Considering ourselves fully paid-up Marco Carola fanatics, attendance to last Thursday 11 July's Music On Daytime at Destino Five Ibiza was obligatory.
There’s just something about this day party that just hits different, resonating with clubbers from all over - especially with a line-up as stacked as this one.
Of course, what would a day out be without a bit of transportation chaos to add a bit of spice to proceedings?
Cue the hour and a half long mission for a taxi. Three ranks, one failed hailing app attempt and some serious patience later, we finally arrived at Destino Five in Cap Martinet, above the bay of Talamanca. Talk about making us work for it. Word to the wise: plan your journey and add buffer.
Seeing the sheer volume of people already inside, plus those queuing, made sense as to why the taxi situation was as dire as it was! Evidently, he whole island was here.
Once in, we could finally relax and were greeted by the ever-wonderful Panos (Head of PR at FIVE Group) and the long-term and legendary Pacha employee, Francisco.
With drink tokens in hand and sets of the brand new Hears x Pacha earplugs, complete with the iconic cherry design, we were ready to delve into the crowd.
Though I've got a few earplugs at home already, testing out this new collab between Hears and Pacha in the middle of the madness felt right. Good fit, stylish; hearing protected but vibes intact, this is what you call raving smart!
Due to the last-minute decision to drive to Destino, regrettably, we missed Milica and THEMBA, but made it just in time to catch the end of man of the moment Rossi.'s set. A win's a win.
We found a sweet spot in the predominately British crowd just as Ross was finishing off his set with absolute belters. The crowd lost it when he dropped one of the hottest IDs of the moment, which also happens to be his own track High On Me with Jazzy.
The reaction this track gets anywhere he plays is unbelievable. What a feeling that must be.
Next up, a back-to-back followed from my two kings, Marco Carola and Franky Rizardo.
The two Tech House heavyweights stood tall on stage (alongside the usual crew of model types, naturally) and absolutely tore it up together.
Jo and I managed to get up on stage amongst his entourage for some great shots. I think I may have even gotten a smile from Marco himself… or maybe he was just wondering why I was staring. Either way, I'll take it.
As a Franky and Marco super-stan, I pretty much know their sets inside out by now, but they never fail to drop in fresh unreleased tracks that will soon be the next big song.
They flowed through Tech House edits of both classics and newer gems, from the brand new RSquared version of Max Dean's Can't Decide, to Franky's own take on Storm Queen’s 2012 banger Look Right Thru.
Still manifesting the day they drop one of my tracks. I'll make it happen.
To wrap things up, at around 22:30 we dipped into Tox, Destino Five's very own underground club, just as Milica jumped back on for the official after party. Later, Rossi. closed things out. My first time in the intimate space, though it definitely won't be my last. Perfect for the carry on.
Let’s face it, once you're at Music On, you don't want to leave.
It's safe to say that Music On Daytime at Destino Five always delivers, but this one felt special. The line-up was gave peak-summer energy, and so were the crowd. Aside from the music, we have to give props where they're due.
One of the things I really rate about Destino Five is the venue itself lends itself perfectly to a daytime rave.
With everything thought out, from food stalls that serve crepes, pizzas, burgers, multiple bars meant drinks were easy to grab, and water was always close at hand without dealing with long queues. Little things like this always make a big difference.
There are still seven daytime opportunities to party with Marco Carola and Music On at Destino Five Ibiza, including today's party with special guest Gordo.
Head below, find your date and secure your ticket to one of the island's hottest parties.
