Scene
At the 2025 International Music Summit (IMS) in Ibiza, the spotlight wasn’t just on the music – it was on a hard truth that’s been under the surface for years. A new survey conducted by the Pete Tong DJ Academy (with 15 000 participants) shocked the community: among emerging DJs and producers, a big 61% believe that social media numbers now matter more than actual musical skill.
Held from April 23 to 25, IMS 2025 was not just another industry meetup with panels and parties. With the theme “Intergenerational Exchange,” this year’s summit felt different and more honest. Instead of obsessing over what’s trending, IMS focused on deep conversations about legacy, mentorship, mental health, and the invisible gatekeeping that’s keeping new talent out of the spotlight.
And the timing couldn’t have been more perfect and urgent. In a world where TikTok trends can launch a DJ’s career overnight, and Instagram likes seem to carry more weight than a flawless mix, younger artists are feeling squeezed. According to the Pete Tong DJ Academy survey, another 62% of emerging DJs said the industry feels like a “closed club,” one that’s nearly impossible to break into without either massive social media clout or the right industry connections.
For years, the narrative was that if you worked hard enough on your craft, you would eventually get your shot. But today’s reality paints a very different picture: one where algorithms and follower counts sometimes matter more than years of practice, passion, and perseverance.
Of course, social media can be a powerful tool. It’s helped democratize access to fans, break down some old barriers, and give independent artists new platforms to shine. But the IMS conversations this year made it clear – the music industry needs to be careful. When likes and viral videos become the main currency, the heart of the culture, the music itself, risks getting lost.
As IMS Ibiza 2025 showed, the future of electronic music is in finding a better balance. Building an authentic online presence is important, sure. But so is creating real, personal art – the kind of music that doesn’t just trend for a week, but defines generations – as it used to.
