Ibiza Global Festival Goes Viral for Apparently Asking DJ for €5K to Play

Ibiza Global Festival has found itself on the receiving end of backlash after an apparent screen shot of an email made its rounds on social media.

It’s no secret that modern dance music is a far cry from its renegade roots. The community around it nonetheless takes a stand against practices it perceives to be further diluting the culture, and Ibiza Global Festival is the latest to land its crosshairs after apparently telling a DJ they must pay €5,000 to play at the event.

What looks to be a screen shot of an email response from staff of event organizer Ibiza Global Radio indicating as much has gone viral on social media. It was initially shared by London techno tastemaker Arnaud le Texier, who wrote that it was shared by one of his students.

“The price to play in the festival is 5000€,” reads part of the email. “It includes the time slot and all the promotion before during and after the festival on all of our medias and the international press office.“

The image has been reposted by artists like Mr. C and Lars Behrenroth, as well as becoming the subject of numerous posts in The Worst Techno Memes Ever Group Page. Neither Ibiza Global Radio nor Arnaud le Texier immediately responded to EDM Identity’s request for comment.

“Explains a lot why there’s loads of fake insta posers who can’t even mix properly getting booked for the festivals,” wrote one social media commentator.

Another wrote, “If you pay to play somewhere you seriously need to re evaluate your life. If you play a gig, you should be paid or at least have your drinks and travel paid for… this world is mental.“

Not all shared the same sentiment, however. “Why are people surprised??” wrote someone else. “Some DJs travel the world for free and some DJs pay to play at big events. It’s been happening for years.“

Last year’s edition of Ibiza Global Festival billed artists like Roger Sanchez and Alex Kennon. No details of the 2024 edition have been announced at the time of writing.