Proving to be one of 2023’s hottest success stories, Franky Wah presents SHÈN Ibiza came and conquered its Sunday night slot at Club Chinois.
Back on Ibiza Town’s most decadent dancefloor for the next 16 weeks, Franky Wah is set to unveil the next chapter of SHÈN Ibiza starting Sunday 16 June. Before touching down on Balearic soil, a quick detour was in order.
Somewhere the temperatures don’t soar, but the crowd energy sure does.
Last Saturday, SHÈN made its Scottish debut at Glasgow club SWG3, throwing an exclusive daytime takeover. Presenting the perfect opportunity to sneak a preview of the party's latest developments and what Prog House goodness is headed for the White Isle this weekend.
Franky Wah presents SHÈN | SWG3 Glasgow | Saturday 8 June
SHÈN Ibiza found itself placed high on the party pedestal just one season in, largely thanks to Franky Wah's impeccable line-up curation. The Glasgow edition would prove to be no exception.
Walking out into SWG3's Galvanizers Yard there is an immediate draw to the booth as next-gen DJ and producer Richie Blacker eases us into the late afternoon with an Afro-infused set.
Gaining traction for his ability to pinball between genres with sleek sophistication, Richie Blacker’s selections are laced with percussive tones, feeling stylistically faithful to his latest release on SHÈN Recordings, You're In Love.
With the sun beaming and partygoers rallying in front of the DJ booth, still guarded by a terracota warrior statue and decked-out with the signature SHÈN feather motif.
The industrial clanging of the trainline overhead stands in for the low-flying planes that we’re used to on Ibizan dancefloors, but the diverse age range of the crowd could rival Ibiza's free-spirited nature. Who knew there were parallels between the two nightlife destinations?
Soon it was time to handover to our host Franky Wah.
Taking the tempo up a notch, we brace ourselves for a deep exploration into all that Progressive House has to offer. Not before he receives a very warm Scottish welcome, especially from the ladies keen to snap a selfie - being the sport he is, Franky is only too happy to oblige.
Spins of Adam Port, Ashee, DeMarzo made the cut, as well as Franky Wah's own immersive productions. Find Out Who We Are certainly proves its hypnotic powers.
We then bump into Scottish DJ Stephen Kirkwood whose delish food trailer, Bangin Pizza, is serving so hard that Franky Wah is even spotted grabbing a slice between transitions!
Matching Franky Wah's spellbinding approach, the Scottish weather seems to be aiming for a personal best on just how many seasons could be experienced in one hour.
However, it will take more than a heavy pelting of rain to deter this crowd, who continue to dance their way into a higher consciousness.
Onto one of the greats. John Digweed edges us further into a darker soundscapes, giving a right ol' schooling on crate digging for slick underground cuts.
The Digweed stamp of approval was assigned to SHÈN from the off, and this Sunday at Club Chinois he’ll don the opening party once again, going back-to-back with long-standing comrade Sasha.
Having just heard solo sets from both selectors, Franky Wah and John Digweed make the natural progression to a back-to-back blow out for the closing hour.
Complete with hard-hitting kicks, emblazoned with uplifting vocal hooks, and soft moments of pure melodic release, the pair fuse seamlessly. Although the crowd tempt our host and Digweed with calls for 'one more tune,' they bow out on a high leaving the final notes of collaborative single Tripchain.
Fans of Franky's music should look out for his next release Stolen Glances with Låpsley, out 14 June via SHÈN Recordings.
From our findings, what can we expect from SHÈN Ibiza this summer?
At its core, the pillars of what made SHÈN Ibiza an off-the-ground success remain the same. A desire to disconnect from the outside world through electronic music via an artistic vision that nods to Wah’s Chinese heritage.
But, an even higher calibre of DJ talent handpicked by Franky Wah is a given. His desire to bring upcoming names and scene veterans together under one roof feels even more prominent this time around.
Making for a sonically absorbing experience that has you reaching for Shazam at every drop, another summer as one of Ibiza's most talked about parties in only days away.
Franky Wah’s SHÈN Ibiza returns to Club Chinois this Sunday 16 June enlisting Sasha & John Digweed (pictured above), Miss Monique and Kalismã to soundtrack.
Looking for the perfect pre-party? Club Chinois presents Portside returns for its annual open-air get-together in The Port of Ibiza Town from 18:00 until midnight. You'll catch Franky Wah alongside Luciano, Miss Monique and Nohan free of charge - no ticket required.
For full weekly line-ups and tickets to Franky Wah presents SHÈN Ibiza, head below.
PHOTOGRAPHY | by Francis Mancini
