By its very nature as the world's top party destination, Ibiza is blessed with a diverse community of DJs from international headliners, to career DJs and bedroom DJs looking to take the next step up. One of this summer's intake for the class of '23 is Lucy Jane.
With a work ethic to match her passion, Lucy has thrown herself into the season where she has picked up numerous residencies at O Beach. It's always good to be busy and you'll never hear her complaining. Considering her schedule, it's a wonder she has any time to enjoy the island.
As things start to wind down, we caught up with her to talk about everything she's done this summer and what her Ibiza recommendations are.
Hi Lucy. You've had an incredibly busy summer. Tell us a little about you've been up to.
"Hey guys! Of course. I came out here for my residency at O Beach but I managed to fill in my days around it. On Mondays I played at Bam Bu Ku for the Ibiza Brunch Club and on Tuesdays, I sailed with Pukka Up on its boat parties."
"Wednesdays were an O Beach day for House In Paradise. The team has really made waves this summer. It's also behind WNDRLND at Eden, where I also played occasionally. Thursday evenings, I was at Itaca, then on Fridays, it was back to O Beach for Pool Party.
Saturday, I usually play the early set for O Beach for Soul Heaven. Afterwards, I have to head straight to Wi-Ki-Woo to play for the Closet Queen event. Sundays are a much-needed day off!
I also had a few private parties booked in through the summer, which were all great."
What's your favourite thing about O Beach?
"Besides it being one of the most beautiful daytime venues, it's also really intimate to play with the crowd there. The DJ booth is so close to the dancefloor and you can really feel the energy of the crowd. Also, the team that works behind the scenes are all really amazing.
I still pinch myself that I'm actually a resident there."
When and did you start DJing?
"Funnily enough it really is the only job I've ever said I want to do since I was about 12 (either that or a backup dancer for Britney of course!)
In the small town where I'm from, it just 'wasn't a thing girls do' so I followed the route of events management instead. I was always the app DJ at pre-parties and used weird computer programs to try and mix the tracks I loved. I had no idea what I was doing at the time."
"Something in me just always knew I was going to be DJ though. It wasn't until my mid-20s when I said F' it, I'm going to learn properly and see where it goes. Never did I realise I would be where I am today.
My dad has always been obsessed with music. Years ago he started teaching me to produce. He always inspired me to go for it and I wouldn't be here without him.
Thankfully, there are a lot of amazing female DJs now, but Annie Mac was always my queen. I saw her at every Warehouse Project. I think she's amazing. I'd love to meet her! More recently I love Peggy Gou, Chelina Manuhutu and Manda Moor as a few examples."
What are your earliest memories of Ibiza?
"I actually first came to the island in 2012 with two friends on holiday. It was like nowhere we had been before. The music and people there just drew me in. Back then, Jet on Sundays followed by VIVa Warriors at Sankeys was my obsession (the OGs will know!)."
Workers' hangout - VIVa Warriors circa 2014
"We loved it so much we found work and accommodation in a few days and then ended up staying here for five months. Since then this is now my seventh summer living here, I'm a little obsessed with this island and it feels like home now."
What track is getting the best crowd reactions for you this summer?
"When I play Peggy Gou's (It Goes Like) Nanana at O Beach, I'm taken aback by the reaction. Even a few days after it was released, everybody was already singing along. That's been a big one this summer."
"I have quite a lot of Disco edits that are really popular too. Personally, I have a lot of funky Tech tracks I love, but aren't necessarily right for the venues where I play. I love anything by Mochakk and Jaden Thompson at the moment."
What do you like to do on your day off?
"My days off are mostly spent searching for new music and setting up my sets for the week.
I've also been producing a lot more recently, so it is the only time I get a chance to spend and practice. I try not to spend too long on this though, as I feel it's important to balance time with friends and relaxing.
Away from music and the clubs, there are so many amazing beaches and things to do here."
"I went to Atzaró spa at the start of summer and it is 100 per cent my new favourite place. I also joined a yoga group that have amazing sessions in beautiful locations around the island. I'm always making plans to hang with friends, explore new beaches and go for dinner.
Basically just relaxing and exploring!"
Away from the parties you play yourself, what's your favourite to attend on the dancefloor?
"Pacha is my favourite club and Solomun is always an amazing DJ there. Solid Grooves and Glitterbox are also favourites because I love their unique music styles. I was really excited to try out PIV at Cova Santa too."
What are your top tips for DJs looking for work on Ibiza?
"I think the best thing you can do to get your name about is to play as many parties in your music style as you can and network with the promoters whilst you're there. O Beach management heard me play at an Vida Alta party in Ibiza and they reached out to me in winter.
I have a love/hate relationship with it, but social media is also a really good way to promote your music and make connections with other people in the industry."
Thank you, Lucy!
Lucy Jane plays her final sets for Soul Heaven at the closing party on Saturday 7 October. Tickets are on sale now are available below. If you managed to get tickets for O Beach's Closing Party before they sold out, chances are you'll catch her there too.
Follow her social channels to find out where you can catch her play this winter.
