RA Ibiza Weekly: Movers and shakers

  • Published
    Fri, Aug 3, 2012, 09:00
  • Words
    Chandler Shortlidge
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  • In this week's column, we take stock of the season thus far.
  • RA Ibiza Weekly: Movers and shakers image
  • In this week's column we catch our breath for a week and recap the season so far. For more White Isle coverage, head over to our comprehensive Ibiza microsite. It's the mantra this summer, so just go ahead and say it with me: "The summer of change." As we get close to the halfway point of this year's Ibiza season, it's a bit remarkable to note just how different things are from last year. Sankeys has now firmly established itself on the White Isle, Jamie Jones has gone from star to superstar with his own night and Circoloco has well and truly "raised the next level." In a sometimes slow-to-move industry stronghold, the speed with which some of these changes are taking place is utterly unique. If you had said last year that Sankeys was a sure bet to have a future on the island, you might have gotten quite a few wagers on either side. Not so this year. Ready to go from the opening weekend, the club has solidified its place in Ibiza, and its Diynamic and VIVa Warriors nights seem set to continue there for years to come. What's become most fascinating to see at Sankeys is just how popular Diynamic head Solumun is among his fans. Though having an underground night based almost entirely on the popularity of a single artist isn't necessarily new, the sheer fanaticism of this year's clubbers is arresting. I don't think anyone could have predicted fans clamoring with a Beatles-like intensity to touch Hamburg's tallest jock as he pops out of the DJ box to join in on a sit-down. RA's Grego O'Halloran touched on the fuss around Jamie Jones last year, and that's only increased now that he's started his new night at DC-10 on Thursday. Mention Jamie to any random punter on the streets of San Antonio, and you're sure to get a look of recognition. Watch clubbers as Jamie makes his way out at DC-10 to get ready for his set, and the vibe in the crowd electrifies immediately, everyone surging forward for a chance at a handshake and a glimpse. Considering they are both in their first years, it's safe to say that Paradise and Diynamic Neon are both successes. It's the same for Circoloco at DC-10, but most definitely on a different scale. Just look at the lineups: Every week on Monday looks pretty similar to what might have been the closing party a few years ago at the club, and with acts like Carl Craig coming in for the first time later this year, it's hard to argue with their "raising the next level" strapline. It's no wonder I've spotted Circoloco tattoos dotting the arms (and no doubt other areas) of young loyalists. Things aren't all wine and roses everywhere, however. We hear word that Friday's Pandemonium at DC-10 will be canceled, and Cocoon hasn't quite been able to pull the same record-breaking numbers they did last year. Circoloco's popularity may have something to do with Cocoon, and there's certainly no more Carola—who has gone on to start his own night at Amnesia. But you get the sense that this is merely a bump in the road for Cocoon: They've managed to hold on to Loco Dice, who despite unparalleled popularity over the last few years simply keeps getting bigger, and are slowly filtering in new names like Maya Jane Coles to see what might take hold for their loyal fanbase. (Sven, it must be said, is also in fine form this season thus far.) We'll have an exclusive interview with Johannes from the Cocoon team in next week's column exploring some of this. So what about the music then? Carl Cox has been having a typically good summer this far and he hasn't missed a chance to smash Kolsch's "Opa," playing it at the IMS Grand Finale, Space opening and his night's opening party as he shouted his signature "oh yes, oh yes!" Over at Diynamic Neon Nights, Huxley's "Let It Go" has been getting a proper rinsing. Kenny Larkin's remix of Inner City has been heard via Kerri Chandler at DC-10 and Mirko Loko over at Cadenza, while Julio Bashmore's "Au Seve" is also a clear hit. This being Ibiza, Intruder's "Amame" still gets the royal treatment at places like We Love..., as most jocks know the crowd is always up for a well-trodden classic—or any number of remixes of the old gem. Squillace and Tanzmann's star power at DC-10 this summer is unquestionable, and they've been banging out Re.you's deep and sexy "Junction" both solo and in their back-to-back sessions. Marco Faranoe's Re.Edit of Gotye's "Somebody That I Used To Know" has been getting its share of playtime by Luciano, and of course, lest we forget, Pirupa's "Party Non Stop" could be heard at almost every underground—and not so underground— event. Will it be the overall anthem of the season? Seeing how quickly everything is moving this year, I'd be uncomfortable making a prediction about that—or anything else for that matter. The week in pictures
    Cocoon at Amnesia DJ Qu was joined by Adam Beyer, Chris Liebing, Marcel Dettmann and Loco Dice in a rare off-week for Sven. This Monday, he's back—along with Ricardo Villalobos on the terrace.
    Circoloco at DC-10 Squillace and Tanzmann at it again. Carl Craig and Craig Richards are among the many that'll be taking to the decks this Monday.
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