Edu Imbernon; Space’s new golden boy

Spanish producer and DJ Edu Imbernon has been blazing a trail through the European house and techno scene since first appearing on the radar with his “El Baile Alemán” track back in 2009.

Since then he’s scored an award from Beatport and gone on to remix the likes of The XX to a rapturous response, alongside an ever-growing back catalogue of disco tinted tech-house productions. We caught up with him to get the lowdown on his latest achievement, mixing this season’s Space compilation, and to find out a bit more about his history with Ibiza.

The Space compilation has been mixed by some serious names in dance music over the years, what was your reaction when Space asked you to mix their compilation this summer?

I was so amped about it, happy beyond words. It felt especially great being able to choose my favourite songs for the summer on such an important compilation.

Your mix really captures and communicates the essence of Space; what was your main inspiration?

I chose the records that I really thought could represent a night at Space, from indie deep house to more tech vibes. I’m so happy with the results.

You’ve been a frequent visitor to the Space decks. What is it like playing at one of the best clubs in the world and what do you think it is about Space that makes it so popular?

It’s amazing! For me it’s the best club in the world and possibly the best soundsystem. Everytime I play there is special, and actually I cant wait for the next one! I think it’s that popular because the club itself is massive, so they have different floors for different tastes and everything is in mint condition!

Your tours have taken you all over the world. Which has been your favourite place to play and who are the best party animals?

South Africa and Peru are my favourite places. For party animals, I would say Johannesburg in South Africa. I partied hard every time I had a gig there. I love the vibe, the culture and respect they have for the music!

Summer 2012 has been dubbed as Ibiza’s year of ‘change’ with the introduction of some new genres to the music scene here. Are there any particular changes in the island music scene that you’ve noticed over the last couple of years?

Yes, things are changing. Live acts came into the clubbing scene a couple of years ago, including artists of different genres, not only electronic music. I think it’s cool, it provides more options for the people that come to the island!

Are there any new tendencies or production styles that you think will break through on the island this summer?

The dubstep influence is obviously there, and also nu-disco influences. But in my opinion house and techno are still the two genres that will stay untouchable for the longest.

What do you like most about Ibiza, and if you had a whole free 24 hours here what would you do?

I love the island itself, the peace, the people, the food, the party. If I had 24 hours free I would go to a nice beach, eat a good paella, see a nice sunset, have a good dinner and be with my friends having drinks and playing music at some nice villa lost in the middle of the island!

The line up this year on the island is one of the most impressive we have ever seen. Who has got you the most excited?

This year has been amazing. Enter is rocking the summer, Jamie Jones with his night at DC10 is cool, the Diynamic guys at Sankeys on Tuesday too and I think Marco Carola at Amnesia is interesting too.

What are your top three tracks of summer 2012?

I would say:

Julio Bashmore - Au Seve [Broadwalk Records ltd.]

Nina Kraviz - Ghetto Kraviz (Anime Edge edit) [Rekids]

Quenum & Dachsund - Mammoth [Rebellion]

It’s been an exciting year for you but it’s not over yet, what else can people expect to see from you in 2012?

I have new tours lined up in Australia, Argentina, Brasil, Peru, USA, and lots of interesting dates all over Europe, plus new music coming out at the end of the year!