Can you believe we're already a month into the clubbing season? May well and truly delivered. Although things are well underway, there's still a handful of openings to take place, as well as clubland ramping up its midweek programme. It's certainly not going to be boring.
Before the end of the month, some of the biggest DJs on the planet will be jetting in to entertain May visitors in the party capital of the world.
With so much going on, we've whittled down our highlights of the month. In case you're still feeling indecisive, the clubbing team each make their personal pick. Can we tempt you to the dancefloor for any of these?
Sven Väth | Catharsis opening party | Las Dalias & Akasha
Thursday 1 June
picked by Jo Dargie
Although it may seem self-explanatory to stamp Sven Väth a must-see act, let me hone in on the specifics. You know, just in case you have even a slither of doubt that you should be anywhere other than Las Dalias and Akasha on Thursday 1 June (!)
Marking the first of just five dates this summer, Catharsis opening party has been on my hit list since it was announced. Given Papa Sven's long-standing rep on the island, you can count on Cocoon comrades to be out in full force for this one.
It's always a blessing to catch the hypnotic Techno master at work. However, in the spiritual surroundings of Las Dalias at golden hour, and Akasha club room at nightfall, a truly rare and intimate session lies ahead. I cannot wait to be amongst it.
Sonja Moonear | Them Season Special | Cova Santa
Thursday 1 June
picked by Lissy Lübeck
Known for her immersive sets that fuse together elements of Minimal House, Techno and experimental sounds, Swiss queen Sonja Moonear takes to the hills of Cova Santa this month. She joins the line-up of the island’s newest underground offering, Them on Thursday 1 June.
One of the many key players of the "Ro-minimal" Bucharest sound, it is a rare treat to see Moonear on the island. Also playing are genre big dons Rhadoo, Praslesh, Priku and Hitch.
From hosting after parties at both ADE and OFFSonar, we cannot wait to see Them expand its horizons to Ibiza, bringing along some of the best talent in the underground scene.
Marco Carola | Destino Grand Opening Party
Friday 2 June
picked by Hayley Morgan
Dancing in the open air, especially at a location as cool as Destino, is one of my highlights of every summer. Fuse this with the legendary Tech tyrant Marco Carola and I'm made. The Italian DJ holds a presence on stage one that brings his avid followers in their droves.
There's always an energy in the crowd at his parties and it turns into something else when you can dance alongside the sky changing from day to night above you. That's if you can take your eyes off the almost crowd level booth.
Watching Carola play as the sun shines and being able to see the nod of the head as he's about to bring down the house with another huge drop, is what they call an Ibiza moment. If you can squeeze your way to the front for Destino Grand Opening Party, then you must. From here the booming basslines rock not just your ears, but your whole body.
Overmono | HE.SHE.THEY. | Amnesia
Friday 23 June
picked by Stephen Hunt
Since they moved into the upper tier of the electronic music pyramid, Overmono have had a handful of Ibiza dates. They appeared at IMS Grand Finale in Dalt Vila and were guests of Solomun at Destino last summer. Sadly, I missed both instances.
Even so, a club set was something I had designs on and it seems my prayers have been answered for 2023. Although they're hot property, translating that appeal to Ibiza is never as straightforward as everybody thinks. It takes a promoter with brass balls to take the chance.
So, yeah, HE.SHE.THEY. at Amnesia fits the bill.
With their debut LP Good Lies having dropped a few weeks ago, there hasn't been a better time to lock the brothers in. The rest of the line-up on Friday 23 June is equally as daring, with Avalon Emerson and a few more not on my radar, making it a real night of experimentation.
Lots to look forward to, and, curiously, all but one of our picks takes place this week... Seeing as this is only the proverbial tip of the iceberg, perhaps we can expect round two for June later this month?
For a full overview of everything going on day and night, including confirmed line-ups, please visit our essential party calendar. Keep your eye out for part two, published in the next fortnight.
WORDS | by Jo Dargie, Lissy Lübeck, Hayley Morgan and Stephen Hunt
PHOTOGRAPHY | by Mario Pinta, PHRANK, Jean Revillard and Jonatan Ferrer
