At the DJ Awards, Euronews Culture caught up with some of the industry’s top DJs to dig into the pressing questions shaking up the electronic music scene today. I’m here to summarize the most important insights just for you.
Here’s what’s inside:
Ibiza: Still the Heartbeat of Clubbing?
Let’s start with the legendary Sam Divine—DJ, producer, and label boss who’s been a driving force in the House scene on Ibiza for nearly two decades. She’s not just an artist; Ibiza is her second home.
“Ibiza is my second home. I owe so much to this island on a personal level and a career level,” she shared with Euronews Culture. “I cut my teeth in Ibiza, met my best friends in Ibiza. I fell in love with my husband in Ibiza.”
You might be wondering, has Ibiza lost its magic with the rising costs? Tickets to mega-clubs like Amnesia can soar over €100, and drink prices aren’t exactly wallet-friendly. But Sam sees it differently.
“I feel like Ibiza is what you make it,” she said, emphasizing the island’s timeless appeal. “There’s so many beautiful beaches. You can get chicken and chips in San Antonio for €5, there are still places where you can hustle on a budget. And the sunsets are free.”
Her message is clear: Ibiza remains a vibrant melting pot where age, race, and background dissolve into the universal language of music. It’s still the place where magic happens—you just have to know where to look.
Keeping the Underground Alive
Switching gears to the underground scene, Luciano, who snagged the Ibiza Icon Award for his longstanding contribution to the island’s music culture, shared some deep insights. The survival of smaller venues is on shaky ground with rising rents and shrinking disposable incomes.
“The most incredible talents and the most inspiring things are not in the most wanted and biggest venues,” Luciano told Euronews Culture. “You have to search, you have to make yourself a base knowledge of music.”
He likens the experience to a culinary journey: “It’s like looking for food. You don’t always need to go to a Michelin-star place to discover the greatest things. You will be most surprised in a street café, by traveling, by meeting different cultures.”
Luciano’s wisdom is a rallying cry to support and explore the lesser-known spots—the incubators of innovation and creativity in music.
The Influence of AI in Electronic Music
Now, let’s dive into a hot topic that’s got everyone talking: artificial intelligence in music. Mathew Jonson, renowned for his use of vintage analog equipment, offered a balanced perspective.
“The more I use AI, I actually just find myself learning more because it’s incredibly easy to gain knowledge from having the ability to ask specific questions without having to study a large volume of data,” he said to Euronews Culture.
He acknowledged tools like Empress and Rekordbox, which utilize AI to assist DJs in live transitions and music management. But there’s a flip side.
“The only side which I might question is that, when music is easier to make for the mass public, and when people are easily satisfied by something that is passable, there’s a certain oversaturation that can happen in the market,” Jonson cautioned. “I hope the music stays special and human.”
His insight highlights a delicate balance—embracing technological advancements without losing the human touch that makes music truly resonate.
Wrapping It Up
So, what’s the big takeaway?
- Ibiza’s Essence Endures: Despite rising costs, the soul of Ibiza thrives in its beaches, sunsets, and the connections you make. It’s all about how you experience it.
- Support the Underground: The heartbeat of music innovation lies in small venues and undiscovered talents. Dive into the niches; you might find the next big thing.
- Balance AI with Humanity: Technology offers incredible tools for learning and creation, but let’s not let convenience overshadow the artistry and human emotion in music.
As we navigate this evolving landscape, one thing is certain: the spirit of music is alive and well. It’s in the mega-clubs and the hidden gems, in the analog vibrations and the digital innovations.
So keep exploring, keep dancing, and keep the music human. After all, it’s the shared experiences and emotions that make this journey so extraordinary.
