Maybe it's a sign of getting old (and being spoilt for choice?), but it really felt like summer 2024 made me work for my parties. Whether it was a vintage year or not is pretty subjective, but while my personal highlights were spaced further apart, when they came along it was all the sweeter.
Fewer overall platinum nights, there might've been, but the very best were amongst the best parties since I started clubbing over 20 years ago. It's cliché, but you've just got to pick your battles!
Miss Monique | IMS Grand Finale | Dalt Vila | Friday 26 April
Being the first large-scale party of summer, IMS Grand Finale is a pivotal point in the calendar. Ending five months of hibernation, it heralds the start of another season. Back in business like we never left!
After three intense days of chat, networking and meetings over International Music Summit conference, it's also an opportunity for the industry to let its hair down. This year's line-up opted for a fresh approach, platforming the stars of tomorrow. One of them was Miss Monique.
Unloading dancefloor destroyers track after track, the Ukrainian DJ and record label owner demonstrated why she is so highly spoken of. It was definitely a booking that paid off.
She was followed by Sasha and Franky Wah, who immediately dropped Conjure Balearia. Suddenly, it felt like all systems go for Ibiza 2024.
Laurent Garnier | Cosmic Pineapple | Akasha | Sunday 5 May
Not only was Laurent Garnier's turn for Cosmic Pineapple at Akasha at the start of May my highlight of that month, but maybe the whole year. I knew it at the time, but there was definitely the sense that my summer has peaked prematurely!
A few weeks earlier, I had the privilege of catching him at Time Warp in Germany.
Both sets were out of this world and featured a lot of the same tracks, but there was something incredibly special about being one of 300 inside that intimate space, with Laurent playing from the centre of the room. Pure unbridled magic.
Objectively, its no exaggeration to say he might be the best DJ to have ever lived. Does that make it a cop-out pick? Taking into consideration how infrequently he plays here, no. Laurent, please come back to Akasha.
Jon Sa Trinxa | Sa Trinxa | Las Salinas | Sunday 2 June
Though they might be harder to find nowadays, some things are just totally Balearic - and in the authentic sense, not the pseudo, marketed way. Jon Sa Trinxa playing on home turf at Sa Trinxa is one of them.
Mixing with complete musical freedom - nothing is off the cards, whether that be classic Motown, guilty pleasures you'd never confess to liking under normal circumstances, the latest Bicep or obscure Acid wobblers. On paper, it shouldn't work, and yet it does.
It's not the music alone though, it's the beautiful setting and the kindred spirits who gather in this heavenly corner of Earth. Oh, and it's freeeeeee.
JST's extended run in 2024 included most Friday and Sundays in June, July and August. Although he spent September away touring the Far East, he returned for the home straight in October. There's nothing like a day on the beach with Jon.
John Digweed | Franky Wah presents SHÈN | Club Chinois | Sunday 18 August
When Franky Wah was taken ill and forced to miss his own party, SHÈN, such a situation had the potential to derail the night. Fortunately, on this occasion, old sage John Digweed was on hand to step into his boots at Club Chinois.
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.
Sven Väth | 25Y Cocoon Ibiza | 528 Ibiza | Wednesday 25 September
I said it would take a very special party to eclipse Laurent Garnier's date at Akasha. In fact, it took all the way until the end of September for something to come along and match it. That party was Cocoon's 25th anniversary reunion at 528 Ibiza.
All day, I was bumping into old faces and the atmosphere was electric from start to finish. Aside from the emotional aspect of Cocoon's return, it was great to see 528 completely full. Our ears were treated to plenty of Cocoon classics, but also some top new music.
Later, dancing inside Teatro for the on-site after party felt completely fresh and new - unchartered territory.
The immediate future of Cocoon on Ibiza remains unclear, but even if we have to wait another five years until the next one, it'll be worth the wait.
In some ways it's hard believe we're done for another season, but in others in felt like the longest summer ever. If the calibre of parties remains as high next summer as they have above, I'll be one happy clubbing editor. Until then, adios!
While summer may have ended, that doesn't mean that clubbing completely shuts down on Ibiza. For winter listings, please visit our party calendar.
PHOTOGRAPHY | by Tatiana Chausovsky, Mario Pinta and PHRANK
