Chris Luno’s Journey Through Minimal House and Ambient Soundscapes with Yes Baby on Realm Records
Chris Luno’s latest release, Yes Baby, on Realm Records, fuses minimal house grooves with lush ambient textures and a playful energy. The track came out of an intense challenge—making a track every day for 90 days—which pushed Luno to explore new sounds and break free from perfectionism.
The track’s distinctive sound emerged early in the process after experimenting with Ableton’s “Corpus” plugin, which shapes sounds as if echoing through pipes. This quirky effect became a signature texture, adding an organic yet experimental feel. Realm Records, known for forward-thinking house, was a natural fit. A memorable moment for Luno was hearing a Realm release at a packed Brussels basement where the energy was electric—two clubbers kissing atop the DJ cage as Gorgon City’s “Rumblah” played. That night left a lasting impression, setting the stage for Yes Baby’s eventual release on Realm.
Vocal Minimalism and Production Freedom
Vocals on Yes Baby are minimal yet impactful: a simple repetition of “yes” and “baby” taken from Luno’s affectionate everyday language. Initially puzzling to some listeners, the vocal hook quickly became a dancefloor chant, turning simplicity into celebration.
The track’s creation thrived on spontaneity. Luno often started sessions with raw jams, manipulating sounds bar by bar with Corpus and pitch automation, sometimes while traveling with just a laptop and headphones. This immediacy preserved freshness and spontaneity throughout the production. His evolving sound balances emotional melodies with dancefloor energy, shaped by years of global touring and refined taste. Yes Baby fits this progression—playful but grounded in emotional depth.
Digital Roots and Label Decisions
Luno’s early creative roots lie in BMX culture, where he edited videos and made mixtapes capturing youthful energy and camaraderie. In 2019, a self-filmed vinyl DJ set on YouTube rekindled his passion for sharing music, sparking a series of innovative, intimate outdoor sets that gradually grew his audience.
After finishing a track, Luno lets it rest before choosing the right label. His recent immersion in Realm’s sound and the track’s strong response made Realm the obvious choice for Yes Baby. Despite slow initial communication, the eventual green light brought a wave of satisfaction, underscoring how crucial the right label is.
Recognition from industry heavyweights like Diplo, Gorgon City, and Claptone has also shaped Luno’s trajectory. A surprising moment came when Diplo’s team sent a blanket bearing his name to Luno’s father’s shop. A later encounter at Burning Man, where Diplo borrowed Luno’s headphones during a set, deepened the connection. Vanessa Hudgens sharing Luno’s videos on social media brought unexpected attention, highlighting the unpredictable nature of exposure.
Live Shows, Creative Process, and Touring Life
Highlights from Luno’s touring life include a rooftop sunset set in San Francisco, where the open-air vibe perfectly matched his sound’s light, spacey qualities. This inspired plans for a 2026 rooftop tour. Another cherished gig took place at Bali’s Savaya cliffside venue, a dream spot linked to his exchange semester days.
His musical journey began with making mixtapes on CDs adorned with hand-drawn artwork, shared among friends during school car rides. Moving to the Netherlands in 2014 and discovering Serge Devant’s “Fearing Love” ignited his passion for production. His sound, described as Euphoric, Space, and House, captures emotional highs, ethereal atmospheres, and dancefloor roots.
Luno’s creative approach embraces present-focused experimentation—balancing darker introspective tracks with chill, intimate pieces. Managing his prolific self-filmed online sets alongside a demanding tour schedule is a challenge, as each set reflects his personal artistic vision.
During intense tours—such as 26 shows in two months across the Americas—Luno prioritizes physical and mental well-being. He avoids alcohol before shows, incorporates gym and sauna sessions, and practices rituals like power posing and cold showers to maintain focus and energy. Off days are for city exploration and listening to indie or country music, keeping a fresh perspective.
Advice for Emerging Producers: Build Your Unique Identity
Luno stresses the value of integrating diverse life experiences and interests into one’s music identity. His background in video editing helped create a unique YouTube presence that supported his full-time music career. He advises producers to combine hobbies and skills—whether fashion, photography, or coding—to stand out. The core message is to produce more than you consume and carve out an individual path rather than imitate others.
Chris Luno’s story is marked by curiosity, resilience, and creative innovation. His evolving sound and distinctive approach continue to resonate globally, making him a standout artist in the contemporary house scene.
