News at a glance
- Grandiose set designs and elaborate theme are shelved in favour of a back-to-basics approach centring music
- Ibiza heavyweights Sven Väth and Maceo Plex come in to make their ANTS debuts
- Nic Fanciulli celebrates his birthday with back-to-back frenzy on 22 August
- ANTS embraces ever prominent surge of female DJs
- Andrea Oliva takes backseat with fewer dates, after taking on Hï Ibiza Club Room residency
ANTS returns party to the people with renewed focus and refreshed line-ups
Following the announcement of ANTS' five special nighttime editions at sister-club [UNVRS], the focus now shifts back to the party's fabled main residency at Ushuaïa Ibiza on Saturday daytimes.
Several weeks ago, we reported on ANTS pressing the reset button, by shelving its grand set designs and elaborate themes in favour of a back-to-basics approach that returns the party to the people and places music at the centre. No system, only sound.
What we didn't know at the time, was exactly how that would sound. Now we know, as the party's refreshed line-ups have dropped.
The first big change of note is that, after taking on a new residency in Hï Ibiza Club Room, Andrea Oliva steps back and plays fewer dates. In doing so, he facilitates peak-time slots for a wider array of talent, such as Franky Rizardo (pictured above), Cloonee and Gaskin.
One thing which doesn't change is ANTS' commitment to championing the next wave.
Alongside the party’s usual comrades and headline acts, ANTS will also invite a range of artists to debut their sounds, including Luuk van Dijk, L.P. Rhythm, Obskür and Riordan.
With an ever-prominent surge of female artists breaking through into the scene, ANTS recognises this shift, welcoming Joëlla Jackson, Kellie Allen, Marlie, Lola Palmer and Sally C amongst others.
Whilst they can hardly be considered fresh blood, ANTS also hands debuts to Ibiza heavyweights Sven Väth (pictured above) and Maceo Plex, underlining its renewed focus on the music.
Beyond individual names, the season emphasises collaboration, with exclusive back-to-back combinations including Adam Beyer b2b Ilario Alicante for the first time on Ibiza, Green Velvet b2b Patrick Topping, Manda Moor b2b Sirus Hood and Nic Fanciulli b2b everybody at his birthday bash.
And for those of you just as keen to be behind the booth playing as you are to rave, you can now enter ANTS annual Next Gen competition for a chance of being able to play at the party. This year is open exclusively to producers. Enter by submitting a mix entirely of your own music.
Hurry, you don't have much time! The deadline for entry is 23:59 on 30 April. Good luck.
For the rest of you, keep scrolling and book your place amongst the colony by sorting your tickets. They can be found below or listed on our party calendar.
ADDITIONAL WORDS | by Stephen Hunt
