Rolando

Rolando, the Detroit-born techno maestro whose full name is Rolando Ray Rocha, has been a key figure in the electronic music scene since the '90s. Growing up in a Mexican-American family on Detroit's southwest side, he got hooked on DJing as a teen, spinning hip-hop and early house tracks before diving deep into the city's legendary techno underground. He joined the influential collective Underground Resistance in 1994, where he honed his skills and contributed to their militant, futuristic sound. His breakout moment came in 1999 with the iconic track "Knights of the Jaguar" (often just called "Jaguar"), which became a global anthem and helped put Detroit techno on the international map.

After leaving UR in 2004 to chase his own vision, Rolando launched his label R3 (Rolando's Record Releases) and kept pumping out high-energy releases blending deep house, techno, and electro vibes. He's collaborated with labels like Ostgut Ton and Syncrophone, dropping remixes and originals that keep the dance floors moving. Known for his energetic sets and commitment to the genre's roots, Rolando continues to tour worldwide, inspiring new generations with his raw, soulful take on electronic music.