addicted to ibiza

felix da housecat speaks to addicted

Producer and DJ Felix da Housecat has been one of the biggest names in house and electro since his seminal 2001 album Kittenz and Thee Glitz. August 2009 not only sees the release of his new studio album, He Was King, but it also brings him back to Ibiza to play two hotly-anticipated dates at We Love Space. As soon as we heard, we caught up with Felix to chat about Ibiza, Prince and virginity. Here's what he had to say.

Addicted: Let's kick off by talking about Ibiza. This summer you are playing some dates at We Love Space. What's your favourite thing about playing at Space?

Felix: I love We Love Space because they let me be me and do whatever I want. I can totally be myself there.

Addicted: There is always talk of somewhere being 'the new Ibiza', whether it's Brazil, Greece or somewhere else.  What do you think makes Ibiza unique?

Felix: There is only one Ibiza and it’s still doing its thing after all these years: sin!

Addicted: Tell us about the first time you went to Ibiza.

Felix: Oh my god, the first show I was ever booked to play in Ibiza was Sundissential at Pacha. They put me up in this horrible hotel. I mean, the worst hotel I have ever seen. There was no TV in the room! I called  the promoter to complain and he said I wouldn’t need a TV in Ibiza. Sure enough, he was right! That night my Ibiza virginity was taken; my Ibiza cherry was busted.

Addicted: Apart from Ibiza, where's your favourite place to play in the world?

Felix: I love playing in Spain, Brazil and Mexico.

Addicted: Your new album, He Was King, comes out next month. What were your big influences when composing this album?

Felix: I try never repeat myself on any album I do.  I am always pushing myself creatively to another level.  Sometimes I reach back to old ideas and make them newer and fresher, but I felt really relaxed, stress-free and happy on this record.

Addicted: 'We all wanna be Prince' is the first track on your album. It begs the question ...do you wanna be Prince?!

Felix: I am a leader not a follower so I don’t wanna be him.  I just love him!

Addicted: Aside from tracks on your new album, what tunes are playing when you DJ this summer?

Felix: Felix Cartal, D.I.M. and Ducksauce

Addicted: Looking at your DJ schedule, you're on the road a lot! When do you find time to make music?

Felix: When I am on the road I just find studios and jump into them to work.  I am always trying to stay active and busy.

Addicted: What do you do to chill out?

Felix: Chill – that word does not exist to me.

Addicted: And finally, what is your top tip for anyone coming to Ibiza this summer?

Felix: DRINK A LOT OF WATER

Addicted: Felix da Housecat, thank you and see you at Space!

Felix da Housecat plays at We Love Space in Ibiza on 30th August and 20th September. His new album He Was King is out on August 24th (click here to pre-order) and his infectious new single We All Wanna Be Prince is out now (click here to listen, download and check out the remixes).

defected's guide to ibiza + win tickets to pacha

Whether you're an Ibiza virgin looking for some inspiration before your first trip or a hardened addict wanting to revisit the island from your office desk, the guys at Defected have put together a great 10 minute film with all you need to know about Ibiza. Check it out:

Of course, Defected don't just make videos. As hosts of Saturday night at Pacha. they bring their unique brand of straight-up house music to the dancefloor every week of summer.

Addicted to Ibiza are pleased to offer one lucky reader two free places on the guestlist to Pacha any Saturday this summer! To be in with a chance, e-mail competitions@addictedtoibiza.com with 'DEFECTED' in the title before midnight this Friday 31st July. We will randomly select one winner and get in touch to find out what Saturday you would like tickets for.

on the hunt for our craziest readers

There are now over 175,000 members of the Addicted to Ibiza facebook group! We know you're all crazy about Ibiza, but we want to meet the craziest. If you've done something absolutely mad in order to get to Ibiza, if you've acted like a complete wild child while you're there, if you've missed flight after flight home because you're having too much fun, we want to hear from you! We would love to profile our craziest members and post the wildest stories on Addicted to Ibiza. If this sound like you, then e-mail us and tell us why you're so crazy! imcrazy@addictedtoibiza.com

new madonna record drops at pacha

Here it is, the Ibiza world exclusive that everyone is talking about. Paul Oakenfold debuts Madonna's new record 'Celebration' at Pacha Ibiza. Marking a departure from the hip-hop sound of her last album, this record is more reminiscent of 2005 album Confessions on a Dancefloor. As you can see, the crowd are loving it! Enjoy.

seven crazy nights in ibiza

Addicted to Ibiza was recently asked to write about Seven Crazy Nights in Ibiza for travel website MatadorNights. Click here to check it out!

top 5 underground ibiza acts at channel zoo

If you're looking to escape the predictable superstar DJ line-ups at most Ibiza clubs this summer and catch some underground acts about to break big, Channel Zoo is the place to be. Hosted at Gala Night on Wednesdays by the guys behind the Zoo Project, Channel Zoo is arguably the most forward thinking party in Ibiza right now. And that’s not just down to its label showcase concept or the acts it chooses to fill the bill; it’s how it continues to offer something fresh at each and every party. No week is the same.

Addicted caught up with Nic from Channel Zoo to get an exclusive peek at what is on the line-up from now until the end of the season. Here are this summer's Top 5 underground Ibiza acts appearing at Channel Zoo. Make sure you don’t miss out.

5. Cadenza Records

The atmosphere is set to boil on Wednesday 29th July as the inimitable Cadenza Records take over the open air Zoo to conduct a Latin, folk, tribal, house and techno infused orchestra. Label head and production legend Luciano sits proudly at the top of bill, amongst numerous members of the Cadenza family. These include Reboot who will play an exclusive live set; the emerging subtle melodies and tribal drums from Mirko Loko, and the emotive minimal flair from Lee van Dowski and Alex Picone.

4. Moon Harbour Recordings

Famed for signing records from acts like DJ T and Martin Landsky, Moon Harbour will less than subtly take over at Channel Zoo on 5 August. It’s the imprint’s head honcho Matthias Tanzmann who’ll ensure that everything about this night runs deep and underground, along with label regulars Dan Drastic and Martinez.

3. Tenax Recordings

Both The Zoo Project and Channel Zoo fans are that of mixed nationality, personality, sexuality and anything else you think of. This transpires to its taste in labels and next up on 12th August is the Italian Planet Funk and label don Alex Neri; the deep, jackin’ house sounds of Ilario Alicante, and the experimental minimal sounds of Federico Grazzini.

2. Freak n’Chic

Dan Ghenacia’s Freak n’Chic is a label that quite simply sets trends in charting tracks from the unquestionable talents of Steve Bug, M.A.N.D.Y and a library of others. Parisian sounds of house and techno will be weaved into the surroundings at the old abandoned Zoo for this showcase taking place on 19th August.

 1. Cecille Records

The final party Channel Zoo are revealing to us comes hosted by the German techno label, Cecille Records. Conceived between the musical brains of Nick Curly and Mark Scholl, this night will take place on 26th August where label signings Robert Diez and Lemos (the latter in a live set), will weave a tapestry of deep, minimal house and techno.

Channel Zoo takes place every Wednesday at the old abandoned Zoo in the Benimussa hills near San Antonio. This outdoor setting amongst the old seal pits and abandoned animals cages is like no other in Ibiza. Fans of the night can also be entertained by fire eaters and stilt walkers, a short films cinema, CD promo giveaways and a BBQ, sun lounger and swimming pool area. Try it and you just might not want to return home

top five new ibizas

Every year, another hitherto unknown holiday destination is hailed as 'the new ibiza'. Ibiza is continually faced with threats to her status as queen of party islands, from legislation changes and club closures, to an expensive euro and the Spanish recession. Destination after destination tries to snatch Ibiza's crown - just where are these alternatives to Ibiza and do they live up to the hype? Addicted checks out the top five 'new ibizas'.

5. Florianópolis, Brazil

This 33-mile long island 450 miles south of Rio has come of age in the last few years, challenging Punta del Este as destination of choice for the South American jet set. Boasting its own massive outpost of Ibizan club Pacha and more beautiful people than you can shake a churro at, this should be your winter sun destination of choice when craving a bit of Ibiza in January.

4. Dubrovnik and islands, Croatia

Resting just outside of the Euro-zone, Croatia provides white sandy party beaches at a fraction of the cost of her Western neighbours. From the cobbled streets of Dubrovnik, head to one of the many islands offshore and up the coast or chill out at the beach bars of nearby Banje beach for a taste of Ibiza on a budget.

3. Mykonos, Greece

The other Mediterranean party island attracts loyal visitors year after year, attracted by amazing villas and crazy beach bars. Consistent with it's partying reputation, Mykonos has become popular with both gay travellers and Australian backpackers, and provides the perfect base from which to island-hop around Greece.

2. Miami, USA

The only credible challenger to Ibiza as the spiritual home of dance music, Miami's winter music conference needs no introduction. A 'love it' or 'hate it' destination, Miami's obsession with status and the body beautiful even surpasses Ibiza. Critics lament it is Ibiza without the fun and say the best parties can be difficult to penetrate. That said, it's difficult to not have fun in the glorious Florida sun. One to consider if the dollar gets cheap again.

1. Ibiza, Spain

In Ibiza there is a saying: 'Pacha es Pacha'. Well equally, Eivissa es Eivissa. Just as black is forever the new black, Ibiza is always the new Ibiza. Every year the island is knocked, but every year it makes a comeback. It evolves, it changes, it doesn't grow old. New legislation forces tired venues to improve and keeps the island fresh. When dancing outdoors was banned, the new terrace at Space turned out to be even better than the old one. When DC-10 was closed down, the Zoo Project filled the gap. We're not abandoning the old girl yet.

Click here to find holidays to these destination

ibiza for beginners

If it's your first time, the amount of choice in Ibiza can be daunting. With so many parties to go to and so many places to dance, how do you cram it all into just one week? Here's a rough itinerary for a week long trip especially designed with Ibiza newbies in mind. Going back to work the following day is not recommended.

MONDAY

When you get off the plane, jump straight in at the deep end and head to the world's biggest nightclub to see the world's biggest Trance DJ. Privilege hosts Tiesto and up to 10,000 partygoers every Monday night. You don’t even need to worry about checking in at your hotel first. As we discovered last year, the coat check at the gift shop will look after your suitcase. The icing on the cake? The DJ booth is surrounded by a swimming pool.

TUESDAY

Live rock music in Ibiza? Really? Isn’t this island supposed to be the spiritual home of dance music? Founded on the premise that dance kids like to rock and rock kids like to dance, Ibiza Rocks is the unexpected success story of the last few years. Every Tuesday this year Ibiza Rocks plays host to the Ting Tings, the Klaxons and MGMT, just to name a few. Moreover, they now own their own hotel so you can host after parties worthy of rock stars.

WEDNESDAY

You’ve been on the island for two days now, so it’s probably time for a bit of a rest. Ibiza is famous for sunsets and the best place to watch is Café Mambo on the sunset strip in San Antonio. Not only will you have the thrill of watching the crowd cheer as night begins and the sun goes down, but often you can catch big name DJs warming up for their sets later that night – for free.

THURSDAY

Tonight, it’s time to check out the most famous club in the world: Pacha. The name is synonymous with celebrity, hedonism and glamour; and David Guetta’s Thursday night ‘F*** me I’m Famous’ party is Pacha at its finest. With the VIP, VVIP and VVVIP areas (yes, really) taking up well over two-thirds of dancefloor, some question whether mere mortals are actually able to let their hair down and party. But experiencing Pacha’s unique vibe is a vital Ibiza experience and one you will come to love. The clincher? Destiny’s Child Kelly Rowland is their resident PA this summer.

FRIDAY

It’s Friday, you’ve now been in Ibiza for five days and you’ve still not found time to dance on the beach! Make amends and head down to Bora Bora Beach Bar in Playa d’en Bossa for some cheeky afternoon sangria. Once you’re all danced out, it’s time to experience the more civilised side of Ibiza. Get in a cab to KM5 - one of Ibiza’s many laidback countryside restaurants. Many people say the best thing about Ibiza is the balance between crazy nights out and beautiful places to chill. KM5 and their outdoor cocktail lounge does that job nicely.

SATURDAY

You know you're in Ibiza when it's four o’clock on a Saturday afternoon and you're dancing in an abandoned zoo surrounded by people in fancy dress. The club on everyone’s lips this summer is The Zoo Project, taking over from the much missed DC-10. Their Saturday day time sessions are the talk of the island and attract top underground DJ talent. You’ll definitely leave with stories to tell everyone back home.

SUNDAY

Dancing on the terrace at Space on a Sunday afternoon defines Ibiza clubbing. The former 22 hour We Love Space marathon now restricts itself to a mere 14 hours due to changes in club licensing laws, but that’s not held back the stream of massive international DJs that make the line up every week. Literally, nothing compares to this. Just make sure your sunglasses are suitably oversized and overpriced.

That only leaves one more decision. Once the sun comes up and the music turns down at 6am, will you be running to catch your flight? Or will you be running to the nearest internet café to change your flight home? (It’s just across the road, in case the latter takes your fancy.)

the addicted to ibiza summer sampler - download your free mp3 album!

In association with our friends at TuneTribe and Get Loaded Festival, we are extremely pleased to bring you the Addicted to Ibiza Summer Sampler. An MP3 album featuring top artists such as Felix da Housecat, Röyksopp and Miss Kittin - exclusively for Addicted to Ibiza users to download. Moreover, we're giving it to you for free! Update your iPod and kick back in the summer sun.

Adam Freeland 'Mixtape'

Felix Da Housecat 'Kickdrum'

Miss Kittin and the Hackers '1000 Dreams'

N.A.S.A 'Gifted (Steve Aoki Remix)'

Devils Gun 'Setting Sun'

Losers 'Mo Man Is An Island'

Viro 'P.I.(Original Mix)'

Röyksopp 'Miss It So Much'

To download your copy, simply click here. You will need to sign up to TuneTribe, but it won't cost you a penny. Enjoy!

addicted speaks to defected at pacha's miss divine

Defected are an Ibiza institution, bringing their blend of straight-up house music to the island summer after summer. This year they take over the prestigious Saturday night slot at Pacha and running the show is Defected’s Ibiza resident Miss Divine. Addicted caught up with Miss Divine to chat about partying hard at Pacha and chilling out by beach.

Addicted: Together with the Defected crew, this summer you are hosting Saturday night at Pacha, which must be incredible. What's your favourite thing about Pacha?

Miss Divine: It’s got to be the people. There’s a real cosmopolitan crowd that attend our night every week. People come from all over the world.  Defected is a global brand and house speaks the international language so its one hell of a party every Saturday.  Lots of hands in the air action and smiling faces.

Addicted: When it comes to clubbing, there is heaps of choice in Ibiza. What makes a night at Defected unique?

Miss Divine: I think Defected is definitely up there in the leaders of house. The label represents past, present and future, which makes us a strong contender in Ibiza.  We fly over some of the best house DJ’s every week- names such as Kenny Dope or Frankie Knuckles rarely play anywhere outside of the US so to be able to hear them playing for Defected in Ibiza at Pacha is pretty special.

Addicted: Are you noticing any big trends in the music heard on the island this summer?

Miss Divine: Yes and No, the music changes throughout the season, it always gets a bit tougher towards August time. House is definitely back and all the big DJs are playing it, its definitely ruling the dancefloors this year.

Addicted: Speaking of music, what are your top three tunes for summer 2009?

Miss Divine: I would have to say a track called Con Alegria by DJ Gregory & Gregor Salto. Second choice is Joris Voorn – Sweep the Floor and third choice is a track that has been bubbling on the underground for a while called La Mezcla by Michael Cleis, just picked up by Strictly Rhythm.

Addicted: Tell us about the first time you went to Ibiza.

Miss Divine: My first time was in 2000 and I was very much into Hard House and Trance, I went to Eden every single night.  It took me a few more years before I saw a sunset or discovered the other clubs.  2005 was my first year working and fell in love with Techno and Amnesia, I went to Cocoon and Defected every week without fail.  That was a wicked summer.

Addicted: There is always talk of somewhere being 'the new Ibiza', whether its Croatia, Greece or somewhere else. What do you think makes the real Ibiza unique?

Miss Divine: There’s no other place on the planet like Ibiza, yes it is starting to look a bit tired and there are a lot more politics out here now but Ibiza has been the worlds party island since back in the 70’s and no amount of new laws will ever stop people coming here.  The beaches are beautiful, the restaurants are fantastic, the sunsets are out of this world, something so simple can move people to tears and make them stand up and applaud the sun going down, I’ve never been anywhere else in the world where people do that.  The clubs for me are some of the best I've ever been to, plus where in the world can you see a massive DJ or promotion every night of the week.  Ibiza is the one.

Addicted: As someone who spends a lot of time in Ibiza, you must have some favourite places off the beaten path. What's your favourite thing to do / place to go on the island that our readers may not have thought about?

Miss Divine: I love to eat paella at one of my favourite restaurants on the road to Salinas, it feels like home because your actually sitting in someone’s garden. It's great to get group of friends together and hang out for the afternoon there. Benirras beach is another favourite of mine.  I like to hang out there on a Sunday and watch the hippies beat the sun down with their drums, it’s a pretty special place.  When I need some time out I like to just chill out on the rocks with my iPod and listen to some soul and funk. 

Addicted: And finally, what is your top tip for anyone coming to Ibiza this summer?

Miss Divine: There are lots of things to do other than partying in Ibiza and I don’t think enough people come out here and actually see the other side of the island.  You can do Ibiza on a budget and still have a great time.  Choose two or three big nights that you want to go to (make sure Defected is one of them!) and spend the rest of the time visiting the different beaches or restaurants Ibiza has to offer.   Take a boat trip, go to the water park, hire a car and take a picnic to the beach.  It hasn’t all got be 24 7 partying.

Addicted: Miss Divine, thank you for speaking to us. See you at Pacha!

For a preview of what lies in store at Pacha this summer, check out Miss Divine's latest mix for Defected - Clubland Adventures Episode 8 - now available online. Click here to preview and download.