Francisco Allendes: a journey through latin roots, Ibiza, and tech house

From his first violin lessons to becoming a key figure in the international tech house scene, Francisco Allendes has carved a path defined by exploration and constant evolution. With a career that has taken him from Chile to Ibiza and beyond, the DJ and producer celebrates 15 years on the island and a 2025 full of new music and major performances.

For Francisco, his first steps in music were tied to the violin and classical training, but his true calling was found on the dancefloor:

"The first key moment in my musical journey was when I started taking violin lessons at the age of 8. Since then, music has been a fundamental part of my life, almost like a second nature. I spent years studying at the conservatory, immersing myself in the discipline and structure of classical music, but I always felt drawn to other genres. That’s why, over time, I ventured into rock, folk, and jazz bands, exploring different sounds and forms of expression. Each musical phase taught me something valuable, but none fully captured my essence. Everything changed years later when my older brother took me to a nightclub, and I saw a DJ performing live for the first time. That moment was eye-opening—the connection between music and people, the energy of the dancefloor, the way a DJ could manipulate the atmosphere and tell a story without words... I realized that was the path I wanted to follow in music. Since then, my mission has been to create and share sounds that make people feel the same way I did that first time."

His career truly took off when he signed his first record with Cadenza in 2009 and moved to Ibiza, a place that not only embraced him but also helped shape him as an artist:

"Producing and DJing allowed me to make my way in the Chilean scene and gradually in the international scene until 2009, when I signed my first record with Cadenza. That was a turning point in my life. Because of this, I was offered a residency at the old Ushuaïa, and in 2010, I moved to Ibiza, where I still live today. The island welcomed me with open arms and helped me fulfill my dreams: playing in the best clubs, releasing on my favorite labels, and traveling the world with my music."

On April 4, Francisco will release a new EP through Australian label Club Sweat. Featuring two tracks that fuse tech house and Latin percussion, this release marks a return to his classic sound:

"That’s right, the EP includes two tracks: Desire, produced by me, and Go Low, a co-production with Bruno Bona, an emerging producer from Chile. When I first heard Bruno’s work, I felt a special connection and knew that merging our two generations could create something unique and powerful, especially since we both come from the north of our country. With this track, we reconnect with the sound of my earlier productions, incorporating lots of Latin percussion and signature rhythms."

This release is also a way to pay tribute to his early years as a producer:

"Integrating this kind of rhythm and sound is nothing new for me; I’ve been doing it for years. My music used to be very percussive and Latin-inspired, with tracks like Llovizna and Esa Nena Quiere, which brought me to Ibiza. However, my artistic curiosity has led me to explore other paths, and over time, my music has evolved. With this new track, I want to pay homage to those years, updating those sounds for 2025 but keeping a touch of 2010."

One of Francisco’s biggest projects this year is his version of the classic Jazzin’ The Way You Know by Jazzy M. The idea came from his own repertoire of edits for his sets:

"This is a track I’ve always loved, and I had my own version for a while to play in my sets, where it always worked really well. Last year, Altra Moda offered me the chance to work on a track from their catalog, and coincidentally, they owned this classic, so I didn’t think twice about it."

The key to this reinterpretation was modernizing the structure so it would fit better in today’s sets:

"The roots of the music we dance to today come from the ‘90s and 2000s, and it’s incredible how some tracks, like this one, still sound so current and even futuristic when compared to today’s music. However, despite their timeless sound, integrating them into modern DJ sets can be tricky because their structures don’t always align with the way music is composed and produced today. That’s where I stepped in, adjusting the structure to make this track shine on the dancefloor once again and be more accessible for DJs to play."

2025 marks Francisco’s 15th anniversary in Ibiza, a place that continues to challenge him and allow him to grow as an artist:

"The island evolves every year, becoming more demanding and competitive in terms of music. There’s no season in which I’m not surprised by new proposals, sounds, and artists that come in and redefine the scene. I’m lucky to be part of these changes and live in a place that, in some way, shapes what later becomes a global trend."

With a season full of events, including the opening of Club Chinois on April 11 and his residency at ANTS and Caníbales at Tantra, Francisco Allendes continues to take his sound to new horizons, with the same passion and energy he started his journey with over two decades ago.

"The opening of Chinois is always a very special moment because it marks the first big event after months with the island on pause. It’s when many people return to settle here, and the reunions feel like when two friends haven’t seen each other in a while and have a lot to share. This will be my third year playing on this date, and the energy in the club is incredible. Plus, it’s the perfect occasion to try the new tracks I’ve been preparing for the summer and feel how they work on the dancefloor."

But… how does one face the pressure of giving their best during this season? Francisco shares his perspective.

"After so many years living on the island, I’ve learned that the best way to handle the pressure is to get on stage with full attention and respect for the audience. Each party and each club has its own vibe, so even though my musical vision is well defined, my sets are not rigid. I try to be chameleon-like, adapting to the energy of the moment without losing my essence. My priority is to read the floor well and shape the set so that the energy flows in the best possible way, ensuring it’s an epic experience for everyone… including me!"

This year, his participation in ANTS will be complemented by a special residency at Tantra with his label, Caníbales, which will offer a more intimate and experimental atmosphere.

"ANTS and Caníbales are two very different worlds, but equally exciting for me."

ANTS has been a great school. Being part of their team for years has allowed him to perfect his technique, understand how to connect with thousands of people at once, and manage the energy of a large dancefloor.

"What can be achieved in such an environment is spectacular because the audience’s response is immediate, and the music takes on a gigantic dimension."

On the other hand, with Caníbales at Tantra, the atmosphere is much more intimate and experimental. Here, it’s possible to explore less conventional sounds, play with more open structures, and surprise the audience with unexpected tracks.

Tantra will be an opportunity to showcase the music from the Caníbales label and invite some of the artists he’s worked with.

"Caníbales was born as a space for creative freedom, without being tied to a single genre, but always with a fresh, energetic sound and identity."

The label’s philosophy is based on the idea of community and collaboration, because the best music arises when artists connect and share their vision.

For the artists who release with Caníbales, authenticity, personality, and a standout sound are sought after. It’s not just about a track working on the dancefloor, but about it having character and leaving an impact.

"I want to bring in artists with whom I share a musical vision and who can bring something special to the experience."

It will be a space to showcase music without rushing, try new things, and create an environment where both DJs and the audience feel part of something bigger.