With the Defected In The House closing parties fast approaching, we look back at a season in the sun through the eyes of those who were best positioned to report; the DJs.
In 2011, we continued our Saturday residency at Pacha and Café Mambo. An Ibiza residency is generally considered as the Holy Grail for all club nights and labels, and we are extremely proud that our residency at both venues continues to flourish; with talks already in place about plans for 2012 (more details to follow on that one).
This year however, a new element was added to the equation, with a Saturday pre-party at the island’s newest venue Ushuaia thrown into the mix. Touted as the hottest new addition to the party calendar, Ushuaia more than lived up to its billing and provided countless special moments for those in attendance.
Rae was one of the artists lucky enough to have played several times at both Pacha and Ushuaia. “Ibiza 2011 has been magical” she says of the season. “I’m proud to say the Defected parties have been for me what Ibiza is all about; house music, great vibes and beautiful people. Pacha is still the best club in the world and the Spanish crowds are up there with the best clubbers.
“I’ve always loved the Spanish culture and approach to life and I feel it when I play over there” she continues. “It’s an infectious feeling and I never want to leave the decks. And then there’s Ushuaia, wow, stunning venue and totally capturing the heart of Ibiza. People rocking to great music around you while the sun goes down is one of the best feelings in the world. It really has raised the bar for outdoor Ibiza parties and it’s an amazing feeling to have been a part of it all.”
Another Defected regular who was impressed by the White Isle this season was ATFC, who was responsible for one of the most memorable – as well as arguably out-of-character – moments at Pacha this year.
“I felt Pacha was as good, if not better, than previous years” he admits. “I certainly had a brilliant time playing the 5-7am shift and, as the summer progressed, the crowd stayed longer. The entire dance-floor even staged a DC10 'sit-down' at 7am to end my last gig which was amazing to behold.
“My one set at Ushuaia ("What only one!??” you doubtless cry) was probably my personal highlight. I had a big crew of friends with me and the sound, scenery and atmosphere will stay in my memory for a very long time, and Cafe Mambo, as always, was very special.”
2011 also saw the introduction of the new-breed of Defected talent, in the shape of artists such as Franky Rizardo and Ray Foxx – whose performance of ‘La Musica (The Trumpeter)' alongside Lovelle was an undoubted season highlight.
Also joining the Defected ranks was Taras van De Voorde, who broke his Ibiza cherry spinning his techy, groovy beats at Ushuaia back in August.
“It was my first time ever playing Ibiza this year, and I absolutely loved the great parties Defected did at both Pacha and Ushuaia” he enthused. “It was a true honour being part of this. Ushuaia, without doubt, can call itself the hotspot of Ibiza this year…what a place and what a vibe!”
2011 has truly been an exceptional season, both in the breadth and depth of talent we have been privileged to bring you, and the amazing response we’ve had from everyone who’s been there with us. This closing parties this weekend (full details here) offer anyone who hasn’t yet experienced Defected Saturday’s in Ibiza to join the party. Another Defected regular and closing party player Junior Jack has the final word…
“This has been by far the best season since Defected’s first at El Divino all those years ago” he says. “I was afraid that the crowd was going to follow all the very commercial stuff on the island...but in fact NOT at all! Really looking forward to playing the closing!”
See you on the dancefloor…
Ushuaia tickets are available here
Pacha tickets are available here
Defected presents The Closing Party – Ibiza 2011 is out now
