ares carter


ARES CARTER FROM PACHA DREAMS TO GLOBAL MOMENTUM


For Ares Carter, 2025 has been a year of full-circle moments. The New York–born DJ and producer cut his teeth in the early 2010s, hustling for teenage slots at the now-defunct Pacha NYC. More than a decade later, he spent his summer living out the dream in Ibiza, splitting his time between Defected at Pacha, a Mixmag takeover at Amnesia, and Pantheon’s open-air nights at Cova Santa. Add to that a global festival calendar and the launch of his own label, Those Nights, and you get an artist defining his lane with house music as his compass.


“It was always a dream of mine to base myself on the island for the summer while touring, and this was the year we made it happen,” he says.


“Ibiza is really where you hear what’s next, so going to parties like Circoloco at DC-10, Paradise at UNVRS, and Solid Grooves gave me a lot of inspiration, which I fueled into my shows and into the studio.”


FULL CIRCLE AT PACHA


For Carter, playing Defected at Pacha was more than just a booking; it was a return to where it all began.


“I started my DJ career in 2012 at the now closed Pacha NYC,” he recalls. “They would host Pacha U18 teen nights, and I would sell tickets to my friends just to perform. Being able to play at the original Pacha in Ibiza was a huge full-circle moment for me. Additionally, being given the opportunity by a brand like Defected was a huge honor. I ensured that my set paid homage to the label while incorporating my own sound. I definitely hope to do more with Defected in the future.”


At Amnesia, the challenge was different but just as meaningful. With Armand Van Helden headlining, Carter leaned into the timeless energy of house.


“Opening the room is a fun challenge. At first, you’re playing slower to a handful of people wandering between the dance floor and the bar, and then suddenly the room is packed and you have the opportunity to bring up the energy. There’s nothing like it.”


Cova Santa, meanwhile, gave him the chance to channel Ibiza’s natural magic.


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AUTHOR: ALESSANDRA SOLA PHOTOGRAPHY: NATALIEGOLDSTEIN (@ARTBYGOLDIE)


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