International Music Summit is a worldwide platform that brings together key figures in the electronic music industry to discuss industry trends, culture, education, technology, and well-being. Established in 2007 by a team led by Pete Tong, the summit aims to foster sustainable growth in the global music industry and promote positive changes from corporate offices to dance floors.
After the 2023 edition “Face the Future” and 2022 edition “In Pursuit Of Purpose” we attended as media, in its 15th edition International Music Summit Ibiza, presented in partnership with AlphaTheta, brought together thousands of delegates representing various sectors of the electronic music industry to Cala Llonga, in the new hotels Hyde and Mondrian.
Just a 10-minute drive from Ibiza and halfway between Ibiza and Santa Eulalia town, Cala Llonga is a pretty sandy beach set in a bay with dense Mediterranean vegetation and one of Santa Eulalia’s most important tourist centers.
The summit focused on the theme of ‘Rebuilding Our Community,‘ offering inspiring discussions and thought leadership from visionary minds. networking events, showcases, dinners, parties, and club openings in iconic Ibiza venues, culminating in the Dalt Vila closing celebration.
Through over 75 sessions and 125+ speakers, delegates have the opportunity to explore best practices and innovations in music, technology, diversity, education, and health.
International Music Summit Ibiza is committed to advancing the electronic music landscape by emphasizing education, equality, and wellness with a curation committee composed of industry experts Ben Turner, Blaise DeAngelo, Farah Nanji, Jaguar, Pete Tong, Sofia Ilyas, Tracie Story.
Before IMS Ibiza 15th edition kicked off, we immersed in insightful discussions and dynamic exchanges at The Beatport x WARM: Label Insights Mixer in a villa from sunset time.
We met members of the Beatport team and enjoyed DJ sets of Emily Nash, Greta Levska & GRACE (RAW SILK).
DAY ONE
International Music Summit Ibiza 2024 kicked off with a bustling start on its first day, as hosts Pete Tong and Jaguar greeted thousands of delegates in a packed summit room. The IMS Business Report presented by Mark Mulligan (Midia Research) painted a growth of 17% over the past year for electronic music industry reaching $11.8 billion and indicating a solid surge across various sectors like live events and publishing, albeit not as dramatic as the post-COVID rebound of 2022.
Culturally, the report highlighted ongoing efforts towards achieving equality and inclusivity within the community. The theme of ‘Rebuilding Our Community’ echoed throughout the day’s discussions, from the engaging Break the Ice Session hosted by HE.SHE.THEY, Downtown, FUGA, to Alpha Theta General Manager Mark Grotefeld’s impassioned keynote on finding purpose in business.
THE FUTURE OF ARTIST DEALS + CONTRACTS
Moderated by Pete Tong / Guests: Bart Cools (Warner Music), David Dollimore, Judge Jules and Victoria Wood, a discussion about future direction of deals and contracts, with alternative options from leading artist for greater control and flexibility and innovative deal structures, exploring emerging distribution models to create a fairer music ecosystem.
Quotes:
Victoria Wood, Lawyer/Partner at Clintons
“Be mindful when doing a deal, it has to be collaborative… It is about creating a partnership and feeling good about it.”
“With distribution deals, they have opened the floodgates for majors to have to compete.”
“On creating awareness and mindfulness with artists about deals – “Taylor Swift has been revolutionary with what she’s done.”
In the Art Of Areté space, presented by AlphaTheta, the focus shifted towards wellness and mental health in the industry, with sessions addressing topics like self-care and addiction.
The day blossomed into sunshine, setting the stage for the traditional Ultra Records Mixer, this year with Copenhagen based Tripolism in consolle, that moment special guests of our Spotify selection, and then evening events like Helix Records, Change The Beat.
DAY TWO
Thursday at International Music Summit Ibiza, presented in collaboration with AlphaTheta, was a day dedicated to serious business matters. The jam-packed schedule across all summit spaces meant attendees had to make tough decisions, but valuable insights were abundant no matter where one chose to focus their time.
Indoors on the summit stage, the Ask Me Anything session with prominent Ibiza club promoters was a highlight, delving into contentious topics like the impact of daytime parties at venues like Ushuaïa and Ibiza Rocks. The issue of young people being priced out of the island was once again at the forefront, emphasizing the urgent need for action.
The session on distribution underscored the crucial role of distribution companies in shaping the success of records and careers, despite its seemingly less glamorous nature. Introduced by a keynote from Aldo Davalos, General Manager / Head of Business Development at Too Lost, the session drew a sizable audience.
THE COMING TECH REVOLUTION THAT WILL CHANGE YOUR ROYALTY INCOME HOSTED BY AFEM: ASSOCIATION FOR ELECTRONIC MUSIC – moderated by Kurosh Nasseri / guests: Connie Chow (Fuga), Daan Archer (Copyright Delta), Ralph Boege (Paradise Worldwide)
A significant portion of the income generated by the consumption of music is not reaching those who created or own the music. Yet the replacement of failing antiquated systems with the futuristic vision of smart contracts, instant micropayments, and transparent ownership and transactions seems so far away. What opportunities are available that directly address pain points and offer solutions that in turn effectively leverage AI and Blockchain in the process?
Quotes:
Connie Chow, Marketing Strategy Director – Dance/Electronic; FUGA
On why blockchain hasn’t been fully implemented into the music industry yet
“The music business can’t be oversimplified into just splits – there are so many more layers of politics above that.” – “A track is not only defined by splits at a certain point in time.”
“From the bedroom to the mainstage“, powered by Pete Tong DJ Academy with special guests TSHA, Adam Beyer and Nicole Moudaber, has been a useful speech with tips and thoughts about the career development of a dj.
It’s a pleasure seeing Mat Academy team from Italy working with legends like Pete Tong to enhance and help new generations to approach djing, counting over 6000 students from 140 countries in 24 months of activity.
A retrospective montage of Southern Fried‘s top releases served as a reminder of their impressive track record across 500 releases, with Elton John’s ‘Ready For Love’ making a lasting impression.
In a packed Brave Space, DJ Pierre provided insight into the origins of our shared culture through the creation of ‘Acid Tracks’ with Farah Nanji. Outdoors on the Summit Stage, Frank Nitzinsky delved into the importance of respecting creators, emphasizing the existential need to properly credit artists for their work.
Tomorrowland founder Michiel Beers recounted the brand’s remarkable journey from a Belgian party to a global phenomenon, highlighting unexpected challenges along the way.
Amapiano and afro-house, the rapidly growing genres of the moment, were explored in a keynote interview between Nigerian superproducer/DJ Sarz and TikTok’s Global Head of Music Business Development, Ole Obermann.
A subsequent discussion, presented by Ballantine’s True Music, explored South Africa’s hottest new export, a cultural movement that transcends borders, the socio-political context of its origins and the significant spotlight it casts on the continent, propelling the rise of electronic music tourism.
Quotes:
Tunde Adeniyi; Founder – Dankie Sounds
“We became aware of Amapiano in lockdown and really wanted to put it in front of the ears that hadn’t heard it. If it’s for you, you’ll go for it and if it’s not you won’t.”
Grace Ladoja; Metallic Inc & Homecoming
“Everyone sees that Africa has huge potential to grow globally in terms of music and that’s why we’ve started the Homecoming Festival in 2017. But you have to be careful with how you do that when you’re entering another territory. It’s important to provide a platform for these artists to shine rather than thinking so much about what we want out of it.”
“Johannesburg was the first place I went where you could really see how the music of the street dominated the culture. That was 12 years ago during the Afro House era but it’s amazing to see how the music from the streets in Africa has come to be a dominant global genre.”
Sarah Jane Nicholson; Paradise Worldwide & Africa Rising Music Conference
“I think authenticity is a big part of the amplification process. What Beatport did two years ago, launching Amapiano on site but doing it from Cape Town was really nice and authentic.”
The Ballantine’s True Music x Beatport showcase at the Hyde Beach Bar, featuring Sarz and Charisse, provided a compelling demonstration of the genre’s potential, despite the windy conditions.
We attended Progression event at Club Chinois presented by Armada Music, The District VR and Mobilee Records and we really enjoyed Ledfut, N1NJA and Rodriguez JR sets!
DAY THREE
The final day of International Music Summit Ibiza 2024 started with the return of group of resilient cyclists from a 107km journey around the island for Bridges for Music initiative.
DJ Mag Brasil Editor-in-Chief & Senior PR Nazen Carneiro moderated Music’s Power in The Climate Crisis with Coco Francavilla, Daniel Morrell, Joel Gardner and Madame Gandhi.
International Music Summit tries to keep the topic very much at the top of the agenda with leading lights in the space sharing thoughts and ideals for the future.
“EMERGING TALENT: NAVIGATING THE NEXT GENERATION OF MUSIC”
Moderated by Charisse C and hosted by Beatport, this discussion on emerging talent in the music industry delivered an unparalleled exploration of the next generation’s rising stars. From underground sensations to mainstream breakthroughs, our speakers, handpicked from the forefront of innovation, shared their captivating journeys and invaluable insights.
Quotes:
Charisse C – Artist & Founder; Abantu
“It’s important to establish who you are as an artist before taking on management so there’s a strong vision for someone to drive forward. No matter how incredible the team is you have to have a degree of accountability and responsibility for your own career.”
In The Art of Areté space, Brazil’s hottest new export, Mochakk, shared learnings, insights, and lessons learned from late nights touring heavily as a young artist. He shared advice and strategies for sustainability and mind/body alignment on the road.
Quotes:
“I started to really pay attention to how much I was sleeping and when I was sleeping.”
“Exercise and diet has been the biggest positive change in my life. And I’ve cut back on drinking. When you’re touring you can end up compulsively drinking as a musician.”
“You need to make your health your priority. You need to slow down and get out of the rhythm you’re in and learn to look after yourself.”
Sounds Of Hyde with Hilit Kolet and East End Dubs was a unique moment to close the conference day!
Artche b2b Kalisma, Sarz b2b Kilimangiaro, Pete Tong b2b Alex Wann, special live performance by Roisin Murphy, vibes by Miss Monique and interesting blend by Sasha b2b Franky Wah.
It was a super great edition, thanks Neighbourhood PR for trusting us and thanks International Music Summit for being an unmissable annual appointment to update the state-of-market and perspectives for future for the industry and for the possibility to meet partners from all over the world!
After International Music Summit Conference and Dalt Vila event, we attended as media the following clubs openings:
Amnesia Pyramid with Amelie Lens, Hot Since 82, Indira Paganotto, Marco Faraone and more!
Ushuaïa “Genesys” with Eynka, Layla Benitez, Franky Wah, Kevin de Vries b2b Chris Avantgarde, Stephan Bodzin, Maceo Plex and ANYMA
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/TIPX0xQvLTY
Hï with TSHA, Honey Dijon, Guy Gerber, Eliza Rose, DJ Tennis b2b Chris Stussy, Adam Beyer, Loco Dice, The Martinez Brothers, Jamie Jones and more!
Club Chinois with Pablo Fierro & Mestiza
Pacha with ANOTR & Desiree (RSA)
Check out our IBIZA Summer 2024 residencies and events calendar!
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28y passionate guy about music, social media, digital marketing and infographics!
I founded youBEAT in 2012 as manifesto of my passion for electronic music, with the aim of promoting artists and events.
Graduated in Media Languages at UCSC in Milan (Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore) with a thesis on the revolution of daily life with the streaming in entertainment and information.
Everyday more passionate and keen about data, tools and music insights and their connection in this everyday faster social connected world.
From 2017-2023 A&R, Marketing and International Manager at EGO Music (www.egomusic.net).