As the electronic music industry gathered under the Balearic sun for this year’s International Music Summit (IMS) Ibiza, the tone was one of introspection, evolution, and a call to protect the soul of the scene. Among the sprawling schedule, five standout panels cut through the noise – offering not just dialogue but direction. From legacy builders to next-gen curators, here are the key takeaways from IMS 2025.
1. Keynote Interview: Martín Ferrer Vega – The Architect of Ibiza’s Dance Legacy
The opening keynote with Martín Ferrer Vega was more than a retrospective – it was a quiet masterclass in longevity. As the son of Amnesia’s founder and a vital figure in shaping Ibiza’s nightlife across decades, Martín reflected on the cyclical nature of club culture.
His message? Ibiza must resist commodification and remember its roots as a space of counterculture and connection. “We built this for the music, not the Instagram moment,” he stated to a packed room of industry veterans and newcomers alike. It was a timely reminder amid debates around VIP culture and rising costs on the island.
2. The Future of Radio: Why It Still Matters
In a time dominated by short-form content and hyper-personalized algorithms, this panel felt like a love letter to broadcast culture. Voices from Rinse FM, BBC Radio 1, and NTS argued passionately for radio’s enduring value – not just as a discovery tool, but as a cultural anchor.
Radio, they said, is one of the few remaining spaces where serendipity trumps search. “It’s where trust meets taste,” noted one panelist, “and where scenes are born, not just songs.” There was strong agreement that while formats may evolve, the role of the curator-as-companion is irreplaceable.
3. The Present and Future of Curation: Who Curates the Curators?
This panel leaned into a philosophical, sometimes heated, discussion about gatekeeping in the age of content overload. With streaming platforms, editorial playlists, TikTok influencers, and AI all shaping taste, the question emerged: is true curation being diluted – or democratised?
Key insights included a call for transparency from platforms, greater support for grassroots curators, and recognition of the emotional intelligence behind music selection. The panel closed on a hopeful note: the best curators – human or digital – will be those who listen more than they speak.
4. Keynote Interview: Benji B – Beyond the Algorithm
One of the most anticipated moments of IMS 2025, the keynote with Benji B was a meditation on taste, culture, and identity. Known for his boundary-pushing work at BBC Radio 1 and with fashion houses like Louis Vuitton, Benji offered a rare view into how music can move through different creative spheres without losing its authenticity.
He spoke candidly about the tension between accessibility and excellence, advocating for “taking time to go deep” in an age of surface-level engagement. “Culture doesn’t trend—it builds,” he said, urging artists and curators alike to think long-term.
5. Label Profile: Make The Girls Dance – Disruption as Identity
The energy shifted with the spotlight on Make The Girls Dance, a label that blends camp, chaos, and cultural critique with unapologetic flair. Their label ethos? Celebrate the outliers.
The panel explored how a distinct visual identity, bold marketing, and a fearless approach to genre have allowed them to build a loyal following outside the algorithmic mainstream. While others chase trends, MTGD invents their own lanes – often with humor and high-concept aesthetics. Their approach reminded attendees that playfulness and irreverence can still hold power in a business increasingly driven by metrics.
Closing Thoughts
IMS Ibiza 2025 proved once again that the electronic music industry is not short on innovation—but it is in need of reflection. The most powerful panels weren’t those with the flashiest visuals or highest-profile guests, but those that asked deeper questions: What do we preserve? Who do we empower? And how do we remain human in a digital world?
In between the palm trees and pulsating afterparties, a clear theme emerged: we must balance evolution with intention. Whether through radio waves, curated playlists, or dancefloors lit by DIY spirit, the future of electronic music will be shaped by those who care deeply – not just about what gets heard, but how and why.