One of Ibiza’s coolest DJs gets ready for another fabulous summer on the white isle
Interview : Paulette
Welcome to DMCWORLD Iban…my feet have just recovered from your amazing set at the Opening Party of Hotel Atzaro Agroturismo Ibiza – the party was packed and the people loved you. I can personally guarantee that you totally smashed it so ‘Gracias y felicidades’ ! It is so refreshing to hear such a new and exciting talent. Tell us a little bit about yourself – where are you from and how did you get into DJing?
“I was born in Lleida (Cataluña). In 2004 I went to Ibiza for a short holiday and I’m still here 10 years later! I began as a DJ by chance. I began in a small club called Izay (currently named Bubbles), there I started off playing 80s music with barely any idea of mixing. From there I moved onto being the resident DJ in the mythical Lucifer where I stayed for two years. This was the time when I realised that this was my life’s passion.”
We often hear about the legendary Lucifer, for our readers who never made it, how would you describe this party and DJing experience?
“Lucifer was a school for me. There I started to grow as an artist and the amazing 8 hour morning sessions lead me to become one of Ibiza’s regulars in the island’s DJ booths. They were also the last 2 years before the law forbade “after hours” parties, so I feel very fortunate to have been able to enjoy them.”
Are you an angel or a devil when it comes to partying and DJing ?
“Hahaha…! The truth is I try to be as angelical as possible Paulette, but I have an inner devil inside of me that appears from time to time. Put it that way!”
Whenever I have heard you play live and listen to your mixes on Soundcloud, you always build a deadly groove then keep it rolling with a selection that covers deep, classic, disco, tech and even acid house. What 5 words would you use to describe your style…
“Melodic, agitated, fulfilling, dynamic and danceable.”
In your lifetime, which 5 records (of any genre) do you feel have influenced you and your style as a DJ?
“Blue Monday (New Order), Crystal (New Order), Hale Bopp (Der Dritte Raum), Go (Moby), Your Love (Frankie Knuckles).”
Do you use vinyl, CD, usb sticks or serato / Traktor when you play live?
“It depends on the set; if it’s going to be very long and the style is going to be techno I use Traktor. If it is a short set and the style is more deep house, I usually use USB or Vinyl; the truth is I don’t mind, I feel very comfortable with the three options.”
Your party background is like a roll call of all the chic and hottest bars, hotels and clubs in Ibiza – from Amante, Atzaro, Bubbles, KM5, Sirocco, Privilege, Ocean Beach, DC10, Amnesia, Sankeys, Booom, Ushaia, Pacha and Space – you’ve played them all. Which is your dream club in Ibiza ? Where would you like to play again and why?
Well, choosing one is very hard. But to name a couple I’d say Ushuaia DC10 and Amnesia. For me these are the three clubs that stand out for their sound system and their artist line up.”
Your most purchased Beatport track is a speaker wobbler called ‘Compassion’ – with that word in mind and a fairly random question – have you done anything nice to help anybody today?
“Not yet!”
It’s not easy breaking into the DJ world, especially in Ibiza where competition for spots is fierce, but you have succeeded in breaking through. How have you done it ? How important do you feel it is for DJs / producers and party organisers to help each other and why ?
“Honestly, my uprising has been very progressive, I have worked very hard these last 10 years and it hasn’t been easy. If you have some talent and you work hard with it, sooner or later you are bound to see positive results.”
Another of your Beatport tracks is called ‘Good News’ – what is the best piece of ‘good news’ you have had so far this year?
“There have been several, but I would highlight my trip to Punta Del Este in Uruguay, when I got the call to go there it was “really good news”, I love playing there.”
When it comes to your productions – what sound drives a track for you ? Is it the bassline or percussion?
“Always the bass.”
You have a track on the Chronovision Miami 2014 sampler called Gosht Train – what is your preferred method of travel to DJ gigs – trains, planes or automobiles?
“The one I use the most is the airplane but the one I prefer is the train.”
Does anything in life scare you?
“Flying.”
Favourite place in the world…
“Ibiza, always.”
You are already an Ibiza name – has it helped or hindered your DJing career being Spanish and having a Spanish name?
“In my case it hasn’t helped nor hindered me, the name doesn’t make the DJ, it’s the DJ that makes a name.”
Nice answer. What advice do you have for anyone new who is trying to break into the DJ circuit here?
“Whatever you do, do it with passion.”
Which clubs is Iban Mendoza going to smash next ?
“Openings are still a month away and there are many things still up in the air. At the moment I have confirmed dates at Destino, Space, Pacha and Booom apart from my residencies in Km5, Hotel Es Vive and CDLC (Bcn).”
Thank you for taking the time out from your busy schedule to talk to DMCWorld. It has been a real pleasure talking to you Iban and we wish you all the best for the summer…
“Thank you Paulette and see you on the dancefloor.”
www.ibanmendoza.com
