Addicted to Ibiza

adios, summer 2011 - it's been beautiful!

2011-09-30T17:48:30+01:00

That time of year has come again - the days are getting shorter, the sky is getting darker and nights in Ibiza feel like an increasingly distant memory. The time has come for Addicted to hibernate, detox and get ready for summer 2012. But before we get too depressed that the season is over, let's focus on how exciting the summer 2011 has been.

This summer, everyone in Ibiza has been talking about the explosive growth of live music on the island, from the breakthrough weekly I Want My MTV club night at Amnesia to the seemingly unstoppable expansion of the Ibiza Rocks franchise.

This increasing diversification of Ibiza's music scene continues with the inaugural Love Soul Ibiza festival, taking place on the last weekend of September. While more traditional Ibiza partygoers will be spending that weekend club-hopping from the Amnesia closing party to the Space closing party, those who want to say goodbye to summer in a more relaxed fashion can head to Es Cana for soul and funk from acts such as Nightmares on Wax. Hed Kandi is getting in on the act as well - the new Balearica Unplugged album is a marked departure from the funky house that has characterised all of the uber-brand's Ibiza compilations to date.

Summer 2011 has left Ibiza's music scene in an exciting place - and we can't wait for summer 2012 to see what happens next.

Have a great winter. Stay Addicted!

get £3 or €3.45 off a signed copy of Ibiza Virgin - now less than £5!

2011-09-28T14:21:03+01:00

Want to spend a summer working in Ibiza? It can be tough! Jennifer Eric went there to work a season and ended up getting ripped off and screamed at on a daily basis. She still came away loving the island and has written a book about her experiences that all wannabe club staff should read. She arrived a self-confessed Ibiza virgin, but as well as simply wanting to check out the legendary clubbing Mecca she was also there to write her MBA thesis. This meant working as VIP manager of one of the major clubs to complete her research, where she found her slick attitude at odds with the huge clubland egos encountered.

Ibiza Virgin recounts screaming arguments when a range of dodgy characters try to show her who's boss. Greed, disorganisation and inflated egos are never far away when you scratch the underbelly of the club industry particularly in the cut-throat world of Ibiza.

Jennifer Eric has signed 40 copies of her book exclusively for Addicted to Ibiza! Deep down, every Ibiza addict toys with spending the entire summer on the island - this fun read will let you experience that, warts and all. An unforgettable and unique present for any Ibiza addict.

Use discount voucher code 'IBZVIRGIN' for £3 or €3.45 off a signed copy - now less than £5 at Addicted to Ibiza Exclusive Deals.

Click here to purchase now.

top 3 off-the-radar ibiza restaurants

2011-09-26T15:38:45+01:00

The Internet is teeming with guides to the Ibiza restaurant scene. But if you are lusting after something off-the-beaten-path that you don't mostly see in the tourist listings, check out our hot tips below.

3. Restaurant 2000

A hectic weeklong Ibiza schedule of hip restaurants and achingly cool bars can leave you yearning for something a little simpler. When we need a break from house music and the scene in general, we get in the car and head north to Benirrás beach. Sundays aside, Benirrás is a quiet bay and the family-run fish shack Restaurant 2000 at the end of the beach is the perfect spot to while the day. Expect a casual affair, with fresh grilled fish, ice-cold Cava and local specialities. As you recharge you can relax and watch the sun go down without a DJ in sight.

2. La Brasa

Sometimes you just really need red meat, but if you’re trapped in the more touristy parts of Ibiza Town and can’t make the trek to Balafia or Can Caus, your quest for a proper steak may feel like a lost cause. There is hope in sight. Hidden just a block away from the harbour craziness is a laidback garden restaurant called La Brasa. Offering an amazing BBQ and perfectly cooked steaks, you can dine outdoors in their romantically lit tree-covered terrace, without an über-club parade to spoil the view.

1. Cala Bassa Beach Club

It might be just fifteen minutes from San Antonio, but the scene at newly-opened Cala Bassa Beach Club is a world away from the craziness of San Antonio town. Top Barcelona chef, David Reatres, oversees the kitchen at Cala Bassa which offers three dining options, ranging from a full menu of contemporary Iberico dishes using locally sourced produce at the restaurant, to a quick beachside snack from the shack. It's also the perfect spot to watch the sunset with a properly mixed cocktail in hand.

the squatters prepare for their final judgement sunday battle.

2011-09-19T20:46:59+01:00

In preparation for the Judgement Sunday closing party taking place on the 25th September at Eden Ibiza, The Squatters are getting ready for their final DJ battle. Addicted caught up with Alex and Oli of The Squatters, who will be playing back to back with Micky Slim, to talk tunes, Judgement Sundays and future plans...

The boys are currently rounding off a few special bits in the studio that have been prepared especially for this final Judgement event: ‘We can't wait to get back on the island for the final battle! Alex is hitting the sun beds as he doesn't tan very well, he usually looks like a lobster. Oli on the other hand is half Italian so he goes golden brown instantly!’

This is certainly not their first time playing at the Judgement Sunday events. All summer they’ve been sending crowds crazy with their tracks. ‘A track we always play that gets the crowd going at every gig we play has to be our remix of the oldskool track "Up To No Good" by the Porn Kings. We never released this so it still remains a weapon of choice in our DJ sets.’

They’ve been playing a few of their brand new tracks "Sucka Punch", which was released last month and their forthcoming release "Zippyshare" which is released on 10th October: ‘These have been doing some serious damage on the dance floor. After all we did create them especially for this crowd.’

They describe Judgement Sundays as different to any other event that takes place on the island. ‘We have been going there as fans for many years and now it's great to be behind the scenes of it all. Everybody in there feels like part of the event from the clubbers to the organisers. It's like one big Judgement family.

They added: ‘We have had a lot of international fans come to see us and it's great to be able to get up close with them. With Ibiza being the central hub for clubbing it's not just a British crowd and it's great to see everyone enjoying themselves together.’

Year in, year out The Squatters end up in Ibiza, even if it’s just for a couple of days in between gigs: ‘We love the place! It’s starting to feel like a second home. There's something magical about the island! And where else in the world is totally devoted to partying on this scale?’

The boys favourite places include a little Tapas bar in Ibiza Town, at the bottom of the castle entrance, which they say does the most amazing food and wine. They also enjoy spending time at Golden Buddha: ‘Chilling out with a few mohitos, watching the sunset. We don't often get chance to hit the beaches but when we do Cala Banirras is a beautiful place to chillax.’

The Squatters cannot believe summer is almost over: ‘We’ve had so much fun out in Ibiza this year, especially playing for Judgement Sundays. We’ve made lots of new friends on the island and will be venturing to see them through the winter months. We’ll be sad to leave here.’

The fun does not end there though, as The Squatters have plans of getting back in to the studio, lots of photo shoots and performances around the world. ‘We are running events back in the UK as well and we want to make them extra special through the winter to keep the excitement going for our fans until the summer is back.’

With many plans in the pipeline, the future is looking far from bleak: ‘Our record label is going really well (Whats Your Status?) and we have even bigger plans for it for 2012. We are also looking forward to playing in the USA next year and a whole other bunch of international gigs.

'We are working on collaborations with other artists in the studio and we will continue to listen and talk to our fans, as they are the people we do this for.’ Watch this space...

Judgement Sunday closing party takes place at Eden Ibiza on 25th September

ever wanted to spend crazy summer working in ibiza? 'ibiza virgin' jennifer eric introduces her essential new book

2011-09-15T20:10:45+01:00

If you're heading to Ibiza for the very first time, eager to discover if reality lives up to the hype, then like it or not you're an ‘Ibiza Virgin’.

Jennifer Eric was one of those Ibiza Virgins when she was offered a job on the island, a position she used ‘to study the extremes of the nightlife industry, inside out, from within the belly of the beast.’

Addicted caught up with Jennifer, who has written the book ‘Ibiza Virgin’, in which she shares her crazy summer spent working in one of the island's top clubs.

Her expectations of the island and the reality were quite far apart: ‘people are people wherever you go, and work doesn't change much wherever you are as long as you have a good head on your shoulders and both feet on the ground. In one season, I made what feels like life-long friends, which was amazing.’

Jennifer worked in Ibiza during a time of change, when the local government clamped down on party culture by restricting club's opening hours and forcing Space to bring their terrace indoors. Jennifer compares this era to an army occupation. ‘There are a lot of new restrictions that I do not think are very good for Ibiza nor good for the businesses that the people on the island thrive on and live off all year round.

‘Ibiza is a hedonistic paradise: it should not be modeled after other commercial summer hot spots. Ibiza has a soul and a life of her own. This should be respected.’

On a more positive note, Jennifer also experienced many unforgettable moments in Ibiza: ‘There were so many highlights for me, from dancing with my feet in the sand, goosebumps watching the sunset accompanied by the drummers at Benirras, to having sangria in the moonlight at a private birthday party on Salinas beach.'

But first and foremost, the biggest highlight for Jennifer was learning to love house music ‘thanks to the amazing music by David Piccioni every Sunday - I was all hip hop before that and would even leave a club when they started playing house!’

When asked if she would do the whole thing again, Jennifer was unsure: ‘As I work hard all year, Ibiza is is best as a place for me to relax. Everyone thinks I'm insane when I say that, as they need another vacation when leaving the island.'

She continued: 'When in Ibiza, I have everything you would need when on vacation: sun, sea, tranquility, good food, good company and fun. But I also have the most amazing nightlife if needed - having been in the industry for a good 15 years now, it's an addiction - although I've spent months on the island only going out once or twice.’

‘I also have absolute and total freedom. I can wear exactly what I want, including nothing, and nobody cares. That is quite the breath of fresh air, now that I live in the UAE and I used to live in Paris where men will harass you as soon as you show a bit of leg. Men are not pushy or inappropriate; everyone addresses you, but they don't harass you, they let you just be. There is this live and let live atmosphere that is very soothing and unique. Paradise. Santa Ibiza!’

Jennifer Eric has signed 40 copies of her book exclusively for Addicted to Ibiza! Purchase a copy for only £8.05 or €9.22 at Addicted to Ibiza Exclusive Deals.

top 5 ibiza apps for iPhone, iTouch and iPad

2011-09-09T17:43:03+01:00

Whether you're going to Ibiza or just want to pimp up your iPhone or iPad with some Ibiza-inspired awesomeness, here's our choice of five essential apps you can't be without. There are a ton of Ibiza apps on the App Store offering the usual events guides and travel advice - you can find them easily by typing 'Ibiza' into the search box. Rather than just listing apps you can easily track down yourself, in this rundown we have suggested some less obvious apps that will indispensable Ibiza accessories, whether you're at home or on holiday.

5. Rave Light

It's a painfully simple app that never ceases to entertain on the dance floor. Rave Light fills your iPhone screen with a colour that changes as you move your phone around. The faster you move your phone - say, if you're jumping up and down to David Guetta's Sweat - the faster the colours change. Cool, right? Download now.

4. VidRhythm

Take some snaps of your mates in Ibiza and use them to make a music video to accompany your Ibiza anthem of the season. VidRhythm is a really neat app for making music videos - it's easy, fun and the perfect way to occupy yourself during the plane ride back home. Download now.

3. Dance Nation

If 'Rave light' isn't enough to impress your crowd, the Dance Nation app should do the trick. Turn your phone into an old-school LED scroller with shout-outs like "TURN IT UP!" or "GOD IS A DJ" in glorious neon. Okay, so this app might not have enduring appeal, but even if its a one-hit wonder we reckon it's worth the 69p price tag. Download now.

2. DJay

Deep down, everyone wants to be a DJ. Realistically, few of us really have the skills - anyone who has had the misfortune to go to a house party where an amateur is painfully but enthusiastically scratching discs all night long can attest to this. The iPad app can help out the bedroom mixer by automating some key DJ skills such as beat matching… and can easily be switched to a mix on your iTunes library when you want to pretend you are mixing but are really just touching the screen. However you use it, this app looks pretty damn cool. We'll never have a party without it. Download now. (Or check out this similarly awesome app for the Mac: VirtualDJ)

1. Addicted to Ibiza

Okay, we know, it's cheeky putting our own app at the top spot in the list, but what else did you expect? On top of the island guide, with event listings and a venue map to find your way around Ibiza, you can use the Addicted to Ibiza app to stream exclusive DJ mixes and chat to other Ibiza addicts. Check it out now!

did you have a bit too much fun in ibiza and forget the souvenirs?

2011-09-08T12:14:05+01:00

If you had a bit too much fun this summer and forgot to stock up on club merchandise before heading home, you're not too late to buy a little bit of Ibiza to help keep that feeling alive through the long, cold winter. An ideal gift and indispensible clubbing accessory: get up to 71% off Pacha cherry necklaces from only £8.80 or €9.95 at Addicted to Ibiza Exclusive Deals.

from student union to space: danny howard is living the dream

2011-09-05T21:13:23+01:00

The day before Addicted spoke to Danny Howard, winner of Radio 1’s Superstar DJ competition, he had touched back down from Ibiza and headed straight to Blackpool’s Revolution to play a set. Life, since he entered the contest, has been pretty manic: “It’s been a hundred miles an hour”, he told Addicted.

Danny started DJing at eighteen when his friend lent him a pair of vinyl decks which he took to university and practiced every day. “I blagged a set at the local Student Union and got my friends to say how good I was!” - this led to a five year residence. When UK national station Radio 1 launched their hunt for the next Superstar DJ, he was a little slow on the uptake - “I wasn’t originally going to enter but a few friends gave me the nudge”. In his entry video, a nervously grinning Danny selected the first three tracks that he would play at the Radio 1 Ushuaia Beach Party if he won. He chose Ray Foxx - The Trumpeter, the Dario Nunez mix of Can’t Stop and Calvin Harris - Feel so Close (Benny Benassi mix).

He got a call to say that he had made it to the final six and that four days of DJ challenges in London awaited him. This included having to mix live on air for eight million people for five minutes which he describes as “amazing” but cites the MC challenge as the toughest “it was long, five minutes of having to hype the crowd”. On the Thursday that Danny won, he flew out to Ibiza and opened the beach party with a forty five minute set. Ushuaia was “the most stunning venue I’ve ever played at”.

Danny had holidayed in Ibiza two years ago and fallen for the White Isle’s offering of “the world’s best DJs and best clubs” but says it was nothing compared to traveling to Ibiza with Radio 1 and “being backstage with people like David Guetta and Carl Cox”. The magic didn’t stop after the Ushuaia Beach Party. On the back of his performance, he was instantly offered a two hour set at Space later that night. Since then the twenty four year old, who was “always into house music but liked to mash it up” and was inspired by Erick Morillo, has played Space again for Pukka Up, started looking at production by putting some tracks down with Sonny Wharton and played dance festival Creamfields.

His summer has been all about Ibiza though - “watching Bob Sinclair at Pacha absolutely blew me away” - and he’s hoping to head back out for the closing parties. Addicted asked him for his end of summer anthem? “The Jamie Jones mix of Azari & III - Hungry for the Power".

Danny Howard spoke to Fran Harris, editor of ladyadventurer.co.uk. Find out more about Danny at his Facebook page.

mark doyle on fierce angel, es vive and ibiza in 2011

2011-08-23T11:11:39+01:00

2011 has been a hectic year for Mark Doyle. Since leaving Hed Kandi in 2006, the clubbing uber-brand he set up seven years earlier, Mark has been working on his new label, Fierce Angel, signed a partnership deal with Strictly Rhythm and released a brand new compilation CD.

Addicted caught up with Mark to find out more about Fierce Angel, why he loves Ibiza and what he has in store for the future.

‘Fierce Angel is more than just a record label, as we involve ourselves in live events and will shortly be launching a few brand extensions’ said Mark. He described the label to be a natural extension of what he was doing at Hed Kandi: ‘it’s all about providing great music and entertainment to people who love to have a good time.’

He adds: ‘In philosophy and music style Fierce Angel are very similar to Hed Kandi during the years 1999-2005. This period was the time I was there and running the label and it was very much created around my personal tastes in music and general beliefs.’

Launching Fierce Angel is not the only success for Mark. He has recently signed an amazing partnership deal with the legendary Strictly Rhythm, signed a number of new artists projects and released a new compilation CD.

The new compilation CD, Fierce Angel/Hotel Es Vive 2011, features three different styles across three mixes. ‘The first mix is very much a classic Ibiza poolside chill mix, the second is much more vocal disco affair and the third takes things a little darker and dirtier.

'It is a broad collection of some of the finest summer tunes, with a few classics thrown in for good measure.’

As he travels around the world, permanently attached to his laptop, he describes his job as a constant obsession, which is made easier by his wife working alongside him. When asked what the favourite thing is about his job, Mark answered with: ‘Getting to travel around the world, playing amazing music in fantastic nightclubs and finding and releasing great music to the public.’

2011 has been a seminal year for Mark and his career. ‘It has been a hectic summer! The new Es Vive compilation is one of the highlights of this summer, I’ve been able to play in both Mexico and Taiwan for the first time and our launch party at Es Vive was spectacular.’

Mark has been travelling to Ibiza for nearly 20 years now and the island constantly surprises him. ‘It’s an amazing melting pot of musical talent and unique people.’ He has recently fell in love with a new restaurant which opened this year, called Como and enjoys to spend his time at his base camp, Es Vive.

The future certainly does not seem bleak for Mark and Fierce Angel, with a compilation in work called ‘Deeply Fierce’, a number of new artists to be released, their radio station set to hit stations worldwide and a touring schedule taking them from Australia to Dubai and all around the world.

Check out Fierce Angel on www.thefutureisfierce.com and tune in to the 4 hour radio show on demand 24/7 at www.jazzfm.com. Click here to preview and download some Fierce Angel music.

our kind of tv show: clubland adventures goes beach clubbing in ibiza

2011-08-19T19:33:02+01:00

Nothing on TV? Check this: Clubland Adventures from Defected. A 22-min online TV show all about Ibiza and other clubbing hotspots. It definitely beats watching a re-run of Eastenders.

If you prefer to watch on your iPad or Apple TV, you can subscribe to their video podcast for free by clicking here.