Another season gone and summer 2014 in Ibiza, is now but a warm memory. This summer I had the pleasure to meet many new and old friends and discover that the magic of Ibiza is still alive. I have watched the faces of newbies, their eyes wide with excitement and happiness, experience the island for the first time. This is one of the pleasures that re-energizes my appetite - introducing people to Ibiza and watching as their expressions light up as they taste forbidden fruit for the first time. Opening parties, mid season reports, family holidays, work and closing parties, Ibiza 2014 has been a busy and most enjoyable one. I would personally like to thank all the people who voted for me at the Muchoticket Awards it really was a humbling honor to win, especially receiving the recognition from your peers at local organisation level. In the dark times, awards like these really help you keep going, keeping the blog real and independent which is not easy at times. I would also like to thank my many followers and supporters on the island - I know you are there and the quiet words of support, or simple kind actions, mean a lot more than a financial transaction. Personally the last few weeks have been a tough time as new journeys were embarked on. Thankfully Ibiza will remain part of my life as it has always been there for me when I needed it the most. The sails are now been mended and we hope to hoist them in the direction of the island for 2015 as a new chapter is written. The awards below are a recognition of the people and places that made Ibiza special to me this summer. Some may be biased for personal reasons but that's the beauty of having a blog - you get to make your own decisions - not have them dictated by some industry influenced advertiser. The awards are just a simple thank you to the people and places that made summer in Ibiza 2014 so special once again.
Best Ibiza Party. Winner-Solomon+1@Pacha. Nominees;Avicci, Together, Solomon, Tribal Sessions.
One of my favorite parties last season, this summer it got better. I just love the intimate surroundings of Pacha, as I feel the club has so much character that reflects the islands true cultural personality. The quality of its service and product is understated professionalism and in Mladen Solomon, they have found a DJ that naturally matches their style. The Solomon +1 Concept is unpretentious, simple and all about the music - as it should be.
Best Ibiza DJ.Winner-Maceo Plex. Nominees;Sasha, Carl Cox, Maceo Plex, Apellonia.
From the word go, Maceo Plex has been influencing the sound of Ibiza this summer. While we would have preferred to have seen a lot more of him in person, his productions and remixes were played everywhere. His distinctive base sound defined the popular underground sound of summer 2014 in Ibiza and he is a deserving winner of my Best Ibiza DJ 2014.
Best Ibiza Club.Winner-Amnesia. Nominees; Space, Ushuaia, Amnesia, Pacha.
Musically, Amnesia has been top club in Ibiza for the last number of seasons. It's fine tuned program is the best on the island, as it balances classic parties with the new. With its finger firmly on the pulse of popular club culture in Ibiza, Amnesia is the deserving winner of the Best Ibiza Club 2014.
Best New Party. Winner-Phantasmagoria. Nominees; Steve Aoki, 7 Wallace, Suara, Amnesia Presents, Phantasmagoria.
I will always support and promote individuality, character, creative talent and people who take risks to follow their dreams. That is what feeds the spirit of Ibiza and people that tap into that energy are the real heroes. Without the like of Phantasmagoria, Ibiza would become a homogenized island run by accountants and industry dictate. Phantasmagoria was a breath of fresh air in Ibiza this summer and we need similar creative parties to surface more regularly. It was also good to see Mike and Claire McKay, Johnny Golden and all the old crew back in action again.
Best Newcomer. Winner-Ben Fhurst, Lucky Life. Nominees; Manu Gonzalez, Mark Relton, Mambo Brothers, Ben Fhurst.
Ben Fhurst was a lawyer working in London who came to Ibiza one summer and was touched by the magic of the island. He returned to London, packed in his job and returned to set up a record label called Lucky Life, and along with a bunch of friends started to make music. Its this type of attitude that keeps Ibiza alive. In his first season Ben has played venues such as Space and Ibiza Rocks House at Pikes. Keep an open for this guy next year.
Best Ibiza Production.Winner ASOT@Ushuaia. Nominees; Supermartxe, Ants, Asot, Elrow.
Superb visuals from Van Buurens Dutch team, this party combined with Spanish styled animation and production values from Ushuaia, saw digital technology marry into a warm Mediterranean evening under the skies. Ushuaia production values this year were top class and the best on the island.
Best Small Venue. Winner Ibiza Rocks House @ Pikes. Nominees;Bora Bora, Pikes, Sa Trinxa, Cafe Mambo,
I love it when new life is breathed into an old venue and the clever marketing of Ibiza Rocks House has reaped rewards. Great staff, cool people and a venue like no other on the island, makes Pikes Hotel the latest addition to the islands nightlife scene. Well done to all concerned for creating something real in the true spirit of Ibiza. A special mention must go to Sonny in the Karaoke Bathtub, from the start of the season to the finish, he soldiered away alone, bringing fun and joy to many and he was the linchpin that held it all together.
Best Ibiza Track.Winner Watermat and Bullit. Nominees;Walking With Elephants, Bullit, Pushing On, Can't Do Without you.
This was a close call between Walking With Elephants and Bullit but in the end went for Bullit because its a happy, innocent track that makes you smile and reminds one of Ibiza. While it may sound simple the track has a lot going on inside it and refrains from the obligatory "drop" that has had its day in my opinion. An honorable mention to Ten Walls and Walking With Elephants - a class tune that is typically at home in Ibiza.
