Hard to believe we are nearing the end of another summer season in Ibiza. With the closing parties already underway, the Ibiza clubbing industry is preparing itself for one last push to the finish line. Ibiza 2013, will go down in the history books as a defining and momentous milestone for the island. It was a cuthroat, dog eat dog season, that saw personal and ego driven grievances spill out into the public and international arena. Mistakes and poor decisions were made and lessons were learnt the hard way. Many parties were cancelled and reputations were dented. It was the year of the "Swap Shop" as some nervous, big name DJ's lent out their services for free, so that two big names appeared on the ticket rather than one to help boost crowds. For a celebrity DJ, a half full venue is worse that contracting a bad case of genital herpes. An over-supply of parties and an under-supply of cashed up clubbers, brought the bite of the European recession home to Ibiza. The well protected elite, the Russians and the VIP market, had no problems dropping €5k on bottles of champagne at Ushuaia, Lio, Blue Marlin and some notorious private Villa parties in the hills. Musically it was a year of change, thanks in no small way to the new direction of Ibiza's iconic Pacha club. A brave and much criticised decision by certain industry insiders, Pacha once again proved that it has earned the right to influence the musical direction of Ibiza. While it is too early to determine if it was genius, Pacha has proved to the world that it was not dealing in madness. Below are the nominations for my Blog awards. Nothing serious or over-padded, no hiring of venues, dancers or designer awards, just an independent and personal reflection on the people and venues that continued to work hard and keep the true Ibiza spirit alive in such a difficult season for so many.
BEST CLUB
Pacha for its brave new direction.
Sankeys always searching for the next fresh sound.
Eden for its stylish investment in San Antonio.
Amnesia a perfectly balanced schedule of parties and iconic terrace.
BEST PARTY
Solomun+1 a cool minimal concept that worked.
Insane some excellent funky tech from authentic artists.
Enter modern, creative and breaking new ground.
Elrow a party that reflects the islands true Mediterranean personality.
BEST COMMERCIAL PARTY
Pure Pacha a reflection of the real Pacha experience
FMIF@Ushuaia french style meets spanish flair.
Avicii the new king of commercial Ibiza? One of the best party atmospheres on the island.
Departures slick production and a great crowd.
BEST DJ
Richie Hawtin a master at building a set and gave all to Enter.
Jamie Jones a DJ who keeps it real in true Ibiza spirit.
Loco Dice a veteran who brought a fresh twist to his sound.
Solomun found his natural home at Pacha and looks set to build on it.
BEST VENUE
Ushuaia continues to innovate and develop. Forward thinking and progressive.
Ibiza Rocks respect as Ibiza's leading alternative music venue.
Destino stylish and classy addition to the island.
Nikki Beach American-Spanish style and hospitality on the east coast
BEST SMALL VENUE
The Bassment a real underground room both in music and vibe.
Las Dalias iconic Ibiza venue that reflects the islands true personality
Boutique Hostal Salinas. a venue with a big heart that respects the island
Hotel Es Vive stylish, laid back, with a musical beat and designer feel.
BEST LIVE PERFORMANCE
Chic@Ibiza Rocks a classic night of talented artists
Nicolas Jaar@Destino something new and experimental that worked.
Laura Fowles@Hed Kandi hard working, talented and beautiful, Hed Kandis hovering Angel.
Shovell "The Drum Warrior"@Wax De Jam a man who follows his heart with good rhythm.
BEST IBIZA TRACK
Ninetoes - Finder
Foals - Late Night (Solomun Remix)
Storm Queen - Look Right Through
Animals - Martin Garrix
Jack - Breach.
Ten Walls - Gotham.
Listen to above tracks here
Winners will be announced on October 8th.
