Cala Jondal Beach Mix

[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/56147464″ iframe=”true” /]

Inspired by lazy days at Cala Jondal beaches. This dj mix by Jon Lee for Augmented Ibiza trips through disco, house & garage via New York, London & Ibiza..

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Cala Jondal Beach Mix

Masters at Work, a 2012 Summer Highlight

Like a child with a toy, or a London urbanite on a crawl around Shoreditch, Ibiza is equally as obsessed with the new, the next big thing. Each year, new objects of desire are created, delivered & devoured by the locals, holiday makers, international jet set & the party crowd.

This year there have been many new entrants to the Ibiza club market. Nights like Richie Hawtin’s “Enter”, Pooldisco @ Ushuaia (itself only 2 years old!), to the 123 Festival with Elton John & Sting popping by to headline. As obsessed as we all are with shiny new disco balls, some of the best nights so far have been by created by the original pioneers, not their fresh faced apprentices.

I spoke to one of Augmented Ibiza’s “Insiders”, Colin Peters (Resident DJ @ Ibiza Rocks, Rock Nights @ Privilege), himself a bit of an Ibiza veteran, who started off by DJ’ing at in the toilets at Manumission. Don’t you just love the DJ career path!! This is what Colin had to say about one of the best nights on the island this Summer:

“Although Carl Cox is celebrating 10 years of Revolution parties at I have to admit this is my first visit to his party. There was only one reason I wanted to go as well, or may be that should be two reasons: ‘Little’ Louie Vega and Kenny ‘Dope’ Gonzalez(MAW).

This duo of DJs, producers and remixers have had people in thrall to their music for the last 20 years. Their productions cover latin, disco, jazz, funk, house and garage under the MAW moniker and various side projects. They have remixed artists that include Michael Jackson, Madonna, Bjork, Donna Summer and Jamiroquai. To celebrate this 20th anniversary they announced that they would be doing seven DJ shows in 2012. What adds more salsa to this story, is the fact that they haven’t been best buddies for the last couple of years, and have worked separately since 2007.

I arrived at Space around an hour and a half before Masters at Work came on. So I went straight to the El Salon room where Vinyl Frontier where mixing, funnily enough, with just vinyl which is an oddity in this day and age of CDs and computers. Their set was a pleasing blend of funk and 90s disco house. Highlights where Black Science Orchestra – New Jersey Deep and Laidback – White Horse. After warming my legs up in El Salon I nipped over to the Sunset Terrace where record label Future Disco hold court each week with its brand of modern disco. On the decks were Sean Brosnan and Marco Loco connecting the dots between 70’s stuff (Chic, The Doobie Brothers, Anita Ward) questionable 90’s samples (Corona – Rhythm of the Night) and nu disco to an appreciative crowd.

With this warm up over I went over to the Terraza room where Masters at Work started at 3.30 am. They started off with a few chunky house numbers from the last couple of years, including Ray Foxx – The Trumpeter before dipping into their extensive back catalogue. Tracks such as: To Be In Love, Backfire and Work were woven around deep, latin house to a packed Terraza. The quality of the music was astonishing, and you realised at that moment they were pioneers in many areas of dance music including the deep house / garage sound that is popular with producers such as Disclosure, Julio Bashmore and SBTRKT. A particular highlight was Louie’s collaboration with Erick Morillo from 1995: Lil’ Mo’ Ying Yang – Reach. It’s hard to believe this thunderbolt of a track is 17 years old already because it got the biggest reaction of the night. The quality did not dip for one moment as the dynamic duo kept the faith with their music and all time classics from Lil Louis, Donna Summer and Inner City. We even had a special unannounced guest in form of Barbara Tucker and she preceded freestyle and sing over the music including her collaborations with MAW – Deep Inside and Beautiful People.

They may have gone their separate paths over the last couple of years but there is no doubt that they are still the Masters at Work.”

Colin’s trip to Space was on the 31st July 2012.

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Masters at Work, a 2012 Summer Highlight

Ibiza – The Year of Change

Many people are dubbing 2012 the year of change in Ibiza. For so long the world capital of dance, and before that the Spanish playboy’s adult playground. Has anything really changed?

The continued success of pop dance, with David Guetta, Swedish House Mafia, Avicii & countless others, taking over dance strongholds like Pacha, and leading the way at Ushuaia. The ongoing Ibiza Rocks transformation of San Antonio, and bass music everywhere. The clubbing scene has seemingly changed beyond recognition.

Whilst flying in over Cala Jondal the thing that really strikes you is the fleet of yachts nestling in the bay. This colonisation of the island by the super rich, celebrities, pop-stars & footballers, is also reflected in mainstream media taking extended glances at fashion, food, hotels & the lifestyles of the rich & famous through an Ibiza lens. From Company mag doing an Ibiza issue to Net a Porter finding & dressing the movers & shakers of the island, it seems Ibiza has hit the mainstream and left behind it’s sub-culture status as the underground party capital of the world.

It feels like the big Ibiza stories this Summer are all from this glossy end of the market –Groucho pop-ups, P-Diddy having cave parties, new high end concept restaurants where you can watch Seal by the harbour at Lio, or the Mayfair institution Cipriani bringing Little Italy to Ibiza. Somehow, although all very cool, but it doesn’t feel like an Ibiza story. Surely, this is St Tropez?? So, there’s a thing.. About 5 years ago, all the chat on the island was about the authorities, business and the like wanting to take the island up market. Well, it would appear they have succeeded!

What does all this mean for the dance massive? And really, does it actually matter?

The last 2 years were characterised by the invasion of pop-dance, bass & indie music. While, the return of house music, fuelled by the underground popularity of the likes of Jamie Jones’ Hot Creations label creating a renewed interest in the 4/4 format has meant in some ways, the underground party scene is still alive and very much kicking. Carl Cox’s Revolution night has been drawing massive crowds, Sasha’s residency @ Ushuaia has kicked on, with Booka Shade burning the house flame that is also in evidence @ DC10.

The questions & debate about change does though all seem a little bit like deja vu. Not so long ago there were constant concerns raised about the dominance of house & techno. Where was the balearic spirit was the battle cry? Well, it was always there. You just had to look for it!! Island residents like George Evelyn (Nightmares on Wax / DJ Ease), Jon Sa Trinxa & Andy Wilson have kept the balearic spirit alive with their sets at places such as Aura, Sa Trinxa & across the airwaves of Ibiza Sonica. Little beach parties with bongo players, Bonobo & Maxxi Jaxx guest performances & Norman Jay at Sands. The old Ibiza spirit is never far away.

The truth is the island is always changing. For such a small place there is an amazing amount of change. Every year bringing new bars, restaurants, cafes, club nights & ideas to change the world! That surely is the islands biggest strength. It’s optimism, enthusiasm & ability to inspire each generation with its unique perspective of summers in the sun.

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Ibiza – The Year of Change

MUSIC | WE LOVE…’S ROO DOG TOP 5 TRACKS OF THE SUMMER

We have heard from Big L, and now it’s the turn of his partner in crime, and fellow We Love… resident, Roo Dog, as he gives us his selection of favourite summer tunes

Here is the rundown of his five favourite tracks of the summer in a lovely video playlist fresh from our YouTube channel

There are more video playlists up on the Augmented Ibiza YouTube channel, along with a load more video content, with interviews, live performances and exclusive short films about Ibiza.

Posted in 2011, IBIZA RELATED, PARTYS | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on MUSIC | WE LOVE…’S ROO DOG TOP 5 TRACKS OF THE SUMMER

MUSIC | WE LOVE…’S BIG L TOP 5 TRACKS OF THE SUMMER

We have another addition to the collection of great video playlists up on our YouTube channel. This time around, it is hotly-tipped We Love… resident Big L.

After a summer spent storming it at Space, here is his selection of the top 5 tracks from this summer in Ibiza!

There are more video playlists up on the Augmented Ibiza YouTube channel, with playlists from the likes of Colin Peters, Damon Martin (Disco Bloodbath), Feel My Bicep and loads more!

Posted in 2011, IBIZA RELATED, PARTYS, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | Comments Off on MUSIC | WE LOVE…’S BIG L TOP 5 TRACKS OF THE SUMMER

MUSIC | FEEL MY BICEP TOP 5 TRACKS OF THE SUMMER

After a busy summer of parties all over the world, including some big Ibiza nights, we asked our friends Feel My Bicep to give us the lowdown on the records that been working for them this summer.

The video playlist features their five favourite tunes from the summer. There is a big 90s house vibe to their picks, with some massive tunes thrown in there.

There are more video playlists up on the Augmented Ibiza YouTube channel, as well as loads more Ibiza video content, with interviews, live performances and a series of films we made out on the island. Be sure to check it out!

Posted in 2011, IBIZA RELATED, PARTYS, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | Comments Off on MUSIC | FEEL MY BICEP TOP 5 TRACKS OF THE SUMMER

VIDEO | INSIDERS’ GUIDE TO IBIZA BEACHES

With such a great range of Ibiza insiders on board with us at Augmented Ibiza, we are able to keep you up-to-date with the best places on the island from those who are in the know. Earlier in the summer we caught up with George Evelyn (Nightmares on Wax), Colin Peters, Toddla T and Phillipe Zdar (Cassius) as they gave us the lowdown on their favourite Ibiza beaches – sun, sea and sand a plenty!

It’s not called the White Isle for nothing, the beaches on Ibiza are absolutely incredible, and there are so many hidden gems, each with their own unique atmosphere, perfect for taking some time out in the sun.

To check out more great video content from Ibiza, visit our YouTube page

Special thanks to all the contributors in this video, as well as White Ibiza for providing great stills shots of the locations in the video.

Posted in 2011, IBIZA RELATED, INTERVIEWS, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on VIDEO | INSIDERS’ GUIDE TO IBIZA BEACHES

VIDEO | CHANGING FACE OF MUSIC IN IBIZA

It has been clear over the past couple of years that the music scene in Ibiza has undergone some serious change, with a range of new nights and different genres of music finding a home on the island. Things have really kicked off in Summer 2011, with Jamiroquai, Snoop Dogg, Tinie Tempah, The Streets, Primal Scream, Magnetic Man, Chase & Status, Kool & the Gang all playing massive Ibiza gigs.

To bring you the best perspective on what this change means for Ibiza, we quizzed some of the most important names in the Ibiza music scene.

We’ve got opinions from Ibiza legend Sasha and island resident George Evelyn (Nightmares On Wax), whose ‘Wax Da Jam’ night incorporates a strong live element in the jamming concept. We also spoke to those at the heart of Ibiza’s new music scene, with Ibiza Rocks Resident Doorly, We Love… regular Colin Peters and Come Together’s Daisy Heartbreaker, telling us what they think has driven the shift in the scene on the island.

As well as this insider insight, the film features some killer tracks, with a soundtrack including Toddla T’s ‘Take It Back’, Nextmen’s remix of The Milk’s ‘Danger’ and a track from Ben Westbeech’s debut album.

Posted in 2011, IBIZA RELATED, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments Off on VIDEO | CHANGING FACE OF MUSIC IN IBIZA

VIDEO | INSIDERS’ GUIDE TO RESTAURANTS AND BARS

We’re really lucky to have a whole range of Ibiza insiders teaming up with us on Augmented Ibiza, with the likes of Jamiroquai, Jamie Jones, Seth Troxler and Lee Foss all coming on board this season.

These are the guys who are always keeping us in touch with what is hot in Ibiza, and we have been collating the best of these tips together, so that we can give you the inside line on the best places to go when you are on the island.

The sheer volume of amazing bars and restaurants that exist on Ibiza means that there is always somewhere special hidden around the next corner – it’s tracking these places down that can be the problem.

To make things a bit easier, check out our new video, packed full of tips from those in the know, as they reveal their favourite spots to eat and drink on the island.

We have got Ibiza regulars such as George Evelyn (Nightmares on Wax), Colin Peters and Christopher Tubbs, along with a fresh perspective from Toddla T, a key part of the new wave of music to rip up Ibiza in recent times.

Check out the Augmented Ibiza YouTube page for more essential Ibiza-related video content.

Special thanks to all our Insiders, as well as White Ibiza, for their help in providing the fantastic stills shots in the video!

Posted in GUIDE, IBIZA RELATED, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on VIDEO | INSIDERS’ GUIDE TO RESTAURANTS AND BARS

VIDEO | AUGMENTED IBIZA YOUTUBE CHANNEL

To tell the story of Ibiza 2011,  we have launched a YouTube channel. It’s the best place to listen back to the sounds of this summer, watch how the island has changed, see interviews with the top DJs, and generally remind yourself of why Summer & Ibiza are inextricably linked…

There you’ll find playlists from the likes of Damon Martin from Disco Bloodbath, Colin Peters from We Love & Ibiza Rocks, the Bicep crew & more.

There’s also a series of films looking at how the original capital of dance, & party island, is changing & growing up.

As well as guides to the best beaches, bars & restaurants with top tips from Augmented Ibiza Insiders.

And if that’s not enough there’s performance videos from Nightmares on Wax, Doorly & Labrinth.

You can catch all of this along with loads of other Ibiza video content over on our new Augmented Ibiza YouTube channel.

Posted in 2011, IBIZA RELATED | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments Off on VIDEO | AUGMENTED IBIZA YOUTUBE CHANNEL