John Digweed: “My style is not progressive, nor tech- house, nor any other genre. I just play good music”

John Digweed, a UK native and a prominent figure deeply rooted in 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 journey incubated in the local clubs of his hometown, Hastings, before ascending to the stages of London's most prominent venues. In the early 1990s, Digweed gained significant international recognition as part of the duo Bedrock, in collaboration with his partner Nick Muir. Their single "For What You Dream Of" became a massive phenomenon and even featured in the soundtrack of the acclaimed movie "Trainspotting," a worldwide success.

Digweed's solo career took off in the mid-1990s when he secured a residency as a DJ at the iconic New York club "Twilo." In 1994, he released his first solo album titled "Journeys by DJ," and this was just the beginning of a series of highly successful releases, including "Global Underground 006: Sydney." Throughout his professional journey, Digweed's distinctive hallmark has been his characteristic sound, blending elements of techno, trance, and house. There's no doubt that his impeccable skill at DJing and his ability to guide listeners on an unforgettable sonic journey through his sets have rewarded him with the international fame he deserves.

John Digweed is also the mastermind behind Bedrock Records, a record label that has introduced music from renowned artists like Guy J, Marco Bailey, and Cristoph. The list of iconic venues he has performed at is extensive, including London's renowned "Ministry of Sound," our cherished and iconic "Space" in Ibiza, and the nightclub "Womb" in Tokyo. Not to mention the major festivals he's been part of in his professional journey, such as Coachella and the Ultra Music Festival.

John Digweed embodies a highly influential figure in the realm of dance and electronic music, with a legacy spanning over three decades. He has solidified his position as a DJ, was chosen as the "World No. 1 DJ" by DJ Magazine in 2001, is a producer, owner of talented labels, and his impact on the industry will undoubtedly transcend even 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 to reach out to him for an interview to discover more about his history and journey on this, our beautiful island. Our Ocean Drive Ibiza 25th-anniversary campaign, "made of music, made of moments," also finds its origin and meaning in John's presence in our lives.

True to form, we met with him at Ocean Drive Ibiza, comfortably situated in our "Listening Corner." We were immediately struck by his kindness, gratitude, approachability, and even his shyness.

Quickly, we took a look back at his beginnings, and he shared that when he started working as a DJ, nobody wanted to pursue it. He also reflected on how nowadays it's not just about playing music and knowing how to mix. Presence on social media, image and visibility, collaborations and remixes, the ability to create original music... A combination of many elements that become crucial for achieving success in a now highly competitive industry. 

Being chosen as the number one DJ in the world was a significant recognition for him. Although he warns us that being a DJ is not a race. It's not about being the first. It's about giving your best and, at the same time, being consistent. "If you look, I won that award over 20 years ago and I'm still doing what I love, so my biggest achievement is still playing in the best clubs in the world." Digweed's humility as he speaks to our team about his professional journey is admirable. He emphasizes that he wouldn't change anything about his gradual rise: "Climbing slowly makes you appreciate where you are, who you are, and value it." 

When we ask him 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 just need to listen to him play for a couple of hours live to realize that he covers many genres: "My style is not progressive, nor tech-house, nor any other genre. I just play good music." And we think that this is precisely the key to his success and continuity in the music scene. Why limit yourself to a single sound when you can offer a diverse catalog of great artists from all kinds of backgrounds? There are no limits, and the perfect synchronization with which John blends 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 reaching new goals remains intact. He continues to embark on tours and release new music, while his fervent fans spread across the globe eagerly await his upcoming releases.

In our conversation, we agree that Ibiza remains a hot spot in the music scene because it offers a wide range of resident DJs and other invited artists who come to perform. Many of them are or will be some of the best in the electronic music scene. "It's a beautiful island, with great restaurants and beaches, so I think it meets many requirements: you can go to festivals and see many DJs, but I think the magic of Ibiza is its overall ambiance. The island hasn't lost any of that magic since I first came. Ibiza has definitely improved over the years." 

John loves coming to Ocean Drive when he visits Ibiza. And we love that he continues to choose us despite the passing years. He says, "It's incredible that it's the 25th anniversary. It's clear evidence of how well this hotel group is doing."

It's on the occasion of these 25 years that Ocean Drive Ibiza decided to pay homage to three of the DJs who have been part of our history. John Digweed couldn't be excluded from this list. That's why we decided to name one of our suites after him. By staying in it, you can find a signed photo by the artist and a personal detail that he himself chose and gifted to the hotel.

At Ocean Drive Ibiza, we're grateful for the opportunity to share a moment with this icon of music and club culture. His story intertwines with ours, and his contribution to our anniversary campaign, "made of music, made of moments," has added immense value to our commitment to providing exceptional experiences to our guests.

The authenticity of John Digweed personifies the pure essence of electronic music and the club scene. His exceptional journey, unwavering passion, and ability to evolve with the times make him a guiding light for emerging artists and enthusiasts alike. As we look toward the future of electronic music, we know that Digweed's influence will continue to resonate in every beat and every hypnotic melody that makes us move on the dance floor. 

Music isn't just a feature of what happens at Ocean Drive Ibiza; it's an integral part of its identity. Since its inception, our hotel has been a go-to destination for electronic music and nightlife enthusiasts. The collaboration with John Digweed isn't just a mere gesture; it's a testament to the hotel's deep commitment to musical culture. The choice to honor three iconic DJs who have left their mark on our history.