After non-starters in 2020 and 2021, International Music Summit (IMS) finally debuted at Destino Pacha Resort today.
Our industry's three-day business conference dived head-first into the most prominent issues affecting us. A big focus was our recovery from the pandemic and the community values that will procure our survival.
The road to recovery
Kicking-off this year's schedule, Beatport CEO Robb McDaniels gave an optimistic, but sometimes emotional, assessment on the post-pandemic state of play. He cited the industry's past experience and characteristics, including our resilience, adaptability, compassion and innovation, as being the attributes that will ensure recovery.
The quick utilisation of streaming and its associated fundraising, the adoption of emerging technologies, audience engagement and our pursuit of altruism, were presented as proof of this.
Hours later, David Boyle backed-up Robb's prognosis in delivering the Business Report. Although we're not quite there yet, most metrics point to a 60 to 80 percent recovery against 2019 levels. Needless to say, that's incredibly encouraging data.
The role of social media
Social media's usefulness as a 21st Century cultural phenomenon is a topic for debate.
Is the time spent on it beneficial or negative? Opinions vary, as to whether it has a positive or negative impact on communities. One thing is indisputable: these platforms pull people together and create a sense of belonging.
Over one billion people use TikTok and two billion YouTube. Those numbers are only heading in one direction. Despite its addictive nature, used well it can be a fun, entertaining and inclusive space.
Users of these platforms and the professionals working in them, will be familiar with the sense of community. If you're lonely, if you're bored, if you're lacking creativity, these platforms have the power to inspire. Endless hours of scrolling is an all-too-easy trap to fall into.
Ole Obermann, Global Head of Music at TikTok, described his app as "the last sunny corner of the internet. A space to spread joyful and positive messages." That is exactly what all platforms should be. A place to interact and be who you want to be - a form of escapism.
Music of all genres, but especially dance music, are considered the key driver in making the app as successful as it is. Simplicity in motion, TikTok's allure has been predominantly driven by the functionality of adding a song to a video.
Certain content always has the potential to be controversial, especially for those in the public eye. By working as a community in these online spaces, as we do in the real world, we can make a positive social and educational impact.
The statistics don't lie. Social media provides so much room for innovation.
The vibe on the ground
If evidence of Robb Daniel's opening claims were needed, Destino itself was the proof.
After two years off, the dance music industry is making up for lost time.
Positive, sometimes overwhelming, emotions were roused catching-up with friends and collaborators. This was a community coming back together. The energy that hung in the air was intoxicating. It really felt like something special is right around the corner.
The start of summer, for starters, but perhaps something more profound too? A new crop of Ibiza visitors are arriving for the first time. Intrigued by the myth and legend in the two-years where travelling was not an option, they are about to be immersed in our magical world.
That's enough to give us goosebumps.
Ibiza is back. Don't take our word for it. Sign-up to our own online community or just watch social media this weekend - it'll all be posted there and plain to see.
Though, for the most convincing evidence of all, get out here and see for yourself. We promise you won't be disappointed.
WORDS | by Lissy Lübeck and Stephen Hunt
IMAGES | by James Chapman
