Can you remember the first Ibiza club you ever went to?
Ha! I was born in Ibiza so I know them all intimately! The first would have been Glory’s, then Angels, Amnesia where I worked for four years and then Ku. Paradise! These were the days when everyone knew everyone and we all moved from club to club as one.
Many outdoor venues had their sound lowered in 2022. What is the situation now?
It is true that some places had a lot of problems, especially in the municipality of San Jose. They had to adapt and allow the neighbors to rest, which is sacred, but this year with clear rules and complying with what was established by the authorities, everything is under control.
Does the Ibiza government really care about our club scene?
Honestly, they have never supported us – and that’s the harsh truth. But we understand this fact and accept it. We are valued more from outside of Ibiza but I always say that Ibiza is much more than just nightlife; we are the best in the world so let’s take advantage of it. And yes, it is difficult for a politician to support nightlife, but they don’t attack us so at least I am satisfied about that.
Are nightclub prices too high?
The prices are high, we cannot deny it, but where in the world can you find so many superstar DJs every night of the week? Aren’t pop concerts and football matches also expensive? Listen, no one is forced to go – they are places with a huge investment behind them with state-of-the-art technology, huge security, big DJ prices, lots of staff etc. all to ensure a perfect customer experience. And it all has to be paid for.
What is your favorite club in Ibiza and DJ?
Hey, I have to like them all equally! But admittedly I have a good time at Children of the 80s at Hard Rock, haha, I am showing my age! As for DJs, they are all true artists – David Guetta always moves my feet, also Carl Cox, Solomon, Black Coffee, Aoki and many more…
Privilege, once the world’s biggest club today remains cold and unloved. Will she ever party again?
The venue has been one of the greatest temples of world music and will undoubtedly be so again. It has been in the doldrums for many years and with the change of ownership, I am convinced that it will once again be a benchmark on the island and in world entertainment.
“THIS YEAR FOR THE SECOND CONSECUTIVE TIME, WE REOPENED IN APRIL AND WILL CLOSE IN OCTOBER TO HELP DE-SEASONALIZE THE SEASON. IF WE OPEN FOR MORE MONTHS, WE WILL IMPROVE THE LIVES OF OUR WORKERS HERE, WHICH ULTIMATELY MAKES FOR A VERY HAPPY ISLAND. THAT IS MY GOAL”.
There are rumors that no new nightclub licenses will ever be granted again?
This is not true, but believe me, we do not need more clubs. We are a limited area of land and have to take care of brand Ibiza – if we continue to grow, we may become vulgar, we may become mediocre and that will kill us.
What are your biggest achievements in charge of the association?
We were the first to decide not to open when the pandemic began as we knew could not endanger our workers, our clients or the Ibiza brand. There was an association that came up with an idea of creating a square on the floor of nightclubs that clients could not leave – but we knew that expecting 3000 people to respect social distancing like this would not happen. We all knew we would be the last to work when the restrictions were lifted and had to stay closed to protect everyone. It all worked well.
What are some of the goals you still want to achieve in your work here?
We are a complicated sector, we are not loved, we are criticized a lot but we continue to work as best we can. This year for the second consecutive time, we reopened in April and will close in October to help de-seasonalize the season. If we open for more months, we will improve the lives of our workers here, which ultimately makes for a very happy island. That is my goal.
