018 HI PACO, HERE WE ARE AGAIN FOR ANOTHER YEAR, AND FOR US, IT’S A TRUE PLEASURE AND A SOURCE OF PRIDE TO KICK OFF ANOTHER SUMMER IN IBIZA WITH YOU. HOW ARE YOU ENTERING THE 2025 SEASON IN IBIZA? HAVE YOUR MINDSET OR IDEAS CHANGED COMPARED TO RECENT YEARS? Well, the idea remains the same every year: to keep our musical philosophy intact in terms of musical direction, because that’s the soul of the party. There aren’t many changes, beyond bringing in new artists, as we do every season. We look for talents who have never played on the island and who, from our humble point of view, can bring something different. This year we’ve added 9 new names, and we’re really excited and curious to see each of themmake their debut. We’re eager to once again contribute something new to the island. THIS IS THE FOURTH SEASON OF NOW HERE AT HÏ IBIZA, AND IT’S BECOME A PROJECT WITH A CLEAR IDENTITY. HOW DO YOU FEEL THE CONCEPT HAS EVOLVED, AND WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED FROM THESE YEARS OF BEING ON THE ISLAND? Part of the evolution has been positioning ourselves as an alternative to everything else going on in Ibiza during the summer. In our fourth year, we know exactly what worked in previous seasons, and we’re going to double down on that. The key lesson is that no matter howmuch you think you’ve got the formula or the public’s support, you can’t take anything for granted. We have to keep working hard and avoid getting too comfortable. Each year we have to be better, and we have to pour all our attention and love into NOWHERE if we want it to live on in the music scene. NOW HERE HAS ITS OWN LANGUAGE BEYOND GENRES OR STYLES. HOW HAS THAT TRANSLATED INTO THE ARTISTS YOU’VE INVITED THIS SEASON? The strongest trait of the brand’s identity is its music. We always aim to bring artists who align with the brand, both in musical direction and in spirit. Another key trait is the belief that we’re all part of something, and no one is above anyone else. We’re a small family who enjoy doing what we love: playing music and making people have a good time. When we come across artists with a sound that fits but whose attitude is individualistic, we prefer not to bring them in. Maintaining balance and a good vibe between everyone is super important. Together, we’re stronger than alone, and at NOW HERE, there’s no space for egos or selfishness. SOME OF THE NEW NAMES IN YOUR LINE-UP CLEARLY SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR EMERGING TALENT. HOW DO YOU MAKE YOUR SELECTION? WHAT DOES PACO LOOK FOR BESIDES, OBVIOUSLY, THE MUSIC? For us, a DJ’s music is just as important as their personality. Over the years we’ve worked with incredible artists, but if they didn’t share the mindset of the group, things didn’t flow. To maintain harmony, everyone has to feel important and part of the brand. What we value is creating a family in a brotherly, creative, ego-free environment. IN YOUR OPINION, WHAT SETS A PARTY IN IBIZA APART FROM ANYWHERE ELSE IN THE WORLD? The atmosphere! There are places in the world where I feel similar energy, but nothing comes close to what you experience in Ibiza. I couldn’t tell you exactly why — maybe it’s the place, the summer, the people who show up ready and excited to enjoy. I don’t know, but being here you can feel a special kind of magic and energy. On the other hand, I’ve spent 26 consecutive years working and spending the season in Ibiza. Wherever I go, I feel the love and warmth of the crowd. I truly see it as my home, and playing at home is always something special. NOW HERE IS ABOUT “LIVING IN THE MOMENT.” BUT WHAT IS IT THAT REALLY MAKES PACO OSUNA FEEL ALIVE? On a personal level, my biggest motivation is my family. They’re the engine that keeps me moving forward. Professionally, it’s the audience. I turned 51 this year — 31 of those in the electronic scene — and what keeps me feeling alive and motivated is the support and attention my followers give to what I do. They’re my fuel to keep going, fighting for something as beautiful as playing music and creating unique moments through my sets. ARE THERE ANY DREAMS OR CRAZY IDEAS YOU’D LIKE TO MAKE HAPPENWITH NOWHERE IN THE FUTURE, EVEN IF THEY SEEM IMPOSSIBLE TODAY? My only dream is to be happy doing what I love. I don’t set extra goals or objectives. The whole philosophy behind NOW HERE says it all: we live in the now, without overthinking the future. Who knows what could happen tomorrow? No one. So our aim is to enjoy what we have to the fullest. The future will take care of itself; the guarantee is what happens now, not later. In the coming years, I’d simply like to keep enjoying myself and making our audience enjoy as much as possible. The day I feel that’s no longer the case, I’ll stop. After that, time will put us in the place we deserve. IF YOU COULD TRAVEL BACK IN TIME AND PLAY AT A KEY MOMENT IN ELECTRONIC MUSIC HISTORY, WHERE AND WHEN WOULD IT BE? Without a doubt: Studio 54 in Barcelona. That’s the club that made me fall in love with music and with this profession. Sadly, when I started out, it no longer existed in its original form. That’s probably my biggest frustration as a DJ… A dream I’ll never fulfill. I would have loved to be part of that movement during the growth of clubbing and electronic culture.
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