Music On

Music On is a globally recognized house music brand founded by Italian DJ and producer Marco Carola. Known for its focus on high-quality techno and house music, Music On has become one of the most influential club nights in Ibiza and a respected name worldwide in electronic music culture.

Marco Carola began his musical journey in Naples, Italy, where he first explored DJing as a teenager. In the early 1990s, he shifted from house and acid house to techno, drawn to its raw sound and experimental nature. His first notable release, Hard Melody in 1995, introduced his distinctive style of driving percussion and minimalist hooks. Just a year later, he launched Design Music, one of Italy’s earliest techno-specific labels, under the alias Man Train. Carola continued to build his reputation by founding other imprints, including Zenit, One Thousand, Do.Mi.No, and finally, Music On.

Music On officially debuted as a party series in 2011 at the Shelbourne Hotel in Miami. From its inception, the concept was centered on providing a pure music-focused club night, where the spotlight remained on the sound and the DJ. In 2012, Music On began its iconic residency at Amnesia Ibiza, where it ran until 2018. Known for its long-running sessions that extended deep into the next day, the residency quickly gained a reputation among global techno fans. In 2019, Music On shifted its residency to Pacha Ibiza, expanding its reach while maintaining its signature vibe.

Beyond the island, Music On has hosted events in major cities like London, New York, Miami, Barcelona, and Amsterdam. The Music On Festival in Amsterdam has emerged as a flagship event, drawing thousands of fans and showcasing an expertly curated lineup of techno and house acts. Globally, the Music On brand has earned praise for its commitment to sound quality, programming, and creating a dance floor experience that feels both intimate and powerful. Other destinations where Music On events have been held include Toronto, Los Angeles, Montevideo, Tel Aviv, and Lima, reflecting the brand’s international expansion and influence.

Music On @ Amnesia, Ibiza 2018

Marco Carola is widely regarded for his marathon DJ sets, often extending beyond 10 hours. One of the most talked-about examples was his 24-hour non-stop set at Sunwaves 17 in Mamaia, Romania, in 2015. Known for his relentless preparation, Carola listens to thousands of promos and unreleased tracks each week, constantly updating his arsenal with fresh material. His style crosses subgenres, blending minimal, tech-house, and driving techno, with an emphasis on creating a sustained energy that connects with the crowd.

Carola’s influence on other DJs and producers is substantial. Many rising artists have gained exposure after having their tracks played in his sets, often before official release. His meticulous ear for selecting tracks has helped shape the sounds of emerging talents and reinforced the credibility of established names. Carola has also inspired a generation of DJs by showing the importance of building a journey in a set, not just playing hit after hit. His approach underscores the importance of pacing, mood, and the subtle evolution of energy over long hours—skills that many younger DJs aim to master.

Music On lineups frequently feature renowned names like Joseph Capriati, Paco Osuna, Jamie Jones, Franky Rizardo, and Stacey Pullen. Carola’s talent curation goes beyond established acts, as he actively supports emerging talent, often breaking new artists by playing their music in his sets. This openness has helped Music On build its reputation as a tastemaking brand, trusted by fans to deliver innovative and fresh lineups.

An often overlooked but crucial element of Music On’s success is its visual and production design. From immersive light shows to carefully calibrated sound systems, every element of a Music On event is engineered to heighten the sensory experience. The lighting design often syncs tightly with the flow of the music, creating peaks and valleys that amplify the emotional intensity of the set. The minimalist yet striking stage setups are designed to draw attention to the DJ while giving the audience a space to fully immerse in the music, free from unnecessary distractions. This level of production detail is part of what makes a Music On night memorable, turning each event into more than just a party—it becomes an experience.

Naples, Carola’s hometown, has had a significant influence on his career. The city’s gritty, independent spirit shaped his early approach to music, pushing him to seek inspiration beyond Italy and develop his unique voice. He credits his time spent exploring London’s record shops as crucial in honing his musical style and taste. Despite his heavy touring schedule, Carola continues to balance his role as a performer with work in the studio, although he has acknowledged that the demands of international travel can limit his production time.

Music On stands today as more than just a party or event series. It is a curated platform for techno and house music, representing decades of experience and a focus on the music itself. The brand has navigated shifts in the clubbing world, changing venues, and evolving audience tastes while maintaining a clear identity centered on quality sound and authentic experiences. For both fans and artists, Music On is a space where the music remains at the forefront.

From Ibiza to Miami, Amsterdam to New York, and across cities on multiple continents, Music On continues to shape the international house music circuit. The brand reflects Marco Carola’s long-standing influence, his sharp ear for talent, and his passion for the dance floor experience. For anyone looking to understand the essence of modern techno culture, Music On offers a living example, blending legacy with forward-thinking music curation and delivering events that resonate across generations.