Ibiza 2025: A Quest for Authentic Beats Amidst the Commercial Storm
We almost didn’t make it to Ibiza this year because the quality of music just wasn’t up to our standards. The Pop EDM slop nearly deterred us. The overcrowded, overtourism, overpriced, dangerous VIP shitholes like Hi Ibiza, Ushuaia, Pasha, and now UNVRS were also factors. It feels to us that (with the exception of Carl Cox at UNVRS) the island has forgotten its artistic roots in house and techno. The pursuit of greed has taken over to please rich people. They want to hear the same songs on Spotify or at a wedding.
But we are very happy we returned, despite the vulgarity that greed has introduced (you can read more about that in a separate post (link below}.
Our love affair with Sa Trinxa, on Ses Salines beach, remains as strong as ever. It’s not just a chiringuito; it’s the quintessential, bobo Ibiza beach club experience. We really miss the days of the iconic, laid-back DJs spinning vinyl providing the soundtrack to so many sun-drenched afternoons, the vibe there is still special. Even without the live DJs, the atmosphere remains very cool. It retains its chic, free-spirited energy. The eclectic crowd makes every visit feel like coming home. We went for the chilled-out vibe. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy the clear water, and feel the true, relaxed soul of the White Isle.
Our clubbing journey began at Playa Soleil, where we caught Guy Gerber’s set. Free with a reservation, the venue itself is stunning, offering a truly picturesque beach setting. However, the music was uninteresting. Ironically, the walk back along the beach proved more engaging than the actual set.
The next day, we went to the port of Ibiza for Solomun’s free set. This was our second time experiencing Solomun play there, and once again, we found ourselves questioning his immense popularity. It felt like dance music for those who don’t want to dance – slow, lugubrious, with drops that led nowhere. It’s the kind of music that keeps your full face of makeup perfectly intact, devoid of energy or soul.
It’s always tricky to gauge the true mood of a free party crowd. However, this crowd seemed uninspired. They were more interested in curating their Instagram and TikTok feeds than immersing themselves in the music. We made our exit before the end. We dodged a ridiculous sea of phones in the air. Selfie-centric posers were annoyed as our dancing or attempts to leave were “ruining their shot.” It was a stark reminder of the shift in priorities for some in Ibiza.
We stepped back in time with 528 Manumission. This old-school night, featuring classic DJs, stirred up some nostalgia. But, it also affirmed our belief that the quality of music has improved over time. The true star here was the setting at 528. It represents what Ibiza is all about for us. We enjoyed dancing outdoors under a beautiful sunset. An afternoon party seamlessly transitioned indoors after 11 PM. The indoor club was excellent and, refreshingly, wasn’t too overcrowded for the Manumission party (rare in Ibiza!). While we can dance inside anywhere, the overall vibe and the opportunity to dance under the stars truly made this a special experience. We were already looking ahead to Cocoon at 528 later in our stay.
September 21st
Pyramid at Amnesia
Terraza:
Ceri
Floating Points B2B Palms Trax
Honey Dijon
Main Room:
Amelie Lens
Deborah de Luca
Katnada
Regal
Two sets truly stood out: Floating Points B2B Palms Trax and Honey Dijon. The warm-up sets by Katnada and Regal were also excellent. There was a palpable synergy between Floating Points and Palms Trax. We will definitely be exploring more of their work. They are truly exceptional. Katnada and Regal delivered proper, danceable techno, and we hope to catch them again soon.
Everything about the night was fantastic, with the exceptions of Amelie Lens and Deborah de Luca. Their artistic choices seemed to be driven more by marketing and popularity than genuine innovation. Take, for example, the track Anyma, Argy, Son Of Son – Voices in My Head (Amelie Lens Remix {link below}). While it’s arguably better than the original, it still sucks. The “Voices in My Head” lyrics are genuinely disturbing. They seem to promote psychosis. This is the antithesis of what you want to be feeling on a dance floor. What’s worse, it seems deliberately crafted for Spotify crossover appeal.
This kind of blatant Instagram/Spotify marketing seems to be wildly successful, as Amelie’s set was packed. (see the below article about The Spotify Crossover Effect) This left the Floating Points B2B Palms Trax dancefloor rather empty by Ibiza standards, making it even more special for us dancers. We had lots of room to move. We could actually hear the music better without a massive crowd. The incredibly powerful bass from Amnesia’s Terraza speakers was not absorbed by the crowd. The sound was so clear it almost hurt (in a good way!).
We’ve heard good sets from Amelie Lens in the past, at the Rex Club in Paris and the Peacock Festival about 4+ years ago. However, this Pyramid – Amnesia set was a real letdown. Amelie, stay underground, girl; you’re better when you’re authentic.
Cocoon 528
September 24
Park Stage:
Sven Vath
Gerd Janson b2b Krystal Klear
Dj Norma b2b Greta Spark
Garden Stage:
Richie Hawtin
Marcel Dettmann
Dana Ruh
For us the anticipation had been building for a month: Cocoon at 528 Ibiza. This early evening party, set in the heart of the island, wasn’t just a reason for our return to Ibiza this year; it was the reason. And now, glowingly, we can confidently say it was delivered—it was absolutely amazing!
What truly set this event apart was the incredible curation across its stages. The atmosphere of hearing such quality house and techno in an outdoor venue during the day is what we came to Ibiza for. It was a very beautiful mosaic of sound and people, a gathering of souls united by the beat.
The larger Park Stage was the heart of the event. Gerd Janson b2b Krystal Klear back-to-back was a super set. They commanded the larger stage with a vibrant energy, blending house and disco elements into an very danceable irresistible groove that kept the entire crowd moving. After that Sven Väth The Cocoon patriarch offered a fascinating, eclectic mix of very interesting music. His set was wonderfully all over the place, a journey that defied easy categorization and rewarded adventurous listeners. It was an incredible set of music that was totally unique.
At the same time
The smaller Garden Stage offered a darker, more industrial edge for Techno purists. Marcel Dettmann’s set was a highlight of unexpected deepness. He played a very, very psychedelic set that transported us. It was an immersive and dark sunset, a cosmic sonic experience that felt less like a party and more like a collective journey into a higher state. Richie Hawtin for those seeking the hard stuff, Hawtin delivered. His set was real techno for real ravers. Stripped-back, hypnotic, and relentless, it was a masterclass in the genre, a deep dive into the kind of sound that defines the underground.
Beyond the phenomenal music, the atmosphere at 528 was electric and incredibly welcoming. The crowd was a wonderful blend of people—beautiful locals mixing seamlessly with mature clubbers and ravers from all over the world. This diversity created a feeling of being in the right place at the right moment. We met so many cool locals, whose genuine love for the island and the music really enhanced the experience. It wasn’t the frantic, tourist-heavy energy of the mega-clubs; this was a celebration rooted in community and musical appreciation.
And while Ibiza always tests your budget (€9 for a large 50cl can of water), it was still a more reasonably priced experience than the vulgarly infamous venues down the road. Sometimes, paying a little extra is the cost of hearing legends in the sunshine. Cocoon at 528 was a vibrant, high-quality, and deeply memorable experience that validated our faith in Ibiza’s enduring ability to deliver world-class music and unbeatable vibes. It truly was the Ibiza that keeps us coming back for all these years
The next day we carried the buzz of Cocoon with us to the island’s natural closer at Cala Benirrás for the beach drumming. The weekly gathering of drummers on the beach, as great and unifying as always, provided the perfect, soulful counterpoint to the electronic intensity. It was a beautiful, grounding moment—the final beat in a trip that was incredibly rewarding.
But will we be back next year? It depends on the music
Anyma, Argy, Son Of Son – Voices in My Head (Amelie Lens Remix) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fkwPSFCGesk Remix of Anyma, Argy, Son of Son – Voices In My Head https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VNwigGCOIxk
Vulgarity in Dance Music: A Dazzling but Empty Experience https://peaceofmind.link/vulgarity-in-dance-music-a-dazzling-but-empty-experience/
The Great Regression RA Feature – https://ra.co/features/4469