IN CONVERSATION WITH BORA UZER

interview by MAGDALENA ROE

As the sun sets and the final beats linger from Ibiza’s unforgettable 2024 season, we caught up with Bora Uzer, resident DJ of Pacha Ibiza’s iconic Flower Power party. After yet another phenomenal summer, Uzer continues to fascinate his audiences with genre-defying performances blending electronic beats with live instrumentation. Known for transforming every set into a journey of freedom and cultural fusion, he draws from diverse musical traditions and the unique energy of each crowd, making each show a one-of-a-kind experience. Just like Bora himself, Flower Powers’ nostalgic undertones fuse fresh, uplifting house beats and bridge generations with a lineup that includes icons like Grace Jones, Boy George, and Róisín Murphy, creating an immersive celebration of Ibiza’s enduring countercultural pulse.

Photo by Adolf Comes

In a few words, how would you describe your current sound?

Every performance for me is a golden opportunity to create something new, along with strands from across the musical spectrum. So I never play ‘styles,’ I play music where each set becomes a canvas upon which various influences and genres blend, allowing for a unique creation every time. I draw from a wide range of musical traditions, techniques, and emotions rather than confining myself to a specific style. I’m also very inspired by the people, the places, and the environment in which I perform. That gives me the input I need to create something that excites both myself and the audience.

How do your Turkish roots and background influence your music? Are there specific elements or sounds that you love incorporating into your sets?

Sometimes, I play records that trigger a memory from the past of my Turkish roots and it can spark ideas in the studio. However, it is more about how my experiences in playing across Turkey have influenced the way I perform as an artist.

What’s your connection to Ibiza, and how have the island and its soundscapes influenced your sound and productions? 

I spend nearly half of each year in Ibiza, so it is so called my home away from home. Being in Ibiza has had a massive influence on me– it’s such a unique place. Not only is it scenically spectacular, but it is also beautifully multi-cultural and diverse. It brings amazing groups of people together, and that international mix really inspires me and influences my performances. When you go to a specific country, you often play with one group of people. But it’s very different when you perform in a destination such as Ibiza. I also have strong roots on the island and so many great friends… It seems like I will be coming here for a long time – until the end of my career, and even after!

 How did your residency at Pacha Ibiza come about, and what does being part of it mean to you? 

The residency came about as I had the opportunity to play in front of the The Pacha Group team at WooMoon in Ibiza and at FIVE Hotels and Resorts Team in Dubai. They saw the energy, vibrancy, and engagement that I strive to create in my live shows; it’s a colorful performance, and they felt it would be the perfect fit for Pacha Ibiza and 2024’s reimagined version of the iconic Flower Power. Having celebrated its 50th-anniversary last year, the Pacha Group has long been dedicated to sharing the essence of the Ibizan lifestyle with the world, distinctly characterized by a carefree, sophisticated way of life that’s infused with creativity, music, and the spirit of acceptance. Working with The Pacha Family has been an amazing experience. I’m just a piece of a much bigger puzzle. We all work together to create something extraordinary, the production team, the sound, visuals, dancers, and security – everyone plays an important part in delivering a captivating experience in a wonderfully positive atmosphere, and environment.

Photo by Raul Sanchez

How has your sound evolved since becoming a resident there, and what role has the club played in that process? 

Every night at Pacha Ibiza is different because of the people in attendance and the energy they bring to the room. Pacha Ibiza is an unparalleled venue; it’s the world’s most iconic nightclub where legacy, music, and glamour merge. When performing here, you play almost in the middle of everyone in the room – and having these 360 views is my favourite set-up because I can interact with people and establish a real connection with everyone who has gathered together under the Pacha Ibiza roof. Pacha Ibiza has been the inherent pioneer of Ibiza’s dance and cultural movement since 1973 - and for me, it’s a truly unique stage at one of the top destinations in the world. Pacha Ibiza serves as a global beacon that brings together an international community of music lovers that transcends the conventional nightclub experience.

You’ve been hosting the legendary Flower Power parties. Can you tell us about your vision for this series and how it came to life?

When the opportunity first came up for discussion, I spoke to a lot of friends and people on the island. I asked what Flower Power meant to them and the responses I got were focused more on the principles and atmosphere of the party, as opposed to a specific type or genre of music. It centered around freedom, passion, authenticity, spontaneity, and an uplifting energy. I needed to respect this as well as work with the whole team to deliver this trademark experience in a new way. Flower Power happens every Saturday night throughout a spectacular 21-week season, and this iconic celebration invites revelers to embark on a truly unique transformative journey through four experiential chapters – Holi Ibiza, Army of Flower, Circodelia, and Future of Freedom – each capturing a unique facet of the island’s free spirit. This season’s Flower Power has been more than just a party; it’s been a musical journey of liberation, love, and self-discovery that offers an immersive experience that transcends generations.

You engage with the crowd in unique ways. What inspires this kind of interaction, and how do these moments shape your performances?

Including other people is at the heart of my music and performance as an artist. Traditionally, a lot of shows have adopted a one-way communication where you buy a ticket, come and dance to the music of the artist, and then go home. And that is not something that I want people who come to my shows to experience. I’m inspired to create special moments and serve up the unexpected, every time I’m on stage. We travel the world as a team with this ideology in mind. We strive to achieve these very moments. Every time I get a sample, I never know what’s going to come of it and that’s what makes it special.

Photo by Raul Sanchez

Reflecting on your journey, what was a pivotal moment that shaped your career? Is there a standout highlight that you cherish the most?

My experience in the Conservatoire in Rotterdam opened my mind a lot, but the time with my first band, Kangroove, in Turkey was my real ‘education,’ and that really shaped me as an artist. There is no singular moment that I would pick, as I try to cherish every moment and every day with what I do. I still have the same fire inside of me as I had on day one of my professional journey.

Can you share any details about your upcoming projects or what’s next for you in 2024? What can fans look forward to from Bora Uzer?

I recently performed at Bohemia, the legendary beach party at Beach by FIVE at FIVE Palm Jumeirah. This season, Bohemia is bigger, bolder, and more glamorous than ever. Partying at Bohemia is an experience you won’t find anywhere else, the atmosphere is so palpably electric, with party lovers from all over the globe coming together to enjoy world-class talent at this iconic, day-to-night beach extravaganza, in an idyllic setting.This time, I created immersive sets that fused techno beats with live vocals and instruments, along with the supremely talented – DJ Julia Sandstorm and Sam Oui. The synergy between our talents brought the crowd to life and left a lasting impression. And the fun doesn’t stop there because The Sunset Session series is another hallmark of Bohemia at FIVE Palm Jumeirah, showcasing the best DJs in the world who know how to create the perfect vibe for a sunset celebration. These events are a testament to FIVE Hotel and Resorts’ commitment to delivering exceptional experiences that keep party-goers returning for more. I’m very excited for the next few months. I will continue to tour in Europe until the end of October, before heading back across the Atlantic to shows in North and South America.

Additionally, there’s tons of new music, exciting collaborations, and lots more on the way, so stay tuned!