Coffee with... Russ Farelo

Her travels, curiosity and way of understanding music have shaped the sound of Russ Farelo, a nuanced-filled eclectic mix that gathers Balearic sound, house and disco music influenced by tropical, Latin and other world sounds. Born in Madrid in the late 70s, this DJ and producer fell in love with Ibiza at the turn of the century and took root here personally and professionally.

Her career behind the turntables started more than a decade ago and has led her to different spaces and projects in Ibiza, Madrid and Tulum, where she lived for five years and held several residencies. Over the years she has shared booths with Keinemusik, Nico Stojan, Oceanvs Orientalis, Satori and Francesca Lombardo, among other artists. Today we’re sitting down for a coffee and chat about the island, her DJ residency at Hostal La Torre and the way she lives music as a way to travel, connect and tell stories.

Russ Farelo and music

How did your story with music begin? I wasn’t born to a family of musicians, but music was always present in my life because it was always playing at home. I have fond memories as a little girl being woken up by my mum playing songs of Los Panchos at the weekends. I loved that moment, when you know it’s Saturday or Sunday, there’s no school and the first thing you hear as you open your eyes is beautiful music that lifts your vibes and energy. And I didn't start DJing until I was 34, but my first contact with the decks was one summer when I was about seven or eight, and I’d slip into a pub DJ booth where my cousin was DJing and I’d spend hours there, watching him switching wonderful LPs like Billy Ocean, Lionel Richie, Tina Turner... All the hits of those times. It was such a blast!

What about your history with Ibiza? The first time I came over to the island was in 2000. But then life kept me away until I was 35.

For those who don’t know you yet, what does Russ Farelo sound like? I’d say Russ Farelo sounds like freedom with an elegant flair.

Women have usually connected better with music on the dance floor, enjoying and living music more deeply. Do you perceive that expressiveness and freedom behind the turntables?  I’d say that we still tend to seek differences and, obviously there are differences, but I can’t really say if a woman at the decks connects better to music. In the booth, a DJ simply has to feel, whatever your gender. Maybe women are more sensitive and that helps connect with the audience more easily, but there are great male DJs who do the same or better, so I can’t quite say there’s a difference.

What does a female DJ bring to the table that’s been missing so far from the male perspective? I can’t say if there’s anything a female DJ will contribute that a man couldn’t do too. In fact I’m surprised that we still focus on this difference. True, women didn’t have the same space or opportunities in electronic music for ages, given that it was such a male-dominated world. About 20 to 15 years ago women didn’t even consider taking on certain places, like this job for instance, because none had ventured into those areas until then. But beyond that, I don’t think women bring a different sort of sensitivity or DJing style just because they’re women. What’s important is that we’re finally taking up the space we deserve and that allows us to develop as artists and show the world we can do it as well or even better than men.

Going back to music, when do you feel best, at the start or at the end of the set? It depends on so many factors. I might get to a set feeling really upbeat and then end it underwhelmed because it didn’t pan out as I expected or the sunset wasn’t like I wanted it to be. Or I might go into a set feeling low because of something that happened that day and then tune into the wonderful feeling that comes with this job and end that set like I’m walking on air.

Would you rather DJ in the morning, afternoon or evening? It depends on the time and place. Afternoons are amazing because I love to DJ a set that ends with the sunset. But evenings are fantastic too.

Do you have any special projects going on right now? Right now, apart from my DJ residencies at Hostal La Torre and Café Mambo, I’m also producing my own music, like my first album called Rush Hour, which I launched this year with the Danish record label, Music for Dreams. They also launched my first single, Toma Chocolate, which I did together with Be.lanuit in 2024.

Russ Farelo and Hostal La Torre

What do you think Hostal La Torre sounds like? Hostal La Torre sounds like history. This place has made history in Balearic Sound music. It also sounds like beauty. I’m so lucky to enjoy that beauty every week. I get to watch the sense of wonder on people’s faces when they cross the threshold for the first time and walk onto the terrace to be stunned by all this beauty.

Are there any specific songs you think about when you’re at Hostal La Torre? So many. So many great artists who were pioneers in Balearic Sound music have stopped by Hostal La Torre. I could say any song by Padilla, for example, but also, I don’t know, there are big Balearic Music producers nowadays who are leaving their print on places like Hostal La Torre, like Be.lanuit for instance Be.lanuit.

What do you like most about DJing at Hostal La Torre?
Everything. It’s booth, because it feels like home. Those stunning views... How good it feels when I get there, I feel truly loved. And I love feeling that I’m DJing in a place that’s made history in Balearic Sound, it’s such a treat.

This past summer, what was spinning on the decks?
A bit of everything. I played a lot of Billy Ocean, Caribbean Queen, which I love, my song Sácame a bailar... I also played Balearic Sound classics, opera...

Music aside, what’s your favourite cocktail or dish at La Torre?
My favourite drink at Hostal La Torre is a mocktail made with hibiscus called Hibiscus Agua Fresca. Absolutely delicious!

Russ Farelo and Ibiza

What’s your favourite beach or cove in Ibiza?
If I told you, it would stop being my favourite because then everyone would know about it and come. I think all residents of Ibiza have a secret place and it’s secret because we won’t share it, LOL.

What’s your favourite spot in Ibiza in the daytime?
Right here, Hostal La Torre. People are always talking about the sunset, which is of course incredible, the best on the island, but they don't talk enough about the lovely mornings here. It’s such an amazing place to have breakfast. And of course, my favourite spot on the island in the daytime are the walks near my home in San Agustín.

And at night? At night, it depends on what I’m in the mood for. The restaurant Cala Gracioneta in the evening is great for a pleasant dinner. And Sa Capella, too.

If you weren’t living in Ibiza, where would you live?
I can’t imagine living elsewhere. I live here because it’s where I want to be. If I couldn’t live in Ibiza, I’d just jump off the world, LOL. It’s the best place on Earth. Our beautiful island, we need to take care of it, we need to give it all our love.

For you Ibiza is...
For me Ibiza is a star, the brightest start in the universe, a fantastic place. It’s an energy vortex. As I said, we need to look after this paradise and give it all our love, because it gives us so much back. It’s given me personally so much and I hope it keeps doing so. That’s why I love this island so deeply.