We headed to Cova Santa to meet Ibán Mendoza, as preparations were already in full swing for Gala, kicking off later that day, May 7th. Without a doubt, Ibán Mendoza is one of Ibiza’s most formidable artists. He has lived and worked on the island for over 20 years, building an impressive career with residencies at iconic venues such as Space Ibiza, Amnesia Ibiza, Pacha Ibiza, and of course Cova Santa. From his legendary 7-hour vinyl sessions at the underground club Lucifer to performing at exclusive private events for names like Sean Combs, Cara Delevingne, Erick Morillo, and Paris Hilton, his journey has been nothing short of remarkable. He was awarded Best Ibiza DJ at the DJ Awards in 2014, and has since taken his sound worldwide.
So let’s get into it, this is Ibán Mendoza.
Interview With Ibán Mendoza
Hey guys, we are here at Cova Santa and I’m with Ibán Mendoza next to me. Your party Gala is about to kick off at Cova Santa, so are you excited for that?
We are so excited. We are already getting ready and yeah, we are so excited.
Could you tell us more about the concept of Gala, actually?
Yeah, the concept of Gala is inspired by the surrealist art of Dalí and from there we can go everywhere, you know. It’s so easy to find a way for the decoration, for the show, for everything. It’s something very, very open and it’s easy.
What about the lineup? Who can we expect at Gala for the opening and for the rest of the nights? Because you’re planning five nights here at Cova, right?
Yes, yes. We start Thursday headlining the night with Jan Blomqvist and also with me closing the main stage and doing a live set as well. Then we have Audera and Seb Bedra. They are two very good DJs from the island.
And I can tell you other headliners like Rodríguez Jr., Giolì & Assia, Allen Hulsey… yeah, a lot of them.
Are you picking the artists yourself and what do they need to have to be able to play at your party?
To like me.
It’s the only reason that I take into consideration when choosing an artist they have to like me. I don’t care about anything else apart from my music style.
We are in Ibiza and I’m just wondering, what excites you the most about the island after so many seasons? Why do you still love Ibiza so much?
Well, it’s a marvellous island, as everybody knows. Every year it’s changing. I arrived on the island in 2003, it’s an amazing place to party, to go to the beach, to enjoy amazing restaurants, with a lot of beautiful people.
Yeah, I love Ibiza.
Do you have any favourite spot here where you go to switch off?
Yeah, Cala Llonga. It’s beside my home and I love to walk down to the beach and just enjoy it there.
What’s the biggest inspiration for you? The island itself inspires a lot of artists because of the environment and the spiritual vibe here, but is there anything else you take inspiration from?
Here on the island, everything. I can take inspiration from everything, from the beaches, the cities, everywhere.
It’s easy to take inspiration from everywhere here. It’s in the air, you know?
What’s coming next for you in summer 2026? And is there any gig you’re especially looking forward to besides Gala?
Yeah, of course. I have one in Albania on August 7th at a beautiful beach club called Maya.
And yeah, I’m really looking forward to that one.
When you’re not behind the decks, what are your favourite things to do?
Walking with my dogs.
Oh really? How many dogs do you have?
Four.
That’s a lot!
Yeah. Four staffies. I love them.
Could you tell us why people shouldn’t miss your party here this summer at Cova Santa?
Oh well, because it’s so different.
Actually, the whole concept comes from Salvador Dalí. Why did you choose him as the inspiration behind your party?
Because it’s a concept that is so open. Then you can do anything you imagine.
It’s not something like organic parties or Afro parties, it’s all encapsulated in one concept. With surrealism, you can do anything you want. You can put a horse in the middle of the DJ booth. You can put an elephant jumping, clowns dancing, everything you want.
That’s why. And also because I love the art of Dalí and surrealism itself.
Definitely a party you need to experience here at Cova Santa this summer. Thank you so much, Ibán.
Thank you too!
