Wherever we have been this summer reporting on the phenomenon that is Ibiza we have run into the guys from Sonica radio. We have listened to their outside broadcasts on our way to events and regularly tune in to their amazing radio station, where their hand picked DJs deliver the perfect eclectic set to get you in the mood for Ibiza, whatever you are getting up to. When they invited Essentialibiza down to take part in the Wingin’ It show with Mitch and John, we thought we’d grab some behind the scenes pics and catch up with Igor on what goes into running a successful radio station…
What are the main changes with the station during the winter?
We move forward from radio of DJs to radio of radios. As you know we have a division, which manages radio stations like Pura Sonica, Seekoo web radio, Radio Amnesia, Blue Marlin Ibiza Radio or Es Vive hotel radio. Ibiza Sonica will be the FM/online platforms for these radio stations. So Ibiza Sonica will continue with the shows but some of them are hosted on other stations and we will connect to them sharing the signal, all linked and in good music communion.
Describe a typical day for you at the studio?
Fun, because there is not a typical day at Sonica. Everyday is different and you have to be ready for that. In summer we have to work with Ibiza’s mood and that’s quite tricky because in terms of radio you need some structure planned in advance, but no there is no way to work like this in summer so to keep the freshness we have to be ready for everything in the last minute. It’s the only way to keep being spontaneous. Winter is about assuming the big amount of content that we have after summer, and getting ready for winter broadcasts.
What goes into programming Sonica?
There is some music policy when we select the DJs and the shows for the radio. Definitely we know how we sound and we love to keep it like this. The DJs knows what is Sonica’s style and they play the music that they want, keeping the identity of the whole radio.
How did the hook up with Amnesia come about?
Amnesia has got the best radio studio I have ever seen out of a radio. Radio Amnesia is a complete radio station with a large amount of followers worldwide. It keeps all year with the best sets of the summer so in terms of promotion it is a great tool. Also, you can keep the sounds of Amnesia Ibiza in you iPhone with its app. Doing transmissions from the club 100 nights of the summer is one of the biggest experiences that you can imagine in terms of radio. You can have all the artists that you can imagine dropping some shouts before they get into the DJ booth. For the listeners it’s about being at Amnesia for one night from home. The reactions are great worldwide.
You’re outside broadcasts have become an integral part of your programming, how important is it to get out and about during the season?
Live transmissions from events give the audience the opportunity to feel like they are there. We work in descriptions to make the listeners feel the real party. Following the music, apart from inviting DJs to the station, is the perfect way to feel what really happens in summer in Ibiza. Also we keep on doing live broadcasts worldwide in winter. For the venue/promoter/artist it’s a great tool because it amplifies the event creating the desire of being there. Also it brings the opportunity of recording it as archive and sharing it with the fans on their Facebook, blog or pages like Essentialibiza.
How has technology made outdoor broadcasting easier?
It is all about that. Compression systems allow you to do a broadcast from crazy places like a sailing boat with solar energy in the middle of the sea. We take about 20 minutes to set up a complete portable radio studio with high quality transmission.
What’s your favourite part of the year in Ibiza?
October. I think all agree with that. The magic is still here. Best parties, good weather, no hammocs, nice vibe, but shhh – keep the secret.
When you’re not listening to Sonica, what music are you relaxing to?
I think we all listen Sonica all day. We try to keep it eclectic. I mean we play the music that we love and I feel sure about the selection of the live DJs. It always will fit with your Ibiza moment.
