Michaelangelo L’Acqua serves as the Global Music Director for W Hotels Worldwide.  An internationally acclaimed DJ and music producer, L’Acqua has held this post with the hotel group since July 2009.  In this role, L’Acqua works to create and maintain a proprietary music platform that clearly defines the iconic identity of W Hotels as the company continues its transformation into a global powerhouse. 

Michaelangelo L’Acqua’s first accomplishment as Global Music Director for W Hotels was developing a new music program, Symmetry.  A multi-tiered, globally branded music strategy, Symmetry includes:  Symmetry Live, an exclusive concert series with emerging artists at W Hotels; Symmetry Spins, DJ series in the Living Rooms of W’s globally; and a new music compilation titled, Symmetry: A Selection of Sounds by Michaelangelo L'Acqua.  For the Symmetry programs, he has secured artists such as Janelle Monae, Cee Lo, Ellie Goulding, Alicia Keys, Groove Armada, and Bebel Gilberto, among others.

Additionally, L’Acqua oversaw the curation of various exclusive playlists for W’s Fashion Week initiatives in New York, Paris, Bangkok, Mexico City and beyond.  Past artist performances featured Roisin Murphy, Yelle, Jaleel Bunton of TV on the Radio, Theophilus London, and Nouvelle Vague, among others.  Most recently, he lent his expertly trained ear to curate music for the new W Hotels iPhone application, which offers exclusive mixes from over sixty world-class DJs whom L’Acqua feels represent the W Hotels lifestyle.  

Throughout his career, L’Acqua has worked with some of the biggest names in fashion, producing more than 150 fashion shows in Paris, Milan, Berlin and New York for the likes of Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, Michael Kors, John Varvatos, Jil Sander, Chanel, and Diane von Furstenberg.  As a recording artist working under the name “Onda,” L'Acqua has scored and licensed music for nearly 200 commercials, including campaigns for Revlon, Cotton Inc., and Old Navy.  He also served as a producer on The Isley Brothers’ “Taken To The Next Phase” remix project for Sony Music Entertainment’s Legacy Recordings, and soon after, L’Acqua executive produced a large scale concept record for EMI/Capitol Records, Re:Generations: the Nat King Cole Remix Project, bringing on board the talents of such artists as Cee-Lo, The Roots, will.i.am with Natalie Cole, TV On The Radio, and Brazilian Girls, among others. For this record, he also produced the "Brazilian Love Song" track, featuring Bebel Gilberto. Most recently, L’Acqua was tapped by fashion legend Karl Lagerfeld to produce Elle Germany's 20th Anniversary event as well as Chanel’s runway show, both taking place at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin. 

Michaelangelo L’Acqua’s career began in 1999, when he and his previous production partner were hired by Tom Ford as Music Directors of Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent. L’Acqua collaborated with Tom Ford to create a soundtrack to match Ford’s design collections across the runways of Milan and Paris. Beyond the runway, they continued to help define the brand identity of Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent by producing branded music compilations and DJ’ing events. 

Michaelangelo L'Acqua holds a degree in music from The New School for Jazz & Contemporary Music Program.