The kings of the ANTS colony
Interview by Jack Docherty
Delmar, Alvaro welcome back to DMCWORLD…it is September and nearly Closing Party time…how have you enjoyed the massive experience of ANTS at Ushuaua this summer?
Delmar: “Last summer was really special for us; the party, the people, the whole experience was amazing! We feel very honored to be part of the Colony.”
Alvaro: “We feel like it’s not only the best party on the island, but actually one of the best parties in the world. Ushuaïa is our home, it’s really special.”
Check a clip here…https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=946912051992886&set=vb.639200846097343&type=2&theater
You have just released your Summer Compilation Volume 5 through your Suruba label, 10 tracks that sum your 2014 season on the white isle…what though have been your top 3 tunes of the summer and why…
Edu Imbernon & Los Suruba – Brutus (Original Mix)
Traumer – Hoodlum (Original Mix)
Gus Gus – Crossfade (Maceo Plex Remix)
“These tracks have been staples in a lot of our sets this season, they have a lot to give to the crowd!”
We were down at the brilliant Hardwell night at Ushuaia at the start of the summer, one of the bar staff saw us dancing and said to us, ‘if you think this is good you should come on Saturday for ANTS – it’s like Ibiza in the old days!’. Why has ANTS really stepped up a gear this year…why is it so good this summer – how has the night improved from 2013?
Delmar: “It’s difficult to achieve this kind of success for an underground party. ANTS maintained a reputation as one of the biggest/best underground events on the island, which is not easy in Ibiza.”
Alvaro: “This year has been better than last in in my opinion, last year was great, especially as it was the beginning of something. This year we are nicely surprised, it’s full every week! They work very hard and make sure the promo is of a really high standard, not just posters and flyers.”
You spin alongside some brilliant fellow ANTS residents. Who from the colony really like to party… who is always the last man standing?
Delmar: “We’d have to say us probably! Haha!”
Alvaro: “Yes, that sounds right!”
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…?
Delmar: “It’s true, it’s not the same as maybe 10 years ago, but if you know where to go, and you really like the music and know the DJs, then you will find exactly what you want. It’s true that some promoters are looking for commercial DJs, and the commercial DJs bring commercial people. It’s interesting that these artists you mention say this, as they are the acts that appeal to the kind of money orientated VIP crowd.”
Alvaro: “I remember when we came to Amnesia 13 years ago, the entry was maybe 40-50 euros. That’s more than today! If you are a DJ who wants 100,000 euros for a gig, most of the people that like your music will be of a more commercial vibe. If you don’t want to play commercial shows to people, then you must play at venues with maybe 200 people.”
Paris Hilton earning $200,000 a pop at Amnesia. Thoughts on that crazy deal…
Delmar: “There are so many other places to go here, she commands a crowd that is willing to pay that kind of high entry price and they are happy to do so. There’s so much choice that there’s no need to focus on things that don’t interest you. Ibiza has it all.”
Alvaro: “For me, the problem is not the DJ or that Paris Hilton is playing at Amnesia. The fact that people are happy to pay so much on the door to see someone like that play is proof that things are going well for the club.”
This week you have unveiled your new track with Edu Imbernon ‘Brutus’ which includes a Remix from Audiojack. Please talk us through the sound of your new track?
Delmar: “The sound is focused on the dance floor, it’s powerful. Something that we feel is very different from our usual productions, it has a lot of weight behind it.”
Alvaro: “It’s a track that’s a lot heavier than people may be used to with us, it’s not quite Techno, but it’s definitely heading in that direction. It’s definitely aimed at the dance floor as Delmar said.”
One of your heroes is Mr Guy Gerber who this summer has released an album with Puff Daddy. What did you think of it?
Delmar: “He keeps his style very true on this record, I think it’s definitely his work that shines through. It’s important in an album like this that you have tracks for casual listening as well as tracks to play out.”
Alvaro: “We love it, we listened to it, maybe 20 times in a row! It has so many different uses for the listener, whether you’re driving in your car, or dancing in a club. It really has something for everyone; we recommend it to those who are yet to listen.”
It seems every celebrity in the world have been partying on Ibiza this year; Madonna, Justin Bieber, Rihanna and Kanye West have all been spotted out and about on the white isle in recent weeks. Does Ibiza need celebrities or is it inevitable with so many amazing attractions?
Delmar: It’s good that people like this, bigger musicians/artists are aware of this kind of music. While we’re talking about Puff Daddy, I like the fact that someone like him is working with someone like Guy Gerber, and supporting this style of music.
Alvaro: “I don’t think it’s necessary, but it’s very interesting. To think these kind of people are being more connected with underground music all over the island. This sparks up collaborations and opportunities for people, it’s not a bad thing.”
You were part of the Emerging Ibiza project at the start of the summer, a new event looking to bring new talent to the island. You were nominated by Ushuaia owner Yann Pissenem – how was that experience for you?
Alvaro: “The first time we got to play at Sankeys was great. We spent ages going over the kind of stuff we were going to play! It’s an honor to have been involved.”
Delmar: “Also, to have someone like Yann, the boss of Ushuaïa call on us for this was amazing. There are so many artists who were involved that we love, so we’re very grateful.”
Away from ANTS, where have been some of your favourite club nights in Ibiza 2014…?
Delmar: “Pharm on Saturdays at Privilege and Underground (The Club).”
Alvaro: “Pikes Hotel on Wednesdays and Elrow at Space have been amazing.”
What can you tell us about the future release plans for your label…?
Delmar: “We are changing the style, it’s going a little bit more serious. We have artists like Tigerskin, Marc Poppcke, Sid Le Rock, Upercent (whose first album is coming out on Suruba), Slow Hearts, SIS, Timid Boy, Rafael Murillo, Siopis and Proudly People in the pipeline, we’re excited!”
Alvaro: “Soukie & Windish – Noctambula ep (SURUBA047), will be the next release. The new season for our label will start in about one month, so keep your ears open!”
Where are your favourite places to chill in Ibiza?
Delmar: Sa Caleta restaurant, Es Vedra and a secret cave in the north, it’s amazing.
Alvaro: Also, some friends house for BBQs and chill!
You once admitted in an interview that when you lived in Madrid, it started to feel like the film Groundhog Day in the last few years, hence you moved to Ibiza to start a new life. Why was Ibiza always the dream?
Delmar: “Yes, I came when I was 18 or 19 and knew that I wanted to live here. When I had the opportunity, I spoke to Alvaro and he felt the same. So we moved the studio over here from Madrid, and we are super happy with our lives here.”
Alvaro: “Yes definitely, the winter is perfect to work and chill out. It’s cheaper than Madrid of course, we live in a small village with great neighbors it’s great! It’s completely different to Madrid, it’s different because you are so close to different surroundings, Sometimes, after going crazy at ANTS, we can be back in our swimming pool within half an hour!”
Your DJ of the summer in Ibiza?
Delmar: “I don’t know, I haven’t gone to any shows and thought ‘Wow’ I’m not saying we are the best or anything, but we honestly haven’t been blown away by any particular artists.”
Alvaro: “To be honest, it’s true we have not been really impressed by any artist in particular. It’s a pity, but there’s nobody we came away from really talking about how different/interesting that set was.”
What has been the best night of the Ibiza summer for you?
Delmar: “ANTS at Ushuaïa, has definitely been the best party. It’s great every time, the sound system and the crowd have been incredible.”
Alvaro: “It has to be, yes. Really, the people that work on the party, we can’t think of anything negative about ANTS. It’s one of a kind, definitely something we hope to continue to be a part of.”
And finally – ANTS 2015 – what are the new plans for next year that you can reveal to DMCWORLD?
Delmar: “Well there’s talk of an ANTS tour which will be really fun, definitely excited to take the show on the road so to speak.”
Alvaro: “Miami for the Music Conference is also happening, that will be amazing, there’s an ANTS party there so we’re very excited about that.”
