DIPEF Ibiza & Formentera DJ’s Association is born

December 1, 2022

DIPEF is the Ibiza and Formentera DJ’s association whose inauguration took place today at the Standard hotel in Ibiza town. Local DJ’s join forces to create a legal structure to strengthen their community and solidify the tradition of Ibiza as a hub of musical creativity.

The tradition of Ibiza as a melting pot of creative trends dates from the 1930’s. Consolidation of its musical heritage took place in the 60’s and with it a well-documented progression until achieving status as epicentre of electronic music. But perhaps what is not so well known is the role of local resident DJ’s and their contribution to Ibiza’s success in music.

DIPEF is born today with the objective of assisting local DJ’s in their professional and creative careers. Striving for for heightened visibility and improving working conditions is at the top of their list. We listened today to president Christian Len who stressed the importance of focusing on making the local DJ more competitive. The author of “Balearic: history of Ibiza’s club culture” is also convinced of the long term benefits to the cultural development of Ibiza.

Igor Marijuan, co-founder of mythical Ibiza Sonica and spokesman of DIPEF, encouraged the audience to become active members. “It is time to regroup, unite forces and affect our own destiny”, he said, rather than play the role of victims of a system that has traditionally favoured imported music. Igor is a self-made leading figure in the Ibiza music scene who knows well the obstacles to overcome as a local DJ.

Guadalupe Revuelta curated the press conference and opened the floor to questions from the audience.

What DIPEF DJ’s defend

The association seeks to solidify the image of the local DJ by asserting Ibiza as a place of unique cultural creativity, not just clubbing. It is only right to claim the genuinely local origins of Balearic, chill out or sunset music.

In order to export local music productions and reduce its traditional and steady import, DIPEF aims to promote a local style or Ibiza brand. A dedicated team of professionals will lead the way and will also ensure the assistance to young professionals venturing into this very competitive field.

It was truly inspiring to hear the determination of established figures of the music scene committing to DIPEF. We get the unequivocal feeling that the association is led by true professionals with a clear goal in mind and the experience to achieve it.

Meet the Sea looks forward to supporting the development of DIPEF in what we consider a crucial step in securing the musical heritage of Ibiza.

Leaders of DIPEF

Christian Len, President, author of “Balearic: history of Ibiza’s club culture” and resident DJ at Blue Marlin, Hostal La Torre or Pikes Hotel. He has participated in renowned projects such as Ibiza Sonica, Openlab or Sonar radio. he is currently the director of Flood.audio.

Oliver Azor, Vicepresident, DJ and producer since the 90’s. One of the most respected and established figures of spanish house music. He was resident of Amnesia and Space Ibiza and produced for Mindshake records, Defected, Azuli, Flashmob, Playmobil or Und The Rdar. He is also the founder of Pandora, which he currently directs at Lio (Pacha Ibiza).

Anna Tur, Ibiza born and established international DJ, was a director at Ibiza Global radio until 2020. She later founded Balearic, her current radio project. She is a also a force behind IMA Agency 360.

David Moreno, pioneering radio figure since 1992 with Ibiza Dance and public figure of Ibiza Global Radio fame. He currently manages his own station, Pure Ibiza radio. Throughout his radio career he was able to carve out a great career as DJ.

Igor Marijuan, DJ, promoter and music curator. Musical director of Akasha Ibiza, cofounder of Ibiza Sonica in 2004 and one of the most influential figures of Ibiza music. He is also brand ambassador of Monad and promoter of his own party Pareidolia.

Rafa Ariza, long standing resident DJ in Ibiza at Space (Café Olé), Matinee group or Danzatoria Barcelona.And, of course, Bora Bora where he was artistic director to the end.

Guadalupe Revuelta, Secretary, degrees in Journalism, Advertising and Public Relations from Seville University and ParisVIII- Saint Denis. Over twenty years experience in information and corporate communication, specialised in strategic PR and media consulting focusing in tourism and creative industries.

Pau Mind, Treasurer, diploma in economics from UOC, Dj and native producer of Ibiza. pau always combined his academic and professional pursuits with his love for music until in 2018, he made the right choice. he is today resident DJ at Pandora.

DIPEF Ibiza and Formentera DJ’s association is born. Long Live DIPEF!

Ibiza artist Júlia Ribas’ exhibit in Can Tixedó

November 22, 2022

Meet the Sea attends the exhibit of Ibiza artist Júlia Ribas in Can Tixedó and marvels at her depiction of typical local farmhouses.

I must admit I was not familiar with Júlia Ribas’ work until I arrived in Can Tixedó art café on Sunday. A picture in the local newspaper, Diario de Ibiza, announcing her most recent exhibit caught my eye. My passion for all expressions of traditional Ibiza did the rest.

Sunday afternoon was unseasonably warm once again. A beautiful day to drive around the fields of the island and follow the backroads of Sant Antoni until you arrive to Can Tixedó, an old shop turned bar by the side of the road and now with a solid tradition of hosting local artists. Right next to the café is the market of Forada that takes place on saturdays and that should not be missed either if you come to Ibiza.

Julia’s work

As soon as I entered the exhibit I was shocked. Facing me was a painting of a XVI century ibiza farmhouse that could not have been more realistic. I have seen over the years many interpretations of ibicenco fincas, ranging from the naïf to the abstract, but this painting made me feel like I never had before.

The painting makes you understand at once that you are before a farmhouse that was built out of necessity. That those that built it did so gradually, with hard work, as the family grew and additional areas were needed. You might almost be able to tell their story, their daily lives and appearance. Julia’s paintings evoke the history of the houses and the stories of those who lived in them.

I was fortunate enough that Júlia was there on Sunday. She was having lunch with family or friends, but still parted to speak to me and greet me though we had never met. She explained that part of the “realism” I felt was down to the lime she used to paint the houses. The same lime that for centuries has protected from insects and disease the farms. She also explained that the use of “betún de judea” or Bitumen of Judea was responsible for the range of brown across the painting. This was used often in homes to protect wooden objects and its use helped me recognise a tone that was familiar.

Nobody should miss Ibiza artist Júlia Ribas exhibit in Can Tixedó. I hope to find more Ibiza jewels this winter and share them with you.

The use of lime for the walls of the houses and Judea bitumen for doors and other brown tones make Julia Ribas' paintings realistic.
Meet the Sea attends Julia ribas exhibit at can Tixedo.
Gregorio Cañellas with Ibiza artist Júlia Ribas at her exhibit in Can Tixedó
Painting by Julia Ribas depicting the patio of an ibicenco farmhouse in her exhibit at Can tixedó