Fresh off a string of releases and with her track Savage being played by some of the biggest names in electronic music, Barbara Nicole is having a breakthrough moment. We met at Hotel Abrat in Ibiza, home to Tom Staar’s Star Player studio, to talk about her latest releases, finding inspiration in Berlin, building a life between Miami, Berlin and Ibiza, and why she believes this is the summer of strong women. From viral tracks to dancefloor culture and the future of electronic music, Barbara shares the mindset behind her rapid rise.
Interview With Barbara Nicole:
Hello from Ibiza. I’m here with Barbara Nicole, the future star, who’s currently creating a huge buzz after releasing a new track and a new EP. Is that correct?
That’s correct. Savage is out now, my EP on Exit Strategy, the sub-label of Intervision. Let’s Go Party is out on ANTHR FCKNG PARTY a label based in New York. And today I just released a single on Octopus Recordings called Bad Bitches with Rework. So we’ve been busy.
You mentioned to me earlier that your track is already being played by artists like Jimi Jules and Dixon. Who else?
Deer Jade, Âme, Brunello, Raphael and many more. Honestly, there are too many people to name. I keep getting tagged in videos on Instagram and I’m like, this is amazing. We never thought this was going to happen. You never know what kind of life a track will have when you record it, but you can see it’s really resonating with people.
How did it feel when you first heard that artists like them were playing your track?
I was screaming. I was in my car when someone sent me a video of Jimi Jules and Âme playing back-to-back at Surf Club in Dubai. Samantha Loveridge actually sent it to me — she was the first person to play the track and she’s been such a huge supporter and an incredible woman in my life. I was literally driving through the streets screaming, shaking… I can’t even describe it.
Crazy. The track has amazing vocals, and you recorded them yourself, so congratulations.
Thank you.
It’s amazing when someone can produce the music and sing the vocals as well. Can you sing it for us right now?
“Say you want to hit it from the back, so I’ll let him hit it from the back…”
“This one right here is for all my savages. Put your hands up in the air, ladies. You’re a bad bitch…”
“No horse and a carriage, this one’s for all the bad bitches…”
The track definitely has a sexy energy to it. What inspired you to create it?
The true story is that I wasn’t the one doing something in the bathroom stall. I went to a party at Tresor — it was a sex-positive party when I first moved to Berlin — and there were condoms all over the bathroom floor. Then Selim Sivade made the track and sent it to me the next day. I was still inspired by the night before.
So I wrote,
“Put my hand on the wall to the bathroom stall.”
I was actually a good girl in the bathroom — I only made out with someone. But people are going to think what they’re going to think anyway.
That’s amazing. So a Berlin party inspired a track that’s now being played around the world.
Exactly. Inspiration can come from anywhere. It can be your own experiences or something you witness. I’m always inspired by what’s happening around me.
You mentioned Berlin. You’re based there now, but you’re originally from Boston, right?
That’s right. I’m from Boston. I don’t know how I ended up in Berlin, Miami and Ibiza, but I’m just following the music that inspires me. Having a strong community around you is really important. I didn’t feel like I was getting that in Boston or New York anymore, so it was time to go abroad. I’m really proud of what I’ve built.
What brought you to Ibiza?
I was talking to a friend in San Francisco and he said:
“If you’re really serious about your music, you have to do a season in Ibiza.”
Honestly, Ibiza wasn’t even on my radar at first. I came here years ago and didn’t really connect with the island. I don’t think I was ready for it. Now I’m in a really good place with myself. I’m at peace, grounded, and able to handle how wild Ibiza can be. People are always on holiday here. There’s always a party. You really have to know yourself to survive on this island. I came back at the right time. I love the balance between Miami, Ibiza and Berlin. Every place has a different energy, a different sound and a different creative influence.
I think this is going to be your summer, summer 2026.
Thank you. I think it’s the summer of savages, the summer of strong women. We’re ready to take the reins. And no more mediocre men. No more dusties, as my friend says. Not this summer.
Is there anything you’d like to say to the dance music world right now?
Let’s make fun music again. It doesn’t always have to be serious. We don’t have to be on our phones in the club. If you’re having fun, sweat. Dance however you want. Dance like nobody’s watching. I think we need to bring that back. It’s not cool to play it cool. Just be weird. Dance music is for everyone. I’d love to see more generations getting involved. Sometimes it feels limiting when everything revolves around clubs. I wish dance music was more accessible to younger people as well. My grandmother’s friends listen to my music, for example. All the ladies in Florida love it. That’s the power of music — it connects generations, crosses borders and brings people together. We need to bring some of that spirit back to dance music.
I love your words. Stay exactly as you are, enjoy Ibiza, and let’s keep growing.
Thank you.
