Amnesty bins got quite the haul at this year's Bestival. 

According to figures released by Hampshire constabulary following the four-day event, festival goers placed £25,000 worth of drugs into amnesty bins located near the festival's entrance. Also, more than more than £20,000 of drugs were seized by authorities.

Bestival takes place annually at Robin Hill county park on the Isle of Wight. This year's festival theme was Desert Island Disco, with headliners Beck, Foals, Chic featuring Nile Rodgers and Disclosure. 

[Via The Guardian]

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Zac Efron is starring in the forthcoming EDM themed movie, ‘We Are Your Friends,’ alongside Blurred Lines music video sensation Emily Ratajkowski. We got a first look at the film and the production process last week with a short clip. Now, Swedish DJ superstar has posted to his Instagram a photo of himself mentoring Efron for the role.

Alesso visited him on set for some DJ lessons showing him how to navigate around a CDJ. While his performance in the Hollywood film will still be make believe, at least it will be better than model DJ Natalia, who has been criticized for fake DJing in a viral video.

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The Electric Daisy Carnival journey will kick off this fall with the now international festival’s first stop in Orlando, Florida. The two-day extravaganza will run on Friday, November 7th and Saturday, November 8th at its home at Tinker Field.

The lineup has just been revealed with a diverse group of headliners including Above & Beyond, Amine Edge & Dance, Dillon Francis, Green Velvet, Showtek, Steve Aoki, Umek, W&W, and many more.

In addition to the strong musical component, EDC Orlando attendees will be treated to a new range of activities such as a zip-line allowing festival goers to experience all the fun from a bird’s-eye view. Purchase tickets to the festival on its website.

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Following the release of their well received debut album ‘Empire,’ Scandinavian trance duo Super8 & Tab are proud to announce their sophomore album, ‘Unified,’ which will be released on Above & Beyond’s Anjunabeats on October 27th. The album’s next single called “Let Go” will be out October 13th.

The Anjunabeats favorites hail from Finland and have been an integral part of the global trance scene in recent years. You may be familiar with their most recent release, “No Frontiers,” featuring Julie Thompson or “Code Red,” their collaboration with Jaytech.

In addition to announcing the new album, Super8 & Tab have revealed that they will be setting off on a massive world tour kicking off this weekend at Space in Ibiza. They will then make stops in South Korea, Finland, the Netherlands, China, and more, before making their way to North America, where they will play cities like New York, Vancouver, Chicago, San Francisco, and Washington, DC.

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Amsterdam’s annual dance music pilgrimage is just around the corner. Thousands of industry professionals, DJs and fans alike will descend on the city. But if you’ve never been, where should you eat, drink, party and sleep?

We asked four local DJs, all of whom will be playing at ADE next month, how to best experience the week. So even if you’re a veteran, we’re sure this local guide can help you get the most out of ADE.

How to Get Around

While taxi or walking is preferable once the party starts, during the day an entire city waits to be seen. Though with thousands of other attendees flocking to every café, bar, and attraction, how do you best navigate the canal-lined streets of Amsterdam?

“Rent a bike!” says Moon Harbour’s ONNO. “The city is small enough to get anywhere you like within 20 minutes, and its way more fun as well,” he says. Trouw's Sandrien agrees, and so does Compost's Nuno Dos Santos.

“You must rent a bike to experience the city as a true local! It’s the easiest and cheapest way to navigate through the city and discover the most beautiful parts along the canals, and even the creative hotspots in Amsterdam North,” Dos Santos says. Check out more info and options on renting a bike in Amsterdam here.

Where To Stay

But before you head out for the day, you’ll need a place to rest your head and get cleaned up for a day in the Dam.

“If you have less to spend and want to experience the authentic Amsterdam feeling…rent an apartment at Airbnb. There are plenty of hotspots to find there,” Turbo Recordings’ duo TWR72 says.

ONNO agrees. “Try and get something on the canals, near the Vondelpark, or maybe even better in Oud-West, a lovely area with loads of bars, (and) coffee places.”

If you’ve got a bit more cash in your pocket, Sandrien recommends Volkshotel, which recently opened up across the street from the famed Trouw, where she’s a resident.

“They have a restaurant and a club on the seventh floor called Canvas,” she says. And along with the specially themed rooms like 'Cabin In The Woods' and 'Johnny Jukebox,' you're never far from the action. “You can go crawling to bed! The morning after you can take a sauna or chill in the hot tubs on their roof terrace. Maybe a bit cold in October though!”

If spending the night across the street from one of Amsterdam’s most famous clubs doesn’t sound like your thing, TWR72 recommend the former conservatory turned hotel, Conservatorium Hotel. Or you could head to the Lloyd Hotel, which Dos Santos says has “crazy rooms and is beautifully located alongside the IJ.” 

Where To Eat

Before a big night out, you need to put some fuel in the tank. For some, that might mean something light with a glass of pinot. For TWR72, that means “the perfect plate of pasta” over at Spaghetteria, a modern yet comfortable pasta bar located just outside the city centere.

If you’re thinking something more traditional, the duo recommend Foyer, which they describe as “contemporary dishes accompanied by fantastic drinks (including BOYS beer) in of the most beautiful buildings of Amsterdam, which is also the beating heart of the ADE weekend.”

Sandrien reminds us that Trouw also serves food, though if it’s Asian you’re feeling, ONNO recommends heading over to the Zeedijk, which is “filled with small restaurants with food from all over Asia. You cannot go wrong here.” Or, you can head to Gyoza and try Dos Santos’ favourite dish of chicken ramen and green tea. “I always go with the same,” he says. “But actually everything on the menu is pretty great!”

Where to Party

Everyone we spoke to couldn’t say enough about Sandrien’s home turf, Trouw, and we whole-heartedly agree. It’s an institution in Amsterdam, and due to the property being sold and converted, Trouw will only be around for a few more months. Don’t miss what could be the last chance to party there this year.

Studio 80 is also a top choice, which will see ADE Special: Watergate x Keinemusik with Ellen Allien, Mathias Kaden, Sebo K, La Fleur, Boris Werner and &ME.

Nuno Dos Santos is a fan of Warehouse Elementenstraat, where he’ll be playing with Laurent Garneir on 16 October, and ONNO agrees. “Ricardo Villalobos and Dice and the Gang are looking great,” he says. “If you wanna see yours truly in action," he adds, "head over to the Snatch! showcase or Modern Movement vs. Eletronique where I'll be playing an extended back-to-back set with my buddy Okain.”

But a trip to ADE wouldn't be complete without a bit of urban raving. “The DGTL Presents Kompakt on Saturday is held in a former shipbuilding hall in the Northern part of Amsterdam and showcases Michael Mayer, Kolsch, Blondish, Superpitcher, Weval and a lot more,” says Dos Santos.

We also recommend Gashouder, which will see monumental parties with the likes of Drumcode and Joris Voorn and Friends – both not to be missed.

After The Party

You’re rested, wined, dined and danced…now what?

Time for a post party pick me up. “The Feijoa Cocktailbar for the best drinks in town,” Dos Santos says. “Pllek in the North for a stunning view, and Aan de Waterkant for the best location right in the city center.”

Feeling a bit naughtier? “If you want to rave after the rave, you can go to some nice after parties like Breakfast Club at Melkweg, they have a great line up!” Sandien says. “Or enjoy Trouw’s 24-hour license!”

If it’s something more mellow, ONNO recommends a some coffee and record shopping.

“If weather permits, and that is always an 'if' in Amsterdam unfortunately, grab a good coffee or two at Screaming Beans, Two For Joy or White Label Coffee, and head to one of the parks and chill out. Or, on a rainy day, take an afternoon to do some record shopping at Rush Hour and check out the renewed Stedelijk Museum and FOAM.”

But we think TWR72 say it best. “Ask a random stranger if there’s an after-party somewhere. There probably is…” 

Sandrien performs at Trouw on 17 October during the Amsterdam Dance Event.

By now you've probably heard about Kanye West and the infamous wheelchair incident in Sydney. No? Yeezus. Well, story goes...Kanye was performing in Sydney last week and was waiting for the whole crowd to stand up before performing his next song. He kept asking and waiting for the last two people to stand up...until he realised they were wheelchair bound (yikes).

Naturally a media frenzy ensued (it is Kanye West after all), and Mr. West has now hit back at the media for sensationalising the incident during a show in Brisbane.

“Welcome to today’s news, ladies and gentlemen. We got Americans getting killed on TV, we have kids getting killed every week in Chicago, we have unarmed people being killed by police officers, and we have Kanye West with an ice cream cone,” he told the audience.

Watch below, along with the embarassing wheelchair incident.

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Is it possible to release a massive pop hit and still maintain a career as a DJ with credibility in the 'underground' club scene? Sure is, just ask Eric Prydz, Erick Morillo, Junkie XL, Mr. C, Deep Dish, Rex The Dog, Tiga and Timo Maas. They've all done it.

1. Eric Prydz

Eric Prydz's worldwide smash hit 'Call On Me' - the song with the infamous video clip of 80s chicks getting sweaty in the gym - was without a doubt the tune that brought him to the masses and perhaps unwitting pop recognition. However the Swede has managed to do what few artists are capable of; become a household name in popular dance music whilst still retaining a reputation as a DJ of credible clubbing fodder.

2. Erick Morillo

You might be surprised to know that in 1993 Erick Morillo released the track 'I Like To Move It' under the alias Reel 2 Reel on Strictly Rhythm. It went on to become a massive pop hit featured in commercials and films and has become a part of pop culture. It didn't hurt Morillo's clubbing career in the slightest.

3. Junkie XL

In 2002 Dutch producer Tom Holkenborg, aka Junkie XL, remixed Elvis Presley's hit 'A Little Less Conversation' (under the abbreviated title of JXL so as not to link the word 'junkie' to Elvis...even though he was a junkie). At the time it became one of the biggest dance pop hits ever and was picked up by Nike for a worldwide ad campaign. Then just a few months later Holkenborg remixed Infusion's 'Legacy' which became an underground progressive breaks anthem. Not bad eh?

4. Mr. C

In 1992 Mr C was a member of the UK outfit The Shamen who released the acid house anthem 'Ebeneezer Goode'. Mr C then went on to open one of the UK's best undeground nightclubs The End with Layo Paskin of Layo & Bushwacka! and is still one of the most in-demand DJs on the international circuit to this day.

5. Deep Dish

Progressive house stars Deep Dish went full blown dance pop in 2005 with the album 'George Is On' which featured chart hit 'Flashdance'. It may have split them up, but soon after Dubfire regenerated into one of the scene's biggest minimal techno DJs. The pair have since made a comeback this year with the tech house slammer 'Quincy' and well receievd gigs in the USA and Europe.

6. Rex The Dog

Before he was an electro house don playing underground gigs in East London, Rex The Dog was releasing commercial dance tracks as JX. What a dirty son of a gun.

7. Timo Maas

How do release a track with R&B star Kelis and also compile a DJ mix compilation for respected underground series, Balance? Just ask Germany's Timo Maas what his secret is.

8. Tiga

The Turbo Recordings head honcho has always had a penchant for 80s style synth pop and electro, yet you can still find him rocking the coolest clubs and parties in the world, these days with hard-edged techno. What a legend.

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Local bass music legend Spenda C has announced his most comprehensive tour yet in support of his brand new single ‘Broken’ on Vicious Bitch. The Sydney based artist will play fourteen dates between now and November which will also see him play international dates in Singapore this weekend, as well as 2 dates in New Zealand in the coming weeks.

Spenda C is widely regarded as one of the leaders of the Australian bass music scene which has led to him supporting some of the world’s biggest DJs including Krafty Kuts, Craze and A-Skillz. He has released music on major labels like Ministry of Sound, Klub Kids and One Love (for whom he also mixed a compilation towards the end of last year), and he can count Diplo as a supporter of his work (who has given him much love through his Diplo and Friends radio show on BBC1).

Listen to 'Broken' and check full tour dates below.

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Sergio’s Picks

1. Chaka Khan - I feel for you http://youtu.be/ObjLb6ElTvs
This totally reminds me of my childhood. My parents are disco lovers. Actually my dad has this vinyl. When i started to mix, it was a track i always liked to play at home at my 14 years old. I have a really wide background of disco music, i love how all this track goes.

2. Mos Def- Ms Fat Booty http://vimeo.com/55030714
Wow! This is my hip hop side. Reminds me of the time i was skateboarding. We use to hear this track with my friends on repeat. So many great stuff from Mos Def in that years!

3. Holden & Thompson- Come to Me (club mix) http://youtu.be/OJBPZyq0oR0
I heard this in Sasha Fundacion NYC CD. From the minute ive heard, the textures, melodies and vibes from the music James Holden was doing at the moment, I was blown away. That whole cd really set a point in my life.

4. Depeche Mode- Strange Love http://youtu.be/6IFK_SK8VZk
I think there is no one in electronic music that probably isn't inspired and influenced by this guys! So many great songs! Obviously they been doing music before I was born. But this one is one of my all time favorites of them!

5. Junior Boys - Like a Child (Carl Craig Remix) http://youtu.be/HMzy1RLBFzQ
Love all these guys albums. This track remixed by Carl Craig is just the right thing i’d expect from a remix. Just when you think a track can't get any better, it does.

Israel’s Picks

1. The Sugar Hill Gang - Rappers Delight. (1979) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKTUAESacQM
I was born back in 1974 and my parents as a young couple enjoying their 20's used to give great parties at home. Nowadays when i hear some of these songs it takes me back to those days when even being a child i'm surely know it left a mark on my musical taste.

2. Ruben Blades - El Padre Antonio y el monaguillo Andres. (1984) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VtjLNTJbBKQ
This is a classic Salsa tune. As Venezuelan i've been also influenced by the latin sounds.

3. Depeche Mode- Enjoy the Silence (1990) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0AKJMGxwpE
Another Classic! it takes me back straight to the 90's when i was in High School. I used to hear this track every single day on my way to school and it definitely took me into another level of music.

4. Daft Punk- Da Funk (1995) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fzfdjCJ5-CI
I used to hear this track In my college days when i started to mix with my turntables at home.

5. 16th Element- Warp (2002) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4qTuyhfjBHI
This track completely blew my mind on a trip i did to Ibiza to celebrate my lawyers degree back in 2002. I remember i was in Space and i said God! this is what i want to do.... I still use this vinyl ;)

Ahead of his sets on the national Stereosonic tour, Sydney bred DJ and producer Kaz James is finishing up his summer residency at Paradise Club in Mykonos and heading on his own headline tour of Australia, hitting Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra and Adelaide.

The tour is in support of his single 'Show Me All Your Love' which has just dropped on Onelove recordings and is already being championed by the likes of BBC Radio 1 hosts Pete Tong and Danny Howard.

Check the full tour dates below and check out the teaser video.

Kaz James 2014 Australian Tour Dates
10.10.14 - Fabrique, Melbourne
11.10.14 - Pacha, Sydney
17.10.14 - Academy Club, Canberra
18.10.14 - HQ Complex, Adelaide
AND Stereosonic Nov 29 – Dec 7

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A new event is solving problems of numbers and budget in one go. The Spot works on a guest list only basis, and is free - with the idea to take a bit of the pressure off consumers’ budget, especially with the vast amount of events taking place every month. A kind of exclusivity is attained through the management of a guest list whereby guests email their list of friends’ names and receive confirmation or their "spot". Dedicated to deep house, this week Saturday 20 September is the second in the series and features 2Lani The Warrior, Jon S,Weston& Engine, Vato Kayde, ShelO, Tin Haus,Deep Souls, and Sobrado.

The Spot can have a few ingenious cheesy meanings. By the use of a bit of propaganda, the organisers are trying to achieve the sense that The Spot is also "the place to be" or "the place where everyone meets up”, but the main goal is to find new, untapped venues and create a regular event where people can meet up, relax, have a drink and enjoy 90 minute showcases from some of SAs leading pioneers as well as most promising new talent in the deep house scene.

2Lani The Warrior has been breaking down dance floors all over the South African club scene since 1997. 2Lani is famed for his trademark ‘sweet’ house sound, flawless technical mixing, and jazz and house mix flavour. He has played with Kaskade, Harrison Crump and Troublemen, and at Carfax, 115, Sutra (Cape Town), and Tilt (Durban). In constant demand for high profile dance events such as Pretoria’s Sweet Sessions, his First Class compilations have become known for their deep uplifting grooves and First Class House Volume 2 completely sold out on its first day.
He has been involved in various industry and upliftment projects, and is now CEO of Do It Now recordings.

Sobrado ‘s signature is uplifting vocals and rolling baselines, and he strives towards all his sets being uniquely different while always having clubbing in mind. Having worked with Cody B and Nick Essential among others, he has also played at numerous venues like The Living Room, Shikisha, Liquid Chefs, and Elevate Venue. He loves being part of numerous deep house movements such as, GiveItToMeDeep, The Townhouse Rooftop & Who?New, and his ability to perform as a DJ and producer has also allowed him to pursue the avenue of being an event host.

Jon S is better known as one half of SA’s most popular DJ duo, PIMP Squad (along with Guy Herman), a duo who have racked up some serious production credits with tracks on various local compilations. Jon S plays a distinctive mix of deep to funky house with a tech edge. Starting his own production company, ‘All Good Productions’, in 2000 soon became a key part of the deep house explosion, and the company has hosted the likes of DJ Vadim (UK), Diesel Boy (US – world’s #1 Drum n Bass DJ), and many more. Jon’s first tune got licensed by David Gresham Record Company for their ‘05 summer compilation release, ‘Lady Lea – Catch me if you can’ and he has since released tracks on various compilations and digital releases worldwide.

Deep Souls’ recent release on the VA Motion Sampler for Just Move Records has seen their music career escalate to new heights. Bradley Jones, a fun loving, self -proclaimed comedian is one half of the duo, found himself becoming ever more inclined to house music, old school hip hop and a pinch of RnB, but has deep house as first love – while Milo, introduced to hip hop from a very early age, also holds influences from kwaito.

ShelO! is a personal favourite at The Spot. As a child he was exposed to trance and rave music because of his party animal Grandmother. As ShelO grew up his music selection changed and he grew a strong love for funky house, DnB, hip hop, great vocals and a fat Basslines. He also feels part of his job is to source unknown music and introduce the crowd to the latest and greatest numbers.
ShelO graduated recently at Soul Candi, and has already played at top events Such as GI2MD, Pope, In-House sessions, Who?New and many more.

Weston & Engine (WE) are a deep house/ minimal/techno trio from Johannesburg. Each member has been producing and DJing for between six and seven years. Inspirations come from music across the board - jazz, blues, classical, trip hop, hip hop, garage, house music and progressive.
They been booked for most of Johannesburg's biggest underground festivals and others around the country. They also feature on 5fm (live) Live to the power of 5, 2Oceans Vibe Radio (Cape Town) and Eldos fm, and have played alongside the likes of Charles Webster (U.K), Quintin Christian (U.K)/ Rudimental and many more.

As 2Lani The Warrior says, “South Africans are still gaining an understanding of the deep house genre. I think I may have influenced the SA music scene by being true to my own brand of music. The genre is still classed as underground music at the moment, but like everything, it will take a bit of time - but inevitably blow up.”

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It's one of dance music's most fascinating tales.

Mostly because of the characters, but partly because of its lasting impressionFounded by four Scousers back in the early '90s, Cream has become one of the most recognisable global brands in clubbing, hosting one of Ibiza's most successful nights for the last 20 years, as well as throwing hugely popular festivals around the globe. Now, Cream belongs to Live Nation, part of a £13.9 million.

But before all that, there was James Barton, John Kelly, Andy Carroll, and Mike Knowler, and clubs like The State, The Underground and raves at Nation. This short documentary tells the story of how these four went from DJs and promoters to making Cream one of the most popular clubs in the world. Watch below.

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Tuesday 23rd September will see Carl Cox bringing his Music Is Revolution party to Space Ibiza for the season’s grand finale.

Desolat co-boss and all-round house and techno giant, Loco Dice, will return to Ibiza for only the second time all season, immediately marking the party as one of the events of the summer.

Joining Carl Cox and Loco Dice in the Discoteca will be the much-loved tINI, whilst the Terrace will be occupied by Circus boss Yousef, DJ Sneak and Just Be.

Ibiza Sonica Radio will also host the Sunset Terrace with DJ Sneak providing an alternative sunset set and island mainstays Igor Marijuan and Andy Baxter also set to appear.

Carl Cox had this to say:

“I can’t believe it, we’ve done it once again. It was our biggest season ever and we’ve delivered week in, week out - a great achievement. I’m really honoured and would like thank everyone who has partied with us over the summer.”

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Paco Osuna’s ‘Cretine’ is up for grabs, free of charge, in celebration of his forthcoming album Long Play, to be released on Minus on 13th October. Four tracks from various EPs, which mark significant periods in Paco’s career, will be released every Wednesday until 8th October.

Paco says:

"When I produced Cretine I was at a key stage in my career, a period of transition in my life. I was in a phase when I didn’t have so many gigs, one or two a week, sometimes even none – and 24 hours a day devoted to making music. All that time immersed in studio production helped me to try different resources and allowed to find myself musically."

"Crazy EP was not my first production but it was the first LP published on a major label and in which each of the four cuts were tremendously supported. I have decided to give away Cretine because it’s a really important track in my career, it was part of my first EP for Plus8 and also represents the time when my sound as a producer began to be formed, symbolising the make-up of my musical personality."

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Neatherlands-based Dancefair is set to land in Ibiza this month for a two-day all encompassing dance music seminar. 

On 24 September, Dancefair Ibiza will bring together underground and mainstream artists like Marco Bailey, DJ Sneak, Michel Cleis, UNER, and many more to Benimussa Park, the home of Zoo Project, for an educational and musical fair that will see people given production masterclasses, attend panels and discussions.

Pannels will include industry experts like Steve Hulme of Pacha, David Vincent of Sankeys, Spanish PR honcho Rafa de Siria, David Moreno of Ibiza Global Radio and Alex Montoya of Magnum Bookings, and guests will also be invited to head ‘In the studio with’ the likes of Darius Syrossian, UNER, Shlomi Aber, Laidback Luke and a few special guests, with mixing and mastering classes hosted by Rob Papen. 

Gear companies like Stanton, KRK, Roland’s AIRA, Rob Papen, Apogee, and Focusrite will be on hand showcasing their equipment for attendees to test out.

Dancefair Ibiza will be a great chance for industry experts, veteran musicians, beginers and everyone in between to network, learn, and grow on the beautiful island of Ibiza. For more info and tickets, head to www.dancefair-ibiza.com

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Finally SA has an outdoor music festival for varied genres of electronic music. Electric City is the first edition of a new festival which indulges those who love drum ‘n bass, electro, house, dubstep and everything in between. Taking place at the (in)famous Ostrich Ranch venue in Melkbosstrand on 27 September, this is something many have been waiting for as an alternative to outdoor trance parties which don’t usually include electro acts. Headliners are electro-house protagonist Mischa (Netherlands, Armada Records), 5fm’s legendary Roger Goode, global sensation from our shores Paul Bingham, and machine/violin act Veranda Panda. 

Mischa (NED, Armada Records) fell in love with EDM at 12, after teaching himself trumpet among other instruments. Struck by this new passion, he taught himself all the DJ tricks by testing his skills dj’ing at school parties. His first release, ‘Pumping Groover’, paved the way for the slew of housy, speaker-rocking tracks that now fill his discography. Mischa’s first Armada release, ‘So Strong’, was chosen to be the official theme of Dutch dance festival Extrema Outdoor. 'Where You Wanna Go' off his debut album (by the same name), feat. hip-hop wordsmith J-Son, headed right up the charts, rocking the American iTunes Top 100 for weeks in a row. It also got high chart positions in the US, Belgium, Canada and France, reached the number #5 on the Canadian iTunes Dance chart, and was in the Top 5 of the most played tunes on national radio in Canada and #1 on BPM/Sirius Radio. Finally the track went GOLD in Canada, and the official music video received more than 4 million views on YouTube. The numbers keep on rising.

The Roger Goode Radio Show is the authentic, high-octane mix - where the callers are the programmers! He is well known for playing at outdoor festivals in South Africa such as the colour runs, neon runs and many other festivals. Paul Bingham is a name known to many as one of the most successful South African DJ’s to date, being one of the few having held a residency at two of the Best & Biggest Clubs in the World; namely Amnesia & Privilege in Ibiza. Veranda Panda make music with machines and a violin. Having played at many clubs in Cape Town they have built up a strong following in Cape Town, Durban and surrounding areas.

Supporting Artists on the lineup include Das Kapital, Niskerone, Grimehouse, Sam World, Hyphen, Leechi, Chris Taylor, Jak Skandi, Blitzgrieg, Jason 47, Scott Parker, Plus One, Josh Howritz, and Lektrix.

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Ibiza’s once a year moments create a unique buzz. And once it was announced that Carl Cox would be gracing DC-10 this Monday for a surprise visit, there was only one way many people were going to be spending their evening.

Carl Cox has become so synonymous with Space over the years, and the familiar sight of him occupying the Discoteca’s booth has become ingrained in our collective minds. So the thought of him playing anywhere else in Ibiza is alien and intriguing to say the least – especially when you come to anticipate certain sounds from certain rooms on the island.

Then there’s the added intimacy as well. Scheduled in for 7.30pm in the Terrace, Cox hit the decks early, at around 6pm. It was certainly one of the more unusual sights, seeing Cox playing play to 50 revellers who had hit the party early doors.

Kicking off proceedings with some deeper shades, he didn’t spend too much time warming up before he was delivering heavy-duty sounds, typified by pummelling low-ends and sturdy groove. It didn’t take long for the Terrace to fill-up either, as party-goers walked through the entrance and made their way to straight through, sucked in by the pounding sound of Carl Cox.

As the setting sun shone through the Terrace windows, the atmosphere picked up even more – Cox was enjoying the set just as much as the crowd, moving behind the decks with characteristic vigour as inflatables bounced about the crowd and the party-goers signalled their seal of approval by way of a sea of hands in the air. As the fists pumped and the music pumped harder, the sounds morphed and intertwined, from the kind of jacking groovy house to Coxy’s brand of powerful tech-house and techno. It was an unrelenting set from the big man as his robust selections drove us into the night time session.

By 10.30pm it was time for Carl to hand over to Cassy, who had no problems easing into the heaviness of what had just preceded her. Cassy plays hard and dark, not the kind of sound you’d typically associate with DC-10, but it certainly works as warped wobbles of bass pulse through the dance floor, mixed with frantic tribal percussion which built the most intense of atmospheres. Tracks such as Mr. G’s ‘You’re Doing My Head In!’ typified Cassy’s gritty and sturdy style.

Over in the Main Room, Frenchman DJ W!LD was offering up straight-up house cuts – his style stripped back, energetic and fun, whilst The Martinez Brothers served up grooves by the bucket load over on the Terrace. The Bronx-raised siblings certainly know how to own that room when they want to, and they’ve now become one of those names that build a lot of excitement.

The call of Jackmaster was strong though over in the main room. Pouring energy behind the decks, the Glaswegian opened up with emotive pianos filling the airwaves whilst the characteristic DC-10 lasers cut through the room.

Jackmaster has established himself as a straight-up party DJ with a chameleon attitude to genres. Having seen him play dubstep sets and express his love for UK garage amongst countless other types of music, it’s highly laudable to witness him laying down rugged house and techno to the Circoloco crowd with authority. He certainly knows his music and the revellers could only be described as ‘up for it’ as they lapped up every single track with heaps of energetic enthusiasm.

The line-up would’ve been a big one even if Carl Cox wasn’t on the bill, but with Coxy gracing the decks Monday’s session was catapulted into running for the best moments of the season.

Photos by Tasya Menaker Photography.

Listen to Carl Cox at Space Ibiza on Pulse Radio.

Hardfloor is a German techno and acid trance duo, consisting of Oliver Bondzio and Ramon Zenker from Cologne. Their most famous track is "Acperience 1" (often titled more simply as "Acperience" on many compilation albums). Tonight at 9pm they release a mix eclusively for the Das Kapital Radio Show on The Assembly Radio. 

Their distinctive acid house sound is attributed to their skill at manipulating Roland TB-303 bass synthesisers, using up to six of these machines at once. Their UK chart hits include "Hardtrance Acperience" (1992), "Trancescript" (1993) and the remix of the aforementioned "Acperience". Their 1996 album, Home Run, peaked at #68 in the UK Albums Chart.

The dup formed in 1991 as the German acid and techno scenes were just beginning to solidify around artists such as Sven Vath. Bondzio was already an established DJ and Zenker a successful studio producer. “Acperience” became an instant dancefloor anthem and made Hardfloor a sought-after name for remix and production work. Although the pair have since evolved from the more simplistic floor-movers of their earlier work, incorporating elements of hip-hop, electro, breakbeat techno, and post-acid house styles like trip-hop and intelligent dance, the group remains committed to the smoldering edge of acid, with 909 and 303 sounds comprising the lion's share of their recognizable sound. Hardfloor remix credits include Mike Oldfield, the Shamen, and Mory Kante, and both Bondzio and Zenker also release their own and others' material through their respective Jakpot and No Respect labels. Also noteworthy is the fact that the duo adopted the alias Da'Damn'Phreak'Noize'Phunk for the 1999 acid-breakbeat adventure, Electric Crate Digger.

Assembly is also giving away four tickets to Tribe One on tonight’s show.

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