John Digweed, a UK native and an established eminence on the global electronic music scene, stands out as a world-renowned DJ and producer whose beginnings in the industry date back to the 1980s. His musical career incubated in the local clubs of his hometown of Hastings before ascending the stages of London's most prominent venues. In the early 1990s, Digweed achieved international acclaim as part of the duo Bedrock, in collaboration with his partner Nick Muir. Their single "For What You Dream Of" became a huge phenomenon and was even featured on the soundtrack of the critically acclaimed film "Trainspotting", a worldwide hit.
Digweed's solo career took off in the mid-1990s when he secured his position as resident DJ at the iconic New York club "Twilo". In 1994, he released his first solo album, entitled "Journeys by DJ", and this only kick-started a series of highly successful releases, most notably "Global Underground 006: Sydney". Throughout his career, Digweed's trademark has been his distinctive sound, which fuses elements of techno, trance and house. Undoubtedly, his impeccable DJing skills and ability to guide listeners on an unforgettable sonic journey through his sets have rewarded him with the international fame he deserved.
John Digweed is also the mastermind behind Bedrock Records, a record label that has released music by renowned artists such as Guy J, Marco Bailey and Cristoph. The list of iconic venues he has played at is extensive, including London's famed Ministry of Sound, our beloved and iconic Space in Ibiza, and Tokyo's Womb nightclub. He has also played at major festivals such as Coachella and Ultra Music Festival.
John Digweed is a hugely influential figure in the dance and electronic music universe, with a legacy spanning more than three decades. He has cemented his position as a DJ, was voted "World No. 1 DJ" by DJ Magazine in 2001, is a producer and label owner of outstanding talent, and his impact on the industry will undoubtedly transcend much further in the years to come. For this reason, and thanks to his close relationship with our hotel Ocean Drive Ibiza, we didn't hesitate for a moment to go to him for an interview and find out more about his history and journey on this, our beautiful island. The Ocean Drive Ibiza 25th anniversary campaign, "made of music, made of moments", also finds its origin and meaning in John's passage through our lives.
As could not be otherwise, we met him in Ocean Drive Ibiza, comfortably located in our "Listening Corner". We were immediately struck by his kindness, gratitude, closeness and even shyness.
Quickly, we take a look back at his beginnings and he tells us that when he started working as a DJ, nobody wanted to do it for a living. He also reflects on how nowadays it is no longer just about playing music and knowing how to mix. The presence on social networks, image and notoriety, collaborations and remixes, the ability to create original music... A combination of many elements that become decisive for success in a sector that is now highly competitive.
Being voted number one DJ in the world was a great recognition for him. But he warns us that DJing is not a career. It's not about coming first. It's about doing your best, and at the same time, being consistent. "If you look at it, I won that award more than 20 years ago and I'm still doing what I love, so my greatest achievement is still playing in the best clubs in the world".. The humility with which Digweed talks to our team about his professional career is admirable. And he stresses that he would never change anything about his journey and his gradual rise: "Climbing little by little, it makes you appreciate where you are, who you are and value it"..
When asked about his music, he makes it clear that he tends not to want to pigeonhole his sound. He doesn't like it, nor is it fair. And he's absolutely right. You only have to listen to him live for a couple of hours to realise that he covers many genres: "My style isn't progressive, or tech-house, or any other kind of genre. I just play good music". And we think this is precisely the key to his success and continuity in the music scene: why limit yourself to one type of sound when you can offer a diverse catalogue of great artists of all kinds? There are no limits, and the perfect timing with which John links each track is always appreciated by his listeners.
Despite his long and successful career, Digweed shows no signs of slowing down; on the contrary, his thirst for new heights remains undiminished. He continues to embark on tours and release new music, while his fervent fans, spread across the globe, eagerly await the arrival of his next releases.
In conversation, we agree that Ibiza continues to be a musical hotspot, because it offers a wide range of resident DJs and other guests who come to play. Many of them are or will be among the best in the electronic scene. "It's a beautiful island, with great restaurants and beaches, so I think it fulfils a lot of requirements: you can go to festivals and see a lot of DJs, but I think the magic of Ibiza is the atmosphere in general. The island hasn't lost any of that magic since I first came here. Ibiza has definitely improved over the years.
John loves coming to Ocean Drive when he visits Ibiza. And we love that he still chooses us despite the passing of the years. He says: "It's amazing that it's the 25th anniversary. It's a testament to how well this hotel group is doing.
It is on the occasion of these 25 years that Ocean Drive Ibiza decided to pay tribute to three of the DJs who have been part of our history. John Digweed could not not be among them. That's why we decided to name one of our suites after him. When you stay in it, you will find a photo signed by the artist and a personal gift that he himself chose and gave to the hotel.
At Ocean Drive Ibiza, we are grateful for the opportunity to share a moment with this icon of music and club culture. His story is intertwined with our own, and his contribution to our anniversary campaign "made of music, made of moments" has added immense value to our commitment to providing exceptional experiences for our guests.
John Digweed's authenticity embodies the pure essence of electronic music and the club scene. His exceptional track record, unwavering passion and ability to evolve with the times make him a beacon for emerging artists and fans alike. As we look to the future of electronic music, we know that Digweed's influence will continue to resonate in every beat and every hypnotic melody that gets us moving on the dancefloor.
Music is not just a feature of what happens at Ocean Drive Ibiza, but an integral part of its identity. Since its inception, our hotel has been a destination of reference for lovers of electronic music and nightlife. The collaboration with John Digweed is not a simple gesture, but a testament to the hotel's deep commitment to music culture. The choice to honour three iconic DJs who have shaped our history (such as John Digweed, Armin Van Buuren and Kerri Chandler) speaks to our dedication to preserving and celebrating Ibiza's rich electronic music heritage.
The "made of music, made of moments" campaign is not a one-off event, but a reflection of the very soul of Ocean Drive Ibiza. The passion for music and club culture that has driven the hotel for 25 years continues to vibrate in every detail of its renewed aesthetic and every new experience and event we offer inside. The collaboration with John Digweed is a manifestation of this shared passion and an invitation to all, locals and guests alike, to immerse themselves in an experience that celebrates music, history and a connection that will transcend time.
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