Ibiza club culture and history explored in new BBC podcast series: Listen
From looking back on the history of hedonism on the island, to questioning its affordability for average clubbers, the programme aims to offer an in-depth introduction
A new BBC podcast series, 'Ibiza: What's the Big Deal', explores the history, evolution and contemporary culture of clubbing on the White Isle. Presented by Radio 1 Future Dance host Sarah Story, the series is aimed at younger listeners planning their first trip to the island.
Made up of eight parts, each episode focuses on a different aspect of life and nightlife on the island, from Balearic sunsets at Café Mambo, hedonistic institutions like Pikes and Manumission, and the hippy travellers that laid foundations for the music and arts scene its known for today.
A look back on Radio 1 and the BBC's longstanding relationship with Ibiza's summer season also features, and listeners are taken on a night out to HÏ Ibiza, winner of 2023's DJ Mag Top 100 Clubs reader poll. Elsewhere, scores of classic tunes are revisited, and some serous questions are asked, including what the best night out on the island is, and, given an exponential rise in ticket and accommodation prices, whether a trip has become unaffordable for the average clubber.
A long list of high-profile figures contribute thoughts, memories and tips, many of who have played pivotal roles in the story of electronic music on Ibiza. Veterans such as Pete Tong, David Guetta, Eats Everything, Judge Jules, Fat Tony, and Norman Cook all feature, along with newer names such as Greta Levaka, Jaguar, ALISHA, LF System, Sam Divine and Arielle Free. DJ Mag tech and Ibiza editor Mick Wilson also contributes.
About the series, Sarah Story said: “Ibiza is such a special place. And for a lot of Radio 1 listeners, we are their first taste of the iconic island and the reason that many of them go on to visit. This podcast explores how Ibiza became the most important global dance destination in the world and what the modern day Ibiza looks like today for the new wave of ravers. From the weird, to the wonderful, to the wild and the downright outrageous – this is a fresh take on Ibiza for our younger listeners”.
You can find all episodes here.
