Our second Ibiza club rewind takes us right into the heart of San Antonio, as we put the focus on Eden. Us old timers remember when the club used to be called Kaos, or even Star Club. It also had a very brief, ill-fated stint being licensed as Gatecrasher in 2014.
With the exception of that anomaly, it's been fondly known as Eden since 1999. Always a bit of a rebel, it "stole" its apple emblem from direct neighbours Es Paradis.
Now under Dutch ownership, the venue has undergone technical upgrades and a repackage. Most notably, a Void Incubus sound system was installed and continues to impress to this day.
Each passing summer, Eden manages to add more impressive promoters to its programme. No doubt can be cast on the ambition of its management.
House? Trance? Techno? Whatever your weapon of choice, we have you covered over the next three sets.
Defected | 24 June 2022
When Defected rolled up to Eden in 2017 it was somewhat of a drifter, having failed to settle since leaving Pacha. The party had actually spent the previous summer without a presence on Ibiza at all.
This period of reflection allowed Defected to reset and refocus. Would the move to San Antonio work out? Well, that would be an understatement. Within a few short weeks, it became clear the pairing was a stroke of genius.
Now, it seems inconceivable to picture the party anywhere else. Aimed at the often overlooked youth market, Defected at Eden commands one of the most loyal crowds on the island.
After the pandemic years, Defected came back firing on all fronts last summer. This set from Riva Starr, recorded in June, shows what the party is all about. Selections include Floorplan, Nuyorican Soul and Steve Mac.
SHINE | 19 September 2019
Since the turn of the century, Eden has always made a home for fans of trance music. That period is widely regarded as the trance heyday. It really was massive on Ibiza at one point. Judge Jules' Judgment Sundays was San Antonio's busiest night for many years.
In the modern era, that commitment to trance continues under genre flagbearers SHINE.
One of the biggest names in trance, Paul van Dyk is the party captain. The legendary DJ, formerly a resident for Cream, heads things up weekly in peak season.
Check out this three hour set from the master at SHINE's 2019 closing party.
Tronic | 12 June 2019
Next, we discard the melodies and go that little bit harder. Some might think that Techno in San Antonio is a relatively new luxury, despite Eden hosting Cristian Varela's Pornographic back in the day.
Later Tronic became Eden's chief supplier of Techno, with label head Christian Smith at the helm every Wednesday from 2017 to 2019. These thumping parties proved that San Antonio could still go underground.
Music from Hybrasil, Víctor Ruíz and Thomas Schumacher should give you an indication of how heavy things can get.
The future
Eden continues to mix things up in 2023, showing a fearlessness in its commitment to diversity.
Defected and SHINE are both back, representing House and Trance respectfully. Meanwhile, Drum & Bass night Louder morphs into Worried About Henry. Another new addition is burlesque playhouse, Mama Roux's. Longstanding Saturday night WNDRLND moves midweek.
Another feather in the cap has been the capture of previously exiled Tech House star, Lee Foss. Foss brings his decorated label Repopulate Mars to Ibiza.
That line-up covers all the major genres and, most importantly given its location, continues to find favour amongst British and Irish holidaymakers and workforce. It's an inspired booking policy.
