This season we’ll be bringing you weekly updates direct from Ibiza from our girl on the island, Hannah Thomas.
Week 2
Nearly a month after Sankeys first opened its doors to the fresh faces of the Ibiza 2013 raving massive, the opening parties have just kept on coming… and coming, the most notable of which being the eagerly anticipated opening night of Marco Carola’s Music On. It was my hands down favourite party of last summer and after an outstandingly successful debut season, me and my housemates were keen to see whether Music On could live up to its phenomenal reputation and stay true to the mantra “it’s all about the music”.
If I were to play devil’s advocate, I might argue that they failed at the first hurdle given the time, effort and vast amounts of money that must have gone into the concept and logos behind the night, which included 16 hand crafted sculptures for the 16 weeks of Music On from some of the finest craftsmen from Corola’s native Italy. Each of these have been made from a variety of organic and recycled materials and is said to have their own story and soul, which in turn is designed to inspire the hearts and minds of the DJ elite and represent the spirit of music on. A tad pretentious? Perhaps. Nevertheless, the minimal production on the night itself, coupled with yet another awe inspiring gladiatorial set from the man himself did everything to dispel any hint of cynicism. We literally couldn’t get enough, and if it wasn’t for Defected In The House later that night, I would have definitely accompanied my hardcore compadres to witness the master at work again at his after party at La Plage.
Defected at Sankeys however was without a doubt my favourite night this week despite the power cut which took out the air conditioning half way through the night. It was always going to be a banger with Maxxi Soundsystem, Derrick Carter and Eats Everything headlining and despite the unbelievably sweltering conditions, Derrick played a top class set mixing up some less obvious underground tracks with some favourite classics; his typically tough grooves managing to keep me going strong until the end of his set.
For me the best performance came from Maxxi Soundsystem whose sounds I first fell in love with at No Fit State’s New Years Day mash up. I cant get enough of his production and his oh-so-deep disco-edged sound. Within 20 minutes he had the Lab full, the smiley San An kids shuffling to my Maxi favourites, ‘Make or Break’ and his homage to perhaps one of the best tunes on Metalheadz, ‘Up All Night'. I'd love to know what this is... Blap Blap blap. Epic!! I just wish I’d had the energy and body fluids to stay and watch Eats Everything to the bitter end!
I did manage to catch him though at DFTD at The Ushuaia Tower on Monday thank God. I was expecting more low-end frequencies from the bassline boss, but his more housey set was more in keeping with the crowd, who managed to let loose and make their way to the dance floor as the night drew to a close. Next week I really want to see some more true music heads pool side who would genuinely appreciate the talent Defected have on offer! A massive big up to the gorgeous guys from Italy though who danced, champagne in hand all day n night regardless and masses of love to Kyle Hughes, who, according to his lovely girlfriend Faye and friends Speedie and Lauren, is Defected’s number one fan. YOU ARE DEFECTED!
With so much partying it’s been tricky trying to fit anything else in this week, however I did manage to make for a long and lazy day in the sun to a charming little cove, just south of Cala Tarida in the north of the island, just a ten minute drive from San Jose. Hidden away from the crowds with only a handful of couples dotted around the platforms of the rustic boat huts for company and overlooked by a jolly bunch of old timers enjoying their leisurely lunch it was the perfect place to escape the masses and enjoy the sunset with a group of pals and doing it like the locals do.
The day would have been perfect if it wasn’t for me dropping my phone in a rock pool – a massive fail that has resulted in me having lost all my contacts and downgrading to a kiddies Android phone. So many apologies for the poor quality photos! Tip for the day? Always buy insurance and never drink and text in the water!! If you do manage to do something equally as stupid in Ibiza, head to ‘Oh My Phone’ in Ibiza town. Lola, the manager will literally bend over backwards to help you out!
More tales from the white Isle next week. Muchos besos xxx
Defected hits Sankeys Ibiza Saturday 22nd June - click for more details
Defected presents DFTD is at The Ushuaia Tower every Monday from 3pm, full listings info here
