Located in the western Mediterranean Sea, Ibiza has been a meeting point of cultures for more than 2,600 years. The first permanent settlement was founded around 654 BC by Phoenician traders connected to the North-African port of Carthage, who established the island as a commercial and spiritual centre linking sea routes between Iberia and the eastern Mediterranean.

In 123 BC, Ibiza became part of the Roman Empire. Roman administration expanded agriculture, salt production, and harbour activity, many of which still shape the island’s economy today. After the fall of Rome, the island passed through several hands until it was incorporated into the Islamic world in the early 10th century under the Caliphate of Córdoba, introducing advanced irrigation systems, terraced farming, and toponyms that remain in use.

In 1235, catalans conquered the island, bringing a new language and traditions that merged with the existing amazigh culture. Defensive walls and churches were built to protect against piracy, many of them still standing in the historic citadel of Dalt Vila above Ibiza Town, now preserved as a World Heritage site by UNESCO.

Today, as part of the Balearic Islands, Ibiza remains a living crossroads. Ancient roads, terraces, salt flats, and fortified streets are still used every day, which reminds us that the island’s music, traditions, and creative spirit grew from centuries of exchange between different peoples who all left something behind.

There are many good stories about the history of my family on the island; I was always passionate about this topic and drew many inspiration from this. 

Andreu Coll, my ancestor, was a corsair in the beginning of the XIX century, (that means he was a pirate, but on the good side, with the consent of the King of Spain) and I think that’s why I’m very drawn to the sea, boats and pirate stories.

José Coll, my great-great grand father, was the governor of Ibiza in the year 1822. His son, later emigrated to Cuba and came back with a woman, that’s where we come from.

Also, I would like to mention the brother of the corsair, Vicente Coll, a priest in Ibiza who freed a mother and daughter who were slaves for someone else in a very unjust condition by taking their names out from the slave census at that time and reporting it to the King.

All these stories have inspired me on my music somehow, even though I’m focused on the present and work from ”what it is”, these have given me inspiration and helped me explain certain personal likings and inclinations.

Thank you for reading!