There’s a certain inevitability to Gordo’s Ibiza story. After spending the last few summers popping up at some of the island’s biggest parties (and villa parties) that leave you wondering why he doesn’t just have his own night already, well, he's now got his time to shine.
The hits are there, of course. Known for his sexy Latin-laced grooves and tasty Tech House, he's come a long way in dance music since his previous aliases and notable R&B productions, but Gordo is far more interested in what comes next than dwelling on what’s already been done.
After testing the waters in May with a one-off pre-season party, the formula proved popular, and this September, he’s bringing his Taraka label and party series to Pacha for five dates, on Tuesdays throughout September.
We caught up with him at the club's lavish green room, Ricardo's, to talk about building something bigger with the brand, and what's in store for us.
I saw today that you were the first-ever DJ to have your own billboard before even entering Ibiza Airport. How did that make you feel?
Ah, very proud. No one else has had it, so that was pretty cool. Compared to an airport where there are like 50 million billboards, to have one that no one’s ever had before… It’s a flex.
I also saw that Gala and Sacchi bought you matching KTM Taraka bikes. What’s the story behind those?
KTM Spain, shoutout to KTM Spain. They wanted to make me some bikes, and then they made them. It was sick. It was actually insane.
Did you get a test drive?
I did. I rode it around Pacha. I probably shouldn't say that on here, but I did...
What does Taraka mean to you? The word and the concept?
Taraka means maverick. Taraka means outsider. Taraka means new, innovative, confident and not scared. A lot of things that I represent.
I’m kind of a black sheep in this world that we’re in, but it’s working. And when something works for a reason, you have to understand why it works. It’s working, so I’m happy. I’m proud.
What do you look for in an artist when you’re deciding who belongs on a Taraka lineup?
Someone who’s not a dweeb. I feel like the thing is, in this industry, there are a lot of people who think they’re cool who aren’t actually cool. I guess money gives them some validation that they’re cool, but a lot of people… they aren’t cool.
What have you learnt from the women you’ve shared stages and studios with?
That they need more support. I feel like it’s such a man’s world, and a lot of these guys just aren’t supportive of women. It’s sad. I have Sacchi and Gala, the residents for my whole residency, and they’re playing every show. I haven’t really seen any other DJ putting on female DJs at all, actually.
What made you choose them?
They’re superstars. They’re not dweebs! [laughs]
What keeps you motivated after achieving milestones you’ve always dreamt about?
Whenever I achieve something, I add something more. So it just keeps you going. Never be content. When you’re comfortable and content, that’s when life slows down. And you never want life to slow down. Never. Because then it becomes boring. A lot of people are content with being boring.
You get to play all around the world nowadays, but what is it about Pacha Ibiza that feels unique?
I don’t know. For some reason, I always crush my sets here. There’s something in the soil. There’s something in the air. Ibiza, Pacha… legendary. This was one of the first places I played here in Ibiza, so it’s cool to have that connection with it. And Pacha are just GOATs. They’re the GOATs.
What’s your first Pacha memory?
Coming here with Steve Aoki and him caking somebody in 2015. It was really hot and humid, and there was the smell of cake. I’ve been coming here for a long time!
Let’s talk tracks and new music. It seems like you’re constantly teasing new music on Instagram. How often do you actually get to go into the studio?
I’m never in the studio. I work from my computer. My computer is the airport, or the bathroom, or… anywhere.
Do you have any upcoming releases you want to plug?
I have a lot. I just released “Do You Mind”, which is my version of Kyla’s “Do You Mind” from Drake's “One Dance”, you know?
We released it last week and it’s going crazy, on Black Book Records. I’m excited to play it tonight. The Crazy Cousinz one was the original remix that blew up, and then I did my version of it. And yeah, there’s a bunch of stuff coming.
I’m just so excited. There’s a lot of new music and a lot of new things on the way. A lot of big things on the way...
It's clear that Gordo does things his own way, and he's got much more in store this season.
With five Tuesdays lined up throughout September, the Taraka boss will be joined by the likes of Vintage Culture, Roger Sanchez, Nicole Moudaber, Shimza and more. Plenty of big tunes, big energy and, naturally, absolutely no dweebs!
See below or dates and ticket info.
