Jia Lissa
Paul Fisher, known globally as the Grammy-nominated electronic music sensation FISHER, is currently anchored in his native Australia, reflecting on a whirlwind of global performances while preparing for another monumental summer season. Fresh from a family holiday, the esteemed DJ and producer spoke with DJ Mag Ibiza, bridging the gap between a seemingly unending previous season and the imminent launch of his latest residency on the White Isle. His recent triumph at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, where he captivated an unprecedented 40,000 attendees in the venue’s largest indoor electronic music event to date, underscores his remarkable trajectory. This achievement serves as a prelude to his highly anticipated return to [UNVRS], the club recently crowned the World’s No.1 in the DJ Mag Top 100 Clubs poll for 2026, for his weekly Thursday night residency. Last season, his dramatic entrance, descending from the ceiling, became an iconic moment. While he confirms a departure from that specific spectacle this year, FISHER remains tight-lipped about the new production, teasing, "This year we’ve gone big on the production, still very on brand, but we’re taking a few risks with it. I’m not falling from the ceiling again… but I reckon what we’ve got this year is going to properly blow people’s minds."
From Professional Surfer to Global House Icon
Before the half-billion streams, the Grammy nomination, and even before Las Vegas declared a day in his honour, Paul Fisher’s life revolved around the professional surfing circuit on Australia’s Gold Coast. It was within this vibrant, party-centric environment that he first encountered the pulsating rhythms of electronic music, an introduction that would subtly reshape his destiny. Roughly a decade ago, a pivotal moment arrived with the release of "Ya Kidding" on Claude VonStroke’s revered Dirtybird label. The track quickly gained traction, picked up by influential DJs like Eats Everything and Skream within weeks, marking the genesis of his rapid ascent in the electronic music world. This organic growth, fuelled by authentic talent and an infectious energy, saw his career escalate from promising newcomer to a dominant force in house music.
His journey to becoming a global phenomenon is a testament to his innate ability to craft infectious grooves and connect with audiences on a visceral level. The transition from the waves of the Pacific to the thumping basslines of international clubs was not merely a change of profession but a profound shift in creative expression. The discipline and dedication honed during his surfing career undoubtedly contributed to his relentless work ethic and innovative approach to music production and performance.
An Enduring Love Affair with Ibiza
FISHER’s connection with Ibiza predates his professional bookings on the island. Like countless dance music enthusiasts, his initial encounters with the White Isle were as a reveler, immersing himself in the unparalleled atmosphere and energy of its legendary clubs. "I love Ibiza," he states with palpable enthusiasm. "When I used to come as a punter, I would always just be blown away by the atmosphere and the energy of the clubs, just being amongst it in those crowds was wild and so much fun. I remember just getting lost in the experience and the vibe of the music." This foundational experience as a clubber profoundly shaped his understanding of what makes Ibiza special, informing his approach to curating his own residencies. Remarkably, despite his superstar status, he still makes time to experience the island from the dancefloor perspective. "I still actually go out and have a few nights throughout the summer. Nothing’s changed there. I’m just more noticeable than back in the day," he laughs, underscoring his genuine passion for the scene.
His previous residency at Hï Ibiza was widely regarded as one of the season’s highlights, consistently drawing a dedicated and effervescent "FISHER crowd." The decision to move was not taken lightly, given his deep affection for the venue. "I had so many special moments in that club. It’s one of the best clubs in the world and the energy in there is just so special. I love that club so much." However, the opportunity presented by Yann Pissenem, the visionary behind Ushuaïa and Hï Ibiza, to launch a residency at the nascent [UNVRS] was irresistible. "When he asked me to come up the street with him to do [UNVRS], I said yes straight away. It was an exciting time. I was going to be a part of history and a new journey in Ibiza. I was going to be the first artist to have a residency on Thursdays." This move was a bold statement, aligning himself with a new venture poised to redefine Ibiza’s clubbing landscape.
The Genesis and Triumph of [UNVRS]
The inaugural season of [UNVRS] not only validated FISHER’s strategic move but also cemented the club’s position at the apex of the global electronic music scene. In an unprecedented achievement, [UNVRS] claimed the coveted number one spot in the DJ Mag Top 100 Clubs poll in its very first year of operation. FISHER’s Thursday nights were unequivocally central to this success, establishing a new benchmark for clubbing experiences on the island. A particularly memorable highlight was the night he shared the decks with Chris Lake, an event that quickly entered Ibiza folklore as one of those "crazy moments" – an experience that demanded presence, lest it be forever missed.
Recounting his first encounter with the club, FISHER describes an overwhelming sensory experience. "The first time I played that club, it honestly blew me away. I had to take a second and just step back and take it all in. It’s full system overload — the crowd, the production, the scale of it, the sound… everything’s just next level. The sound in there is unreal, one of the best I’ve ever played on." His awe is palpable, even after multiple performances. "And even now, every time I step up there, I still pinch myself. I’m just so lucky getting to live out my Ibiza dream in that club." This sentiment highlights not only the club’s exceptional quality but also FISHER’s continued humility and appreciation for his journey.
Curating the [UNVRS] Experience: Music and Production
The planning for a new season at [UNVRS] is a meticulous process, beginning fundamentally with the music. FISHER’s approach to curating his line-ups is designed to keep clubbers engaged and surprised, offering a dynamic range of sounds throughout the summer. The artist roster reflects this philosophy, featuring a diverse array of talent, from techno titans like Loco Dice, Seth Troxler, and Paco Osuna to house heavyweights such as Gorgon City, Partiboi69, and Chris Lorenzo. This blend ensures that different musical palettes and crowds are catered to across a single season, fostering an inclusive and evolving atmosphere.
"First off, the booking team at [UNVRS] are unreal," FISHER commends. "We’re always in a WhatsApp chat throwing ideas around about what could work on the line-ups. I love mixing it up. I’m into all kinds of dance music, so it’s important that the night doesn’t feel the same all the way through. You want different vibes, different energy. And I’m a fan as well. I love being in the club and hearing what everyone is playing. I’m buzzing to see what everyone brings this year at [UNVRS]." This collaborative spirit and genuine appreciation for diverse electronic music are key to the residency’s continued appeal.
Beyond the musical curation, the visual and experiential elements are paramount. FISHER has maintained a close working relationship with Romain from High Scream, the acclaimed production company responsible for the breathtaking spectacles at Ushuaïa and Hï Ibiza, and now [UNVRS]. Their collaboration spans years, characterized by a continuous drive for innovation. "We’re always bouncing ideas around, figuring out what we can push and how we can make it bigger and better," FISHER explains. "He’s like a little French wizard. I have so much fun working with him. We just want to give people something unique on the dancefloor."
The residency format also provides FISHER with a unique opportunity to delve deeper into his extensive musical catalog. Unlike the often peak-time-focused, hour-long festival slots, the extended sets at [UNVRS] allow him to explore a broader spectrum of sounds. "I get to dig a bit deeper, play stuff I wouldn’t normally play on the road and really build something with the crowd," he notes. The direct feedback from the dancefloor when he drops his own productions in this environment is particularly rewarding. "And when I drop my own tunes in that club and see how people react… that’s the best feeling. Proper special."
The Dynamic Energy of the Crowd and Season’s Evolution
A significant factor in the sustained freshness of FISHER’s residency lies in the ever-changing dynamics of the crowd. "Honestly, it all comes down to the crowd," he emphasizes. "Every week’s different — you never know what you’re going to get, and that’s what makes it so special. One night might be full chaos, the next might be a different vibe completely, so you’ve always got to stay on your toes and adjust what you’re playing." This adaptability ensures that each Thursday night at [UNVRS] is a distinct experience, responsive to the energy of the moment.
As the season progresses, a unique synergy develops between the artist, the club, and the audience, culminating in an electrifying crescendo by September. "That’s what makes Ibiza so epic," he reflects. "It never gets boring. And by the time you hit the last show, it’s just pure energy. Everyone’s up for it, you’ve built something over the whole season, and it all comes together for the closing." This organic evolution creates a sense of shared journey and collective celebration that is intrinsic to the Ibiza experience.
Monumental Performances: Moscone Center and Las Vegas
Beyond the intimate yet grand scale of his Ibiza residency, FISHER has commanded some of the world’s largest stages, creating moments of indelible impact. The Moscone Center event in San Francisco stands out as a career highlight. Forty thousand attendees gathered for an electronic music show of unprecedented scale in that venue, a truly historic moment. "I actually had a moment up there on stage where I thought to myself, ‘Imagine being 18 and in that crowd with ya mates experiencing that’," he recalls, drawing a vivid contrast with his early clubbing days. "Back when I was going out, it’d be like one red strobe in the corner and that was magic. So watching that go down with my own eyes was epic." The magnitude of such an event, requiring immense behind-the-scenes coordination, fills him with gratitude. "There’s so much that goes into those shows behind the scenes, so when it all comes together like that, there’s honestly no better feeling. I feel super lucky, mate. I love what I do, and I can’t thank my team and the fans enough for moments like that."
Equally effusive is his praise for Las Vegas, a city he describes as one of his favorite places to perform. "Vegas is one of my favourite places to play," he states. "The day parties are next level: the sun’s out, music is pumping, everyone in board shorts and bikinis just going for it. It’s the ultimate people watching… you can’t even put it into words." This vibrant daytime energy transitions seamlessly into the electrifying nights at venues like OMNIA, celebrated as one of the world’s premier clubs. "Then you’ve got OMNIA at night, one of the best clubs in the world. The energy in there is wild, people coming from everywhere, it’s just chaos in the best way," he laughs, concluding, "I love Vegas. If you can’t have fun there… I don’t know where you’re going wrong."
Evolving Sound and Creative Process
In terms of his musical output, FISHER is consciously working on broadening his sonic palette, moving slightly beyond what audiences might traditionally anticipate. "Right now, I’m in a really fun place with the music. I’m taking a few more risks, trying new ideas: a bit more vocal driven, a bit more crossover, stuff people can listen to in the car as well as the club," he reveals. Tracks like "Rain" and "Favour" exemplify this evolving direction. "Tunes like ‘Rain’ and ‘Favour’ were just unreal to work on, proper feel-good records, and that’s kinda where my head’s at. But I’m still keeping that bounce, that energy — that’s always going to be there. It’s just evolving."
His creative process is often unpredictable, a blend of serendipitous moments and persistent effort. "Sometimes you can spend days on a record and get nowhere. And then sometimes you can go in the studio and have a record done within the first two hours. Some of the best stuff I’ve ever made has been done within the first five hours of being in the studio. Other times it’s just banging your head against the wall." Once a track is conceived, it undergoes a rigorous testing phase: the "car test" for mainstream appeal, followed by the ultimate crucible – the dancefloor. "The crowd tells you real quick if it’s legit or not," he asserts, emphasizing the importance of immediate audience feedback.
The Heart of the FISHER Experience: Fun and Connection
When pressed on his ultimate objective for a FISHER show, his answer is disarmingly simple and profoundly heartfelt. "Honestly, I just want everyone to have fun. That’s it," he declares. "I love seeing people with smiles on their dials, mates dancing their asses off, hugging each other, just living in the moment. I love connecting with the crowd, feeding off their energy, seeing their reactions when a drop hits right." This desire to foster unadulterated joy stems from his own formative experiences. "I was that kid on the dancefloor once, getting my mind blown with my mates, losing our shit — that’s what made me want to do this. So now I just want to give people that same feeling." He concludes with an unvarnished declaration of passion: "I fucking love my job, mate. I’m one of the lucky ones — I get to live my dream."
Balancing Global Stardom with Family Life
Amidst the relentless touring schedule and the demands of global stardom, FISHER is also a devoted father to two young daughters. His family often travels with him when circumstances permit, a crucial element in maintaining his equilibrium. When asked how he manages to juggle these diverse responsibilities, his response is grounded in a deep sense of contentment. "It’s hard, but I love it," he admits. "I’ve got a really good balance. I love my family — that’s what makes me the happiest. And I love my job too: getting out there, playing shows, seeing people smiling, connecting with the fans… that’s such a special feeling."
The presence of his family, whether on the road or at home, provides an essential anchor. "Having my family with me, whether I’m on the road or back home, makes a massive difference. Watching them smile, take their first steps, say their first words — it just melts my heart." This integration of his personal and professional worlds underscores a holistic approach to his career, where the immense pressures are mitigated by the profound joys of family. It’s this balance that fuels his infectious energy and ensures his continued impact on the electronic music landscape, as he sets sail for another season of groundbreaking performances.
