BPM Festival: Costa Rica 2025 rolls out the phase two lineup for 2025, bringing an impressive collection of underground talent to its jungle paradise. From January 8-12th, Playa Avellana, Costa Rica will host German melodic techno guru Innellea, Brazil’s rising tech-house force Classmatic, Miami’s Space Club fixture Malóne, and French minimal pioneers Shonky and Traumer.
These artists join an already esteemed lineup featuring the Adriatique, Âme (DJ), ARTBAT, CAMELPHAT, Francesca Lombardo, HUGEL, Francis Mercier, a special live performance from Jan Blomqvist, and an eagerly anticipated DJ set from RY X.
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Today we have the story of the BPM Festival told by the new talent buyer, Driss Skali.
How did the BPM Festival originate? How long have you been attending and supporting the festival in some capacity?
The BPM Festival began in 2008 in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, as a unique gathering for industry insiders—bartenders, promoters, and musicians. BPM is the festival that set the standard for electronic music culture. It’s truly the OG.
For so many of us, it’s the event that opened our eyes to what electronic music could be—not just a sound, but an experience, a community, and a lifestyle. It’s no exaggeration to say that BPM paved the way for countless festivals around the world. For me, attending BPM when I was younger felt like going to the most incredible school—only instead of textbooks, the lessons came from the music, the energy, and the pure magic.
What makes BPM stand out, in my eyes, is its ability to create these once-in-a-lifetime experiences. It’s more than just a festival—it’s a feeling, a place where music and nature collide to create something truly extraordinary.
I believe I’ve been to almost every edition from 2012 until the pandemic hit. Now, I’m deeply honored to be part of the BPM team and to work alongside the incredibly talented Sabrina Ramdath.
What are some of your more fonder memories of the festival and what makes the festival stand out in your eyes?
One of my fondest memories is from 2014 at Blue Venado. That party is etched in my mind forever. We had to walk through a dark, mysterious jungle at night, with no idea where we were going. It was so pitch-black that every step felt like an adventure. And then, as the sun began to rise, we emerged onto this breathtaking beach. It felt like we’d been transported to another dimension. Everything about that moment was perfect. It captured the very essence of what BPM stands for: discovery, connection, and unforgettable moments.
Can you share some of your career experiences that led to your role as the talent buyer of BPM?
My journey to becoming the talent buyer for BPM has been a long and rewarding adventure, filled with experiences that have shaped how I approach curating music and events. I’ve been professionally curating events in clubs and festivals since 2004, but it all started much earlier.
Back in 1997, I began organizing events in Morocco, where I grew up, which gave me my first taste of bringing people together through music.
In 1999, I moved to Canada, and that’s where everything really took off. It was my introduction to the western electronic music scene—an opportunity to experience the big names and the established culture firsthand. That exposure helped me refine my vision and expand my understanding of what makes an event truly unforgettable.
Since then, I’ve had the privilege of curating festivals like FAMILY PIKNIK in the south of France for many years alongside Tom Pooks, as well as SXM Festival in St. Martin for seven years and ENVISION FESTIVAL in Costa Rica for eight years now. Beyond that, I’ve worked on countless festivals, club nights, and parties across the globe, each bringing its own unique challenges and inspirations.
These experiences have taught me how to read a crowd, adapt to different cultural contexts, and build lineups that are both exciting and cohesive. Working with BPM feels like a culmination of everything I’ve learned along the way—a chance to bring together the best of the global electronic music community under one roof (or one beach).
It is such an honor to be part of a festival that has such a legendary reputation and continues to shape the scene on a global scale.
What is your selection process like? What would you say is unique about the new additions in phase 2 of the lineup?
My selection process is deeply rooted in staying connected with the electronic music scene. I’m always out there—going to events, paying attention to what DJs are playing, and keeping an ear open for up-and-coming artists. I make a conscious effort to listen to everything without judgment, which helps me uncover fresh sounds and talent that might not be on everyone’s radar yet. For this year’s lineup, Phase 1 leaned heavily into melodic house, techno, and afro house—genres that are immersive and emotive.
With Phase 2, the focus shifted more toward tech house, adding a higher-energy, more playful vibe.
With multiple stages, we aim to create something for everyone, striking a balance that caters to different tastes while still maintaining cohesion. The goal is always to give people an unforgettable musical journey, no matter which stage they find themselves at.
When I curate a lineup, I approach it the same way I would program a DJ set. Just like a DJ plans their first track and envisions the journey they want to take their audience on, I think of the lineup as a narrative. Instead of tracks, I’m placing DJs, thinking about their styles, the energy they bring, and how they’ll flow together. It’s about creating a journey—not just through a single night but across the entire festival. From the first set on Wednesday morning to the final beats on Sunday night, I want there to be an evolution in sound, an arc that tells a story and keeps people engaged. It’s a bit abstract and hard to put into words, but it’s about building an experience that feels intentional and seamless.
What other projects are you working on?
There’s a lot happening right now—almost too much to name, haha. One of the most exciting collaborations has been working with the legendary Steve Lawler, a legend and a pioneer in the electronic music scene. We connected about a year ago, and since then, we’ve been teaming up on some incredible projects. It’s been amazing to share ideas and work with someone whose influence shaped so much of the scene we know today.
Of course, there’s always something new with BPM! We’re already looking ahead to 2025 and planning more editions in some fresh and exciting territories. It’s all about keeping the BPM magic alive while exploring new places and creating experiences that resonate with people around the world.
Beyond BPM, I’m super active with other brands and projects, including new festivals in places that haven’t been explored much by the electronic music community. There’s something so rewarding about going into uncharted territory and building something from the ground up, creating events that not only bring the music but also introduce people to these incredible, undiscovered destinations. It’s a nonstop journey, but that’s what makes it so exciting.
How did Francis Mercier land on your radar?
I first met Francis Mercier in 2021, and I remember it clearly. Even though I wasn’t familiar with his music at the time, I could see the passion in his eyes when he talked about his art. It was clear that he wasn’t just making music; he was living it.
What impressed me most was his vision. He wasn’t trying to follow trends—he was laser-focused on sharing his own unique take on house music, and he’s done exactly that. Watching him bring his vision to life has been inspiring. Hard work always pays off, and Francis embodies that. He’s deeply involved in every aspect of what he does, from creating the music to building the bigger picture around it. I have so much respect for him—not just as an artist but as a visionary who’s never afraid to put in the effort to make things happen.
Where are you from?
I was born and raised in Morocco, where my journey with music began. At 19, I moved to Montreal, Canada, which opened the door to the global electronic music scene and shaped the path I’m on today.
Where would you recommend visiting in Central or South America? Any hidden gems or communities you would like to shine a light on?
Argentina is such an amazing place. And honestly, the steak there? You won’t find anything like it anywhere else in the world—it’s next-level. The culture, the energy, and the people make it a country you have to experience.
Guatemala, on the other hand, has this peaceful vibe that’s perfect for resetting and recharging. It’s so beautiful, especially places like Lake Atitlán, where you can just take in the calm and connect with nature. Both spots are completely different but equally magical.
Where can people find you on social media?
You can find me on Instagram, I think that’s the only social media that I still use: DrissSkali
What is the last track you listened to?
William Onyeabor vs. Hot Chip – Atomic Bomb.
