DJ Eibhlin – Hed Kandi

Ibiza 2012 Special





What is your favourite memory of Ibiza 2012?

“The Hed Kandi Ibiza 10 year opening party was my ultimate highlight of Ibiza 2012.  I had these butterflies leading up to the gig, the feeling where I knew it was going to be something special. Everybody involved had put so much love and effort into organising this celebration as it was such a milestone to be on the island for 10 years. When we rocked up to the club the buzz and atmosphere was electric. Everybody was on top form and up for a good time. Treasure Fingers was playing some amazing house records to the point where we all were just buzzing off one another. Each of us on the bill wanted the crowd to feel the same way we did. It’s a memory I will always look back on and smile at.  It’s stuff dreams are made off!! I feel so privileged to have been a part of the 10 year anniversary.  If I could do it all over again, I would in a heartbeat and I wouldn’t change a thing!!


”

Tune of the summer?


“Flashmob – ‘Need In Me’.”




Most overplayed record of the summer?

“Florence & The Machine – ‘Say My Name



’.”

Favourite resident DJ on the island?

“Ben Santiago. He is our Ibiza Hed Kandi resident. He is an incredible DJ and can always read his crowd to perfection.”





Why is Ibiza still the best party location in the world?

“I’m sure most would agree when I say Ibiza has this magic about it.  As soon as you land on the island you get this feeling of excitement and anticipation as you know that you are going to a place where you can create those magical moments and memories that will last forever.  It’s a place where you meet new people and lifelong friends from all over the world; people that share the same love and passion for music as you do. You hear some top quality records with the world’s pioneers of dance music mixing them. It’s the one place where you rave all night and come home in the morning still wanting more.”




Ibiza is now split straight down the middle with serious DJs spinning quality house and techno on one side, and DJs playing the big room bangers on the other. Discuss…

“Yeah, a fair statement but that is the beauty about the island, right? Whether you are a serious tune lover or just out for a good time, Ibiza has something for everybody.  It goes back to the whole debate of ‘my genre in music is cooler than yours’- oh please!! I love so many genres in music ranging from deep house to tech and dare I say it – bangers!!! If a hook is catchy or there is a melody I like from a mass market record, creatively speaking, it could give rise to a wicked little remix with a completely different sound and take on it. It’s all down to one’s musical vision and perspective. I couldn’t put all my musical influences and loves into some sort of confined box. Regardless of our musical preferences, the common denominator is that we are all out to have a good time, different strokes and all that.  If it makes you happy- then who cares what others think!! Each to their own! I take my profession in music very seriously as do most DJ’s out there but who are we to judge what others are playing. We should all have respect for one another’s craft and style of music. It’s about time we all built a bridge and got over it!” 




What new party caused the biggest splash in their debut summer this year? And why?

“Jamie Jones’ event Paradise at dc10 was an incredible party this season in Ibiza. One bad ass line up, amazing talent, amazing tunes, amazing venue! I think Richie Hawtin also smashed this season with Enter at Space and deservedly so. He has been working hard through the years building his career. Richie’s season in Ibiza has made a massive mark on the island. Big up to him! It’s refreshing to see people pioneer new ideas, give others the opportunity to shine and see some innovative forward thinking events. I’m excited for next year; no doubt wonderful things are going to come to the forefront. It’s exciting to watch people’s ideas and aspirations evolve into reality.”


Favourite restaurant and beach in Ibiza?

“Restaurant: Sa Capella – it’s a beauty. They serve the most wonderful Mediterranean food.  It’s an old historical monastery that was turned into a restaurant.  It still has that traditional feel to it which creates an amazing atmosphere and ambiance. The sea bass is my favourite dish and it has the best Hierbas on the island! Beach: Friends of mine were telling me about this wonderful beach near Salinas. I love going to visit new places and seeing beautiful sites so I was excited by the prospect and decided to go along with them. My friends were a bit too overly excited about this beach. Looking back on it, maybe it was my foggy head from the night before but I wasn’t catching on to all these innuendos during the drive to Salinas. As we walked by the shore we found our spot to plot up for the afternoon. Lying down on the sand contented and happy, I decided to sit up and take in the beautiful views. As I looked around I got the shock of a lifetime. There I was, surrounded by men pompously prancing and dancing around with their willies on show!!!!!! Beautiful views – yes my gay best friends agreed…a bit too much naked dancing and prancing for me!! But if willy watching floats your boat, this is the beach for you!!!” 



Do you think the 123 Rocktronic Festival that featured the likes of Lenny Kravitz, Elton John, Sting, David Guetta and Tiesto this year is an important addition to the Ibiza summer, or do you think it is a case of one too many party on an already bulging season?

“No not at all! When is there ever enough parties and celebrations? I think it is important to embrace all aspects of music. After all, isn’t this what Ibiza has been made famous for; music, irrespective of the genre?”  





What is the one record that will always remind you of Ibiza…?

“I can’t choose just one record…St Germain – ‘Rose Rouge’ for one of the best summer’s day I spent in Ibiza, lazing around our villa pool with friends and loved ones. We spent the day firing jokes, telling stories and just bantering with one another. Every time I hear that song I feel nothing but love!! A Guy Called Gerald – ‘Emotion Electric’, it was played at the end of a set one night and lord what a tune to finish up on. Still gives me tingles! Miguel Campbell’s ‘Something Special Crazy Wonderful’…it describes Ibiza in one sentence!”


Best venue in Ibiza and why?

“Ushuaia is an amazing venue; it goes back to the heritage of Ibiza where one could dance in the open air.  It has an amazing stage and sound system. The place also has a lovely vibe. Aesthetically it’s beautiful and it’s a wonderful addition to the island. Ushuaia, as a brand have big plans for Playa Den Bossa.  I’m looking forward to watching it all unfold!



”

A lot of money has been spent on the island in recent years improving things, what do you think is the biggest improvement on the island?

The roads!
 “

What nationality are the craziest people on the dancefloor?

“The Irish!! Best ravers in the world!!!”

Breakthrough artist of 2012?

“Solomun has had a remarkable season in Ibiza.  He is an amazingly talented producer and DJ and will no doubt be hot property for next season.”

If you had to pick one person to go out clubbing with in Ibiza, who would it be?

“
Phil Faversham. He is the best laugh to go out with! He has got ears as sharp as a knife, two beats into a record being mixed, he has it clocked. We can’t help but digress over every little beat and sound of a record! (Sad, I know!!)  He takes the piss out of people and predicaments but not in a malice way! He makes up names for everyone; he has about 20 for me! Any funny looking dude who has maybe taken too much drugs on a night out or someone with a weird new dance move, bless them he just banters to the point where there is tears rolling down my face. He loves a good rave like myself and can break it down good, as if his life depended on it! Skills! You need people around you who are on the same level, have similar music tastes, can do all nighters and always up for the banter.  The ingredients to my perfect raving partner!”


And finally, tell us about your first trip to the white isle…

“God if my mom and dad read this, my best kept secret will be out!!  I was 17, skint and had the chance to head to Ibiza- for free!!!! It was one of those opportunities where I knew if I was caught by my parents I would be in such deep shit but if I turned down the opportunity I would have always regret it! So me being the teenage chancer that I was, I told my parents I was going on a ‘caravan holiday’ (caravan holiday – what was I thinking!!!??) for a few days with my best friends! Little did they know I was on my way to the white isle on a mission to get as much raving in a possible!!  Landed in Ibiza, dropped my bags, threw on my shorts and Converse and off I went to the wonderful old airport hangar that is known as DC- 10. I danced until the sun came piercing through the windows.  Met so many friends that night! Fast forward a few days and there I was, this small town Irish girl sat on a million pound yacht drinking champagne styling it out with the high rollers. I kept pinching myself thinking is this actually real!!  Experience of a life time!! The Ibiza bug caught me on that trip. Every year since I’ve returned to the beautiful island.”