This year’s theme, INTERGENERATIONAL EXCHANGE, is all about connecting different generations within the electronic music world. From seasoned pros to fresh talent, IMS Ibiza 2025 will foster collaboration and creative sparks by blending experience with bold new ideas. It’s shaping up to be a vibrant meeting of minds that dives deep into the past four decades to inspire the future.

One of the standout sessions, FOUR DECADES OF JUNGLE & DRUM ’N’ BASS: THE MCS TO THE OGS TO THE NEW BREED, will celebrate the genre’s journey from its jungle roots in the UK to its global reach today. Expect insights into how Drum & Bass has remained a powerful cultural force while looking at what’s next for the scene.

Another highlight is MARKET FOCUS: SPAIN – FROM FIESTAS TO ITS FUTURE, which takes a closer look at Spain’s rich musical history, its influence on international trends, and its role in shaping the next wave of festivals, talent, and creativity.

Other sessions to watch out for include:

• THE FUTURE OF GLOBAL NIGHTLIFE: A candid look at how nightlife can adapt to challenges like economic pressures and cultural shifts.

• THE SILENT EPIDEMIC: Breaking the stigma around tinnitus and hearing loss, while promoting ways to protect long-term hearing health.

• AFRICA IS NOT A COUNTRY: Exploring the growth of electronic music across Africa and how to engage with its markets ethically and sustainably.

• SHAPING THE FUTURE OF DANCE & ELECTRONIC LABELS: How labels are navigating a changing industry where DIY releases and short-term deals are the new norm.

• GET PLAYED, GET PAID: Hosted by AFEM, this session dives into the evolving rights and revenue landscape in the USA.

• MENTOR MATCHMAKING: A unique chance for young industry hopefuls to connect one-on-one with seasoned experts for advice, ideas, and collaboration.

The IMS Ibiza curation committee is responsible for shaping the summit’s programming, ensuring it stays relevant, engaging, and reflective of the ever-evolving music industry. This diverse group of industry leaders plays a crucial role in crafting an agenda that resonates with the global electronic music community.

The committee includes (in alphabetical order): Ben Turner (Co-Founder, IMS), Blaise DeAngelo (Co-Founder, The Art of Areté), Chloe Lula (Senior Producer, Resident Advisor), Danny Whittle (Co-Founder, IMS), Farah Nanji (Artist/Curation Manager, N1NJA/IMS), Grace Ladoja MBE (Co-Founder & CEO, Metallic Inc.), Jaguar (Co-Host/Broadcaster, IMS/BBC Radio One), Katie Sallows (General Manager, IMS), Kikelomo Oludemi (Artist), Pete Tong (Co-Founder/Broadcaster, IMS/BBC Radio One), Silvia Montello (CEO, Voicebox Consulting), Sofia Ilyas (Chief Community Officer, Beatport), Sophia Kearney (Co-Founder, HE.SHE.THEY.), Steven Braines (Co-Founder, HE.SHE.THEY.), and Tracie Storey aka Tensuhi (Vibrational Sound Practitioner, Qigong Teacher & Sound Designer).

The summit takes place over three days at the stunning Mondrian Ibiza and Hyde Ibiza hotels in Cala Llonga. These venues, exclusively reserved for delegates, offer a relaxed yet vibrant setting perfect for networking, discussions, and unwinding. Located just 10 minutes from Ibiza Town, they’re surrounded by breathtaking views of the Mediterranean and peaceful nature trails—ideal for recharging between sessions.

As part of its ongoing commitment to the planet, IMS Ibiza 2025 is teaming up again with EarthPercent, co-founded by Brian Eno. A portion of badge sales and sponsorship fees will support impactful climate and biodiversity projects, so every attendee will be contributing to a greener future.

And of course, it wouldn’t be IMS Ibiza without the iconic closing party at Dalt Vila, where delegates can enjoy one of the island’s most unforgettable nights. Delegate badges, student discounts, and accommodation packages are available now on the IMS website, including special rates for under-27s and students. Contact info@internationalmusicsummit.com for more information

For more information and to get your pass for this year’s IMS Ibiza click the link here

The post IMS Ibiza 2025 Announces Programming and Speaker Nominations for Its 16th Edition appeared first on Data Transmission.

Hosted by BBC Radio 1 legends Pete Tong MBE and Jaguar, IMS Ibiza 2024 is set to bring together innovators, creators, visionaries, and disruptors from around the globe. It’s the ultimate destination for anyone passionate about electronic music. Remember, badge prices go up on March 1st, so grab yours now and save up to €155 off a full-priced delegate badge.

Here’s a sneak peek at some of the exciting sessions lined up:

• The Art of Areté Presents: Keynote Interview: Mochakk – Health is wealth in the new touring age
• Embracing Superfandom: Hosted by Music Ally
• Keynote Interview: Aloki Batra – The Pacha Group.
• Book Corner – Readings From The Culture: ‘Welcome To The Club’ by DJ Paulette
• IMS Business Report 2024
• Emerging Talent: Navigating the Next Generation of Music
• Everything You Need To Know About…Distribution
• AMA – Ask Me Anything: Agencies & Agents
• AMA – Ask Me Anything: Meet The Bookers!
• AMA – Ask Me Anything: Ibiza Class of 2024

Come for the enlightening discussions, and stay for the music, culture, and stunning views. Keep an eye out for more updates on these topics in the weeks to come.

Join the troops heading out for IMS Ibiza 2024, presented in partnership with Alpha Theta, from April 24th to 26th at Mondrian Ibiza and Hyde Ibiza.

Let’s make waves together!

Secure your tickets now before the price increase. Get ’em here!

The post IMS Ibiza 2024 Announces Ten New Topics appeared first on Data Transmission.

Privatizing these hotels exclusively for attendees fosters an intimate environment amid stunning surroundings. Just a short distance from Ibiza Town, this new venue offers a picturesque setting overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, inviting the global electronic music community for networking and discussions amidst breathtaking natural beauty.

Across three days, IMS Ibiza will bring together pioneers, creators, and disruptors from the electronic music realm. The summit will delve into music innovation, technology, diversity, education, and health. Hosted by Pete Tong MBE and Jaguar, it promises to dissect pivotal issues in the industry.

“IMS continues with our third and most important edition since the pandemic, but also our 15th event in Ibiza. Now that the industry has (mostly) enjoyed its bounce-back, this is the real test of stability as consumer habits settle down. It is also a moment where global events have impacted the unity of our scene, presenting many with challenging decisions to make. IMS also moves to a new property in Cala Llonga, a stunning part of our magical island that is now home to the new Mondrian Ibiza and Hyde Ibiza hotels, and now IMS. We can’t wait to host everybody again and continue to help set and drive the conversation.”

Ben Turner (IMS co-founder and lead curator)

Sessions will spotlight Ninja Tune‘s journey and Coldcut‘s inspiration for an equitable label, explore Tomorrowland‘s evolution and its philanthropic endeavours, address industry values in turbulent times, and celebrate Amapiano’s global impact. Additionally, discussions will reflect on Defected Records‘ 25-year trajectory post-acquisition and highlight Germany’s thriving music scene.

The summit integrates well-being experiences daily, emphasizing mental and physical health, co-curated by experts in meditation and sound therapy. It will also feature a Brave Space by He.She.They, fostering open dialogues on inclusivity and respect.

Partnering with EarthPercent, IMS Ibiza pledges a portion of delegate badge purchases and event sponsor levies towards climate action. This aligns with their commitment to support impactful climate and biodiversity organizations, vetted by a renowned Expert Advisory Panel.

 “We’re delighted that IMS have made the pledge of 1% contributions to EarthPercent. The funds will go towards some of the most impactful climate and environmental solutions around the world. We’re in the middle of the most challenging crisis we will ever face and the music industry has an amazing opportunity to champion action. It’s hard to know what to do but we know that uniting voices, values, and funds can make a huge difference so we’d love others to join IMS in the movement too.” 

 Brian Eno (Artist and co-founder of EarthPercent)

Delving further into the theme of IMS Ibiza 2024 and the current state of electronic music worldwide, Rebuilding Our Community: How To Bring Back Peace, Love, Unity & Respect will explore ways to honour and reinstate industry values during times of community division, as seen amid the aftermath of recent global events.

Beyond these sessions, delegates can immerse themselves in exclusive island events, including the iconic IMS Dalt Vila closing celebration. Delegate badges, hotel accommodations, and discounted rates for eligible attendees are available through the IMS website, encouraging sustainable travel practices for a vibrant and engaging summit experience.

More info and tickets can be found here!

The post IMS Ibiza reveals new destination for 2024 appeared first on Data Transmission.

Mike Pickering is a true pioneer and visionary in electronic music, his achievements are numerous: Hacienda DJ, Factory Records A&R signing Happy Mondays, Deconstruction Records boss bringing Black Box, Guru Josh, K Klass, Felix and Kylie Minogue and of course, his own M People to the world, Columbia Records A&R who signed Calvin Harris – these are just a few highlights of a long career that has left a lasting legacy on electronic music and its culture. 

Mike began his career at Factory Records in the early 1980s as an A&R man signing Happy Mondays and James. Simultaneously Mike formed his own band Quando Quango, which enjoyed an underground dance hit in the US with the track ‘Love Tempo’, championed by legendary DJs Larry Levan and Mark Kamins in the New York club scene. 

“I am really honoured to get this award and so proud to be joining such a great list of recipients. I’m really looking forward to the night.”

Mike Pickering

Pickering went on to work at the legendary Manchester clubbing mecca the Hacienda, as a booker and DJ, staying at the iconic club for eleven years he created the NUDE night on Fridays, which pioneered house music in the UK.

In 1987 Mike started the band TCOY whose first release was the underground hit ‘Carino’, one of the first British house records, he started the label Deconstruction with his then managers. In the 90s Deconstruction took dance music to the charts with massive hits from Black Box, Guru Josh, K Klass, Felix and Kyle Minogue as well as with Pickering’s own band M People. M People went on to sell 14 million albums and had countless hit singles whilst selling out arenas around the world. The group won 2 Brit Awards and the Mercury Prize for their album ‘Elegant Slumming’.

“Mike Pickering’s contribution to electronic music culture is immeasurable. From his A&R vision with the Happy Mondays in the late-80s through to redefining popular dance music today with the signing of Calvin Harris – he has been involved in many major crossover cultural moments. And then there is his own M People project; his work with the Hacienda; Deconstruction; Manchester. He’s one of the true unsung heroes of dance music’s rise to global dominance and one of our most gifted musical directors – period.”

IMS Partner Ben Turner

After M People Mike joined Columbia Records as A&R where he signed and helped the careers of Calvin Harris, Kasabian, The Ting Tings and Gossip amongst many others. Mike still DJs and was recently involved in the Hacienda Classical concerts which included a performance on the Pyramid stage at Glastonbury to open the festival.

Mike’s contribution to dance music is undeniable and he joins an esteemed list of previous recipients of this award which include: Underworld, Nile Rodgers,Fatboy Slim, Pete Tong, Sven Väth, Carl Cox, Simon Dunmore, Space Ibiza founder Pepe Roselló, Mambo Ibiza founder Javier Anadon and Ricardo Urgell founder of Pacha Ibiza and the worldwide Pacha Group. 

“I can’t think of anyone more worthy than Mike to receive the “Legend Of Ibiza” award. From being one of the first handful of DJs responsible for bringing House music to the UK via the Hacienda – through to his work with today’s Global superstars like Calvin Harris – his footprint and taste is forever imprinted on Dance and Ibizan culture. ”

Dan Chalmers Head of Music YouTube, EMEA

An annual and unmissable event, the IMS Legends Dinner presented by YouTube will unite industry leaders from across electronic music culture to enjoy an evening of celebration, with surprise performances,  entertainment and the annual Bridges For Music charity auction. 

Purchase IMS Legends Award Dinner tickets HERE

The post Hacienda DJ & A&R guru Mike Pickering is this year’s IMS Ibiza Legend appeared first on Data Transmission.

The Foundation was set up by international DJ, broadcaster and host of BBC Introducing on Radio 1 Dance, Jaguar, in 2020 following her creation of the Future 1000 DJs programme with Future DJs (now Virtuoso) to improve the pipeline of female, trans and non-binary talent in dance music. Jaguar’s mission is to encourage girls and minority genders to consider a career in dance music, help teach the technical skills needed to a wider cohort of people and break down real or perceived barriers to entry.

The report found evidence supporting long-held beliefs about gender disparity in dance music – across the live industry, radio airplay, streaming platforms and in the gender balance of music organisation employees – as well as exploring a number of other discriminatory issues that female and non-binary people face.

This report comes at a critical time, with the 2022 International Music Summit (IMS) reporting that UK dance/electronic music is increasing as a share of people’s listening for the first time in eight years, predicting the start of a new growth cycle. The global dance industry’s value is estimated at $6 billion but despite this, female and non-binary people still face multiple challenges to overcome as non-male artists in the dance music scene.

The report found qualitative evidence that highlights a lack of mainstream representation for female or non-binary artists. Just 5% of dance music that featured in the UK charts had exclusively female or non-binary artists as the primary artist and feature. A similar pattern is evident across radio airplay, with less than 1% of the top 200 airplay tracks across 2020-21 of twelve UK radio stations being only female or non-binary artists, as well as across Spotify’s key electronic music playlists which featured just 25% of female-fronted electronic music artists.

The Jaguar Foundation report also explores how important the live ecosystem is to dance music, and how it offers fewer opportunities for artists of non-male genders and minority backgrounds. Although the overall gender split of employees within the UK live industry (including event companies, ticket agents, talent agencies, media companies and record labels) isn’t hugely unbalanced, males occupy 63% of senior roles compared to 37% for females. This highlights that key decision-making roles at the top remain dominated by males.

The artists and executives interviewed also reported a range of challenging obstacles and issues – from a lack of safe spaces or regulations in venues to tokenistic lineups, to sometimes huge disparity in pay between men and other genders – describing the live ecosystem as still a “boys’ club”.

“This lack of female representation in prominent artist roles, especially as headliners, make it less likely for others to consider it as a career. In technical roles like music production, there is a very low precedent for visible representation.”

Michelle Manetti, DJ, promoter and producer

Other key findings include:

● A number of issues, such as the risk of sexual harassment or objectification, late night travel (often solo) and intoxicated crowds, lead to marginalised genders feeling
unsafe when attending and working in live spaces.

● There is a continued pressure from the ‘male gaze’ that impacts the female image, both in person and online, with women in music being judged more on their appearance than men. Ageism is also more of an issue for women than men, reflecting wider societal issues.

● Qualitative research shows that jungle, drum and bass, techno and EDM genres continue to attract male-dominated and largely white crowds, reflecting the artist
make up of those scenes.

The Jaguar Foundation makes several recommendations to address the issue, categorised by audience: Industry, Artists and Fans. The full breakdown can be found here but covers areas such as education, accessible working environments, measurement of progress, safety and inclusion riders, and heightened awareness of lineups and venues.

“It’s so heartening to see Sony Music taking a lead on social justice and partnering with Jaguar and her foundation. Diversity and inclusion should be in the DNA of decision making, not an afterthought, and to make any kind of real change social justice has to be front and centre. In real world terms, this report is so important for a fairer, more inclusive and more successful music industry.”

Steven Braines, HE.SHE.THEY. and The Weird & The Wonderful Co-founder

This Jaguar Foundation report was supported by the Sony Music UK Social Justice Fund, with research lead and primary author Nicola Davies. The team collected data sets from Skiddle (Live Events), The Official Charts Company (Sales & Streaming Data), Viberate (Festival Line- ups) and Chartmetric (Pronoun Database and Radio Airplay data) to create the most comprehensive research yet into these topics.

As well as collecting data, qualitative research was conducted through roundtable discussions with female, trans and non-binary people working in and around the industry, including founders of collectives, journalists and academics. The team also conducted one-to-one industry stakeholder interviews with people working as booking agents and label executives, and artist interviews across a wide range of ages, genres, ethnicities, regional location and artist type.

“I’m proud to bring this groundbreaking gender report out into the world. My overarching mission is to make the world a better place through my work, and bringing equality to the dance world is a huge priority for me. My hope is that this becomes a springboard for much needed change in the electronic music industry, and makes women and non-binary people feel supported and represented.”

Jaguar, Founder of The Jaguar Foundation

In 2020, Jaguar launched The Jaguar Foundation, with the aim to invest in projects to bring more women, trans and non-binary people into electronic music and help create a more balanced music industry for the next generation of creatives and emerging artists. The Foundation’s debut initiative Future1000 in collaboration with FutureDJs (now Virtuoso) with the aim to address the gender imbalance in electronic music by discovering 1000 young women, trans and non-binary people from schools across the country, to take part in a DJ, production and leadership programme that was led by Jaguar. The programme was funded by the Sony Music UK Social Justice Fund and supported by DJs such as Annie Mac, The Blessed Madonna and Jayda G, with several of the programme’s students now working in the music industry as a result.

Following the release of this report, Jaguar is set to relaunch Future1000 alongside co- founders Virtuoso under a new banner; FutureDJs. The relaunch will include a new set of on-demand courses featuring a cast of world-class educators curated by Jaguar. FutureDJs will be open to all ages from across the world and will “result in real-world outcomes such as playing at international festival stages, releasing music, club bookings and radio presenting opportunities”, Austen Smart CEO of Virtuoso.

“This report is an integral part of the change our industry so very much needs. A tool to educate and dismantle our archaic ways. Inclusivity & Diversity is the core foundation of all things great, and we must be in complete acknowledgement of this. To be a part of this report was an honour – to support, to inspire & spread awareness we must continue this uprising!”

Hannah Shogbola, Founder of DAJU

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For the 12^th edition of the summit, global business leaders and artists will assemble in Ibiza between 22nd May & 24th May at Hard Rock Ibiza for in-depth discussions on new technology, advances in business thinking, gender parity, diversity and inclusion, social conscience and mental health awareness, to bring about positive change and progress.

IMS Co-Founder Ben Turner states “Real issues once again dominate IMS. We will present the content very differently on the first day as we host two extended debates on Mental Health and Clubland in Crisis with multiple contributors from around the world. IMS strives to make change in the industry by its content and curation. The Keith Flint news has shaken our industry, almost a year on from the Avicii news. We hope this year to bring together all of the companies focusing on mental health including the Association for Electronic Music, to help find a way forward that can actually make a difference.”

Themes:
AVICII, KEITH FLINT…ONE YEAR, ON WHAT HAVE WE DONE TO PROTECT OUR MENTAL HEALTH? MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS – DEBATE
CLUBLAND IN CRISIS – EXTENDED DEBATE
BIG DATA & ‘THE DATA GUIDE’
GHOST DANCING! GHOST PRODUCTION – A NECESSARY EVIL?
INVESTIGATING INTERSECTIONALITY
STREAMING IN THE DJ BOOTH & THE ANNUAL DIGITAL DEBATE
THE POLITICS OF DANCING
DIVERSITY ON THE DANCE FLOOR
MIXMAG PRESENTS…AN ALGORITHM, A PERSON OR A BRAND.
WHO DO YOU TRUST THE MOST?
ELECTRONIC MUSIC & THE EASTERN BLOC
SENSITIVITY TRAINING WORKSHOP
SOCIAL MEDIA IS DEAD! LONG LIVE SOCIAL MEDIA
MIXMAG & IMS PRESENT… THE NEW WAVE: RISING INDUSTRY INNOVATORS
HOW TO CREATE A SAFER CLUBBING ENVIRONMENT – WORKING GROUP
HOW TO CURATE BALANCED LINE-UPS
ARETÉ PRESENTS…SUSTAINABLE TOURING
MARKET FOCUS – THE PALESTINIAN ELECTRONIC MUSIC SCENE
DJ MAGAZINE PRESENTS…A TWIST IN MY SOBRIETY
THE GREAT ANNUAL IBIZA DEBATE

You can grab delegate badges here

We’ve also made booking a hotel easier for you below

The post International Music Summit (IMS) announce Key 19 Themes for 2019 appeared first on Data Transmission.

As for the past 11 years, the 2,500-year-old former fort and UNESCO World Heritage Site will witness iconic artists sharing the stage with the most exciting new talent of today, framed by a backdrop of the Mediterranean Sea and the historic Catedral de Eivissa.

Who’s on the bill this year? They’ve got a huge selection on Data Transmission faves including Adam Beyer, Anna Tur, Charlotte de Witte, David Morales, Joseph Capriati, Ida Enberg, Luciano, Nicole Moudaber, Manu Gonzalez, Pete Tong and Sophie. All the acts will pair off in special back-to-back pairing which is yet to be announced.

Tickets are available now for €55 plus booking fee from www.internationalmusicsummit.com

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The excellent International Music Summit (IMS) returns to Ibiza in 2019, for its annual three-day educational, inspirational and motivational thought-leadership forum.

The 12th summit will take place between May 22nd and 24th 2019.  The carefully curated three-day summit of inspiring keynotes and workshops, delegates will experience powerful networking sessions, Ibiza opening parties, the IMS Legends Dinner and the annual IMS Dalt Vila closing celebration. Special emphasis on health and wellness for mind and body will also continue to be a summit focus, with daily yoga, meditation and reflection sessions offered to all delegates.

IMS Co-Founder Ben Turner states “We are still feeling the energy that came from IMS Ibiza 2018. From the glow of those who attended Remedy State, to the Pete Tong Keynote Introduction on Avicii passing, through to the emotional SheSaidSo gathering on Friday to the incredible energy of Dalt Vila… It was truly the most inspiring event we’ve created, with an open, honest, heartfelt summit which seems to have given many a refreshed outlook for the months ahead. We aim to build on this new-found positive perspective and take it a step further with a focus on reaching the Flow State, and harnessing creativity and productivity in our work and daily lives.”

For more information head to their website – https://internationalmusicsummit.com/

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Real name Tim Bergling, Avicii died in Muscat, Oman, last month at the age of 28, you can read the full transcript from the speech below.

A month ago on Friday 20th April the world was stunned at the news that Tim Bergling / Avicii had died.

A few days later his family released a statement indicating that he had taken his own life.

How could this have come to be?

How could Tim, one of the most talented and successful artists of his generation go from making music in his bedroom in 2008 to taking his own life in a hotel room in 2018.

I believe we can find some of the answers, when we examine what it’s like to be a successful DJ/Artist/Producer and relentless globetrotting live performer in the present day.

From the start Tim was clearly a very special talent. His innate sense of melody, combined with his gift for arrangement and production set him apart, but what was truly unique about Tim in 2008/9 was that he was so young. He was the first teenager of the EDM era to make music inspired by his peers and then join them all within a matter of 12 months.

The warp factor speed of his breakthrough fuelled by the adrenalin rush and global connectivity of social media ensured that Tim’s feet never touched the ground.

By the time his track ‘BROMANCE’ hit, his contemporaries in dance music’s mainstream were the likes of David Guetta, Tiesto,The Swedish House Mafia, Armin Van Burren, Above & Beyond, Steve Aoki & Paul Van Dyk.

All of these artists had been in the game for at least 10 years, they had done the proverbial 10,000 hours and they had honed their skills and managed to work out a modus operandi, as their popularity grew and their diaries filled. They were certainly more prepared for what was about to happen to them over the next five years, than Tim.

Tim had no training, there was no apprenticeship.
He’d not even had a proper job.
Some of you here today have seen his documentary TRUE STORIES.
Whether its all entirely true or edited in a certain way – the journey and the results are pretty harrowing, particularly now that he’s not with us anymore.
For those that haven’t seen it…

The first few years are pretty straightforward.
You travel around the world at an insane pace. You collect all the money, You lap up the adulation and drink the free champaign and everything else that goes with it.

After a couple of years the anxiety builds as the schedule and demands get more and more intense. The entourage grows and there are now vast numbers of people and companies relying on your business. The bar is constantly being raised.

You now rely on the alcohol, the drugs and the pills, just to get you through each day.
Your tired, constantly tired and sick but you can’t stop.

It’s particularly daunting to watch – just how many times – he asked those around him – if he could stop and cancel shows. Most of the time he was told he couldn’t as there was too much at stake.

In Tim’s case his body did start to breakdown and after multiple medical interventions his health deteriorated to such a point that he announced his retirement in 2016. His last show was here in Ibiza at Ushuaïa at the end of that summer.

Last year Tim slowly started to release music again and when I interviewed him for Radio 1 he seemed in a really good place and talked with real passion about how making music, not touring, was what really mattered to him.

We might never know what happened in the end, what led him to taking his own life. What demons he was still dealing with or how much the anxiety played its part.

His family called him a seeker – “a fragile artistic soul searching for questions – when he stopped touring he wanted to find balance in life, to be happy and to be able to do what he loved most – making music. He could not go on any longer, he wanted to find peace.”

Tim’s story is unique – its the perfect storm – in the sense that few will ever be that young and that talented, making the right music, at precisely the time when a worldwide musical movement is about to explode, coinciding with – precisely the time – when social media was changing all the metrics on communication and having direct access to your fans.

Given they way it turned out I hope we never see it again – BUT his death has put the spotlight firmly back on our profession – The Life of a DJ .

For those of you who have either attended or followed the IMS on line – you will know that the subject of mental health has been on our agenda for many years.

Artists and DJ’s have begun to open up and talk publicly about the issues and their personal experiences.

In 2016 Eric Morillo gave us a very candid interview about his decent into drug abuse and near death to cope with the fear of failure and a decline in his popularity.

Last year in 2017 we hosted the launch of the Pioneer funded DJ Sounds documentary – WHY WE DJ – Slaves To The Rhythm – which we have just shown again this morning, where many familiar faces talk about life on the road – the loneliness, the anxiety, the depression, the ego.

One of the recurring themes that comes up – is that DJ’s feel stupid or ashamed to complain.

I used to liken being a DJ, to that of a lone stage actor, in the same play, night after night – but I have recalibrated that. Its more often being like a court jester at a medieval feast.

As Moby (who’s ten years sober) said in his recent Lefsetz podcast – even without the drugs and alcohol touring is unhealthy. If your a musician on tour you do your gig get on the bus and leave and even if there is a certain amount of degenerate behaviour its got nothing compared to the life of a celebrity DJ with private planes/Ibiza/Las Vegas and palatial hotel suits. You do your show and normally its back to the room for endless partying which is great to a point but so corrosive and destructive.

For most – the reality is very different – the constant lack of sleep – the airports – the flights – your exotic tourist experiences are often limited to the view from the back of a cab.

Most DJ’s will go will go though their whole career having to play clubs and festivals to make a living. It’s only the select few that will make money when there asleep through the success of their music.

In the underground world – endurance is king (or queen).

Marathon sets until sunrise and then almost certainly onto the after party… and if you really want the gold star, another one after that. In Ibiza you could be doing that for 20 weeks a season. It’s no wonder that a DJ’s musical output suffers when they have this kind of schedule. You need special forces training and an iron will to survive multiple seasons in ibiza – and after ibiza there is always another summer, somewhere else in the world – so you have do it all over again.

The downside of this cycle can be seen in Luciano’s heartfelt post on facebook a few weeks ago, lamenting Avicii’s passing and sharing his own harrowing experiences which led to near death in pursuit of the job, pulled out of a plane when his heart was about to stop. He talks about the recurring themes of loneliness and anxiety in hotel rooms after playing to 1000’s, the illness that touring generates, where in his case the only way to survive was to self medicate. Pills to wake up and pills to sleep. Hurting himself and others around him, ego out of control. ALONE.

He said if your 17 and join a top football team you have all the other players and coaches and management to prepare you for the pressure, money, travel and fame that might follow.
As a DJ he felt he was often completely alone.

No one prepared him for this life. No one warned him. There wasn’t a manual.

Luciano also revealed in the post – that he was celebrating one year sober since that incident.
He doesn’t blame the industry, he says ultimately the individual has to take responsibility.

He accepted he had a disease and when we are sick we normally go to the doctor for help but in the DJ world it’s just not spoken about.

Being a DJ doesn’t make you an addict but if you have those issues its a huge challenge.
In recovery they talk about changing the people places and things that trigger your use.
If your a DJ that means you really shouldn’t be hanging out in clubs but if your life and family depend on it, if you have a mortgage, school fee’s and bills to pay you don’t really have a choice.

You have to go back – and try to do it sober – often creating greater anxiety. Its a very unique and challenging scenario.

Luciano couldn’t at first understand why you would want to go out if you could couldn’t drink and get high but he’s learnt that he had a job to do, a great job and that every show doesn’t have to be a party (for him anyway). After six months clean he also re discovered that the reason he used to go out was to laugh and share and enjoy the music. He can do without the bullshit. When the bullshit starts he just goes home.

In my 40 years of being around this world I can’t think of a single person who’s achieved success who hasn’t paid a personal price via health, relationships, divorce, broken homes, addiction, depression and anxiety. The statistics don’t lie this is a tough business.

For years we’ve laughed and immortalised the hedonism of our world via books magazines and films like BERLIN CALLING & ALL GONE PETE TONG. It was supposed to be fun.

10 years ago when we started IMS all the talk was about how electronic dance music was going to break in America and conquer the world. To a large extent that all happened and is still happening… but people were not supposed to die chasing the dream

I don’t come here today to say the party’s over – but this is a wake up call to ALL those involved, to start looking around and see who might need help

In the past few months the IMS and the AFEM has been approached by more ands more people behind the scene’s – the managers, tour managers, promoters and music executives all feeling the strain of the life style and seeking advice.

IMS, thanks to the work of Ben Turner and Blaise D’Angelo have just completed the first Remedy State wellness retreat here in Ibiza. Designed specifically for people in the entertainment industry. It’s success proves that our industry needs healing, and that people want to be healed.

What I hope for and encourage during the next few days at the IMS and beyond – is that we get more of these issues out in the open and that the DJ’s and those around them feel less shame and more encouraged to speak up and seek help when they are struggling.

The more we can share our experiences and educate the more we can help those suffering in silence.

The wider music community have organisations like Music Cares & Help Musicians to reach out to in times of struggle.

I ask – Is its time to establish a support group or fellowship for those in the electronic music industry?

In memory of Avicii –
That is something to talk about.

Thank you

The post Pete Tong remembers Avicii at IMS 2018 appeared first on Data Transmission.

Back in July, Point Blank headed out to Malta to act as official education partner for IMS College for the second year, programming the opening day’s events with a series of artists masterclasses, workshops, panels and more. Held over two days, IMS College Malta brought together a wide range of industry figures and institutions from all over the world, as well as guest artists and speakers plus DJ performances from the likes of Sven Väth, Richy Ahmed and Todd Terry in the evenings.

In addition to Carly Hordern hosting a masterclass in composing for film with French composer/producer Agoria, a track deconstruction of Jamiroquai’s ‘Automaton’ with PB Course Developer Ski Oakenfull and a masterclass in production with Spanish DJ/producer Uner, Point Blank Creative Director JC Concato led a masterclass on the art of mixing for the club, drawing on his extensive industry experience to share his tips, techniques and advice to the audience.

JC begins the masterclass going through his in-depth usage of mix bus plugins, discussing console emulation, mix bus compression, mix bus EQ, harmonic distortion, A/B analysis and level analysis. He then goes on to show which aspects of the mix he decides to work on first and elaborates on his mixing process. Don’t forget to subscribe to the Point Blank YouTube channel, where you can find masterclasses, tutorials and more.

You can learn more about Mixing on Point Blank’s BA (Hons) Music Production & Sound Engineering Degree, on which they teach everything you need to know about music production including sound design, mastering, composition and music business. Point Blank also offer an online alternative, in the form of their new online BA (Hons) Music Production & Sound Engineering Degree. PB are currently offering a 20% discount plus a free copy of Ableton Suite or Logic Pro X with select online courses until August 31st, so make sure you enrol soon! For more information, contact a course advisor on +44 20 7729 4884. If you are a resident of the USA, you can reach them on 323 282 7660.

The post Point Blank Mixing Masterclass at IMS College Malta appeared first on Data Transmission.