Beat Wala

NIGHTCAPPERS: THE RETURN OF THE FREE PARTY
Whatever happened to the free party?
Ibiza’s dancefloors were built on a spirit of freedom — parties where music, community and connection mattered more than VIP tables, expensive tickets and carefully curated guest lists.
But in an increasingly commercialised Ibiza, something interesting is happening. The free party is making a massive comeback. For this edition of NightCappers at The Standard, Ibiza we bring together some of the people shaping Ibiza’s nightlife today to ask why free and more accessible parties are resonating again — and whether they represent a return to some of the values that made Ibiza special in the first place.
Joining hosts Jo Youle & Christian Len are Wyan Schreiber from Chinois Ibiza, Aleix Giró from Amnesia Ibiza, and Sergi Marí Arroyo and Adrià Bayarri Escribano from Las Dalias Soul.
Together, they explore the changing economics of Ibiza nightlife, the importance of community, accessibility and local audiences, and how venues and promoters can create memorable experiences without everything revolving around the price of admission and VIP Culture.
We also look at the legacy of Ibiza’s alternative and countercultural party scene, the role venues such as Las Dalias have played in preserving that spirit, and what a new generation of party-makers can learn from the island’s past.
Can a party really be free in 2026? Who ultimately pays for it? And could a return to more inclusive dancefloors help Ibiza rediscover a little of its original soul?
A NightCappers conversation about music, money, community, culture — and the return of the free party.
NightCappers: The Return of the Free Party is sponsored by Sonarq. Five days of hands-on music production, dedicated 1:1 studio mentoring, live music production and performance, plus career guidance, all centred on you and your music.
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What happens when we stop hearing music and start truly listening?
In this episode of Beat Wala, Joanna Youle sits down with legendary DJ, broadcaster and Classic Album Sundays founder Colleen 'Cosmo' Murphy for a fascinating conversation about the power of music to connect people, inspire communities and transform lives.
From her formative years in New York and the profound influence of the late David Mancuso and his legendary Loft parties, to becoming one of the world's most respected selectors and champions of the album listening experience, Colleen shares the moments and mentors that shaped her remarkable journey.
Together, they explore why listening has become an increasingly radical act in today's fast-paced digital world, how Classic Album Sundays has grown into a global movement, and why creating meaningful spaces for people to experience music together has never been more important.
The conversation also delves into Ibiza's evolving cultural landscape, the importance of preserving music heritage, and how the spirit of community continues to define the very best musical experiences.

House music icon Roger Sanchez joins Beat Wala LIVE On Air and also in front of an audience at Playa Soleil to celebrate 20 years of Ibiza Sonica, the island's pioneering electronic music radio station that has become a soundtrack to Ibiza life.
In this special conversation, Roger reflects on his deep connection to Ibiza, the evolution of the island's club culture, and why radio still holds such an important place in his heart.
As someone who has championed dance music on the airwaves throughout his career, he shares what makes stations like Ibiza Sonica so vital to the global electronic music community.
We also dive into Roger's first album in more than 20 years, exploring why now felt like the right moment to return to the long-form format, how his creative process has evolved, and what listeners can expect from this new chapter.
From unforgettable Ibiza memories and the changing face of the island, to creativity, longevity and staying inspired after decades at the top of the game, this is an honest conversation with one of house music's true legends.
In this episode:
Celebrating 20 years of Ibiza Sonica
Why radio continues to matter in electronic music
Roger Sanchez's first album in over two decades
His enduring relationship with Ibiza
How the island has changed over the years
Creativity, longevity and life behind the decks

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In May we returned to The Standard Ibiza for our third Nightcappers event to talk Mental Health in the Music Industry before the hot summer and intensity of the season kicked off.
Powered by island treatment centre, Ibiza Calm, co-hosts Jo Youle and Christian Len were joined by DJ, producer and psychotherapeutic counsellor, Mathew Benjamin aka Bushwacka, psychotherapist and certified equine psychotherapist at Ibiza Calm Kate Stillman, Artist & Author Sebastian Hooft, and Music Industry Psychologist, Rosana Corbacho.
We explored the issues artists and DJ´s are facing in the changing times in nightlife as well as the way we can better communicate, connect, reach out to each other and check in more, but also find support.
Ibiza Calm: https://www.instagram.com/ibizacalm/
Rosana Carbacho: https://www.instagram.com/rosana.corbacho/
Listen Up Therapy: https://www.listenuptherapy.com/
ReDesign: Sebastian Hooft.

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Episode Dedicated to and In honour of Charlie Hill. With L-O-V-E.

This week on Beat Wala, Jo Youle sits down with legendary label founder and house music pioneer Mike Weiss to celebrate 35 years of the iconic Nervous Records.

From its beginnings in New York City in 1991 to becoming one of the most influential independent dance music labels in the world, Nervous Records has helped shape the sound of house music across multiple generations. Home to countless classic releases and an ever-evolving roster of artists, the label continues to bridge underground credibility with global reach.
In this candid conversation, Mike reflects on the early days of New York club culture, the evolution of the music industry, and what it takes to keep an independent label thriving for more than three decades.
Jo and Mike discuss:
• The story behind the founding of Nervous Records
• New York’s house music explosion in the 1990s
• How the label survived the collapse of the traditional music business
• The importance of artist development and long-term relationships
• Trackstack and how labels manage today’s flood of digital promos
• The changing role of DJs, producers and record labels
• Why independent labels still matter in 2026
• The future of house music and what’s next for Nervous Records
With a catalogue that has helped launch careers, define scenes and soundtrack dancefloors around the world, Nervous Records remains one of electronic music’s most respected institutions.
Whether you’re a DJ, producer, label owner or simply a lover of dance music history, this episode offers a fascinating insight into the business, culture and passion behind one of the genre’s most enduring success stories.