Carl Cox is a DJ that needs little introduction, having carved out a living as a worldwide superstar DJ for the past two decades. But while many of his counterparts can sometimes be perceived of selling out, Carl manages to keep the dedication of his fan base while staying true to his roots.
That’s of course where you look for those roots, as Carl has been through many transitions in styles over the years but always found a place back to the slightly harder four - four beat. This year in Ibiza Carl once again takes over Space for his Tuesday night extravaganza. The theme for 2009 is Revolution and NonStop wanted to find out if Carl is still providing the power for the people.
1. Why do you keep coming back to Ibiza year after year for what is your only weekly residency?
I’ve always enjoyed being in Ibiza over any other country. I really love Mykonos and Tenerife too, but they don’t have quite the same spirit. I smile every time I land here. It’s my Spanish home. I feel part of the island. I feel settled here and just enjoy being part of it all. Ibiza depends on tourism and I do feel we do our bit to bring a lot of people to the island. People come just for our Space parties, which is a nice feeling. I try and give back to the island as much as possible.
2. Your line-ups for Carl Cox and friends aren’t traditional Ibiza line-ups, how do you decide on your summer guests?
It’s quite difficult. But I listen to all types of music, and think the line-ups reflect this, from the likes of DJ Marky, Danny Tenaglia, Kissy Sellout to Moby and Giles Peterson - it’s a collective. I like that it’s different every week, you come here and don’t listen to the same thing – that’s when people get bored with a night. Sometimes people question our choices, like When Pendulum first played, people were saying it was too hard, too ravey, but then they blew the place apart, and everyone changed their mind. People expect diverse line-ups from us. And we try to keep it as interesting as possible.
3. With so many nights on the island, failing after a season or two, what do you think is the recipe to your success?
See above! I’ve been here so long, I’ve got to grips with how people like to be entertained. Plus we’re still doing lots of PR, and still after all these years, we flyer and have street teams. But really, I think it’s the fact that people know you’re guaranteed a good time with us, it’s a one stop shop for music. And with that the word has spread around.
4. You have gone through so many musical genres in your time as a DJ, what’s next or exciting you musically at the moment?
I’m going more and more underground as time goes on. I’m not becoming specialist, but I’ve gone back to that pioneering spirit that I started with. I’m keeping things fresh, and to find new music you have to really look for it, but it’s worth it. I’ve always been into underground music, underground house. I like it hard edged.
5. What makes the club Space such a special place to do a night?
It was the first after party place. It has the reputation of the best club in the world. There’s nowhere else like it. It’s a very nice space to be in – no pun intended. The sound is amazing, the sunset terrace is great - one of the reason it first became so popular. There’s nowhere else I could do this.
6. Do you live in Ibiza for the entire time during your residency or still travel to gigs elsewhere?
I do live here all the season, but I do go off to for other international dates, I do use it as my summer base though.
7. When was the first time you came to the island?
1984 – I came with my then girlfriend and sister and we hired a fiat panda, which we drove around and slept in!
8. Does Ibiza get better or worse every year?
I think it depends where your heads at. The sun always rises and it always sets. The beaches are packed, but quiet in the winter, it is what it is, it all depends on how you perceive it. But here watching the sun go down is the best feeling in the world.
9. Favourite place to enjoy Ibiza?
Many places. If you can, get to Formentara, it’s very special, a tiny island, but the restaurants are amazing and the traditional fish dishes there are outstanding. Definitely a highlight.
10. Will you be back forever?
Yeah for sure. Every year. I think part of my soul would leave by body if I didn’t turn up one year. I’ll be doing it as long as I can.
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