PAUSE heads to Cala Mijas 2023.
Cala Mijas, nestled on the stunning Costa del Sol in southern Spain, is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. The natural beauty and warm Mediterranean charm of this idyllic coastal town is enough to capture the hearts of a wealth of visitors. Buried between shimmering golden beaches, turquoise waters and rugged mountains, the town is renowned for its rich cultural heritage. Beyond its walls along the cobble-stone streets and beach-fronted homes is a yearning for escapism, a place where people let loose, and the art of music brings unity and togetherness.
August is a time where Mijas becomes a hub for live music and cultural events. Extending further than its array of quaint shops and local markets (which are equally as enticing), the hustle and bustle of Cala Mijas’ music festival is exactly what draws you in. Mijas may be small, but the vibrant atmosphere it exudes is larger than life.
Known as the festival for ‘living the endless summer’, Cala Mijas returns for its second year in Corijo Colorado, surrounded by eucalyptus trees and fresh seas, tucked away amidst mountains.
PHOTO CREDIT: @sharonlopez
A unique sense of lasting energy is offered on all three stages of the main festival site: Victoria Stage, Sunset Stage, and Main Stage. If live music, entertainment and refreshments weren’t enough to salvage your tastes, La Playa Beach presented two-day installations over the course of the festival, allowing festivalgoers and passers-by the opportunity to enjoy the town’s charming beach promenade full of cafés, restaurants and bars on both days.
With live music an integral part of the atmosphere, the daytime line-up at La Playa was just a taste of what to expect in the evening. Amid a scorching midday sun on Friday and Saturday, Latin Urbano artist Ben Yart opened the show with an operatic performance of trap synth-heavy orchestrations that resembled Spanish counterparts to Grime, Trap, and DnB. He put on an intoxicating performance with energy equal to that of those present nearby the stage, laid back in crocs and half-braided hair. With his high-octane adlibs and screaming, the crowd erupted in gun fingers and reciprocating energy.
A little further away, towards the sea, was the Victoria Stage, where DJ Rocio Saiz played summer-infused hits like Nochenterro by Vicco and La Hora Loca De La Ninos by Musica Carabena. With her topless approach to bookings, the DJ and activist openly promotes the LGBTQ community, inspired by feminism and empowerment. No matter what your musical taste is, it would have been impossible to leave without being endowed by the thought-provoking artists on show.
An Exclusive Interview with Ben Yart
Ben, your music often blends elements from various genres. Can you share a specific musical fusion or experiment that challenged you creatively and why it was so important to you?
Rumba Portuguesa by Dr. Bellido, techno house with Portuguese party vibes and synths. It reminds me of a time when the music we used to listen to in clubs had significant influences/cultural appropriation from Latin America and Africa. And one day, with this song, they did it with the gypsies influence. So, as I played the guitar and DJed, I felt a strong connection with this song that put together those two worlds. Also, Jodida pero contenta by Buika – she’s an artist who comes from soul music and on this song she experiments by going into a cave with some gypsies, infusing it with soul, and it turns out really well.
Many artists draw inspiration from life experiences. Can you tell us about a personal moment or encounter that had a profound impact on your songwriting and how it shaped your music?
All my leisure, all the time I’ve spent partying is where I’ve discovered all the folk wisdom that I later incorporate into my music.
“Your lyrics often delve into deep emotions and introspection. If you could choose one song from your discography to represent your innermost thoughts and feelings, which one would it be, and what does it reveal about you as an artist?”
“Xq me habré metido tanto spiz”. The inspiring moments actually come when I’m not thinking at all, usually will arrive while having a drink or just when hanging with friends. For me, this is the actual use of leisure. This song comes from the moment when I felt the most alone; it’s the epitome of loneliness, and from there came an anthem because it’s a song that arises from me as an individual and becomes something collective.
PHOTO CREDIT: @judithnaess
PHOTO CREDIT: @judithnaess
PHOTO CREDIT: @judithnaess
PHOTO CREDIT: @sharonlopez
The Super Blue Moon that arose during Cala Mijas’ opening night at the main festival site (often associated with desire, inventiveness, and imagination) was a key moment of the weekend. Just as Amaia’s music reflected the beauty of the universe, so too did the moon reflect the beauty of the human spirit. Almost like the meaningfulness of the Sunset stage where Amaia performed was intentional, as it was adorned with embedded moons on either side. With the two moons in perfect harmony, she captivated her listeners.
When iconic NYC indie band The Strokes took the stage on night two, the crowd erupted in rumbles as they performed hit songs ‘You Only Live Once’ and ‘Last Night’.
PHOTO CREDIT: @oscarltejeda
PHOTO CREDIT: @oscarltejeda
The third night was perhaps the best. Argentinian rapper Duki took the stage as the sunset approached, showcasing his Latin trap with cold intensity and a dash of melody. After starting out as a freestyle battle rapper in 2013, the artist has gained a reputation for back-to-back bangers and a phenomenon stage presence. With that same contagious vibe, Metronomy brought the nostalgia of 1999 to the Victoria Stage, known for their melancholic and wistful blend of retro-inspired synth and drum machine beats. Windy, electronic and quintessentially British, they opened with ‘Love Factory’ before transitioning seamlessly into their discography including their bouncy number ‘Let’s Enjoy the Sunshine’. The crowd was instantly captivated and the energy in the space was palpable. The band played through their set with ease, keeping the crowd engaged and dancing along to every word.
Within moments, the pack was anticipating the penultimate headlining act – Florence and the Machine. Against a backdrop of ethereal bubbles, Florence glided across the stage barefoot, pure as can be. It was almost as if the stage was her natural habitat. As fans reacted, prancing around, and having fun effortlessly was the perfect match. In a wholesome moment in which all sang ‘I’m free in bliss’, some wore flower crowns and held each lyric sincerely.
PHOTO CREDIT: @sharonlopez
PHOTO CREDIT: @sharonlopez
PHOTO CREDIT: @sharonlopez
“It’s such a gift to be understood”, Florence says, leaning down and holding the hands of the listeners, equally in awe of the words sung back at her.
A better moment could not have been imagined for the end of Cala Mijas’ second run. With individuals left star struck, empowered, and most of all on a high, the heights of expectations for next year can only get better.
