Marco Bailey is a true veteran of the techno scene. We caught up with the Belgian DJ and producer in Ibiza during the island’s closing season, where he joined his longtime friend Carl Cox for his closing party. We talked about the growing influence of social media on electronic music, his upcoming album Impatient Heart, what keeps him inspired after decades behind the decks, and why Ibiza remains a special place for him.
Interview With Marco Bailey:
Hello from the magical island of Ibiza! I’m here with Marco Bailey. How are you enjoying your time here?
Oh, always good! I always feel good here.
Tell us, what brings you to the island this time?
I came for Carl Cox’s closing party. He’s been a friend of mine for over 25 years. I played in Granada last Saturday, so I was already in Spain and the distance wasn’t that far. It was a pleasure to join Carl for his closing.
How was it?
Great, of course! Carl always delivers, no matter what style of music he plays.
You’ve been part of the electronic music scene for a long time, perhaps almost as long as Carl. How do you see the scene today? It’s changed so much over the years. What do you appreciate most about it, and what do you find most challenging?
“Hate” is a strong word, but I think the scene is too heavily influenced by social media. Everyone talks about it, and you hear it everywhere, but it’s something we really need to take seriously. When you look closely at the crowd, I’m not sure people are still coming 100% for the music. I think it’s increasingly about the experience, the sensation, and the whole circus surrounding it, rather than simply coming for the music itself. I’d love to know what percentage of people are actually there purely for the music. I don’t think it’s as high as it used to be.
And what’s the positive side of the scene’s evolution?
The fact that you can connect with anyone in the world in a split second is fantastic. Digital technology has also completely transformed the production process. I can make a track in the studio, and an hour later it can be played anywhere in the world. That was simply impossible 20 years ago. Like everything in life, there are positives and negatives.
Absolutely. Let’s talk about your new album, Impatient Heart. What’s the story behind the title?
The title is basically me! I’m completely impatient. I have zero patience — not even in the studio, which unfortunately isn’t a good thing, and definitely not in traffic. I get a traffic ticket almost every week! (laughs) So I don’t think there could be a better title for this album. My heart is in the right place, and I give 200%, even 10,000%, of myself to music. But that heart is impatient.
How long have you been working on the album and what can listeners expect from it? Is there a particular feeling you hope they take away when they listen?
About a year and The Energy. The album needs to reflect what I do on the dance floor. It has to be a mirror of my performances and the energy I bring to the crowd. I’m also thinking about making another album later next year, but that would be completely different, more of an ambient or electronic album, something less focused on the dance floor. The album coming out now represents what I do every week, all around the world. This is my dance-floor sound.
After so many years in the industry, what still excites you about the music, the parties, and the scene? What keeps you going?
The best feeling in the world is seeing people smiling on the dance floor. Last weekend, I played at a festival in Granada from five until seven in the morning. I told my wife, “Nobody’s going to be there that late anymore!” But everyone stayed until the very last record. That’s the most incredible feeling. Nothing compares to it. That’s what keeps me going.
Do you have any exciting gigs coming up?
I’m flying to South America. First, I’m going to Ecuador, which I’m really looking forward to. Then I’ll head to Mexico, followed by Colombia. After that, I’ll come back to Europe and play in Slovenia. I’ll also be returning to the Czech Republic next year.In 2027 On May 15, for Cube Events.
That’s great! Robert Vaca is a friend of ours, and they throw some really special parties. We’ll definitely be there!
I think so! It should be nice, right?
You’ve played in the Czech Republic before, though. We actually met you in Brno! Yes, I remember playing in the Czech Republic many times. My first time was around 2002, I think, at Radost FX in Prague.
We are in Ibiza right now, and you mentioned that the island has a special place in your heart. What makes it so special, and what keeps bringing you back?
It’s not really the clubs or the music that keep bringing me back. To be honest, I don’t find as much musical inspiration here as I used to. What attracts me is the culture and the gathering of all kinds of people. You have people from all over the world, including hippies, although perhaps not as many as before. People from all walks of life come together here, especially those connected to the music scene. There’s always a sense of celebration on this island. Even if you don’t go out partying, you can still feel that fiesta atmosphere wherever you are. And, of course, the nature is beautiful. People often think Ibiza is only a party island, but it’s so much more than that. The natural beauty is fantastic, and people should take the time to explore it.
That’s absolutely true. The island really is magical. Finally, what’s your message to your fans and to the electronic music scene?
Keep on listening deeply to music and be curious. Discover, discover, discover. Being curious is very important.
Thank you so much, Marco, for your time. Enjoy the rest of your stay in Ibiza!
Much love
