Danny and Kieran Clancy established krankbrother as a DJ duo and party outfit back in 2009, starting out hosting small parties at London’s Corsica Studios. In the short space of time since, they have become one of London’s most respected promoters, subsequently branching out to host parties in countries around the globe including Germany, Ibiza, Brazil, Croatia, Austria, Dominican Republic and more.
On Monday 24th June, Defected presents DFTD team up with krankbrother for the next instalment in our season of free parties at The Ushuaia Tower in Ibiza, bringing the combined DJ talents of DJ Tennis, Thugfucker, Los Suruba, Sam Divine and krankbrother themselves.
Ahead of the event, we caught up with Danny to discuss what makes their parties some of the best around...
Tell us about what you guys have been trying to achieve with krankbrother… how do you make yourselves stand out compared to other parties?
I think the locations we use for our events are pretty special, and that's what sets us apart primarily. This Saturday we are closing down a public street in London and throwing a party, last month we did a large outdoor terrace party in Greenwich next to a gas works, and on Monday we'll be by a pool in Ibiza - so all of the locations are quite dramatic, not just average nightclubs! We like to think that our musical programming is cutting edge, whilst also booking and staying true to the innumerable important legacy acts that have created today's dance scene.
What have been some of the most successful parties you've thrown?
We did a series of roof parties in London a few years ago, and that's really what kicked off the events. But I think the most successful event we've ever done was our street party in Shoreditch last year - it was ground-breaking to be able to party right out in the open in London like that.
Are there any artists you tend to book on a regular basis? What make you keep coming back to them?
We book artists like Heidi, DJ T, Magda, Matt Tolfrey, Pan Pot and Ellen Allien up to two or three times per year. It's mostly because they have had the best reactions at our events. We also respect what they are doing with their careers and want to support them, and they're also our friends! As Defected would know better than anyone, it's important to nurture relationships in this business.
You’re known as a London party but have also branched out into Europe and beyond… how have international audiences taken to what you’re trying to do?
Our events abroad have all gone really well - we do regular krankbrother events in Berlin and Ibiza, but also do festival showcases in Croatia, Italy and further afield. It's great to show international audiences what krankbrother is all about, and the reaction is always different.
How long have you been coming to Ibiza and what first impressed you about the island?
We've been going to Ibiza since we were clubbers in our early twenties - there's an amazing energy on the island and I always miss it in the off season. I tend to relax a lot more in Ibiza now than I used to - there are some lovely boutique hotels, restaurants and bars. I just think Ibiza's got something for everyone. Even my parents love it!
Tell us about the parties you’ve previously thrown in Ibiza…
We threw two yacht parties in Ibiza last summer which were amazing. We got hold of an old 110 foot sailing yacht which we rigged with a big Funktion One system and then sailed across to Formentera and back for the day. Doing such an intimate party was really special and we'll be back doing three more this summer.
Why did you decide to team up with Defected for the party this weekend?
It a label that we've respected hugely over the years so it was great to be asked to work with them. Outdoor daytime parties have died over the years but when we first came to Ibiza that was what it was all about. When Defected showed us the venue and told us what they were planning we jumped at the opportunity.
What’s your own experience of Ushuaia? Do you think it’s been a good thing for Ibiza in general?
We think it's great as it is a different experience from most other clubs. To have a venue that can cater for that many people, all outdoor, dancing around a pool is an amazing thing and something that doesn't happen outside of Vegas much! Seeing Ushuaia doing outdoor parties again the last couple of seasons was an exciting moment for the island.
Anything else you’d like to tell us about…
We really are brothers despite lots of people thinking it's just a name. We don't look alike but our Mum tells us we are 100% related. We've taken her word for it.
Defected presents DFTD is a free party every Monday at The Ushuaia Tower, Ibiza throughout the season. Click here for full line-up details.
Join the Facebook group for the parties here.