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ANNA TUR: from the Ibiza Global Radio days and first DJ residency to LOWLITA Records, Balearica Music and the global events
We spoke to ANNA TUR, an artist from Ibiza who is hotter than ever
Many artists live from music. But very few artists have lived and breathed music for so long like Anna Tur, whose passion for music started even before her birth.
Beyond that, her balanced combination between house and techno has taken her to play some of the world’s biggest international clubs and festivals.
In addition to the music, her work on the airwaves has greatly contributed to the success, recognition and current international projection she has achieved.
For almost two decades, Anna Tur was the General Manager of Ibiza Global Radio TV, one of the most important radio stations dedicated to advanced music in the world.
Without her work, it would be impossible to understand the success of the station.
After her departure, without leaving behind the radio spirit that characterizes her so much, the Ibizan created On Air with Anna Tur.
A radio program in podcast format, in which Anna presents her favorite music, new releases and special guests, from the most influential figures in the scene to upcoming talent she supports.
But her ventures don’t stop here. To her music, performances, live broadcasts and radio show we must add her most recent projects: LOWLITA Records, a label Anna created with Gonçalo Miranda and Hosse, focused on the groove of house music fused with techno and industrial forcefulness; and Balearica Music, described by Anna herself as the evolution of radio where, this time, she is involved “more in the executive side and not in the artistic.”
With hundreds of performances on five continents, successful releases, radio shows, music labels and so many more projects behind her in just a couple of decades, one can only wonder, where will Anna Tur take us next? We spoke to her to learn more. Read on!
Start by telling your story to the Brazilian audiences that may not know you yet. How did you start?
Hello! I am delighted to connect with your readers in Brazil.
My passion for music started at a very young age, since my parents have been dedicated all their lives to radio and my mother especially to music. She is a journalist and radio DJ.
They have instilled in me this love for music, in fact my mother was doing radio during her pregnancy and from her womb, she already connected me to it.
Afterwards I studied marketing and public relations, but always thinking that my final destination would be the media and that’s how it was. Then, in 2010 I also started my career as a DJ.
I learned to DJ by dedicating many hours, many days, many months. I remember it was an old Pioneer equipment that had already been replaced in the radio; a Pioneer DJM 700 mixer and a CDJ 1000, which only allowed audio cds.
Then came their evolution to MK2, which allowed MP3 files. Also some Technics 1200 MK2 turntables, which I still have. My first gig was in 2010, at the legendary Space Ibiza, I remember it with love. I was incredible excited.
You were, for many years, General Manager of Ibiza Global Radio TV, one of the most important radio stations dedicated to electronic music in the world. How do you think that background helps you as an artist today?
What really made me take the plunge into a DJ career was being surrounded 24/7 by DJs and producers. I was already amazed watching them work, I had great admiration for their work and I was fascinated by the fact that I could make people enjoy the music that you play for them, always selected with love, from your heart, straight to your audience.
The radio helped me a lot to launch myself and make myself known, but if there is a point to differentiate yourself from the radio DJ figure in order to internationalize yourself.
There are a few exceptions who are radio DJs and international DJs, like Pete Tong... but the reality is that if you are a radio DJ, you stay in that artistic profile, which is also very cool and you tend to work a lot.
Being an artist from Ibiza certainy can have UPs and downs. Can you tell us about the aspects that helped you - as well the other side, the challenges you had to overcome because you were an artist from Ibiza?
As you rightly say, being an Ibiza resident DJ has pros and cons. I’m grateful to the island for being my launching pad.
I was for many years a resident on the island; from beach clubs like the first Ushuaia, which was a beach bar, to emblematic places that no longer exist, like Space Ibiza, El Ayoun, Km5 Ibiza, Sushipoint, but also in temples like Pacha Ibiza, Amnesia, Café del Mar, Mambo, among others.
My first 10 years were at the hand of Sebastian Gamboa and his Vintage Ibiza party. It was with David Moreno, my school.
There is a moment when the same thing happens as in radio, that in order to be perceived as a more international figure, you have to sacrifice playing in places that don’t position you as such.
Many times I have felt bad, because local friends have asked me to do so, but for the last 8 years I have had a management team behind me who draw up the strategy they think is appropriate at any given moment and I have to be the one who executes it.
Always with love and respect.
Now let’s explore about LOWLITA Records. When did the idea of the label you created with Gonçalo Miranda and Hosse, come to your minds? Was the main objective of launching a label to release your music with more freedom or was it more a business thing?
Lowlita is a project that was created during the pandemic. Having time to be at home and to plan new things, made this label to be born, with friends like Gonçalo and Hosse, who musically we understand each other a lot and also, we supported each other a lot during these months of lock down and we got very close to each other.
Lowlita is a name fiven for my 10 year old dog, Lola.
Whenever we were in the studio, she would come and spend hours and hours listening and expressing very beautiful impulses, like she loves electronic music.
Obviously, we worked at a medium volume, and when it was time to press, we would take her outside, although she would scratch the door to get in, hehe.
It’s made and thought from love. A shared space where we can express ourselves with music. Never thought of as a business, although obviously it’s better if it works, like all things.
But let’s say it wasn’t a project to make a living from it. We each have our own path and careers.
What type of music fits best the label? Can artists submit music?
Just now my new Ep My Girls is coming out; with two originals. One is called Georgina and the other one is called Lolita. They are my two favourite girls, my daughter and my dog :)
Any producer who can present an interesting, creative and lovingly made work, that makes you vibrate... is welcome. It’s a label open to new talents and different styles within electronica.
How is Georgina? Giving birth is an experience that can certainly reshape how we see things. Please share about your perspective of life before Georgina and after Georgina
Wow, Georgina is the best thing that ever happened to me. She is now 3 months old and a very wished baby.
Being locked, with that life change for two years during Covid-19 made me reflect on many aspects of life.
Getting rid of friendships that weren’t friends, making important decisions, taking on new projects... and also the fact that I wanted to be a mother.
I have been working for almost two months now. I believe that in today’s society, there is also a place for DJs with children and that this should not be a stigma.
We have as much right as men to form a family and to work and fulfil our dreams. I am doing it, although it is true that I am lucky to have help with my motherhood.
It’s more mental than anything else. If you wish, will happen.
Please share your thoughts on the topics below:
I’m going to tell you in few words, but I’m going to say it clearly and convincing.
• The experience and life at the Ibiza Global Radio
Something that goes beyond the terrenal aspect and rational. It was my father’s creation, which my team and I put at the top.
But things change and I think that not being there today has made me happier.
Sadly, my father passed away 4 years ago, everything lost its meaning for me, even though he had not been working for 8 years, he was my best advisor, as the wise man he was.
Those were 16 years of great intensity, of achievements and also of suffering. You have to put a lot of love into projects like that, things started to be very different.
• The new duties at Lowlita Rec
To continue to grow the label and position it where it needs to be during 2023. With new collaborations with established artists and new talents.
• The new project Balearica Music
My dream come true. The evolution of radio. But more in the executive side and not in the artistic. I totally separete both profiles.
You are already getting back to the DJ Booth and touring. What are the next main events, festivals, clubs set to happen?
A month after becoming a mother I was already working. I have quite a few dates in December such as Spain, Italy, Switzerland and Germany.
2023 promises to be a good year, the first quarter is almost full and we are looking at some very interesting tours. For next summer I already have some festivals and important dates confirmed, but I can’t announce it yet....
To be honest, if 2023 is anything like 2022 I’ll be happy.
Is a brazilian tour on the plans for next year yet? :)
I would love, of course, to see your country. I’d really like to do it in 2023, I’ve heard great things about the scene in Brazil and the audience. I can’t wait! It would be my first time ;)
Last: we always ask for advice for new talents hustling to get careers off the ground. Can you share tips for them?
Yes, of course and with pleasure. You have to fight for what you dream of and want to be. Visualize it, work A LOT and always with a lot of respect and real passion.
Being connected to the industry, going to see performances and observing the reactions that artists generate in the public, training and never giving up, because dreams often come true.
Thank you very much for the interview. and much love!
