The original and best Ibiza boat party getting set to rock
Interview by Dan Prince
Mark welcome back to DMCWORLD…where on planet earth are you today?
Well, today I’m sitting in London working away! I have to say I’d much rather be in an airport, plane or drinking a Gin and tonic in the sun!
Last year your beloved Pukka Up hosted 425 events across 22 countries with over a quarter of a million clubbers in tow…you must be overjoyed at your continued success? There has been a lot of hard work to get where you are today…
Last year was amazing! The fan base is incredible and they come in their thousands to see us from Brazil, Australia and Indonesia to name a few. They spend their hard earned money to come and see the show, I’m so grateful. We also have fantastic partners around the world who help promote the brand. It’s a huge team effort, and we’re lucky to have everyone supporting the brand worldwide.
True or false : Your first break into the music industry was helped along the way by jumping into the pool at Privilege and being spotted by DJ Lisa Loud who snapped you up as her Tour Manager?
Ha ha ha ha – so true! Yeah, I’m a little older now but at the time I was 18 with a fresh face and a cheeky smile! She was great with me, took me under her wing. They say America is the land of opportunity but for me Ibiza always has been.
The local newspapers in Ibiza last summer were crowded with stories about how the local Ibiza government was going to crack down on boat parties, there were tales of sound systems being seized, massive fines and general dissatisfaction with the whole boat party operation. What is the latest?
Latest is the government is going to monitor the boats and promoters and make sure we’re carrying out their guidelines. Personally I think it’s a good thing the market has grown year on year since we started it and we all need to look after the environment, residents and support local business.
As the years have progressed it must be a very satisfying position to be in for Pukka Up right now, the days of begging promoters and clubs for involvement, you, your extra numbers, fab clubbers and DJs are now really important to a night’s success on the island?
The boat party market is huge! Most events at sea include entry to the clubs which helps the super clubs in Ibiza.
So 2015 is nearly upon us…what can you tell us about Pukka Up in Ibiza this summer…
Things are looking massive! Tuesdays, well we’re back for a third season at our home Amnesia with Together but with Defected hosting the terrace so that will be exciting! Of course the winning formula is a sunset boat party beforehand and entry to Ocean Beach the following day. For Fridays, we’ve got new times for the sunset boat now and we’ve got something special up our flippers for boat parties this year! Then entry to W.A.R, at Ibiza Rocks, then onto our joint after party at Sankeys and again Ocean the next day. We worked on the packages this year to give fans and new guests amazing value with quality products. Tickets are cheap at the moment for £37.50 for Tuesday or Friday. People need to get them quick as last year we sold out of 90% of all our events – don’t miss the boat!
One of the major events for you this summer are the VIP Super Yacht boat parties where you promote VIP day beds, a champagne reception and jaw dropping scenery. Dude. Let’s be honest here. These parties aren’t about dolling around on day beds, it’s about dancing on them! These are more like raves out at sea right?
Yeah too right! VIP isn’t about eating fish and getting your back rubbed! You go to Spa for that, right? It’s about being part of a party on the top deck but having luxury beds and amazing bottle service while have some room to sit or party while taking in the Ibiza famous landmarks .We’ve been doing VIP boat events for about three years now and did some testing last year on our new yacht! These parties are going to be unreal with headline artists and some amazing record labels coming aboard. But we only have limited numbers and last year they were always sold out. So sold out in fact that we don’t even sell any tickets on the island, it ends up being strictly in advance only.
What 5 songs always remind you of Ibiza?
– Daft Punk ‘One More Time’
As a young lad going to Ibiza, this was classic to be head in the clubs.
– Sasha ‘Xpander
When I first stated clubbing this was one that got me into house music.
– Avicii ‘Levels’
Makes me think of Pukka Up making big waves and big numbers! It’s a boat classic that always rocks.
– Energy 52 ‘Café Del Mar’
I listened to this at home with my mum and she loved it!
– Massive Attack ‘Unfinished Sympathy’
Can’t really say why this has made by top 5, but you’ll have to ask my mate “goose”.
True or false : It was your mum who helped launch Pukka Up by lending you £200 to help pay the bills for the first party at Turnmills’s back room?
Yeah that’s right to be honest though I don’t think I’ve paid her back yet! Ummmm. I always had amazing parents who supported me and they love Ibiza as much as everyone.
How important was Alfredo Ferrer in the initial and ongoing success of your brand?
The guy’s a legend! He was Pukka Up’s first business contact in Ibiza! When we first started he hired the boats to a young lad with a crazy idea and who had no track record. He’s so supportive over business since we began and offers us his upmost support and loyalty to this day.
The first few seasons weren’t easy for you, it was if the clubs on the island were scared of you? Stories of cards being stolen, money taken – what lessons did you learn back then?
It’s about staying strong and not giving up! Staying true to your dream. Showing people you’re a good person with good intentions. Always show good integrity as that’s always how you’re being judged in the end.
Pukka Up has toured the world…where have been some of the stand out events over the years…?
Sao Paulo and Rio in Brazil hosting events for over 2,000 people was special during the World Cup. Sydney NYE boat parties are amazing as was London NYE this year! Super Yacht Party in Ibiza was pretty special last year while trying to get Danny Howard onto a dinghy to catch his flight home.
As the season in Ibiza approaches, what are your thoughts on Ibiza in 2015? 5 Star hotels on the increase, 2000 Euro a meal restaurants now on the scene, VIP concierges on every corner…the real Ibiza is still there if you know where to look huh?
Yeah, it’s part of the Ibiza that never stands still, VIP culture is growing and growing! More stars keep coming and raising the profile of the island. Also the working-class save money all year to have a blow out every year in Ibiza. People are spending more on the island so there is more demand for VIP. Real Ibiza is there still there, amazing beaches, local restaurants, walking trips, water sports, boat trips, famous landmarks and amazing islands to visit off Ibiza too. So it’s still here in all its glory!
What would be your perfect day and night (non working) in Ibiza?
Cala Conta during the day then a trip to the Chicken Shop for lunch! Es Vedra for sunset and then back to my favorite diner with the locals at Pyrenees, it serves the best aioli and bread on the island! And the biggest steak all for €15! Followed by drinks at home by the pool with friends and my girlfriend – perfect!
Some up and coming Pukka Up DJs to watch out for this summer?
Chris Wright, Double Cream and Beth Yenn. They are all amazing and doing some great records due for release this summer and some super collabs with some super artists! They will be playing at all our events this summer on sea and land.
And finally gotta ask, your package for Tuesdays includes a spectacular water show from a world champion Flyboarder…what are your skills like hovering over the Med?
Ha ha! Pretty bad. I tired it once and nearly ended up in hospital! I’m much better at playing chess in the sun, if you fancy a game?
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