B Jones on Motherhood, Tomorrowland, and the Undiscovered Beauty of Ibiza
When it comes to incredible stories on the path to success, B Jones might take the cake. The Spanish DJ phenom began her career in the music industry at age 15, working as a waitress in Ibiza. She had discovered the art of DJing a few years prior but had no other female DJs to look up to.
Over the years, she continued practicing her skills while working through the industry. After having a daughter, she moved back to Madrid, where she began promoting for local clubs. The work was simply out of necessity, the nighttime hours made it possible to work and be a parent.
B Jones finally decided to commit full-time to DJing and immediately became a mainstay with multiple residencies in Ibiza including at Hi Ibiza, the former location of Space. Over the years, she has grown her brand, becoming known in Europe as a top-class DJ. After being booked to perform at Tomorrowland, it felt like the world of electronic music was finally opening its arms to B Jones.
B Jones at Tomorrowland Weekend Three 2022
Her biggest single, “Bella Ciao,” is receiving widespread support from DJs including Timmy Trumpet, Suunery James & Ryan Marciano, and Leandro De Silva. And the momentum of being the first Spanish woman to ever perform on Tomorrowland’s main stage has the electronic music community buzzing.
We, of course, must start by asking about the recent performance at Tomorrowland. You played all three weekends but also took the honor of being the first Spanish DJ to grace the main stage. What was your reaction when you found out they wanted you to perform? l
I couldn't believe it. I was on tour in Japan, and I received a call from my manager, and it was an incredible moment. It took me a long time to assimilate the news.
Although you are no stranger to large stages, can you give us a sense from the DJ's perspective of what it feels like to be on the Tomorrowland main stage?
Tomorrowland is not just a festival. It is an experience where the entire public feels the magic and the energy you can breathe. Being on that stage, playing for thousands of people united by music, made me feel the greatest emotion I have ever felt. It was such pure energy.
Given you were booked for all three weekends, how do you approach each set differently?
For months I was working on my sets. I would say that the first one was the most important for me since it was the first DJ on the livestream for the entire planet, and it was so great! That gave me the confidence and experience to enjoy the other two sets even more.
B Jones at Tommorowland 2022
Did you see any sets from other artists that stood out to you over your time there?
Tiesto, Martin Garrix, Kryder, Paul Kalkbrenner, and Hardwell
Going back to the beginning, you have an incredible life story. You faced challenges that most could not imagine on your path to doing what you do now. At age 15, you moved to Ibiza to help support your mother. Although you moved back to Madrid with your child a few years later and began your career in music then, could you tell us about the experience of living in Ibiza as a teenager? Many view the island as purely a party destination, but it is home to many. What was that period of your life like, and was it during this time that you discovered electronic music or not until later?
My life has definitely been an adventure with a happy ending! I started from the bottom in Ibiza working as a waitress, but until then, I had been very happy on the island. The mix of cultures, the freedom you feel, the good weather, the incredible beaches, and the healthy and sporty lifestyle of the local people. Ibiza is much more than just a party place. I love Ibiza.
Even before Ibiza, when I was only 13 years old, I discovered the world of DJing and learned to play, but I didn't know any female DJs in my small town, and it was in Ibiza where I saw the first female DJ and discovered that one day I could try to fulfill my dream. It was a few years later that I launched my career.
After you move back to Madrid, you’re supporting your daughter and slowly getting to the life of club promotion. Promoting events is a high-stress, high-reward type of job. There are often late-night phone calls, balancing egos, and a wide variety of personalities. But, on the positive side, you are part of putting together fantastic events night in and night out.
I travel a lot, but I also have a simple family life when I don't play. I sleep at night and spend the day working in the studio in my house, playing sports, and spending time with my daughter. I am not affected by any issue of egos, I am very grateful and happy, and I live completely enjoying this adventure.
What pushed you to become a promoter? You clearly had success doing so. Why do you think the job came so naturally? Are there any challenges you remember from that time?
I was pushed by necessity. It was something I knew how to do, and I was successful and economically stable. I was a very young mother, and it was a great stage in my life. I learned a lot, and it meant that I was able to give my daughter a good life.
B Jones at Tommorowland 2022
The next chapter in your life led to where you are now. You learned how to DJ, and everything took off from there. Do you have any specific memories of nights out in Madrid or Ibiza that made you look in the mirror and decide you wanted to pivot to the performance side?
I had been in Madrid for a few years, where I started handing out flyers for a club on the street, and with a lot of work, I managed to be a promoter and director of many events. My daughter was growing up, and my life was stable but deep inside of myself, I was not happy. I used to be behind the booth at my events, watching the DJ and imagining myself there. I fell into a depressive moment, I was working a lot and taking care of my daughter, but I wasn’t doing anything for myself. Then at my lowest moment, I made the decision to try my dream. I talked to a DJ and passed many nights in the studio preparing myself, I sent a set to a club, and they booked me, and from there, I got more shows.
You are now a renowned name in Ibiza. You hold multiple residencies and are a true spokesperson for the region's next generation of female DJs. Ibiza feels like a mythical place, an island known for its unique party culture and beauty. What does Ibiza mean to you? What would you say techno tourists need to know before coming to the island? Are there any hidden gems or clubs you think fly under the radar?
My greatest jewel on the island is Atlantis, a one-hour walk to some natural pools that few people know about. I usually go there to meditate and relax.
Atlantis, Ibiza
The release of "Bella Ciao" was such a moment for you. Where do you hope to take your career going forward? Are there any short-term goals you’re seeking?
I feel like I'm just starting! It's been years of learning and building a good base. Now I feel prepared as a producer and as a DJ to give my best. I'm finishing new music, and that's my goal now, to make my music reach the whole world.
What songs are you playing regularly in all of your sets?
My latest track, "Bella Ciao," my next single, "Human," and also an unofficial remix I did of "Cold Heart" by Dua Lipa and Elton John.