Tell us about FLOW. It’s your tenth anniversary next year, so it’s quite a milestone. What was the drive to get it started, and what have been its biggest achievements?
We started FLOW around ten years ago, following our start as a radio show on Dutch radio station SLAMFM. It then grew naturally into organising events - which further blossomed into a label LTF Records, which is part of the FLOW family as well. We love going out ourselves and getting lost in the Flow of the music, hence the name.
We started first in our home country, the Netherlands, then to Europe, and on to events in Asia. Now, for the first time ever, we’re heading to Ibiza! It’s always been our goal from day 1 to bring FLOW to Pacha Ibiza.
I’m very excited that the day has come!
You’ve taken FLOW to some pretty cool locations, along with some festival stages. What are the key ingredients from those parties that you’re going to bring across to Pacha?
We aim to let the music do the talking - for us, we’re the most happy when we’re completely involved in the music, the connection between the DJ and the ravers is most important.
Warm lighting, not too many distractions, a place to let go, be yourself and connect. On FLOW nights, we put a lot of time in creating a solid musical journey on our nights. For Pacha, we have local Keisgner opening, followed up by Manda Moor, an amazing producer and DJ with a tribal feel. I’ll be playing right after, with legend Ilario Alicante closing the night on an even more energetic note.
Pacha is a perfect fit for this because the layout ensures you’re closely connected to the dance floor.
You have Ilario Alicante playing. His name's been on quite a few Ibiza line-ups over the years. What was the reason behind choosing him for this party?
We love DJs that keep an eye on the crowd and have a great connection with them. I think Ilario Alicante is one of the best ones for this. The times I've seen him play, he absolutely crushes it. Bringing a lot of energy, which is great for closing the night.
And with Manda, I love her unique sound. She's got a little bit of a Latin tribal twist to her music. I think that's awesome when you get into a club, you have a bit of a funky groove going, and she's just really good at getting a great set going with that Housey, Latin feeling.
I'm really happy that they decided to join me for this one at Pacha.
Pacha is an amazing club to be playing at, but where else will we be seeing you play in Ibiza?
Quite a bit, actually. I'm doing ANTS twice for Ushuaïa and Hï Ibiza with Fisher and The Martinez Brothers. I'll also be doing Cova Santa for Storytellers. It will be my first time at Cova Santa.
Then I have two sets at elrow and twice at Paradise, all at Amnesia. Music On at Pacha and Music On at Destino are also on the agenda.
So, Pacha is just the kick-off to a really cool season?
Yes, it’s the start of an incredible season! It’s great to play a diversity of events, on a big stage for ANTS, you play a little bit differently than at, for example, Cova Santa. I really enjoy this, as every dance floor brings its own atmosphere I get to play with.
Is it easy to separate how you play at FLOW to how you play for other parties?
I guess so.
At FLOW, I feel most at home, to be fully myself in a musical sense. We tend to set a warm tone for the night, lighting-wise and music-wise, combined with euphoric moments.
What are your future plans for FLOW after the summer?
We have our first South American tour planned at the end of October, that's something we’re really looking forward to. In December, we’re making plans to head to Asia and Australia.
For next year we’d love to do more in Ibiza, we might already have some extra things planned for this year, still in the works!
Do you have any new releases planned for this year? Is there anything fresh coming out?
I’m currently focusing an my debut album - which is almost finished. I'm planning to release it near the end of the summer. I’m already teasing the first single in my sets and the response has been amazing so far. I can’t wait to share it.
So, we'll get the first airings of some new tracks on the dancefloor during the summer…?
Yes, one hundred per cent. I'll be trying out the first single some more, of course also on May 5th. I’ve been working on that for about three or four years. It's a bit daunting, but it's nice to open up musically and show more versatile styles on the album.
Is there a name for the new album? Do you know what the first track you're releasing might be?
The album will be called Islands—basically a journey to different islands of sound that I like. It will feature everything from House to Drum and Bass. People can expect some diversity. It's just what really excites me. I think it will be out at the end of summer.
When you're not playing yourself in Ibiza, who is it that you like to see? Are there any nights or DJs that have caught your attention?
I love to visit a variety of nights, just to get a feel of what’s going on on the island. From Circoloco in DC10 to Cova Santa.
Obviously, Marco Carola is one of the main people I admire. His music selection, his passion, and his work ethic are incredible and always inspiring.
Where do you go if you've got free time in Ibiza?
Although I’m not the biggest fan of the beach, I do enjoy a beach club to relax after a good night out.
Benirràs beach is a lot of fun with the drums. I think it's a very special vibe. The first time I went to the island, Simon Dunmore from Defected took me there, and it was an amazing experience.
For dinner, there are so many good spots in Ibiza. You can have great food everywhere. If you’re looking for a nice romantic spot, Hostal La Torre offers an amazing sunset during dinner.
Hopefully, we'll be hearing the tracks the whole way through summer! Thank you very much Franky
You can catch Franky's FLOW party at Pacha on Sunday 5 May. Buy your tickets here so that you don't miss out
