Appropriately set in the clean, forward thinking and if not slightly hedonistic backdrop of the Hard Rock Hotel Ibiza, the 10th edition of the International Music Summit (IMS) was underway. Again, ambassadors from the forefront of modern music came together to discuss key ideas and growth within the industry. Key Ambassadors this year included Black Coffee, Loco Dice, Seth Troxler, Carl Craig, Nile Rodgers, B-Traits, The Black Madonna and more.
Day 1 saw IMS founder Ben Turner and The Association for Electronic Music’s Mark Lawrence, to discuss the next 10 years of the industry’s further growth and development. Also speaking was Kevin Waston on the IMS Business report to show the anuual value of the genre in 2017, and how dance share sales have doubled the figures seen three years ago. On the more social side of things, She.Said.So’s Andrea Magdalina joined Agoria, Louisahhh and Monki to discuss the ever relevant ‘Health Vs. Hedonism’ topic. Here, the panel spoke on dealing with psychological stress and depression when touring as well as training your brain to stay healthy and present during what can be a tiring and mental struggle when one is undergoing a busy touring schedule. Another highlight of the day was Mixmag’s Nick DC speaking to The Black Madonna about how her musical career took shape and the prejudices women face in a male dominated industry. A stand out quote from The Black Madonna read, “Stop debating it, it’s not a debatable fact, it’s like climate change, it’s like evolution. Even debating this topic…we are so far past that”.
Day 2 saw further stand out moments such as BURN residency returning to the panel, with industry greats such as Loco Dice and Pete Tong on nurturing the next generation of artists. Both being great discoverers of talent over the years. Other interesting talks came from Johnny White (Art Department) and Wade Cawood (CEO Pulse Global) on helping to protect endangered wildlife through the industry, unveiling staggering statistics such as during the three days of IMS, over 300 elephants would have been killed globally. They look to galvanise both fans and artists to come together and support a cause we know so many to be passionate about. On the more technical and music related side of things, new innovative technology was presented by that of Jesper Skibsby with World Airplay Radio Monitor (WARM), the first grand scale radio airplay monitor to allow artists to see where their music is being played in real time. A huge boost for artists, labels and PR companies alike.
Day 3 played host to the 10th annual Ibiza debate. Grego O’Halloran from Ibiza Voice led the debate which included HEART Ibiza, Hot Since 82, Seth Troxler, Yann Pissenem, Dave Browning and Johannes Goller of Cocoon. This came as a touching moment whereby Mo Chaudry, a pioneer of the island and builder of CREAM’s lifework was honoured in his memory. Then on to the climax party of IMS and a lineup to stand tall amongst many others. B2B sets from the likes of Maceo Plex & Tale Of Us, and Dixon B2B Kenlou stood out for us and really brought down the end to another successful and brilliantly organised IMS week. Many a conference could do well to copy the blueprint of this one on its landmark 10th year!
– by Pete Downes
