Cafe Del Mar

Cafe Del Mar started as a DJ collective in Ibiza during the 1990s, with Jose Padilla as a central figure. Their music became associated with the island's sunset hours, playing atmospheric tracks that suited the relaxed beach atmosphere. The name comes from an actual bar on the island where this style of music was first curated for evening listening.

They're best known for a series of compilation albums that began with 'Volume 1' in 1994. These collections featured downtempo and ambient tracks from various artists rather than original band compositions. Songs like 'A Man Called Adam / Estelle' and 'Letting The Cables Sleep' appeared on these compilations, becoming part of what people recognize as the Cafe Del Mar sound.

The music tends toward gentle beats and melodic textures that work as background listening. It's less about traditional song structure and more about creating a particular mood or setting. While the collective has included various DJs and producers over time, the concept has remained consistent: selecting tracks that fit that specific Ibiza sunset feeling.