DJ Paulette finally ties her man down with a Balearic brew
From El Chiringuito to Boutique Hostal Salinas to Pikes to Sankeys to Space, Andy Baxter holds his own as one of the busiest DJs on the island. He has no time to do Q&A’s, has told me in the past that he hates them with a vengeance…so I promised to keep this as short as possible (yes Andy, for someone who talks a lot, this is short. Psyche.)
Hi Andy – kettle’s on, so thank you for giving us 20 minutes of your time whilst you take a quick tea break with me…
Thank you very much for having me, I heard you make a proper cuppa.
Then you heard correctly because I certainly do. Listen, you’re a good northern lad – do you like tea or would you prefer something stronger? If you like tea how do you take it? Are you a Pantone chart colour coder or spoon standing up in it strength? Do you take milk and / or sugar?
Of course I love a good old cup of builders’ tea (Tetley or PG Pyramids) But I am also a massive fan of herbal teas and chai. Plus I love making massive containers of iced tea, which is ideal for the summer ahead.
Here you go then. A cup of builders’ tea for you, shaken and not stirred. Now then, looking back – who or what did the boy you were 20 years ago want to be?
I was always heavily influenced by my older brother Mark with his amazing collection of Acid House records and his hunger to go raving each weekend. I was super jealous only being 10 years old so I could only imagine joining this culture. At this point my dream was always to be a DJ or some kind of performer, playing this amazing electronic music for people to release themselves to. In school I was the kid that stared out of the window, sneakily listening to hardcore rave and jungle hiding in my blazer, dreaming of the party.
I wouldn’t be wrong in saying there’s quite a few miles between Brum and Ibiza – when you made the move how did you handle the transition from Midlands City Boy to Ibiza Island Legend – and has your evolution been an easy one?
It is a few miles yes, or 2 hours on a plane. 12 years ago I decided to come on a 2 week holiday laden with CDs and CVs and I made sure I handed them to as many places as possible. I was fortunate enough to get a small residency at Itaca next to Bar M. Then I was given an amazing opportunity to be a resident at Pacha, the bosses at the time Danny Whittle and Mark Netto were always interested in my diverse style (I play happily between Hip Hop, breakbeats and House music). Then in 2002 they asked me to make the move and be a resident of this beautiful island. I’m not going to lie, I started at the very bottom and organically progressed to what I am doing today and am truly grateful for the Balearic experience, being surrounded by some of the best friends and DJs I could ever wish for. So thank you good people.
Would that boy be proud or impressed by the things you have done and the life you lead today?
I think he would be yes, I’ve certainly achieved exactly what I had in mind when I was young. Plus I have got to see the world doing this. Now I need to make the person I am today proud, and work even harder in everything I’m doing musically and general living.
The last time I had the pleasure of hanging out with you, we were at Boutique Hostal Salinas where you were more than holding your own at party and DJ level. However, we have also crossed paths many times at around 8/8.30 in the morning as you’re getting your jog on…what’s that all about?
Haha, yes that was some party. We do know how to enjoy spring time here in Ibiza. Jogging. Yes. It’s been a life changer for sure and I love it with a passion. I started properly around the age 32, and it keeps me very level headed and focused. I’m actually sitting in my gear right now ready to head out with my partner in crime Tom Crane, then after I’m going on an incredible hike around Salinas with my good friend Simeon. Highly recommended.
What’s your favourite/most scenic route on the island?
I think I have just answered that question talking about the Salinas hike. In fact the whole area of the Salinas salt flats is my favourite place on the island. Not only is it stunningly beautiful, you can see the pink flamingos sometimes towards Autumn. Plus I am fortunate enough to work at two of the best beach restaurants El Chiringuito and Jockey Club. So the ride to work is always breathtaking. One more thing, you can see Es Vedra there, peaking out from a distance.
You have a very eclectic background and schedule. Tell me about your dates at El Chiringuito and The Jockey Club – in your opinion, what elements make the best daytime beach / poolside set?
One of my favourite things is that the music is very different from one place to the other, this goes for all the beach bar gigs. They each have their own personality, so it does keep things very interesting musically for myself and the people I play for. The elements are usually built on the way I’m feeling on the day and the mood of the venue on arrival. It is always exciting to play the new and old music that we collect ready for the new season ahead.
You’re somewhat of a foodie too and on many occasions have recommended the food at El Chiringuito to me and I will take you up on your offer this season for sure. Still, what I want to know is, when your lunch arrives how do you co-ordinate playing those long sets and eating at the same time. I never manage it – my hot food always go cold and my salad always fries in the heat. Have you any handy hints for how to avoid this and fully enjoy your meal?
Haha brilliant, I am a bit of fast eater (or very greedy) so I don’t let my food go cold. Orrrrrr just dig out my longest tracks, perfect example, Nina Simone – See Line Woman (MAW remix).
Ibiza gets super hot in high summer, what three things must you always remember to pack in order to keep cool when you’re playing open air events.
It certainly does get hot. Wearing the thinnest clothing possible helps, drinking loads of water or ice tea, and if you can try and blag a fan, this will be the lifesaver.
Are you a well sizzled steak or a screaming lobster when it comes to suntans or sunburn?
It depends really, I can be a bit surf n’ turf, I blame my mom’s Irish roots. My dad is very tanned so depends on how much I push it in the currant bun.
So to 2015 – a new management booking agency / new residencies, a radio show on Robert Miles’ Openlab radio station and a resident for the Openlab parties at Benniras. What else can you tell me about this and your plans for the summer?
I’ve held down a residency at the legendary Cafe Mambo for around 8 years now and I absolutely love playing for the sunset session. We open there on the 15th of May. Of course you know about El Chiringuito and now it has a sister restaurant named The Beachouse, which is situated in Platja den Bossa, and like El Chiringuito it is pure magic. It can make you feel like you are anywhere in the world, therefore, playing world music is the soundtrack. We also have 3 amazing parties lined up for this summer, so watch this space. With regards to nightlife, I’m looking forward to starting back at Sankeys, and I have 4 shows booked on the sunset terrace of Space, for Carl Cox’s ‘Revolution’ take over parties. Can’t wait.
You have a beautiful face (and not just for radio), tell us a bit about your radio show ‘Dubmetrik’ on OpenLab – what does the name mean? Has the show seen your style evolve or change in any way
Haha, I love my new show on OpenLab. Robert Miles gives me complete freedom to play exactly what comes from my heart and soul. I’ve always been a fan of more Dub related music than vocals, I don’t know why, it just happened. From a very early age, breakdance and early electro was my sound. I like to keep what I do with open lab slightly different to Andy Baxter the island resident. I feel it divides my styles nicely.
Sundays in Ibiza are all about Robert Miles’ OpenLab playing on Benirras (one of the most musical and spiritual beaches on the island). Has joining this family made any difference to the music you select or the sets that you are playing?
Absolutely yes, it is a super musical hub of the island and the every day music of Ibiza does not sound right there. Again, Rob wants us to be as experimental as possible with music (great news for Alex Wolfenden, Manu Gonzalez and myself). It is a truly magical experience as throughout the day we portray what is played on OpenLab, From Sunset to bliss euphoric Techno.
Which people do you find yourself rolling with the most?
I try to roll with happy, positive friends and family on the island, who I consider to be some of my best friends in the world. Even though sometimes we all get a little busy, we are all very family orientated. Far too many names to mention, you know who you are.
You’re not a mad Facebooker or Tweeter but I think you like a good Youtube surf or two, which have been your three favourite YouTube clips this year…
Haha yes, it’s so funny sometimes when you come across videos, I don’t search for them they just appear or are shared amongst friends. We gotta have a laugh right? Again there are far too many to remember. I like the childrens’ remake/play of Scarface, very funny. The Jon Snow (Game Of Thrones dinner party parody) and somebody made a remake of Streetfighter II mixed with the Van Damme film of A.W.O.L. – haha well funny.
When you’re not crossing the globe and DJing in Santiago, London or Spain, how do you kick back at home?
I love to cook nice food, watch TV shows like Game of Thrones, Mad Men or various nature documentaries and brush up on my Spanish with my girlfriend. I also like to blast out the odd vinyl to piss my neighbour downstairs off.
Are you a barbecue man or sit down meal?
Pffffft, I love all kinds of eating: hands, forks, chopsticks haha. I live in an apartment so my own BBQ’s are a bit harder to pull off, though I do love to stop by the family Netto’s house for what the South Africans call a Brai. And chef Mark is one of the best in the business, ‘Hats off bru!’.
What’s your favourite insider place to eat / beach / party in Ibiza?
There are many, many favourites. Having time to visit them all in a season is getting harder every year. I am a big big fan of Can Pilot in San Rafael, such a homely atmosphere with a real family vibe. Then it would be on to Pikes for a real house party scenario. We all love it with a passion. Then recovery on the beach would definitely be spent at Sa Caleta or the stunning Benirras, away from it all.
You’ve been DJing on the island for over 10 years now and must have played through a fair few superclubs and genres in that time. Which 10 records best represent your ten years in Ibiza?
There are so many tracks that have stood out over the years, here is a quick selection that have given me so many great memories…
Franck Roger – After All
Tuccillo – Samantha
Jason Bye – Take Me Dancin
Paperclip People – Throw
Osunlade – Envision
Ame – Rej
Butch – Rawhide
Jaydee – Plastic Dreams
Basement Jaxx – Fly Life Dub
Dennis Ferrer – Sinfonia del Notte
Digitaline – Africa
Of course the summer schedule is starting to be revealed for the key clubs in Ibiza – where can we hear an Andy Baxter set from now through until the end of the season?
Yes yes, summer is my favourite time of year and you can catch me spinning at El Chiringuito, Beachouse, Elements, Pikes and Cafe Mambo, from now until October.
And just before you jog on, tell me, if there was a Hollywood movie made about you who would play the lead part?
Haha wow, what a question. I have no idea. I’ll let you answer that one.
Andy Baxter. You’re a gentleman and a scholar, thanks for the tea break. All the best for the season…and oh it’s time to stick your pinny on, because the washing up is all yours…
Haha no problem, there is no good tea party without making a royal mess. See you on the dancefloor. x
