Contributing Writer
Norwegian artist BAKKIS lights the fuse on his new label, Okada Records, with the launch of Inna Fire—a percussive, low-slung groover that channels his years behind the decks into something both stripped-back and urgent.
Leaning into the kind of no-nonsense house music that’s seen him win support from Jamie Jones, MK, Claptone, and Marco Carola, Inna Fire is all about tension and tight spaces—minimal elements deployed with maximum intent. Musically, it’s raw, chunky, and rolling—warped vocals cut through crisp drums and rubbery basslines, giving the track a hypnotic, heads-down momentum.
With the single out now, we asked BAKKIS to put together a playlist made up of the best memories he has from Ibiza related to specific tracks… and he didn’t disappoint.
These are the records that transport me straight back to the White Isle sunsets at Café Mambo, dancing on the terrace at Space, time with family and friends, meeting new faces, and those magical, surreal moments that felt like dreams. Each track holds a personal memory, a vibe, a story. I’ve put them together in roughly chronological order, capturing a bit of my journey. These are the sounds that shaped my Ibiza.
Ibiza has given me so many unforgettable moments some loud and wild, others quiet and emotional but all of them deeply meaningful. These tracks are more than just music; they’re pieces of a journey that continues to inspire me today. I hope they spark memories of your own, or maybe even set the tone for your next adventure on the island. See you on the dancefloor. BAKKIS
1. Roger Sanchez – Another Chance
The track that started it all. I remember my first time coming to Ibiza I was there with my brother. This track was playing everywhere and instantly became the soundtrack of that trip and my first real connection with the island. I’ve loved it ever since. It’s an undeniable house anthem that I think most house music lovers have a relationship with in some way.
Even after all these years, it was only recently that I learned it samples Toto. I remember being in awe of the vibe and production, and I think that moment quietly fueled my dream of making music even though it would be many years before I actually started that journey. To have Roger Sanchez himself call one of my productions “dope” now many years later… that was truly special.
2. G-Club Presents Banda Sonora – Guitarra G
Such a vibe, this one. It brings back memories from that same first trip to the island. The flamenco guitar layered over that groove and bass perfectly captures the Balearic spirit for me sun, soul, and rhythm in one track. It just makes me feel good.
I only recently started listening to it again, and it instantly transported me back. I even played it for my mom, who’s a proper house music lover, and she fell in love with it straight away. Nearly 25 years old and still holds its ground. Tune!
3. Raven Maize – The Real Life
I first heard this at Privilege Ibiza the world’s largest nightclub at the time, now set to reopen as UNVRS. I was right in the middle of the dancefloor, and it turned into one of those out-of-body experiences. Hands in the air, smiles all around, dancing people everywhere I looked it was pure magic.
Sampling both Queen and Simple Minds, this track is pure dancefloor joy. A perfect blend of euphoria and groove. I’ll never forget that moment.
4. Simpson Tune – Bring It Down (Da BMR’s Club Rework)
Still on that first trip to Ibiza, and this track captures the vibe of the Space Terrace in 2001. The energy on that terrace especially on Sundays was absolutely electric.
This sound was completely new and fresh to me at the time. The raw groove, the attitude… it just hit different. That experience helped shape my taste and understanding of house music forever.
5. Mark Knight & Funkagenda – Man With The Red Face
The first time I visited Ibiza with my wife was in 2008, and we randomly ended up at the Wonderland closing party at Eden, where Pete Tong was playing. What a night it turned out to be. The energy was incredible, and when he dropped this track, the place went off.
After closing his set with The Killers – Mr. Brightside (Jacques Lu Cont Remix), the crowd erupted, screaming for one more tune. At nearly 8 a.m., he dropped The Man With The Red Face again and it absolutely tore the place down. Another moment I’ll never forget.
6. Alp vs Outwork – Fiesta Elektronika (Paolo Aliberti Reprise Mix)
After that epic night at Eden, my wife and I were driving back from San Antonio to Playa d’en Bossa as the sun came up. I vividly remember us playing this track on repeat windows down, the early morning breeze in our faces, and the glow of sunrise on the horizon.
It’s hard to put into words, but that moment felt like magic one of those perfect snapshots in time that stays with you forever.
7. Maceo Plex – Under The Sheets
The first time I brought my whole family to Ibiza, we stayed at the Hard Rock Hotel. It was my wife, our kids, and my mom, who was celebrating her birthday. A different kind of trip more relaxed, more reflective but still full of those signature Ibiza moments.
This track was on heavy rotation by the pool DJ, and we all loved it. Every time I hear it, I’m transported right back to that special trip with my crew.
8. Ramin Rezaie – Lucid Dreaming
This one brings back memories and ties things into the present day. Ramin is not just an incredible producer he’s also a close friend and someone I’ve have the pleasure of working with.
The first time I met Ramin, I actually hadn’t heard any of his music yet. One late night, I was sitting by the pool at a villa, working on music on my laptop. I needed a break and decided to check out some of his tracks. I played Lucid Dreaming, and it blew me away. Such a vibe deep, full of character, modern but timeless. A special moment and a track that stuck with me ever since.
9. German Brigante, FreakMe & Synesthyzer – We Got It
Over the years of visiting Ibiza, I’ve met so many amazing people sharing unforgettable moments and music along the way. This track takes me back to a production retreat I did on the island. It was my first time doing something like that, and the other producers were great we had a proper vibe going all week.
We Got It was new to me at the time, and it quickly went on heavy rotation. I love the whole story it tells, and the way some of the notes resolve in unexpected, beautiful ways.I also remember sitting at the Ibiza port at dawn, just looking out over the ocean, listening to this. Highly recommended.
10. Ben Westbeech feat. Dames Brown & RAHH – Your Voice
This one is only recently released, but it’s already deeply special to me for several reasons. First of all, Ben has become a good friend of mine. When we met a few years back, he asked if I wanted to hear his upcoming album. Of course, I said yes—I was eager to hear what he’d been working on.
We sat outside under a canopy, both wearing headphones and sunglasses. When Your Voice came on, I was completely floored. By the end of the track, tears were quietly rolling down my chin. Ben saw it—and then his tears came too. One of those truly special, unspoken moments. A shared experience of music in its purest form.
11. Bonus Mix: Space Ibiza 2001 – CD 1 (Jonathan Ulysses & Jason Bye)
I added this one as a bonus. It’s the sound of Space’s legendary terrace sunlight, sunglasses, and that unbeatable vibe. This mix captures it all. At least from my perspective. Enjoy!