Page 39 - We Rave You Magazine | September 2022

EDITORIAL > BALEARIC BEAT: THE SOUND OF IBIZA

“Strongly characterised by its insistent beats that

clocked in between 90 and 110 beats per minute”

BALEARIC BEAT:

THE SOUND OF

IBIZA

BY: SAMANTHA REIS PC: RUKES.COM

alearic Beat is synonymous with Ibiza and embodies the spirit of the
white island. Unlike so many other sounds, it does not respect the formal-
ities and the sound guidelines of other musical genres and perhaps this
has dictated its extinction from the limelight. More than a musical genre,
Balearic Beat is a feeling, a stance and an approach by the artist with the
Bgenuine intention of making people dance and have fun. There are still
remnants of the Balearic Beat in some of the more chillout and deep genres, but talking
about Balearic Beat inevitably takes us back in time. After all, this unique sound defined
the early days of the party epicentre called Ibiza. Just like a good cocktail, Balearic Beat
included a plethora of ingredients that together resulted in something exotic, seductive
and refreshing. Sit back and enjoy this relaxing journey through the sound of Ibiza.

It has been given many names. Balearic music, Ibiza house, Ibiza chillout or just Balearic.
Its name could change but the reference to Spain’s Balearic islands is unquestionable.
Balearic Beat was an eclectic mix of various genres that encapsulated the identity of
Ibiza’s most emblematic clubs in the late 80s and early 90s. In its early days, this sound
lived off the artists who with great creativity and mastery mixed dance music, and not
only that, with influences from Europe and also the United States. It was not about a genre
of music but a particular choice made by the artists who blended everything that could
make for a beautiful night of dancing. The good weather and the carefree spirit of Ibiza
were undoubtedly indispensable elements in the nourishment of the Balearic Beat and
its power sharpened by the international partygoers who anchored on the island during
their holidays. Balearic was the sound of freedom, of disengagement and the air that was
breathed on the white island.

“More than music, Balearic Beat was an attitude

towards life.”

38 we rave you.com sep 2022 39