The man behind Es Vive and Sands live and direct
Interview by Dan Prince
Jason a big welcome back to DMCWORLD…how are you feeling…it’s September!!?!
“Delighted it`s nearly all over and looking forward to a rest…but a most memorable summer.”
You were interviewed in The Daily Mirror back in November, they asked you ‘What do you see as the big music trends for 2014’ to which you answered “More soul, more funk and more fun!”. So, did your prophecy come true this summer…?
Indeed it did, with the real beach scene developing across the island, the lighter, soulful, funky, fun sound works perfectly. I mean, who really who wants to listen to techno on the beach?
Let’s kick off with the whole Sands relocation saga…what actually happened?
“It is quite simple really. The Hard Rock corporation had to have the old location under their control as it`s licensed by the hotel. We obliged and in return Abel Matutes offered us the new location whose lease had expired, so we just relocated along the beach. We are very happy with the move as the new location is stunning and we have really cool plans for it.”
There have been some memorable parties down at the restaurant this summer, tINI, Carl Cox’s birthday party, Tom Novy, DJ Sneak and the Clockwork Orange session all spring to mind immediately. What were your highlights of the season?
“We had a super party last week with the Diynamic label which was awesome. I am now a real fan of Hosh and Adriatique. I also really enjoyed sparring all sumer with Tom Novy on Tuesdays and Paul Lomax on Mondays. But of course Carl’s events are always very special and Clockwork was hilarious. tINI does amazing every week and Sneak was awesome…actually all the parties have been great, the venue really has such a nice feeling…it all makes sense.”
True or false : It took your cleaners 24 hours to clean up after the first tINI party?
“False. It was 48 hours. I nearly cancelled the whole of the Summer’s events…”
Ibiza made the news for all of the wrong reasons in July when Steve Angello, Paul Oakenfold and Afrojack were interviewed on Radio 1 claiming that Ibiza had become too expensive, too VIP and had lost it’s mystique. Most of us who live on the island have different opinions on this, what’s yours…?
“People love to talk in negatives and to put the island down, but that’s always happened and always will. The fact remains, Ibiza is special and unique and will always be that…there is so much creative talent and drive here it`s impossible for it not to be.”
Paris Hilton earning $200,000 a pop at Amnesia.Thoughts…
“No thoughts on it…don`t care, good for her and if people pay to see it that`s up to them.”
You are one of the owners of the wonderful Es Vive hotel, over the winter design guru Sean Cochrane totally reinvented some of the rooms. Are there any plans to continue the refurbishment?
“Yes, we did three pilot rooms last winter and now we plan to renovate the remaining rooms in the same art deco style. We always reinvest a huge amount of profit back into the hotel and it`s constantly evolving as a result. It’s such an amazing place and I am really proud of what we did here.”
Are there any plans to open up any more Es Vive’s around the world?
“We have considered a few locations but having too much fun has always got in the way. Maybe now that we have all grown up a little…hey Dan?
We were in the house for the hush hush Disclosure Corona after party in August…how did that come about and what time did you crawl home?
“They have done it a few times as they love the intimacy and the fact they can enjoy themselves with their friends and no one bothers them. We of course do not promote it at all and they also appreciate that.”
Who are your 3 superstar DJs of 2014?
“Hosh, Adriatique and one more, Paris Hilton.”
Aside from Carl Cox at Space and DC10 which you always name…what has been your favourite club night of the summer?
“I have only been to one club night this year so it has to be ‘Music On with Marco Carola.”
Before our eyes the island has developed into one of the finest culinary hot spots on the planet, be it the world famous Cipriani in Marina Botafoch, the two thousand Euro a head experience at SubliMotion or the crazy acrobat cabaret shenanigans at Lio…Ibiza has really moved up a gear – there are even rumours of Ferran Adria opening up inside the Casino next year. Where are your favourite places to grab some nosh on a special occasion?
“I love Lio. It`s just so grand in every way. And of course Es Vive has amazing food, our head chef here is a master. Sissi`s Assador in Playa den Bossa is also a favourite for the carnes a la brasa. I love the fact that the cuisine here is developing so well.”
It seems every celebrity and their mother has been partying here this year; Madonna, Bieber, Rihanna and Kanye West have all been spotted out and about on the white isle in recent weeks. Is all this celebrity action good for the island or is it inevitable with all the attraction of Ibiza?
“It`s great for the island and celebrities are pack animals so for sure more will come. It helps maintain the islands revenue stream, and it`s position as the coolest location in the world for the summer season. In ibiza you have a unique freedom and that’s attractive to everybody.”
Aside from sunset strip and Ocean Beach, San Antonio has had an absolute nightmare this year. Bars closing every week, the whole Gatecrasher disaster, the West End looking like a ghost town. The writing was on the wall a long time ago for the town, especially with how Bossa has exploded. Is there any way back for one of our favourite clubbing towns?
“Of course San Antonio has some real highlights, it`s just the level of tourist there that has dragged it down. It needs to reinvent itself and places like Ocean and Plastik are helping that trend. The local council could help a bit more maybe?”
And finally Jason…what are you excited about working on over the next 6 months…what will be new for us in 2015?
“Renovating Sands and the hotel as always and relaxing with my family…”
