Contributing Writer
We sit down with Ibiza based groove maker SAFAR to celebrate his new release ‘The Boy’ on his Scandolosa imprint. Read below to find out more about the man behind the music…
Hi! Thanks so much for speaking with us. How are you and how has your year been so far.
So far, 2025 has been amazing! I finally launched my own label Scandalosa Records in the end of 2024, and it has been inspiring to get to spend a lot of time working on the other side of the industry and I have been taking some time out to be creative in the studio working on a whole new sound.
Tell us a bit about Scandalosa. What is the story behind it and what ethos are you trying to put across with your platform?
As an artist working with labels, I have always felt a certain expectation to adapt my sound to the label, and with Scandalosa Records, my ultimate ambition is to listen to the music without the track having to fit into a certain box. If a track is good and I like it, I will release it – without it having to be Afro House only etc.
Also, what made you want to go with the sound in this that differs from your usual?
As a producer I have always been playing with different sounds and different universes. It is not for me to stay within boundaries, and I was very lucky to be able to take some time out in the beginning of the year, playing around in the studio and I found myself producing several tracks with a completely different sound, but of course you will still find my signature touches within. The Boy is the first one coming out, it will be followed by a few surprises, so stay tuned.
What advice would you give to young producers wanting to start a label? What are the benefits and what are the hindrances?
First, make sure you have the right team onboard as starting a label is a lot of administration, then of course, it is important that have a creative vision. Finally, most important is stay true to yourself and your ideas – don’t try to adapt to hypes and trends.
Tell us about the journey to your sound. How did your upbringing shape your sound?
Growing up I was always surrounded by creativity and arts. My dad was a poet and filmmaker, he loved storytelling, and my mum was always listening to the radio, and everything would be a different genre. Some days Latin music, some days folk music but never the same and never limited. This for sure opened my creative universe – so thanks to my parents for that.
Tell us about the move from France to Ibiza?
Living in Ibiza has given me so much, and I don’t even go out. It is all about the nature, especially in the off season, this is when the magic of Ibiza really comes to life. I live in the South of the island on a hilltop looking into a forest and the nature. The colours, the smell of nature etc. gives me so much inspiration.
What have been your main musical influences?
It’s not really about who for me – it is more about what. Everything inspires me – only last week I banged a coffee cup on the faucet in the kitchen, and I loved the sound so much I had to recreate and record it so that I can use it in a track.
What are your three essential tracks?
My setlist is in constant development, whenever I have a few days off, I play around in the studio and on my CDJ’s at home. This is also where I listen to the promos I receive. If I like it, I’ll usually know within seconds of the track and then I just have to try and play it straightaway.
What artist should we have our eye on at the moment.
To be honest I do have some that I will not name here. But I am signing them on my label, so you will discover them one by one soon 🙂
What do you look for in an artist before signing them to your label?
It is all about the sound. It is not so important for me whether the artists have a massive following on Instagram or monthly listeners. I really want Scandalosa Records to be a home for quality music and a platform for new artists – we all started there!
What music do you listen to outside of the electronic spectrum?
I listen to everything – if it is good!
What shows have you got coming up and which are you most looking forward to?
A lot of exciting shows and tours happening now – but I am excited to be focusing a lot more on North and South America over summer. I will be announcing the whole summer tour very soon.
What was the last record that blew you away?
My answer might surprise you , i would say a Whitney Houston track as i am a big fan, but in electronic music i would say Laurent Garnier – Man With The Red Face).
Any comment on the current scene in Ibiza to leave with?
I see an evolution with open minded promoters, giving a chance to new music genres and new producers which is great in my opinion. On the other hand we have lost the party soul when we see only phones staring in front of the booth filming instead of living the moment.