning him acclaim for tracks like "Body Funk" (2017), a mashup that sampled 1980s funk hits and charted widely across Europe.[4] Subsequent successes include "In My Arms" (2020) and the 2020 collaboration "Hypnotized" with Sophie and the Giants, which peaked at number four on the UK Singles Chart and has garnered over a billion streams globally.[5][6] In addition to original productions, Piontek has built a reputation for remixes, including high-profile reworkings for artists like Lizzo, for which he won the Grammy Award for Best Remixed Recording, Non-Classical, in 2023 for "About Damn Time (Purple Disco Machine Remix)."[1] His discography features full-length albums such as Exotica (2021), which showcased his eclectic style through tracks like "Can't Get Enough," and Paradise (2024, bonus edition 2025), including singles "Beat of Your Heart" with ÁSDÍS and "Substitution" with Kungs, as well as the 2025 addition "Dream Machine" featuring Alison Goldfrapp.[7][8][9] Based in Dresden with his family, Piontek continues to perform at major festivals and clubs worldwide, blending retro influences with contemporary beats to maintain his status as a leading figure in dance music.[1][10]Early life and background
Childhood and family
Tino Piontek, known professionally as Purple Disco Machine, was born on 12 February 1980 in Dresden, then part of the German Democratic Republic (GDR) in East Germany.[11] Growing up during the final years of the Cold War division of Germany, Piontek experienced the constraints of a socialist regime where access to Western cultural influences, including music, was heavily restricted.[12] His family provided a supportive environment amid these limitations, with his mother working as a music teacher and his father maintaining an avid interest in records despite the challenges.[13] Piontek's early musical exposure was shaped significantly by his father, who collected vinyl records of 1970s and 1980s funk, disco, and related genres, often acquiring them through black market channels in neighboring Czechoslovakia and Hungary.[13][14] These smuggling efforts carried risks, including potential confiscation at borders, but allowed the family home to be filled with sounds like Italo-disco and soul tracks that were otherwise scarce in the GDR.[12] State-controlled radio offered only censored programming, featuring apolitical genres such as '70s rock ballads and occasional disco or R&B, which further highlighted the family's resourceful pursuit of diverse music.[11] The fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 and subsequent reunification in 1990 marked a turning point; at age 10, Piontek joined his family on their first trip to West Germany, where he encountered a fully stocked record store for the first time, igniting his fascination with music collecting.[12][14] In his youth, Piontek also began exploring Dresden's local nightlife scene, which offered early glimpses of electronic and dance music in the post-reunification era.[12] Today, Piontek resides in Dresden with his wife and their two children, maintaining close ties to his hometown while balancing family life with his career.[11][15]Musical influences and entry into production
Tino Piontek, known as Purple Disco Machine, discovered house and disco music during his teenage years in Dresden, East Germany, where he frequented illegal warehouse parties and clubs like the German Club in the mid-to-late 1990s.[11][14] These experiences exposed him to the vibrant local electronic scene, including French house tracks that inspired his early tastes, building on a foundation of smuggled Western records provided by his father, such as works by Phil Collins and Genesis.[13][16] At age 16 in 1996, Piontek began his entry into music production using software like Fruity Loops and Steinberg Cubase on a home setup, self-taught through trial-and-error experimentation with sampling disco and funk records alongside analogue synthesizers like the Korg Electribe.[14][11][13] His initial tracks focused on downtempo grooves around 110-112 BPM, blending organic drums with electronic elements drawn from 1970s disco producers like Giorgio Moroder, 1980s funk acts such as The Gap Band and James Brown, and emerging house music originating from the Chicago and Detroit scenes.[13][14] Piontek's pre-debut activities included local DJing starting around 1996-1997, beginning with school parties where he played Daft Punk's Homework using basic equipment like a CD player and single turntable, later progressing to residencies at venues like the Grotte club in the early 2000s as part of the East German house scene.[14][11] He initially produced under the alias Stereofunk for about 15 years, but adopted the stage name "Purple Disco Machine" around 2011-2012 as a homage to Prince—whose funk style influenced him deeply—and Gloria Estefan's Miami Sound Machine, reflecting the nu-disco revival's emphasis on vibrant, danceable electronic sounds.[2][14][13]Professional career
Early releases and rise to prominence
Tino Piontek, under the moniker Purple Disco Machine, entered the professional music scene in 2012 after years of producing under previous aliases, with his debut single "My House" released in 2013 on the Australian house label Sweat It Out!. This track, characterized by its funky basslines and nostalgic disco vibes, marked his initial foray into established house music imprints and quickly resonated within underground club circuits.[13] Following the debut, Piontek issued a series of singles and remixes that solidified his presence in the nu-disco landscape, blending soulful elements with groovy instrumentation. By 2015, he expanded his reach through a partnership with the renowned Defected Records, releasing "L.O.V.E." in collaboration with Boris Dlugosch, a track that fused classic house elements with contemporary flair and appeared on Defected compilations.[17] The trajectory toward prominence accelerated in 2016 with "Body Funk," another Sweat It Out! release that gained significant traction in European clubs due to its infectious rhythm and retro-futuristic sound, becoming a staple in DJ sets across the continent. This period also saw Piontek's early involvement in compilations and additional remixes, such as his take on Harry Romero's "Tania," further embedding him in the global house community.[18][19] Key milestones included forging ongoing partnerships with labels like Sweat It Out! and Defected, which provided broader distribution, alongside initial international tours commencing in 2014, where he performed at venues across Europe, building a dedicated following.[20] Throughout these early years, Piontek's work drew briefly on enduring influences from the disco era, infusing modern house with vintage grooves to create a distinctive sound.[20]Breakthrough hits and major albums
Purple Disco Machine's commercial breakthrough began with his debut studio album Soulmatic, released in October 2017 on the Sweat It Out! label.[21] The project featured standout tracks such as "Devil in Me," a collaboration with Joe Killington and Duane Harden that sampled classic soul elements for a modern dancefloor appeal.[22] Critics praised the album for its seamless fusion of 1970s and 1980s disco grooves with contemporary funk, deep house, and nu-disco production, creating an accessible yet innovative sound that blurred genre boundaries.[23] The 2020 single "Hypnotized," featuring Sophie and the Giants, marked a significant milestone, achieving platinum certification in Italy and amassing hundreds of millions of streams globally.[24] The track peaked at number 11 on the German Singles Chart, where it spent 49 weeks in total, and earned multiple platinum certifications across Europe, underscoring its widespread commercial success.[25] This hit propelled Purple Disco Machine into mainstream recognition, bolstered by his Grammy-nominated remix of Lizzo's "About Damn Time," which won Best Remixed Recording at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards and expanded his audience through high-profile exposure.[26] Building on this momentum, his sophomore album Exotica arrived in October 2021, debuting at number 8 on the German Albums Chart and reaching number 30 in Austria, with additional entries in France, Switzerland, and other European markets.[27] The record included the collaborative single "Fireworks" with The Knocks and Moss Kena, which charted at number 32 in Germany and contributed to the album's overall streaming achievements, surpassing one billion combined plays for its tracks on platforms like Spotify.[28][29] Live performances at major festivals, including Tomorrowland in 2022 and 2023, further amplified the album's impact, showcasing his energetic sets to massive international crowds.[30]Recent developments and collaborations
In 2024, Purple Disco Machine released his third studio album, Paradise, on September 20 via Columbia Records and Sony Music, featuring a collection of nu-disco tracks infused with retro influences and collaborations with artists including Metronomy, Sophie and the Giants, Jake Shears, and Chromeo.[31][32] A standout track, "Honey Boy," showcases a collaboration with Swedish singer Benjamin Ingrosso, alongside guitar legend Nile Rodgers and Jamaican artist Shenseea, blending funky basslines with upbeat vocals to evoke classic disco energy.[33] The album also includes "Paradise" with Sophie and the Giants, marking a reunion following their earlier hits like "Hypnotized" in 2020, and emphasizes themes of escapism and joy through '70s-inspired production techniques.[31][34] Building on this momentum, a bonus edition of Paradise was issued on April 18, 2025, expanding the original 15 tracks to 17 with new additions such as "Dream Machine" featuring Alison Goldfrapp, a hypnotic track exploring harmony and desire, and "Next To You."[35][36] Earlier in his recent output, Purple Disco Machine earned a Grammy Award for Best Remixed Recording, Non-Classical, in 2023 for his remix of Lizzo's "About Damn Time," released in 2022, which infused the original with pulsating house grooves and contributed to its viral dance appeal. Another key collaboration, the 2023 single "Substitution" with French producer Kungs and vocalist Julian Perretta, samples Alphaville's "Big in Japan" and appears on Paradise, highlighting his knack for blending modern electronic elements with nostalgic hooks.[37] Career milestones in this period include signing a global publishing deal with Sony Music Publishing in May 2025, announced as a joint venture between its German and UK offices to support his songwriting and production endeavors.[38] His ongoing SiriusXM radio show, Purple Disco Tales, launched in 2021 on Studio 54 Radio, continued with monthly episodes through 2025, featuring contemporary dance tracks alongside classic disco selections to curate a global audience.[39] Expanded touring efforts brought him to major U.S. stages, including a debut performance at Coachella in April 2024 on the Sahara Tent, where sets incorporated remixes of hits like Eric Prydz's "Call on Me" and drew crowds with high-energy visuals and live grooves.[40] These developments underscore Purple Disco Machine's evolution toward broader international reach and innovative partnerships in electronic music.Musical style and artistry
Genre characteristics
Purple Disco Machine's music is primarily rooted in nu-disco, a revival of 1970s disco aesthetics fused with contemporary house music foundations, characterized by its emphasis on groovy, infectious basslines and retro-inspired synthesizers operating at upbeat tempos typically ranging from 110 to 125 BPM.[10][41] This style draws on classic disco's rhythmic propulsion while incorporating house's steady 4/4 beats, creating dancefloor-oriented tracks that prioritize melodic flow over complexity.[42] A hallmark of his signature sound is the layering of soulful, diva-style vocals—often sampled or collaboratively produced—over funky guitar riffs reminiscent of Nile Rodgers and Chic, blended seamlessly with modern electronic production techniques such as filtered synths and tape echo effects.[41] This fusion avoids the aggressive drops common in mainstream EDM, instead favoring a polished, uplifting groove that evokes nostalgia without overt retroism, as seen in tracks like "In My Arms," which features string stabs, shimmering chimes, and popping octave basslines.[10] His productions often integrate analogue synths (e.g., Roland Jupiter-8 and Moog) and occasional live bass guitar for an organic feel, enhancing the funky, soul-infused depth.[41][42] Over time, Piontek's sound has evolved from underground house-leaning releases to more radio-accessible pop-disco hybrids, incorporating Italo disco and high-energy electro-funk elements while maintaining a commitment to live instrumentation in recordings for warmth and authenticity.[10] Early works like "Body Funk" exemplify the raw nu-disco edge, whereas later albums such as Exotica (2021) shift toward brighter, synth-driven anthems like "Hypnotized," broadening appeal through extensive vocal collaborations.[10] Critics and fans praise this approach for its nostalgic yet innovative appeal, delivering positive, fun vibes that resonate in both club environments and streaming platforms, with tracks achieving platinum status across Europe and topping nu-disco charts on Beatport.[10][42] The genre's uplifting essence, rooted in disco's communal spirit, positions Purple Disco Machine as a key figure in revitalizing funky house for modern audiences.[41]Production approach and influences
Purple Disco Machine, whose real name is Tino Piontek, employs a production approach that blends analog hardware with digital software to craft his signature nu-disco sound. He begins the creative process by establishing a strong groove, starting with drums followed by a prominent bassline, often using analog synthesizers such as the Minimoog for bass, Roland JX-8P, and various models from the Roland Juno series (Juno-6, Juno-60, and Juno-106) to evoke the warmth of 1970s disco instrumentation.[34][43] These are complemented by digital tools, including the Cubase DAW for arrangement and VST plugins like Valhalla reverb and emulations of classic effects such as the Roland Space Echo, all routed through an Allen & Heath analog mixer for final mixing.[34] Piontek maintains a dedicated studio environment designed as a wooden, purple-colored space to foster creativity, where he typically creates initial demos within a single day by jamming chords and sounds intuitively.[43] His workflow often involves an iterative remixing process, particularly in collaborations, where he unpacks stems from partners—such as Nile Rodgers for the track "Honey Boy"—and refines them to integrate seamlessly into his vision, treating the experience like "unpacking presents at Christmas."[34] Piontek self-produces the majority of his work but incorporates guest vocalists to add soulful, emotional layers, as seen in his album Paradise with contributors like Rodgers, Jake Shears, and Chromeo, emphasizing live session musicians to homage 1970s disco recording techniques.[34] This hands-on method allows him to balance sample-based club tracks with original compositions sent to songwriters and vocalists, relying on a trusted team—including mix engineer David "Monte" Paulicke—for polishing.[43] Piontek's influences draw deeply from funk and disco experimentation, particularly Prince's innovative fusion of genres, which inspired the "Purple" in his artist name alongside nods to Gloria Estefan's Miami Sound Machine.[2] He cites Giorgio Moroder's pioneering use of synthesizers in disco as a foundational element, blending it with the electronic house vibes discovered through Daft Punk's Homework, which crystallized his love for dance music.[34] These inspirations extend to 1970s and 1980s disco producers, shaping his aim to create tracks that evoke joy on the dancefloor while maintaining radio appeal.[43] At the core of his artistry is a philosophy centered on emotional, groove-driven music that prioritizes instinct over rigid planning, often losing track of time in a creative flow state.[43] Piontek shares these influences through his SiriusXM show Purple Disco Tales on Studio 54 Radio, where he curates sets blending his originals, remixes, and classic disco tracks every Friday to highlight the genre's enduring spirit.[39]Discography
Studio albums
Purple Disco Machine's debut studio album, Soulmatic, was released on October 20, 2017, via Sweat It Out! and features 13 tracks blending nu-disco, funky house, and electropop elements with themes centered on love, rhythm, and soulful grooves.[44] The album highlights include "Music in You" featuring Lorenz Rhode, which opens with uplifting vocals and infectious basslines, and "Love for Days" in collaboration with Boris Dlugosch and Karen Harding, emphasizing heartfelt lyrics and driving beats that capture the essence of 1970s funk soul influences.[45] Critics praised its polished production and dance-floor energy, with reviews noting its perfected sound design and relevance to modern house music scenes.[46] His sophomore effort, Exotica, arrived on October 15, 2021, through Columbia Records and contains 14 tracks exploring exotic motifs through global influences like Italo-disco, synth-funk, and 1980s-inspired synth-pop, paying homage to artists such as Prince and Giorgio Moroder.[7] Key highlights feature the lead single "Hypnotized" with Sophie and the Giants, a high-energy track with replayed 1980s Italo-disco samples that became a chart-topping hit.[47] The album peaked at number 8 on the German Albums Chart, marking a commercial breakthrough, and received strong critical acclaim for its genre-expansive anthems and foot-tapping gaiety, earning an 84% rating on Album of the Year.[48][49] Paradise, Purple Disco Machine's third studio album, was released on September 20, 2024, by Columbia Records, comprising 11 tracks that evoke escapist paradise themes through soulful, dance-oriented disco and house productions with prominent collaborations.[50] Standout tracks include "Honey Boy" featuring Nile Rodgers and Shenseea, blending funky guitar riffs with reggae-infused rhythms, and "Dirty Pleasures" with Lorenz Rhode and Jake Shears, highlighting vibrant synths and playful lyrics, while "Paradise" with Sophie and the Giants delivers euphoric builds and emotional depth.[51] A bonus edition followed in April 2025, adding six new tracks to reach 17 total, including "Next to You" with Alison Goldfrapp, a ballad-like piece with ethereal vocals, and "Dream Machine," expanding on the album's collaborative spirit with artists like Goldfrapp and Taranteen.[35]Extended plays and compilations
Purple Disco Machine has released a number of extended plays that highlight his production style, often featuring extended mixes, dubs, and club edits tailored for dancefloors. These EPs typically contain 2-6 tracks and have played a key role in building his reputation in the nu-disco and house scenes, serving as precursors to his full-length albums without overlapping into single releases. Notable examples include early works on independent labels that emphasize funky basslines and retro influences.| Title | Year | Label | Notable Inclusions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Funk EP | 2013 | Fine Records | "My House", "These Sheets" – A 4-track collection focusing on soulful house grooves.[52] |
| Move or Not EP | 2013 | OFF Recordings | "Move or Not" – Featuring upbeat disco-infused tracks with vocal elements.[53] |
| Purple Pianos EP | 2015 | Kittball Records | Piano-driven house tracks emphasizing melodic builds.[54] |
| Body Funk | 2017 | Club Sweat | "Body Funk", "Body Funk (Dub)" – A 2-track EP with a pulsating bassline that became a staple in club sets.[4] |
| Emotion EP | 2019 | Club Sweat | Emotional, mid-tempo house edits with guest vocals.[55] |
| Title | Year | Label | Notable Inclusions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Faze #68: Purple Disco Machine | 2017 | FAZE Magazine | 17-track DJ mix blending house and disco selections.[57] |
| Glitterbox - Discotheque | 2019 | Glitterbox Recordings | Debut mixed compilation with contemporary disco tracks, including edits of classics and new productions.[58] |
| Defected Presents: Purple Disco Machine In The House (DJ Mix) | 2024 | Defected Records | 16-track live mix recorded at Semperoper Dresden, featuring tracks from his Paradise album alongside label favorites.[59] |
| Purple Disco Tales (series) | 2021–present | Defected | Monthly mixes tied to radio show, e.g., August 2025 edition with remixes like Metronomy's "The Bay"; over 50 episodes curating groovy disco and house.[60] |
Singles and remixes
Purple Disco Machine, under the moniker of Tino Piontek, debuted his solo project in 2012 with early singles that laid the foundation for his nu-disco sound, including "Let It Whip," released on independent labels and marking his transition from previous aliases.[1] One of his breakthrough singles, "Body Funk," arrived in 2016 via Soulmatic Records, showcasing funky basslines and house grooves that resonated in club scenes across Europe, though it did not chart prominently in major territories.[61][62] In 2020, "Hypnotized" featuring Sophie and the Giants, released on Positiva Records, became a global hit, peaking at number 93 on the UK Singles Chart and earning platinum certification in Italy for surpassing 50,000 units sold. The track amassed over 350 million streams across platforms by early 2022, highlighting its enduring popularity in dance playlists.[63][24][64] More recent standalone singles include "Substitution" (2023) with Kungs featuring Julian Perretta, issued by Sweat It Out! and Columbia, which reached number 18 on Germany's Dance Chart and received a gold certification in Germany for over 200,000 units.[65][66] In 2024, "Honey Boy" featuring Benjamin Ingrosso, Nile Rodgers, and Shenseea, released via Columbia, peaked at number 2 on the Swedish Singles Chart, blending disco elements with pop vocals for broad appeal.[33]) Beyond originals, Purple Disco Machine has built a reputation as a sought-after remixer, with over 50 credits since 2012 on labels such as Defected Records and Sony Music. Notable works include his 2022 remix of Lizzo's "About Damn Time," which infused disco-funk rhythms and earned a Grammy Award for Best Remixed Recording, Non-Classical in 2023.[67] He has also remixed tracks for Sophie and the Giants, including extended versions of their collaborative singles like "In the Dark" (2022), enhancing the originals with deeper grooves for club play.[68][69] His remix catalog extends to artists like Metronomy ("The Bay," 2025 remix on Because Music) and Claptone with Mylo ("Drop the Pressure," 2023 on Defected), often prioritizing vinyl-friendly edits that emphasize analog warmth and bass-driven energy. Certifications for remixed works, such as multi-platinum status for "Hypnotized" variants in Italy, underscore their commercial impact, with select tracks exceeding 500 million combined streams on Spotify.[70][24]| Major Singles | Year | Featured Artists | Label | Notable Chart Peak |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Body Funk | 2016 | None | Soulmatic | N/A |
| Hypnotized | 2020 | Sophie and the Giants | Positiva | UK #93 |
| Substitution | 2023 | Kungs, Julian Perretta | Sweat It Out!/Columbia | Germany Dance #18 |
| Honey Boy | 2024 | Benjamin Ingrosso, Nile Rodgers, Shenseea | Columbia | Sweden #2 |