Ibiza Production Retreat El Tony Mate Producer Academy 2026 Returns with Mentorship from SKALA and Kid Simius
The El Tony Mate Producer Academy 2026 has opened entries for its second edition, offering eight European electronic music producers an intensive week-long retreat in Ibiza. Running from October 1st to October 7th 2026, the mentorship programme features technical coaching from Berlin artist SKALA and Balearic house producer Kid Simius alongside support from Beatport. Applicants must submit an original track or remix constructed using bespoke sample packs provided by the mentors before the deadline on 23rd August.
Key Takeaways
The Swiss beverage brand’s Culture Collective platform returns to White Isle territory following a successful debut run. Designed as a direct bridge between bedroom studios and professional dancefloor output, the week pairs intensive studio work with practical industry immersion. Beatport joins as an official project partner to evaluate entries and offer post-academy exposure to top-tier performers.
Selected producers receive full travel provision, villa accommodation, and studio access on the island. Beyond daily arrangement and mix engineering sessions, the schedule integrates studio visits, local networking, and marine excursion workshops. The initiative targets upcoming artists across the European continent seeking hands-on refinement of their audio engineering techniques.
Inside the El Tony Mate Producer Academy 2026 Masterclasses
Technical instruction throughout the week focuses on raw audio construction, modular synthesis integration, and dancefloor acoustics. Mentor SKALA, head of the Amaeo imprint, brings expertise grounded in organic percussion layers, glitch sound design, and heavy synth leads. Her recent discography spans top-tier entries on Beatport’s Melodic Techno and Electronica charts, alongside live performances across Europe, Central America, and the Middle East.
Co-leading the retreat is Spanish producer Kid Simius, head of Jirafa Records and veteran of Watergate releases. Known for live hardware sets and platinum-certified house productions, Simius covers Balearic club dynamics, analogue workflow speed, and arrangement builds. Together, the duo delivers daily one-on-one breakdowns covering sub-bass management, frequency balance, and dynamic compression.
โElectronic music has always been at the heart of El Tony Mate. Through the El Tony Mate Producer Academy, by bringing together emerging producers and experienced mentors, weโre empowering the next generation of artists – investing directly in the people who will shape electronic musicโs future. For us, supporting culture means creating real opportunities.โ
Speaking on the project’s core focus, El Tony Mate Culture Specialist Ellen Fรถlmli highlights the long-term intent behind mentoring unreleased talent. By funding direct contact hours between headliners and underground producers, the project builds self-sustaining creative links across European territories.
Ibiza Sound Design Retreat Entry Requirements
To secure one of the eight villa placements, producers must complete a specific creative brief. Candidates are required to download exclusive stem packs provided by SKALA and Kid Simius to craft an original production or remix. Submissions will be judged on sonic character, arrangement cohesion, and technical mix quality.
A joint panel comprising SKALA, Kid Simius, Beatport representatives, and the El Tony Culture Collective will review all submitted audio files. The deadline for final entry submission is 23rd August, with successful candidates announced prior to the October departure. Winners receive round-trip European flights, catered villa lodging, and ongoing label introduction support.
The academy continues a wider series of underground music initiatives executed by the brand, including the Selected Sessions pop-up event series. By pairing niche club venues with high-definition audio recording setups, the collective continues to anchor its presence across European electronic music hubs.
El Tony Mate Producer Academy 2026 FAQ
What is the El Tony Mate Producer Academy 2026 application deadline?
Applications close on 23rd August. Candidates must submit an original track or remix using mentor stem packs before this date.
When does the Ibiza production workshop take place?
The week-long music production course runs from October 1st to October 7th 2026 in Ibiza. Eight selected producers will attend the full session.
Who are the coaches for the electronic music academy?
Berlin artist SKALA and Spanish producer Kid Simius serve as head coaches for the 2026 retreat. Both artists bring extensive international label and performance experience.
How many producers will be selected for the academy?
Exactly eight emerging producers from anywhere in Europe will be chosen to attend the retreat. Selection is determined by a panel including coaches, brand staff, and Beatport partners.
What expenses are covered for selected participants?
The initiative covers round-trip European flights, villa accommodation, food, and coaching sessions. Participants also receive networking access and potential label opportunities.
What audio entry materials are required to apply?
Applicants must build a finished track or remix incorporating sample packs created by SKALA and Kid Simius. Entries undergo technical evaluation by the judging panel.
