Interviews

Joan Bibiloni - Sa Fosca

I think it's important to start with some music that is actually from the Balearics. My introduction to this song, and to the beautiful works of Joan Bibiloni, was through Music For Memory's compilation from 2014. It's an exquisite, wide-reaching collection of his work, but this one always stood out to me. It's a long, flowing journey that really does sound like what it feels like to drive through the mountains of Mallorca. TIP: check out Telephone's dub, which is perfect for the warmup spot.

Mark Barrott - Deep Water

Another cut, albeit a contemporary one, from the White Isle, coming from one of the most Balearic Voices of the last decade or so. This record, Sketches From An Island, introduced an entire new generation of people to the possibilities of a Balearic Mindset. While I could have chosen anything from this record, I leaned into the mellow theme of this list, and went with one of his most peaceful, meditative tracks. I want to live in the spa that’s playing this track on repeat: curved walls of glass blocks, purple and orange underlights, oakmoss and amber incense wafting through the air. Deep Water playing on infinite loop.

Jose Padilla - On The Road

Another legend, and ambassador of the Slow Side of Ibiza, I wanted to include this tune from the beloved Jose Padilla. While he may be most well-known for his absolutely iconic, beautiful mixes for Cafe Del Mar, but his record So Many Colours from 2015 is chocked-full of Balearic Goodness. This one taps into something that makes this music so special, and why I believe it connects with so many people: The Marriage of Electronic and Natural Sounds. The pulsing arpeggios blend so beautifully with those acoustic guitar parts. A stunning representation of the place that this music comes from. Another warmup set tip here!

Carly Simon - Why (12” Version)

For the longest time, I feel like this song was The Sound Of Vancouver (let’s be real, it’s one of the most Balearic Cities in North America). One of those tunes that I would hear in warmup sets while I was out, and not once did I ever scoff, or say to myself, "I’m sick of this song! Cut it out!” It feels good every single time you hear it. Fun Fact: This one was written by Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards! A great example of the catchall inclusivity of the word Balearic: this one’s as Balearic as gets, and was made by a bunch of folks on the other side of the world!

Mike Francis - Survivor

Let’s make our way to Italy! Incredible to think of what this song would sound like if it was sped up by like 10 BPM; could it have just been another Italo tune lost to history? Thankfully that’s not the case, and we get this absolutely beautiful downtempo jam. Absolutely worth your time to check out this live clip of him doing it with an incredible full band. Sick fit too Mike!

Sueno Latino - Sueno Latino (Paradise Version)

I mean, can anything top this? This is so pure, so evocative. You can be living in the most far-flung part of the world, and be transported to the Mediterranean, just by listening to it. As I’ve said earlier, most of what I’m focusing on today is less dancefloor-oriented, but obviously this one’s an absolute bomb.

Software - Island Sunrise

Okay, back to something a bit more geared towards the sunset set. This new age synth jam from the always reliable Innovative Communications label has had a profound impact on how I make music. There’s a lot of restraint in this tune, and it really does a lot with only a few moving parts. A powerful song, with a perfect visual too.

Azymuth - Vôo Sobre O Horizonte

This is mildly embarrassing, but this summer was the summer I “got into Brazilian music”, which I know sounds awful even as I write it out here. Basically, I started listening to some staple Bossa Nova records while I made dinner, and it opened up the world of Música do Brasil. Now of course, I was already familiar with some of the most important names, Azymuth being a great example. This tune has an especially balearic feel to it; loungy, sun-kissed, all while maintaining a Fantastic Groove. Hard to choose one Azymuth song for this!

Sade - Paradise

I have a rule for myself when I’m digging for records, that if I ever see the word 'paradise’ on a record, I give it a try. I swear, I strike gold most of the time. If I see the mistral font, and the word paradise on a 12” sleeve, I will buy it. Now of course, this is a tried and tested track, and has been rinsed thoroughly for decades, but damn, if The Queen didn’t just completely sum up the Balearic Mindset in one song. Absolute perfection. TIP: go watch the live at San Diego concert, and prepare to have your life changed.

Paul Horn - Blue

Let’s wrap things up with a lovely, quiet meditation from new age flute master, Paul Horn. This is a cover? A collaboration? Whatever it is, Joni’s here too. And there be nothing better than Joni’s voice and Paul’s flute together. It’s stunning! Perfect closer for any sunset set; the sun dips behind the horizon, and the deep blue of night closes in.