Word of Mouth Radio Cafe is nestled on the far end of Santa Eulalia beach on the east coast of Ibiza. DJs from around the world aspire for a spot in WOM’s DJ booth, where they can spin everything from reggae and Latin to the latest House & Disco. WOM’s owners and resident DJs, Harry Charles and James Robinson, have shaped the bar’s ethos.
“It’s not just about the music but about creating memories and fostering connections while keeping the vinyl format’s spirit alive. Every record played is a nod to the past, a celebration of the present, and a beacon for the future. We envisioned a space that wasn’t just about making profits but creating unforgettable family days on the beach and keeping the vinyl spirit alive while embracing new culinary influences that resonate with the locals and visitors alike” – Harry Charles
For The Record Ibiza caught up with Harry and James before their guest DJ appearance at the Vinyl & Fashion Night at Atzaro to talk about WOM and its connection with the vinyl record:
Q. How long have you both been DJing and buying records?
Harry: I started DJing from when I was around 15/16, but I had been collecting CDs prior to that, so I guess you could say I’ve been digging most of my life.
James: I bought my first set of Stanton belt drive decks secondhand when I was 16, and the guy threw in a few records (mainly happy hardcore) with them. I’ve been buying records ever since, so almost 30 years – but I haven’t added much more happy hardcore!
Q. What’s your musical style and do you have any favourite labels?
Harry: Eclectic. It’s all dependent on time and space and where I’m at personally. I have many different mood swings, but generally, I follow the mantra of educate and entertain. I’m not bound to any specific genre and try to play a broad spectrum of different sounds in my sets, but I find it super easy to sit in deep house for hours. There’s so many great labels out there but I don’t feel like I get geeked out by staying a hardcore fan for any particular one. Variety is the spice of life. If I had to choose a label I’d choose “WOM RECORDS” forthcoming this year.
James: The great thing about living and playing in Ibiza is that you can cover a massive range of styles, moods and tempos, and that’s the way I’ve always bought my records – if it’s really good music and it touches me in some way then I want it, whatever the genre! I suppose you could say that’s the Balearic sound, as in anything goes, but then who am I to try to define the indefinable genre? There are many great labels out there but a few old and new I’m into and who are massively consistent are things like Wolf Music, Talking Drums, Toy Tonics, Resista, Pinchy & Friends, Shall Not Fade, 2020, can’t not mention Athens of the North, then some great stuff recently from M.A.D. Edits and Ruff Kutz, as well as old favourites like Heavenly, Mr Bongo, and Nu Groove (awesome reissues and new bits of late!). Then I’m always amazed by the depth and quality of new artists and music that Chris and Phil put out from DSPPR and NuNorthern Soul respectively. The list goes on!
Q. What’s been your favourite gig(s) so far?
Harry: That’s a really difficult question, I have so many that I hold close to my heart. It’s a bit like choosing you’re favourite tune. If there was a gun to my head and I had to choose one for the purpose of this question I’d say playing the first set at the festival “WILD CAMPOUT” after the welcome to country ceremony back in OZ NYE 2018. I felt honoured to do that. I love doing the warm up set I think it’s the most important set so to be trusted to do that for such a great new beginning and after an opening ceremony felt truly special.
James: It’s really hard to highlight standout favourites as have been lucky enough to play at some amazing places on the island and beyond but, have to say it’s always special to play at Pikes, be it pool, terrace or Freddies (and playing on my 40th was awesome fun!), then I guess I’d have to say WOM (!) as you can play such a broad spectrum there whilst looking at the sea! But the most fun sets are playing at random parties with all your favourite people and the perfect vibe.
Q. Any DJs that stand out for you?
Harry: Yeah sure there’s LOADS, I like djs who are bold and brave when it comes to decision making. People who generally follow the educate and entertain philosophy. I can reel off so many great djs that I’ve seen and admire but the one id go for is Sadeedo. Let’s throw in Giles Peterson just because he is a total legend too.
James: We’d be here all week! As you know we’re lucky enough to be surrounded by amazing djs all of the time living here in Ibiza, many of whom are now my friends, so every day is a school day in that sense, you can always learn more both musically and technically.
We asked Harry & James to give us their top five picks each from the shop:
HARRY CHARLES TOP FIVE:
Again, too many to choose from, but here you go. Here’s my For The Record top 5
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Reekee – Meeting Point EP Vol. 1
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JAMES ROBINSON’S TOP FIVE
A true classic, so influential and inspirational and I think this is where it all started for me from the true house sound perspective. And Larry Heard just keeps on creating gold.
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Vividly remember hearing this on Andy Wilson’s Baleria show on Boxing Day while I was cooking at home in nottingham (pre moving here!). Was hooked and emailed andy to get the mix! Then finally tracked it down on vinyl this year, at For the Record. It’s a mesmerising track for me.
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I have loved this for years, ever since it was the last track on one of the mixes on Andrew’s The Masters Series. Finally managed to get it on vinyl after Colleen Cosmo licensed it for her latest Balearic Breakfast 3 Compilation, (All of which is amazing by the way), so thank you Colleen, and impeccable taste as per!
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Stonewall classic! One of a handful of special records that never leave my bag. Chose this one as it can be played across a broad range of moments, pitched up or down, a beautiful record to mix due to the perfect build, and always evokes an amazing reaction and vibe. Also sounds as fresh as it did when first released over 20 years ago. Might need to source a fresh copy soon!
An album as old as me, kindly given to me as part of an amazing collection by my oldest friend on the island. Reminds me of the great quote I heard recently, that “you never own records, you are just looking after them for the next person to enjoy them”. Not the most famous War album but so amazing to find these hidden gems on vinyl. The 4 part “U2 Medley” which ends the album is awesome and I’ve played it out a lot recently.
Harry and James will be the guests for this weeks pop up vinyl fair at Atzaró Ibiza tonight from 1900 – midnight. So if you like the sound of these records, come and check them out!
If you don’t happen to be in Ibiza, you can check out our full catalogue at our Discogs shop, just lick the link below.
