Preview: Circoloco 2011

Circoloco opens today for 'The Next Level'

Starting from humble beginnings as an afterhours in a small farmhouse in 1999, the now globally acclaimed party Circo Loco reached ‘A New Era’ in 2010.  This year it takes proceedings to ‘The Next Level’ with its no holds barred, hedonistic vibe, and an unrivalled roster of quality underground music.

This year’s residents include Seth Troxler and Jamie Jones, who both never fail to bring surprise or a twist to their sets.  Jamie has been heavily experimenting with disco-inspired sounds of late and this will no doubt come through, but he is likely to still play to the techier end of his spectrum.  The legend that is Kerri Chandler will bring the old skool vibes and should not be missed, as well as key resident DJ W!ld, who will both play at the opening.  Matthias Tanzmann was a Circo Loco favourite last season and can always be relied upon to pick up the pace. 

Equally favoured Davide Squillace will dip in and out of tribal vocals and percussive beats keeping the energy high.  The London daddies of cool Clive Henry and Damian Lazarus are now long time regulars at commanding the DC10 crowd, while in the French corner Dan Ghenacia and Dyed Soundorom are my personal favourites for their edgy Freak n’ Chic deep house.  Representing the Italians we of course have System of Survival who have been with the party for years, as well as the favourites like Sossa and Majorcan Tato.  And it just wouldn’t be Circo Loco without veteran Tania Volcano, such an important part of the party’s identity and sound.

On the back of the success of one of the most played tracks last summer ‘Without You’, Art Department will be sure to make an appearance.  Having just released their album and Jonny White driving the new No.19 label, the Canadian duo are set to be in high demand.  Make sure you catch them at Circo Loco for a unique sound, traversing house, techno and a lot of deep-voiced vocals.

The second buzz name this year is undoubtedly Vision Quest – the collaborative project of Seth Troxler, Ryan Crossan, Shaun Reeves and Lee Curtis.  Detroit-inspired techno, as interpreted by each DJ, into new, future music.  The rare chance to experience a Vision Quest set, and at DC10, means this will be a roadblock event and promises to be a highlight of the season.

An exciting addition is the return of Lola ED as the first guest takeover on 6th June.  Sets from Le Loup, Shonky and Seuil further reinforce the Freah N’ Chic crew as an integral part of ‘A New Era’, and now ‘The Next Level’.  Keep an eye out throughout the season for more guest hosts.

The following week's line-ups will be revealed each Monday , but most of the crowd go regardless, knowing they are guaranteed forward-thinking music in this underground mecca, and arguably the best atmosphere on the island.