22nd Jan - Ibiza? 👀

So it would appear that not only am I a melt, but I'm an old cunt, too. I found myself snoozing by 9.20pm last night, a far-cry from those 24-hour party benders in Ibiza. That's not to say that I'll be able to resist the temptation of a fleeting return to the homeland this Summer, though. Over the years, the White Isle has become a real second home to me, and it's been more than a decade since I didn't spend at least a few days out there at some point during the July-Sept period. The past few years have been rather different, though still somewhat beautiful, on account of the tranquility caused by a lack of tourists on the island. But yesterday, sparks were reignited for a 'full' return to glory for Eivissa, when the Camels broke the news that IBZ clubs were given the green light for a full capacity reopening in 2022. 

The last time I, or anyone found themselves at a packed Ushuaia, or Amnesia, etc etc, was in Summer 2019, and back then, none of us could have imagined what was to come. I've always been very fortunate, on account of my career, to end up at just about any dance music event/festival/location in the world, from New York and Las Vegas, right through to an Autumnal Amsterdam, spring-time Stockholm, or muddy Creamfields. But the history, the heritage, and the authenticity of Ibiza, has always proved a special pilgrimage for house-heads, long before the pouting Instagram generation of lip-filled influencers, and though it's becoming slowly stifled, that special spirit can still be felt on the island, which is why no other 'manufactured' destination can replicate it.

Take Miami, for example. One of my absolute favourite destinations in the world. Decadent, luxurious, filled with Latin vibes, and sunny skies. But in my line of work, you find yourself in certain areas - Backstage at Ultra, or sat on a yacht with superstar DJs like Hardwell - and you soon realise how superficial areas of such an industry can be. America, of course, in general, is pretty fantastic at producing plastic replicas of European originals, on 'bigger' and 'better' scales. But if there's one thing a post-pandemic Ibiza needs... It is the same authenticity upon which this island was built. This is not Magaluf, this is not Marbella, this is the HQ of dance music, and if you don't enjoy it, don't come. 

One confession I'll gladly make, as I wrap this one up, is that I've found it hard to stay focused at points during this diary entry. The reason, is that there's a video playing on the TV in the background of the room I'm in, and ironically... The video in question is based around the topic of why we have such a dangerously short attention span in modern society. It's actually hugely thought-provoking, so I'll embed it for you to have a little watch below, because attention spans are certainly shorter than ever now and it's so easy to become embroiled in 10 tasks at once and then forget what you were aiming to originally achieve. I, myself, have lost my train of thought here... What was I gonna do? Oh yeah, I remember now...

... I was gonna book a flight to Ibiza.