Ibiza Music Summit 2011
Once again the isle of Ibiza’s annual Summer reawakening was welcomed by the arrival of the International Music Summit to the Ibiza Gran Hotel. Now in its fourth year, the conference brings together icons from every branch of the industry to share expertise, new ideas and business values through a series of talks and interviews.
International Music Summit 2011 Ibiza, May 25th-27th
Of course, this being the world’s number one clubbing destination, it was only natural that each evening played host to a big name party at the infamous Delt Vila, with Pete Tong, David Guetta, Dubfire and the Crosstown Rebels crew all performing during the event.
IMS2011 was opened with a series of discussions around the current state of dance music, including an Annual Industry Report, which estimated the global worth of EDM to be £2.5billion. Data Transmission presented a survey concerning music piracy and its negative role in the development of music today, whilst Matthew Adell of Beatport argued for an optimistic approach to the future, as electronic dance music increasingly becomes a global phenomenon.
Winner of this year’s Pioneer Award, Amy Thompson and her AMT management team, provided further insight into the expanding profile of dance music, detailing their success in breaking the Swedish House Mafia to the masses.
An upbeat interview with Space founder Pepe Rosello, conducted by Carl Cox, gave an eye-opening history of Ibiza’s growth into the dance music capital of the world, whilst the Pete Tong’s question ‘Who the fuck is Paul Karlbrenner?’ was dutifully answered by the Berlin-based producer himself as he discussed his unconventional methods and preparation for his first ever Ibiza booking at Amnesia this Summer.
The necessity of business in the ever-diversifying role of the DJ was emphasised by a discussion with Damien Lazarus and Jamie Jones, who raised much interest with their personal insights into the ‘new house sound’ and the trials and tribulations of running a successful music label. Later that day, the Crosstown Rebels hosted the first ever IMS opening party to a roaring crowd, taking the opportunity to showcase a wealth of emerging Crosstown approved talent, including a supporting set from Riva Starr.
Still feeling last night’s effects, a less than energetic crowd gathered the next day to hear Radio 1’s head of music George Ergatoudis explain how the nation’s radio playlists are decided, how influential Radio 1 has been to a number of high profile DJs careers and assure its continued commitment to supporting the best of electronic music today. The rest of the day turned toward dance music production, with an Audiotool software showcase from Richie Hawtin and the introduction of the much-anticipated IMS Anthem 2011 by Sasha.
Once the evening was upon us, Dalt Vila erupted to the filthy sounds of up and coming DJ duo Nervo and the unstoppable force of David Guetta, reiterating the passion that has powered EDM into this much-discussed new era of musical influence. Friday’s proceedings opened with a high profile panel concerning marketing techniques. Representatives from Coca Cola, o2 and Nokia explored the relationship between music and branding, with all three corporations agreeing that a desire to work with artists and musicians on creative projects has overshadowed more traditional methods of advertising and sponsorship in recent times.
Coca cola, o2 and Nokia are certainly not alone in their efforts to associate with contemporary musical talents and, as dance music progresses, we are sure to see more corporate support provide exciting new opportunities for DJs and producers. This was exemplified by the second IMS Anthem 2011 showcase of the conference, with Layo and Bushwacker following on from Sasha to present their reinterpretation of Sasha’s efforts.
With support from the Coca-Cola partnered Burn Studios, the pair completed their presentation with an in-depth commentary of how and why they went about producing their techno-infused version of IMS 2011’s signature tack. The conference was closed with an in-depth discussion about the spirit of Ibiza and its worldwide influence on EDM.
Finally, the Grand Finale had arrived. IMS founder Pete Tong’s much anticipated closing party on the Dalt Vila parapet was opened by the Japanese Popstars, but not before the police were called to keep the explosive Pioneer set-up within sound regulations. The stirring Balearic sounds of Hercules and Love Affair provided a dreamy soundtrack to the setting sun, followed by the stonking sets from Pete Tong, Dubfire and 2ManyDJs that lasted late into the night.
A fantastic finish to a three day event that was a celebration of not only electronic music itself, but also the wide-spread and hard-working business minds behind it.
