Impartiality comes with the turf. When you're Ibiza Spotlight, there's no such thing as "the best" party. Or "the best" club. We love them all - and each for different reasons.
Such is the age range and tastes of the clubbing team, we genuinely do have soft spots for all the different DJs and genres of music found in the clubs.
One thing we're unanimous on though, and a little bit partisan we are not ashamed to admit, is that September is the best month for clubbing. That's the one time that we do allow ourselves a bit of bias. Don't even try to argue.
Like every summer, choosing what to do on any given night can prove a headache - especially during September. There's a lot going on - and it's all so good. How do you decide?
We tasked the team to pick out their favourite upcoming sets over the next 30 days. To spread the love, we of course made sure to cover a wide variety of venues and styles.
Paul Kalkbrenner | Ushuaïa | 4 September
picked by Hayley
Paul Kalkbrenner returns to Ushuaïa on 4 September. This is a performer I discovered about a month ago, sadly just a few days after missing his last show at Ushuaïa. I hadn't realised that No Goodbye, a track I'd had been on repeat all summer, was one of his.
Needless to say, I'm excited for our paths to finally cross and to hear Feed Your Head, Sky and Sand and No Goodbye played out on the big stage instead of just my headphones.
Technically, this might be a live set as opposed to a DJ set, but I'm feeling rebellious and he's still getting my vote.
Amelie Lens | Afterlife | Hï Ibiza | 8 & 15 September
picked by Steve
Such is my unwavering devotion to Paradise this summer, Amelie Len's peak summer EXHALE series at DC10 never really got a look in. Ultimately, my loss. Now I'm determined to right that wrong in summer's final furlong.
Fortunately, she can be found pummelling away in Hï Ibiza's Club Room for Afterlife this month. Actually, she's booked across two consecutive Thursdays, so there really are no excuses.
I'm an increasingly cynical old man, so find throbbing dancefloors with overzealous twenty-somethings unpalatable (I know, killjoy!). I'm really looking forward to the shift in demographic bringing September crowds being able to fist-pump away with a bit of personal space.
keinemusik | Solomun +1 | Pacha | 11 September
picked by Steve
Solomun really went bold this summer, by inviting some brand new and relative unknowns as his +1, which was very refreshing to see. That said, I still kept my eye out for the old favourites: dates with Dixon, Adriatique and Gerd Janson are hard to overlook.
Far and beyond my excitement for those prestige guests, however, is the forthcoming showdown with keinemusik - and for one good reason. &Me, Adam Port and Rampa were Solomun's support at his 2019 closing party (though "support" doesn't do them justice).
This wasn't only the very last party of summer, followed by an epic afters, but as we know, it ended up being the last proper Ibiza party for two years!
I have such fond memories of that 24 hours. So without question, you will find me at Pacha this night dancing like it's the last party on Earth. Just in case it is.
Kilimanjaro | Sulta Selects | Amnesia | 16 September
picked by Lissy
Zambian-Scottish talent Kilimanjaro will make his White Isle debut Friday 16 September, alongside fellow Scot Denis Sulta, at his exclusive two-date Sulta Selects residency at Amnesia.
His hit single Muleña with Hammer and energetic streams have placed him on the map to becoming one of the hottest upcoming DJs on the circuit right now. If he’s flown under your radar until now, heed this advice: go check him out.
Known for endorsing his heritage by mixing an infusion of Afro, Amapiano and House with enticing vocals, he's mastered a distinct sound in the studio. Kilimanjaro also brings his unique energy to every performance, leaving his crowds with a new musical lease of life.
He'll be joined by an exciting line-up of hot-name DJs on this date including FJAAK, Saoirse and Mella Dee.
Gene On Earth | Traumer Invites | Octan | 18 September
picked by Lissy
Traumer Invites takes over Octan's Sunday night ENCORE for the final party in the series on 18 September. Not only will the host form an incredible back-to-back with Shonky, but Berlin-based Minimal House producer, Gene On Earth takes my fancy.
Having caught him at Cova Santa last month, I'm excited to see the Limousine Dream head on his final confirmed Ibiza date in 2022.
The DJ and producer has blown up the underground world after his super popular Boiler Room and the release of multiple singles, EPs and his debut album Time On The Vine. His signature sound of sensual rhythms and oscillating baselines has encaptured the hearts of the new raving generation and House loving veterans equally.
A new name to some, Gene On Earth is one of the industry's best-kept secrets. Finally, the world is starting to take notice.
Vicky Devine | One More Time | Eden | 29 September
picked by Hayley
As a closer to the month, I couldn’t ask for any more than the Trance throwback extravaganza One More Time. Mauro Picotto, Tall Paul, Dave Pearce and Vicky Devine lay it down at Eden on 29 September.
I am beyond excited for this one. Not only does each name bring back memories of when I first cut my clubbing teeth waaay back in the day, the fact that it is at Eden - a regular hangout for me in my early Ibiza days - makes it even more special.
I'm excited to see all the DJs play, but since she's my friend, I'll have to say it's Vicky Devine who I'm most looking forward to on the night.
My fluffy boots may have been hung up some time ago but my love for Trance remains strong. My hands are already in the air in anticipation for this one. See you on the dancefloor.
Would you look at that, we managed to cover every stone from pulse-racing Techno to reductionist Minimal, brooding Afro House to full-tilt Trance - and we didn't even confer. Like we said, we really do have wide-ranging tastes and we're all the better for it.
Of course, we're only scratching the surface and with only two choices each, it was hard to whittle it down.
September really is the best clubbing month. Go and enjoy it!
For full listings, please visit our definitive party calendar which includes extensive club nights, day parties and confirmed line-ups.
WORDS | by Stephen Hunt, Lissy Lübeck and Hayley Morgan
