Right then, you're tackling Ibiza in August. As you're probably aware, it's peak season and that comes with a few unavoidable realities. The island is bustling, the roads move at a snail's pace and the taxi queues tail back around the block.
But look on the bright side, Ibiza's taxi queues are the island's unofficial networking events. By the time you reach the front, you'll have picked up a restaurant recommendation, a villa invite, maybe even the life story of a bloke who's spent every summer on the island since 1998.
Just like that, you've got a few new mates to hit the dancefloor with. So, if you're going to brave the crowds, you might as well make it worthwhile.
These are the parties I'd be checking out this August (starting with a technicality...)
KI/KI | Dom Dolla | Hï Ibiza
Friday 31 July (Saturday 1 August)
Yes, this happens on 31 July, but if you think about it, the majority of the party takes place after midnight, so, technically... KI/KI is an artist who has been making waves, not just on Ibiza but across the wider global rave resurgence. She starts the month at Hï Ibiza alongside Dom Dolla.
KI/KI has been pushing her own take on rave, Trance and Acid, with breakneck BPMs and plenty of energy thrown into the mix. Her sound feels like a proper nod to the '90s, while still very much belonging to the current rave revival.
She’s been making plenty of appearances around the island this summer, so if you haven't caught her yet, this is a good chance to see what all the fuss is about. Think squelchy, distorted acidlines, euphoric Trance and fast enough beats to challenge those dancing feet.
Purple Disco Machine | Pure Pacha | Pacha Ibiza
Thursday 6 August
I must confess, I have a healthy appetite for some cheesy funky Disco. When genre king Purple Disco Machine rolls into Pacha on Thursdays, I will be happily checking this out.
Purple Disco Machine is pretty much the definition of feel-good music. He’s made an art form out of bringing Disco, Funk and House together, with groovy basslines, funky guitars and catchy vocals that have helped turn his sound into a global phenomenon.
There’s something very accessible about it. His tracks are everywhere, from pubs and bars to radio stations and dancefloors around the world, proving that a good Disco tune is very hard to keep down.
PHOTOGRAPHY | by Ariel Casco
Jan Blomqvist | Woomoon | Cova Santa
Friday 7 August
Fancy a bit of outdoor action with an Ibizan bohemian twist?
Jan Blomqvist is bringing his live show back to Cova Santa, and if this isn’t already on your radar, it certainly should be.
Without throwing shade at the DJ scene, I'm always inclined to check-out a live set for something different. There’s a lot more that goes into putting one together, from the preparation and rehearsals to making sure everything comes together once you’re on stage.
As a performer myself, I appreciate the effort that goes into it, and I certainly wouldn’t be opposed to seeing more live sets on the island. Jan Blomqvist has a knack for combining warm, atmospheric moments with electronic and percussive grooves easy to get lost in. What’s not to love?
Honey Dijon | Glitterbox | Amnesia
Friday 7 August
If you're looking for another reason to hit up Glitterbox at its new home, Honey Dijon should probably do the trick.
One of the most respected selectors around, Honey Dijon has spent years carving out her own corner of House and Disco, with a sound that is as soulful as it is tailored for the dancefloor. She knows how to work a room and commands a cult following in the scene.
Glitterbox X Honey Dijon is the perfect match on paper and since the party's move to Amnesia, even more so.
Fatboy Slim | elrow | [UNVRS]
Saturday 22 August
The legendary Fatboy Slim holding down the fort just takes things to a whole different level. The synergy between these two clubbing icons if off the charts.
The atmosphere at elrow is spot on, it being a party that doesn't take itself too seriously, attracting a crowd who knows exactly why they're there: to have a bloody good time and dance as ticker tape rains down.
With classics and mash-ups galore guaranteed, and a dancefloor full of production that matches his larger-than-life persona, Fatboy Slim behind the decks will be an absolute no-brainer in my eyes. I'd like to think I've praised him like I should.
Not a bad way to spent Ibiza's most manic month, in my humble opinion.
If that isn't enough for you, you can check-out recommendations from Lissy here and Steve here.
Tickets to all of Luke's picks can be found on our party calendar, along with extensive listings at the island's best clubs.
