Measuring approximately one kilometre, the modestly sized beach area is quietly soothing. The striking turquoise water and low sand dunes make Talamanca Beach in Ibiza more than just easy on the eye. It is the bay that attracts the local population, it’s where they endeavour to be. The slight hint of a breeze makes it feel as I have reached the most chilled spot on the island.
If Ibiza’s association with exhilarating highs deriving from pulsating beach parties and picturesque scenery seems too good to be true, the reality revealing itself only continues to surprise in glorious ways. More specifically, the place has a realness, an authenticity rooted in the location specific. It has a strong local community, a population that takes massive pride in architecture, natural surroundings and habitat. There is a rich food culture closely linked to original recipes. While these three areas in themselves are immense, they are tightly interwoven with the overall scene.
A local driver drops a hint, he suggests the local community is complex, he talks about the island as being “local, but global.” It’s a distinct tag, and once dropped into the conversation, it lingers, refusing to leave me. Likening this idea of local, but global to the world-renowned dance scene is not far-fetched. Famously attracting the biggest DJs on the planet, it has cultivated an iconic brand of excellence, shaping the tireless celebration of permanence that never comes close to ceasing.
Growing up in Hamburg, Germany, Bosnian-Croatian DJ legend Solomun is one of the international artists who continues to add to the list of DJ residencies. Specifically billed as Solomon +1, the lineup sees him pair with Los Angeles raised Skrillex , who is the collaborator, Sunday night’s +1. It’s the perfectly fulfilling lineup, the hottest ticket going.
Known across the globe for his passion for sonic storytelling, the signature melodic techno and deep house make Solomun a true stalwart of his profession. A gifted producer and a prolific collaborator, he has worked with a multitude of artists, some of the biggest names in music, across genre, blurring limitations traditionally attached to the field of dance music.
Skrillex, on the other hand, has long been the most eclectic, genre-defying DJ and musician. Having emerged from the fringes of LA’s hardcore punk scene, he has gone on to specialising, not just in electronic music, but he fully embraces disciplines as diverse as rap, punk, rock and pure pop, with intent.
Absolutely no strangers to one another, they put out ‘Rumpta’ the title of their debut studio collaboration. A track built around the utmost addictive groove; it’s an expansive effort with an energy that never drops. With breezily conceived vocals, its clever, modern vibe calls for deepening the connection to the listener while creating a dynamic flow of quality.
On the topic of connecting with the listener, this is exactly what this elite DJ affair is about. Carefully curated, the running order of the night opens with Spanish born DJ Landikhan, then Skrillex takes the stage, ahead of Solomun’s epic two hours and 30-minute set. Everything culminates in a joint effort between the two, a conclusive collaboration to wrap things up in mind-blowing style.
Founded in 1973, the iconic nightlife institution that is Pacha Ibiza has an electrifying atmosphere, oozing a vibe of glitz and glamour. Its location as centred in the heart of town makes it the optimal venue for a session of this magnitude to play out in. Specialising in cutting-edge electronic music it remains one of the world’s leading spots for dance culture of the tallest order.
Back in real time, where the hours literally fly by. This is a night club of the sort where you could easily be forgiven for forgetting about any sense of time, it’s a phenomenon that just happens. Once there, there’s not a single thought about leaving, it doesn’t feature on the radar.
Pounding, intrinsically immersive and freeing, the inspiring itinerary is unlike any other. Solomun and Skrillex complement each other. It’s obvious that the two get on, they have a creative chemistry that shines through the performance. While the individual sets show their personal strengths, the concluding one shows how they feed off one another. This shared set is a wild playout of creative strength and stamina, easily qualifying as the standalone, monumental DJ display of the summer.
Upon reaching the early hours of the morning in Pacha, it is with an undeniable sensation of having reached a climax. The evening began with a buzz of an opening, and while the excitement continued to grow, the substantial sets helped increase the intensity. At no point did the vitality diminish, it was as if a constant wildfire spread across the venue, as it spread it engaged every person on the dance floor. It’s been a colossal night to remember in the years to come. No doubt about it.
Follow Pacha Ibiza On Instagram
Follow Solomun On Instagram
Words: Susan Hansen
Photographer: Natalia Cruz