Carlo Lio @ Coronet Theatre, London

The vibe: “I cater to the music lover. … My main purpose is to complement and embellish every mood or setting I’m in,” 

Backstory: You know and love him as a longtime frontman for Bio Ritmo (as well as newer group Miramar), but Alvarez seems to eat, sleep and breathe music of all kinds, as long as it has heart. He grew up in Puerto Rico, fascinated by his mom’s records and turntable, and moved to Richmond in 1986.

What do you look for in a DJ? “I listen for the transitions … the big picture, not just playing requests. You gotta think above the people tugging at your sleeves and consider the entire room. You are the mood setter.”

Adrian Lutter Rodriguez