The Pondering Blonde

BPM Mag: Cocoon Ibiza comes to South Africa

Last year Cocoon celebrated 10 years of wrapping clubbers in its twisted little game of deviant House and Techno at Ibiza’s clubbing powerhouse; Amnesia. Cocoon founder, and by all means; leading mad-hatter Sven Vath, took his kingdom across the monumental decade line in style with an all out wicked-carnival themed summer season on the island. There were traffic jams, all-night queues snaking around the venue- this party is the one ultimate must-do when making a trek to The White Isle. In fact; clubbers to the island notoriously plan their vacation around squeezing in two Monday nights at Cocoon!

The inside spectacle doesn’t disappoint; black sequinned dancers- beautiful girls, boys and girlyboys- on podiums and gyrating against the walls above the main floor, a 10 foot Robocop shooting lasers and pyrotechnics from within the crowd, and way up front; The Ringleader, Sven, in a black fedora casually pounding out the slickest beats from the more-then-massive sound system, to a sea of never-been-this-up-for-it clubbers.

His line-up for the season was as usual, a who’s who of Minimal Techno on Planet Earth: Ricardo Villalobos, Loco Dice, Luciano, Richie Hawtin, Nick Curly, Martin Buttrich, Mathais Kaden, Josh Wink, DJ sneak and Tiefschwartz among them. The legend of Cocoon not only lives on strong in 2010, but the brand and ultimate symbol of nightlife disturbia comes to avenge South Africa for the first time this June, with lady of the label, Dinky, headlining. The tour will bring the freshest house and techno to both Johannesburg and Cape Town and forge new ground in SA’s growing Techno-club culture.

THE LEGEND OF VATH

Sven Vath was an intrinsic part of the house scene’s development in Germany, bringing American disco and jacking Chicago house to the curious ears of Frankfurt, where he first bled his passion and initiated his meteoric rise up the electronic chain. Papa Sven fell into his role as the decidedly demonic ringleader and set about creating his platform, a Cocoon themed web, for he and his young muso friends to launch themselves. The Cocoon night in Ibiza, the original Cocoon club in his hometown and Cocoon Recordings have become a world-wide statement in electronic music hotness!

SVEN ON IBIZA: Cocoon is a feeling, it is club culture, event culture is how I see it, for more than 20 years now I was always into creating platforms or networks where people come together to create something. There is no place like Ibiza and thanks to Cocoon; Ibiza is still very interesting when it comes to music. I think with our line-ups we’ve inspired other promoters and the island to evolve music wise in a very positive way, so I guess it is more than ever the true capital of electronic dance music!

DINKYLAND

Female dj’s of the world unite! Joining the ranks of talented lady dj’s and producers, alongside Magda, Anja Schnider, Ellen Allien and Shinedoe is Dinky- and she’s not as sweet as she sounds! Dinky is her very own powerhouse- an original gadget girl, electronic composer and a leader in the second wave of greats to come out of Chile. Dinky’s early years in club culture were spent raving it up with Luciano and Ricardo Villalobos, who set her on a path of techno-laced music loving.

Dubbed ‘The Techno Princess’, she initially followed a career in contemporary dance to New York City before finding herself dj’ing around the city and landing fingers-first in music production. Dinky is now based in Berlin, dating Matthew Styles- both are signed to Crosstown Rebels and often play together- and churning out inspired artist albums and EP’s for labels like Vakant, Traum and Wagon Repair. Her own productions portray her unique ethereal essence, a delving divergence from her driving dj and live sets; but both fuse her compassion for music with soul. Here’s to ladies that love techno!

ON HOW SHE FOUND ELECTRONIC MUSIC: Modern electronic music came to me when I was only 12 years old. My sister was going out with Dandy Jack [of Perlon fame] and living in Berlin at that time. At a family dinner he gave me a CD and I got instantly hooked on this music. It seemed so futuristic for me, compared to what we had in Chile at that time. Thanks to both him and my sister, I would always receive goodies – music from Kraftwerk, DAF, and house tapes from Doctor Motte. And then later on, things like the early Plastikman CD. I was really lucky!

ON HOW SHE STARTED PRODUCING: I guess it came when I was 21 or 22, and I moved to New York. At that time it was really difficult to DJ because the police were really tough. There were no clubs, there were places shutting down, so if I was going to get into music I really wanted to produce. I asked for some advice from people; for example Dandy Jack convinced me to buy a MPC 2000. So I bought that at a very young age and I started to learn that and sampling; it’s a very basic thing!

A Decade in Sven’s Cocoon

Sven Vath is the stuff of electronic legend; in fact, the man was probably born making sweet gurgling pling-plongs! Oh yes; his mother just knew her boy was going to be a star! Sven is an iconic figure in the development of minimal and techno- and seems to have been around for pretty much ever… And no matter what he does, the man can do no wrong. He strings a few loops together, pronounces it ‘minimal’- all hail Sven!- pops it out on a label, nods his wisp of blonde hair in delight, pulls into Ricardo, does that funny little dance behind the dj box, and the crowd always seems to go utterly wild. It doesn’t get better than that does it?

Oh but it does- we’re talking about Sven after all! The owner of the esteemed record label Cocoon, Sven is celebrating a decade of living it large and in-charge from the deck-space of Amnesia Ibiza’s Terrace with a smashing summer long celebration. The line-up is a conveyor belt streaming the main men of minimal techno through the club each Monday night- as you do- with the audacity of an anxiety attack worth the brain spasm. There’s Marco, Loco, Lobos, Luciano, Frederico… its sick really- or simply standard- whichever you prefer!

But that’s not all- are you still sitting down? To top it all off, and to make sure you head home with something- if not your memory- Cocoon is releasing a sexy double disc album to commemorate the 10 years, 120 months or 3 650 day moment- but really just says ‘If you didn’t know we were here all this time- to hell with you, but here’s a CD before you go!’ Dubfire and Loco Dice deliver on sublime mix-master duty so expect filthy filthy music and an album sure to steal the show all summer long! The album drops on July 6^th and people who haven’t heard it are already calling it monumental- must be worth a little listen then!

Little Lexi x

Double Trouble Productions Presents… People from Ibiza

People from Ibiza, people from Ibiza, boys from wonderland, dancing on the sand, people from Ibiza, people from Ibiza, girls from wonderland… and so it goes, summer after summer, year after year and 27 June sees the real People From Ibiza come to you to show exactly what summer on the White Isle is all about!

People From Ibiza is one of those parties people don’t go to- funny, since it’s been making name as one of the party islands best kept clubbing secrets and holds the fort one night a week at clubbing paradise; Amnesia Ibiza, each season. Sold as the alternative party to the sonic island scene that takes party-chasers reeling to the end of their stay and blinking into the sunlight at the airport wondering where their vacation went- People from Ibiza is one of those rare parties you will always remember. Boasting a fully home-grown production- all artists, entertainers and dancers are island natives, and organic reputation- if you know it, you know you don’t want to miss it!- People From Ibiza is takes you onto the dancefloor with the locals and tips the Ibizan experience unlike any other.

Double Trouble Production present club Amnesia and People From Ibiza for a third round in London, this time to deliver an electronic dose of Ibizan sunshine and get you all worked up and ready for a truly tropical summer night out. The last party with Amnesia’s favourite people, in December 2008 at Egg nightclub in London was a roof rocking success with over 1000 party people dancing into an imagined ocean of bliss! Whether you’re staying local this summer, or have plans to venture out into the Spanish beyond, this is going to be one incredible night to wet your electronic appetite, People From Ibiza is all about the beautiful people, uplifting house music and more fun than you could shake your shades at!

Double Trouble Production presents The People From Amnesia Ibiza at Egg, 27^th June with a sultry island style line-up boasting Luke Solomon, Toni Varga, Alex Cellar and La Fleur. Their sub-brand Rhythmatic will also be hosting a room and presenting an array of their feisty faithfuls behind the decks, dishing a sweet complimentary sound selection! Get your tickets now or get in line- your summer in a box has arrived!

Luke Solomon (Rekids, Classic, MFF)

Luke Solomon has been kicking the bottom out of the dance music industry with outstanding live dj sets for over 17 years. He has worked his way up through the ranks, gaining recognition from all fields of Electronica and Dance and is one of the few producers really worth writing home about, with a successful production career with partner Justin Harris as, Freaks. Luke has worked with artists such as Felix the Housecat, Masters at Work, Jamie Principle, Marshall Jefferson and Roger Sanchez, as well as set up the legendary label, Classic with long-time friend Derrick Carter. He recently established himself as a solo artist, recording for Radioslave’s Rekids label, among others, and his second album, a follow up to his debut disc, The Difference Engine’ is due out later this year.

Toni Varga (Wow, People from Ibiza)

Dj Toni Varga is a veteran Dj from Spain and at 27, has been playing a sultry blend of Tech-House since he was 16 years old. His sets are a journey from the best deep house to tech-house, with some influences from the Balearic house from Ibiza, funky tones, tribal house and vocal house, with intelligent long mixing. He shared the decks with the likes of Roger Sanchez, Eric Morillo, Josh Wink and Layo and Bushwaka during his residency at Zeus Club and Octopus Club in Spain for 4 years, before moving to Ibiza. He has since been a resident at Amnesia Ibiza’s White Party Ibiza on Amnesia’s famed terrace and played People From Ibiza Parties alongside long time residents Mar-T and Paco Osuna.

Alex Cellar (Freak N Chic, Cecille)

Energetic and intense, Alex Cellar’s tech house is a sound full of swing, tribal rhythms and beats, clearly defining his distinctive style and dedication to music. Said to be one of the most promising up and coming producers and DJs in the scene, the Greek born Londoner has already enjoyed releases on high profile labels like Cocoon, Tuning Spork, Cecille, Freak N Chic and Buzzin Fly, and sound support from Ricardo Villalobos, Loco Dice, and RRP Soundsystem to Dennis Ferrer, Danny Tenaglia and Laurent Garnier to name a few. Alex’s DJ style – similar to his own productions most of which he plays out – is an impressive blend of rare old and modern tracks, ranging from house to techno, infused with tribal rhythms & pumping, deep basslines. He is truly a new generation master and one sure to kick up many a dancefloor storm for a long time to come.

La Fleur (+ Plus, Trunkfunk Rec)

La Fleur is the Swedish pharmacist turned DJ, who took to dosing people up on sexy electronic music as her medicine of choice. She likes it intense and melodious, and possesses an arsenal of musical weapons that can whip any dance floor into a state of arousal. La Fleur became known around the Stockholm scene in 2004, landing residencies at all the major clubs and numerous international bookings.  La Fleur is also one half of the dj duo Housewives, and together own the Housewives club which was voted ‘Best Club’ in People Choice Awards 2007. La Fleur was ranked number 6 in Sweden’s top 100 DJ’s list 2007 and shortly after moved to Berlin to pursue focus on her dj profession full time. Her main focus is now music production, and in December 2008 she had her first remix, of David Ekenbäck’s ‘Nairu’ released on Trunkfunk Records.

Chameleon Muzik Presents… Brian Cross, Amnesia Ibiza

Fresh on the back of the recent successful Chameleon Muzik Halloween Party, Chameleon Muzik keeps the toes tapping hard and fast as it joins forces with Inigo Bar in Clapham to present to you, International DJ, Brian Cross from Amnesia Ibiza, for a one night only, exclusive performance!

Chameleon Muzik, fast becoming renowned for its Energising Electro vibe and unified sociable atmosphere, loves the Inigo venue for its accessibility and simplicity- an easy place for friends and music lovers to gather and enjoy themselves away from the central city madness, creating an ambiance unique to anywhere south of the river. Inigo Bar has played host to many exclusive DJ sets and Friday 14^th November 2008 will certainly be an extra special feather as we head towards capping off a resounding 2008.

Brian Cross has made a name for himself as a pioneering DJ and producer, with consistent track releases in the Spanish charts. He already stands as a legend among the Spanish clubbing community which awarded him the title of Deejay Magazine’s Best International DJ in 2005. He’s worked alongside some of the best in the business, the likes of Armin Van Buuren, Marco V, Paul Oakenfold and Robbie Rivera. And as a resident for super club, Amnesia Ibiza, Brian has toured the globe and released two Amnesia DJ Sessions Albums, with Marco V himself, to much worldwide acclaim!

With another successful summer in Ibiza under his belt, Brian was itching to get a hold of some fresh feet and his turn through the Big Smoke is one sure to grasp the attention of the jaded London audience, who too need a little bit of exotic zest in their revelry! Completing the line-up for this special night is Luke and Paul Bingham, Chameleon Muzik’s house head honcho! The boys will be serving it up all sorts of beat-utiful until the wee hours and encourage you to come down and get Brian Crossed with us!

Double Trouble Productions Presents Amnesia World Tour

If there’s one thing about Amnesia you just can’t forget; it’s that it stands as one of the most powerful nightclub brands in the world! Over the decades of its life on the White Isle, Amnesia has lured hundreds of thousands of soul submitting revellers to seek dance music enlightenment inside its walls. The beat box on the main dancefloor has housed some of the most prolific and passion possessed mix masters in the industry; Sven Väth, Paul Van Dyk, Dj Tiësto, Danny Tenaglia, Laurent Garnier and Carl Cox have all flipped the switches, and so, forever tainted, imprinted and influenced the future of our nocturnal creed. Amnesia’s respect and repute comes from its’ super-exceeding in setting the standard in sound quality, music selection and audience ambiance.

Double Trouble Productions, fast becoming synonymous with exceptional nights out in clubs throughout Europe, with their events and sub-brands, Rhythmatic and Talk Is Cheap, recently celebrated their first birthday with a spectacular production, which marked their presence in the International Dance scene. They now wish to share the original, hedonistic Amnesia experience with London, and so present to you; The Amnesia World Tour! To mark and celebrate the ending of another successful year of nightlife indulgence and forgetting everything but the party, Double Trouble Productions, for a second time, brings Amnesia and all its blazing Ibizan glory to Egg nightclub in London, for one incredible night only!

Headlining this massive 3 dancefloor event on 27 of December 2008 is Amnesia Resident and owner of Wow! Recordings, Mar-T. Mar-T is an intrinsic part of the clubbing powerhouse that is Amnesia, responsible for producing the incredible Amnesia Underground compilations and touring with the brand on its international escapades. Complimenting his eclectic deep, dark and sexy sound is Stathis Lazarides (Refrazed, Cavo Paradiso, Rhythmatic), 10 year resident at the renowned Cavo Paradiso in Greece; Stathis has been keeping dance floor playmates on their toes for many brilliant beat-infused years! Stathis has witnessed and been very much part of, the idyllic waves of cultural growth and societal change that have encompassed, encouraged and evolved the Dance scene the globe over!

Betoko (Wow Recordings, Rhythmatic), is one of the latest minimal manufacturers to make a stir with his always melodic and seemingly sun-soaked cuts. He recently featured in DJ Mag’s Fantastic Four with his track “Congratulations” which was selected and used on Madonna’s Sticky and Sweet 2008 World Tour. Also in the mix; Silky (Seminal Grooves, Rhythmatic), Low & Murphy (Filthy Habit, Rhythmatic) and Filth & Splendour (Itch, Pure Pacha London), all of whom have earned their deck space in the Big Smoke, and internationally, as quality house music performers who cross the dance music divide and bring like minded clubbers together.

This is exactly the mission Double Trouble Productions sets out to achieve, and along with an all-out array of Amnesia décor, visuals, give-aways and make-up artists, expect this spectacular dance event to perfectly cap your 2008 as an absolute audio and visual affair!

Double Trouble Productions wants you to lose all inhibitions,

lose your minds, and… Blame it on Amnesia!