Influences: Javi Bora Shares The Records That Shaped His Sound Following ‘Bumpy’ On Paradise Music
- Mar 25
- 4 min read
Javi Bora has spent decades embedded in dancefloor culture, from his long-standing residency at Space Ibiza to global sets spanning Tokyo, London and Sydney. That experience runs deep in everything he does.
Now linking up with Vibe Killers for ‘Bumpy’ on Paradise Music, Bora leans into the kind of groove-led house that has defined his career. Funk, rhythm and feeling sit at the centre, shaped by years behind the decks and a clear connection to club culture at its core. With the release now out, it lands as another statement from an artist who understands exactly what works in the room.
This Influences selection pulls things back to where it started.
These are not just tracks he plays. They are moments that shaped his identity as a DJ. Records tied to early inspiration, Ibiza memories and the kind of emotional connection that still drives his sets today.
Basement Jaxx – Fly Life Xtra [Atlantic Jaxx Recordings]
‘Fly Life’ by Basement Jaxx is probably one of my all-time favorite records to play, especially in peak-time moments at special events. For me, this track represents the true essence of being a DJ—transmitting emotion, energy, and pure dancefloor connection.
It’s a record that’s almost 30 years old now, and I still remember the first time I heard it. I instantly thought, ‘Yes, this is it. This is what I want to do. This is what I want to play.’ And since then, it has always stayed with me.
I have so many memories with this track. I remember playing it during closing sets at Space Ibiza, where I was an official resident DJ, and also all around the world—South America, Australia, Asia, London… everywhere. It never fails.
This is a true bomb, a timeless record that I’ve been in love with since day one. It brings back incredible memories, especially from my years at Space Ibiza. Pure magic, pure party—I just love it.
Soul II Soul – Back To Life (However Do You Want Me) ft. Caron Wheeler
‘Back to Life’ by Soul II Soul featuring Caron Wheeler is pure influence in my journey. I’ve had the vinyl for many years, and honestly… what can I say? It’s pure magic—pure soul.
This record is definitely one of the reasons why I’m doing what I do today. I’ve always loved this group, I’ve always loved this kind of music—the kind that makes you feel something deep, and even more when it makes you dance and smile at the same time. And this song does exactly that.
It takes me back to another time, to special moments, and it never fails to put a smile on my face. Music like this shaped who I am—a true music lover—and led me to dedicate myself fully, body and soul, to music. Long live music.
Levitation – More Than Ever People (feat. Cathy Battistessa)
This song is Ibiza to me. It represents all the years I’ve lived and breathed the Ibiza dream—more than two decades of playing and growing as an artist on the island.
I discovered this track through the Café del Mar compilations—if I remember correctly, it was Volume 5—and from that moment, it stayed with me forever. It captures the true essence of Ibiza: the sunsets, the beaches, the freedom, the energy, and the spirit of the island.
This song has been a real driving force in my life. It pushed me to chase my dream, to fully embrace music, to become a DJ and producer, to travel the world, and to live through music, experiences, and connection with people.
Without a doubt, it’s been a huge influence not only in my musical career but also in my life. It has given me beautiful moments, and I carry it with me with a lot of love—not just for the music, but for life itself and for the people I love.
Luther Vandross – Never Too Much
‘Never Too Much’ by Luther Vandross has been a huge influence in my life. Music has always been at the center of everything for me, and I clearly remember this track from when I was very young, going through my father’s collection—he was always playing a lot of music at home.
This is one of those songs that has stayed with me forever. I truly believe it was the starting point of my deep connection with music—real music, soulful music. It gave me that feeling in my body, that spark, that made me realize I wanted to dedicate myself completely to this.
For me, this is what a great record should be: quality, emotion, soul… something real and passionate. It’s a song that means so much to me, and it definitely played a big role in shaping my path—pushing me to become a DJ, a producer, and to dedicate my life 100% to music.
River Ocean – Love & Happiness (Yemeya Y Ochun) [Strictly Rhythm]
‘Love & Happiness’ by River Ocean featuring India is a record I’ve been deeply in love with since the very first time I heard it, decades ago. Without a doubt, it’s one of the tracks that made me dedicate my life to DJing.
India, to me, is one of the greatest voices in house music—if not the greatest. Her soul, her delivery… it’s just timeless. And the producers behind this record—there are no words. They created pure magic.
This is one of those rare tracks that can literally make me cry out of happiness. It’s always in my bag, always part of my musical DNA. And I truly believe it’s one of the songs that has influenced my sound, my journey as a producer, and especially my identity as a DJ on stage.
What ties all of Javi Bora’s influences together is simple. Feeling first. Groove second. Everything else follows.
From early soul records to Ibiza-defining moments, each track carries a sense of connection that still shapes how he approaches the dancefloor today. You can hear that directly in ‘Bumpy’, where rhythm and energy lead without overcomplicating the idea.
After years at the centre of global club culture, Bora still leans on the same foundations.
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