15 May 2025 | Photo: Juan Sabatino

The electronic music community reconnected across generations at IMS Ibiza from 23–25 April

The International Music Summit (IMS) Ibiza 2025 has concluded its 16th edition, held from 23–25 April in Cala Llonga, with a focus on fostering dialogue across generations within the electronic music industry.

Centred around the theme of “Intergenerational Exchange,” this year’s summit brought together established figures and emerging talents to discuss the evolving landscape of electronic music. Keynote sessions included insights from Elijah, who emphasised the importance of ethics and principles in bridging generational divides, and a conversation between Kevin Saunderson and his son Dantiez, highlighting familial ties in music evolution.

The IMS Business Report 2025, presented by MIDiA Research’s Mark Mulligan, revealed a 6% year-on-year growth in the global electronic music industry, now valued at $12.9 billion. The report noted a deceleration in streaming revenue growth, attributing it to market maturation and the rise of algorithm-driven content curation. Live music sectors, however, showed signs of stabilisation post-pandemic.

Panels addressed a range of topics, including the resurgence of jungle and drum & bass, with discussions led by artists such as SHERELLE and DJ Flight. The summit also explored the influence of African electronic music, featuring contributions from Major League DJz and DBN Gogo, underscoring the genre's global reach.

A survey conducted by the Pete Tong DJ Academy highlighted concerns among emerging DJs, with 61% feeling that social media presence is prioritised over musical skill, and 62% perceiving the industry as a "closed club."

The summit concluded with the IMS Dalt Vila event, featuring performances by Pete Tong, Major League DJz and TSHA, set against the backdrop of Ibiza's historic fortifications.

IMS Ibiza 2025 provided a platform for critical discussions on the future of electronic music, emphasising the importance of inclusivity, cultural exchange, and adaptability in a rapidly changing industry.

The complete IMS Business Report 2025 is available to read here.