There are not so many places in the world that have obvious access to underground sounds, direct from the waves of FM. As you might expect, Ibiza is one such place and we find one of its finer channels in the midst of a particularly special season.
OpenLab has been broadcasting from the Balaerics for the best part of the last decade, thanks to an inspired idea from the late, great artist that was Robert Miles. Recent years sparked a relaunch of the platform, which can be heard on 106.4 FM in Ibiza/ Formentera, and broadcast worldwide online.
The highly curated 24-hour programming comes with a wide spanning selection of sounds, taking you you from indie in the morning all the way through to ambient at dawn, with an eclectic yet esoteric blend of all forms of electronic and alternative music in between. Specialist shows and mixes range from DC10 warmups with Amelie Lens, disco and house delights from Crazy P and Mushroom Jazz sessions courtesy of Mark Farina.
Outside of the radio there’s one particular area of focus that is taking centre stage. OpenLab presents OffBeat, a much-anticipated series of events that aims to bring feels of past Ibiza and a dedication to artistic freedom. OpenLab tag this as taking you ‘Off the beaten track’. Sounds right! Sets are extended, to allow a more concentrated expression from those at the controls. Artists some of whom have become somewhat disillusioned by the direction of the Ibizan clubbing scene as it is now; posey, flashy and centred around the VIP. Of course, this isn’t all that the scene has become, but OffBeat wants to bring back a more authentic vibe and they’ve chosen a fine space to do it in.
Situated in the Art District to the edge of Ibiza Town, NUI offers a brand new spot for the dance. Stripped back and industrial, this is a no thrills nightclub equipped with a freshly modelled Funktion One. It continues to serve as the debut home for OffBeat on Fridays throughout the 2023 Ibiza season.
Already the summer has seen the likes of DJ Masda, Cinthie, Voigtmann, Roman Flugel, DJ Python and Doudou MD grace the decks, alongside resident DJ’s Alex Wolfenden, Ralph Lawson and OpenLab’s Managing Director, Quentin Chambers aka historical UK rave figure, Tintin. A forward thinking approach from TinTin, Ralph and the rest of the crew makes for an eclectic selection that ensures to bring something quite different to the party week in, week out.
With their weekly Fridays about to come to a dramatic climax this week with Ivan Smagghe and an Ibiza first performance of A Love From Outer Space, OffBeat will move monthly into the winter, every first Friday of the month, with guests to include Peach, Erol Alkan, nd Baumaker and Adam Pits.
Perhaps the date we’re most excited about is the winter opening party on Friday 6th October, where OpenLab teams up together with yours truly. Yes yes, we’ll be bringing a favourite of ours along to see out a top quality OffBeat season in epic style. An artist no stranger to the extended blend, in fact one that thrives amidst a stretched out session. Nicolas Lutz will be sure to have the 500 strong crowd to attention, from the very first moment.
Event tickets available here.
More info on OpenLab
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