Azuli is not just credited as the label that nurtured the growth of underground house in the UK but in Ibiza too. Their events became a formidable force on the island for many years and helped shape today’s Balearic sound. It was Azuli’s Friday nights at Space that set the standard and later, their infamous secret beach parties where DJs like Pete Tong, Andy Cato and Crazy P sent out the reverberations that are still talked about to this day.
Since Azuli’s re-launch this year, their reputation has spurned a flurry of enquiries for a return to the island, so watch this space, you never know, you may get to sample a piece of the Azuli experience sooner than you think.
Every year (since 1998) Azuli presents its take on the island’s underground sounds and makes its seasons predictions for the summer ahead. Proven to be spot on year on year, Azuli return with their flagship compilation featuring three of the biggest contemporary house stars of the moment Olav Basoski, James Talk and Ridney.
Azuli presents Ibiza 2011 - Mixed by James Talk, Ridney and Olav Basoski. by Azuli Records
The first mix is brought to you by Dutch DJ Olav Basoski. By no means a new kid on the block, Olav been pioneering house music for many years as an internationally renowned producer and remixer. In the wake of his massive spring hit ‘New Day’ on Defected Records he takes control of the first CD, featuring his own summer cuts ‘EY!’ and ‘The Other Side’ as well as works from Riva Starr, Stefano Noferini, Sandy Rivera, Bass Kleph, Stretch and Vern and Haji and Emanuel. This is a hugely summery soundtrack with Latin flavours, lots of vocals and punchy break beats.
Mix 2 is delivered by James Talk and Ridney a DJ/production duo on the rise. Their tracks are frequently sighted by the nation’s premier radio DJs with their recent club hit ‘One For Me’ receiving air play from the likes of BBC Radio 1’s Pete Tong and Kiss FM’s Steve Smart. Here the pair expertly craft a mix that builds in true Balearic style, a perfect contrast to Olav’s choppier style. Featuring gems including their own summer smash ‘Sunrise’ as well as bullets from Joris Voorn, Spiller, Style Of Eye, Cajmere and Quivver. This side really does outline why James Talk and Ridney are now a staple for Azuli.
With their roots firmly secured in the terra firma of Ibizican clubbing, Azuli deliver the perfect blend of reworked classics, peak time moments and forward thinking cuts that will be powering your summer soundtrack 2011.
Azuli Ibiza '11 is out 27th June
