03/03/2026
Long-time friends and previous collaborators, UK mainstay Vibe Killers and Spanish DJ/producer Javi Bora kick off 2026 with ‘Bumpy’, their latest collaboration and debut outing on Jamie Jones’ Paradise Music imprint. Having joined forces in the studio last year on Javi’s Too Many Rules label, the pair now return with a release that brings their combined decades of experience to the fore, delivering a vibrant house cut made to work dancefloors.
Q: Please introduce yourself
I’m a true music enthusiast — a DJ, producer and musician who has been deeply connected to music from a very early age.
Alongside DJing and producing, I’m also a musician. I spent many years playing Latin percussion in live bands in the past, touring across Europe, which gave me a strong rhythmic foundation that still shapes the way I approach the dance floor today.
I was an official resident DJ at Space Ibiza during the club’s final four years, and I toured worldwide with the Space Ibiza brand for over a decade.
As a DJ, I’ve performed across Europe, Asia, Oceania, South America and Africa, playing clubs, festivals and international brands. Highlights include UNVRS Ibiza, elrow, Hï Ibiza, WOMB Tokyo, We Are FSTVL London, ANTS at Ushuaïa Ibiza, Greenwood Sydney, Lost Beach Club Montanita, Pacha Ibiza and World Club Dome Frankfurt, among others.
As a producer, I’ve released official remixes for artists such as Kerri Chandler, Dennis Ferrer, Claptone and Roger Sanchez. My music has been released on labels including Paradise, Defected, Toolroom, Hottrax and Knee Deep In Sound among others.
I’m also the founder of Too Many Rules, a label where I share my own particular vision of electronic music.
Q: One person you'd dream to have a coffee with?
If he were still with us, I would have loved to sit down for a coffee with Michael Jackson. For me, his relationship with music went far beyond success or performance — it was pure obsession, precision and emotion. The level of detail he put into every record, every arrangement and every rhythm was extraordinary.
I think it would be fascinating to speak with him about the creative process — about discipline, about instinct, about how to balance innovation with timelessness. Artists like him don’t just make music; they redefine it.
Q: If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
I’d probably say flying, but honestly, what I’d really love is a power that allows every living being — humans, animals — to truly live in harmony. No negativity, no harmful competition, just enjoying this incredible gift of life together.
Q: If you would have been given the chance to do a film score, what movie would you choose and why?
I would absolutely love to score “Life is Beautiful”. It’s genuinely my favourite film, and being able to create music for it would be incredibly emotional for me.
Q: Who has been the most influential in your music career? And why?
There have been so many people who’ve influenced my career, but first and foremost, my dad. He had an incredible vinyl collection, and from a very, very young age, I was already putting the records on at home. That was my first real connection with music. He’s always had amazing taste, and I remember, even as a little kid, being completely drawn to artists like Queen and Prince, as well as the funk and soul records he loved. That period really laid the foundation for everything I do today.
Later on, I was heavily influenced by American house producers. I had countless vinyls from labels like Siesta and Tango, and from producers such as DJ Buck, Halo Varga, Hippie, Mateos & Matos, Chez Damier, Todd Terry and Armand Van Helden. That classic 90s house sound has always fascinated me and has been a huge influence on my own productions.
When it comes to DJing, I was deeply inspired by legends like Carl Cox and Erick Morillo — I was lucky enough to see them live in Ibiza when I was very young. I’ve also followed and been influenced by artists like Jamie Jones, Henrik Schwarz and Laurent Garnier. Their sound, approach and dedication have shaped how I play and produce music today.
Q: Tell us about your journey, what got you to where you are today?
My journey has been all about being immersed in music from a very young age, learning to play instruments and developing a deep connection with rhythm. I played Latin percussion with live bands and in clubs across Europe, and my passion for DJing started early. I began buying vinyl at 13 and spent countless hours practicing behind the decks.
A key moment in my career as a producer was releasing on Defected back in 2010, and of course starting my official residency at Space Ibiza in 2013. I’ve been DJing and touring for over 20 years, performing across all continents.
All the effort I’ve put in day after day — producing, DJing, learning and perfecting my craft — has brought me to where I am today. My latest step has been especially important: releasing my track “Bumpy” with Vibe Killers on one of the most renowned labels in the world, Paradise, Jamie Jones’ iconic brand.
Q: What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone just starting out their career in music?
The advice I’d give to anyone starting out in music is simple: do it because you truly love it.
Always go after your goals, in the good moments and the tough ones, and be consistent. Enjoy the process — it’s a beautiful journey in itself. Don’t get distracted by outside noise or other people’s opinions; stay focused on your path. If you genuinely enjoy the process, work hard, and improve a little every day, the reward will come — sooner or later.
Q: Can you recall a DJ set or performance of yours that remains unforgettable to you? Where did it take place, and what makes it stand out among all others?
I have many sets close to my heart, but perhaps the most unforgettable was my performance at the final closing of Space Ibiza in 2016, when I had the privilege of closing the club.
I played in the main parking area, the biggest room, in front of thousands of people, sharing the booth with legends like Carl Cox, Steve Lawler, Darius Syrossian and many others. It was a back-to-back set with Jose De Divina and it was truly something special.
That day marked a historic moment in electronic music — one of the most iconic clubs of all time was closing. I had the chance to play the late-night closing slot in the main room, sharing the stage with multiple legends, as the club’s official resident.
I ended my set with my track “Smashing Up”, and I honestly shed tears. It’s a moment I’ll carry with me forever — a truly unforgettable experience.
Q: How has your music style evolved over the years?
My style has always evolved over the years, but I’ve always stayed true to my House roots. I’m passionate about classic house, and while there have been variations along the way, my sets and productions always carry that groove, that touch of funk, that classic House vibe.
I’d describe myself as a dynamic DJ and producer — I can create and play a variety of sounds, but they all retain that core soul of House Music that I’ve carried with me from the very beginning.
Q: If you were to venture into another music genre, which one would you choose and why?
I consider myself a true music lover, with a broad taste across many styles. Without a doubt, though, I’m especially passionate about funk and soul. Every day I listen to these two genres, and there’s so much incredible, especially older, music in them that I find truly wonderful.
Q: Could you name 3 tracks that got you into electronic music and why?
One of the tracks that completely blew my mind was “Together” by Thomas Bangalter and DJ Falcon, released on the Roule label. I was just starting out as a clubber and DJ, playing as a hobby, and I remember an open air party in Mallorca called Cala Vinyas. This track hit me so hard that it has stayed in my head ever since. It’s incredible how music can make you feel something so powerful.
Another track would be “Fly Life Extra” by Basement Jaxx. From the very first time I heard it, I knew I had to play it — it’s been a constant in my sets throughout my career. I’ve taken it around the world, and so many people have told me it’s “classic Javi.” It’s an absolute dance floor bomb, and just like "Together", it helped cement my decision to become a DJ.
The third track would be “Jaguar” by DJ Rolando. What can I say about this one? It’s the same story — the love for this type of music is indescribable. It always reminds me of Ibiza and incredible moments I’ve lived there.
All three tracks are staples I always carry with me in my bag.
Q: Can you recommend a hidden gem in your home country that would be perfect for a rave?
This question is very easy for me. I’m Spanish, born in the Balearic Islands, and I’ve spent many years living between Ibiza and Mallorca. Without a doubt, Ibiza is one of the most iconic spots for electronic music — the perfect place for a truly unforgettable party.
Q: Could you tell us about your upcoming releases and plans for the year?
This year I’ve kicked off my production work in the best possible way. I’m really happy to have released a track on Paradise (Jamie Jones’ label), one of my favourite labels and one of the most important international brands in electronic music.
I also have other releases confirmed on my own label, Too Many Rules, on CUFF, Amine Edge’s label, and on several other top labels worldwide that I’ll be able to reveal soon.
On the DJ side, I have some very exciting surprises coming up in Ibiza with some of the world’s biggest brands and clubs — I can’t announce them just yet, but I’m really looking forward to sharing them soon. Beyond that, I’ll be performing in multiple countries and continents, as I do every year.
Q: Can you share a fun fact about yourself that most of your listeners are probably unaware of?
A fun fact that most of my listeners don’t know is that I actually started performing in clubs as a percussionist, playing alongside DJs. This was over 20 years ago, and I was the resident percussionist on Wednesdays at the old Space terrace back in 2003 and 2004.
Those are some of my fondest memories — playing live on that terrace was something really special, and I truly enjoyed every moment of it.
Javi Bora & Vibe Killers - Bumpy [Paradise]