Nobody has a more informed overview of the party scene here on Ibiza, than the seasoned clubbers at Ibiza Spotlight. Are we blowing our own trumpet? Well, yes, a little - and justifiably so.
Cumulatively, no organisation matches the number of hours spent on the island's dancefloors down the years since we launched in 1976 (and we shows the signs of wear and tear to prove it!). Without having the exact data to hand, that's easily a fact, we're confident in saying.
Here, we recount the highlights from August and look ahead to the DJs we can't wait to see in September.
Hayley Morgan, social media manager
August highlight
Neliah Kandisha | Namaste | Las Dalias | 14 August
14 August was a pretty special night for Ibiza Spotlight, as a large continent of us met under the stars in the Las Dalias garden for Namaste. This may sound a little cliche, but as the tribal sounds floated into the night sky and we danced around the open fire, it was a proper heart-melting moment.
Neliah Kandisha held the Pachamama crowd in the palm of her hand.
Psychedelic, tribal and Psytrance- beats got the vibe all Goa-like and gooey, while Joselito and Marco Tegui performed their compression set on the Garden stage. Donning a large pointed hat, he resembled a majestic musical wizard. It was something to behold.
More than just a party, Namaste is a vibe to be reckoned with, and one I'd recommend everybody gets a fix from this summer.
On the radar for September
Mëstiza | Sacro | Cova Santa | 21 September
Mëstiza bring the penultimate instalment of their artistic party Sacro to Cova Santa on 21 September. Despite being six parties into the residency already, I’ve missed them all, so this September date is firmly diarised and underlined.
I’ve caught them once before, just a short snippet at the end of their set. That was enough to have sparked my fascination.
New wave electronic beats fused with traditional Flamenco music, make for one majestic union. With their well-crafted sound and uber-cool style, these girls seriously know how to bring it.
Lissy Lübeck, music journalist
August highlight
Shermanology | BBC Radio 1 Dance Live | 528 Ibiza | 2 August
Something a little different to the weekly club residencies, 2 August saw the return of the annual daytime fiesta from the BBC Radio 1 team. Under the sun from 16:00, a wealth of incredible guests from across the electronic music spectrum delved into sets at 528 Ibiza.
Spread across two unique stages, the R1 Dance family intertwined to add that special touch of magic.
From the hard-hitting sounds of Ben hemsley and Hannah Laing, to the more Progressive House of CAMELPHAT and Gorgon City, there was really something for everyone. My highlight was brother-sister duo Shermanology. They took the crowd to the next level.
On the radar for September
Traumer | TRIP | Club Chinois | 7 September
Having already teamed up with some of the coolest underground brands, including French label Yoyaku, The Other Side and picnic, TRIP welcomes Traumer's get-traum to Club Chinois on 7 September.
Traumer will be joined by FUSE mastermind Enzo Siragusa and fellow Frenchman D'Julz. What sounds can you expect from this night? Intricately weaved boppers, deeply nuanced House rhythms on a minimal tip and body-grooving performances from all three.
Jo Dargie, freelance contributor
August highlight
Van Damn | Jaguar presents UTOPIA | Pikes | 21 August
Charged with closing out Freddies for Jaguar presents UTOPIA, Scottish homeboy Van Damn was always going to deliver.
Radiating pure unadulterated fun from the DJ booth, Van Damn threw down fire selections with masterful mixing from Ewan McVicar's Heather Park opener to the ultimate peak-time curveball, Wu Tang Clan's Gravel Pit.
I’m a die-hard Damn fan with gushing DMs to prove it, but as I found myself bouncing around the room, everyone on the same level, I took a second to appreciate just how sick a DJ Van Damn really is. Proud pal moment right there. Damn, that was that a wild night!
On the radar for September
Barry Can't Swim | Solomun +1 | Pacha | 22 September
How to describe Barry Can't Swim? A kaleidoscope of rich Jazz, percussive Afro House and downright hypnotic Electro beats might be a start. But, as an against-the-tide artist, you can never quite pinpoint the exact direction Barry Can't Swim’s set will take you.
As his only confirmed Ibiza date this summer, Barry Can't Swim's invite to Solomun +1 at Pacha is one for the diary. A chance to catch an extended set (by Ibiza’s standards), plus a closing back-to-back is never off the cards with Solomun and his guests. Now that's a pairing I need to hear.
To raise the stake even higher, Barry Can't Swim's debut album When Will We Land? is nominated for a Mercury Prize as album of the year. The winner will be announced next month ahead of his Ibiza touchdown. Good luck!
Stephen Hunt, clubbing editor
August highlight
John Digweed | Franky Wah presents SHÈN | Club Chinois | 18 August
When Franky Wah was taken ill a fortnight ago and was forced to miss his own party, such a sitation has the potential to derail a night. Though fortunately, on this occasion, old sage John Digweed was on hand to step into his boots.
If there was any disappointment at Franky's absence, it was soon vanquished. We were treated to a Digweed masterclass when we needed it most. I dare say he left with a few new, young fans that night.
On the radar for September
Richie Hawtin | Sven Väth presents 25Y Cocoon Ibiza | 528 Ibiza | 25 September
Come on! You didn't expect me to pick anything but this, did you? After a five year pause, Cocoon is back on Ibiza to celebrate its 25th anniversary. The location of some of its most legendary after parties, 528 Ibiza in Benimussa Hills is the perfect spot for this reunion.
On the presumption that our master and command Papa Sven will be steering us through the after party in Teatro, I'm going to spend a lot of time outdoors at the Bullring stage to check-out another Cocoon mainstay: Richie Hawtin. Let's dance like it's 1999 (again!) Vamos!
You can find full listings and tickets by heading to our definitive party calendar and filtering by your dates.
WORDS | by Hayley Morgan, Lissy Lübeck, Jo Dargie and Stephen Hunt
PHOTOGRAPHY | by Daisy Denham, Mario Pinta and Hattie Scanlan
