Last night I was invited to a special presentation and dinner hosted by Traktor and Car Craig. Held in a secret location in Ibiza, the event was an intimate affair streamed live by BE-AT and featured Luciano, David Squillace and the host himself, Carl Craig, on the decks showcasing Traktor technology.

Before the sunset alfresco dinner set out magically on the lawn of the finca overlooking the rolling hills of San Antonio, Carl sat down and answered a few questions on his professional relationship with Traktor and how his DJing has been shaped by technology from his vinyl days.

The Traktor debate is still ever present and even more so relevant as some of the biggest DJ's either switch entirely or partly - depending on their gig specs - to the revolutionary technology.

I myself am still a CD die hard, but having fiddled with Traktor a few times I can definitely see the advantages from many points. Especially if one's organisation skills aren't the best.

The night was truly special. Apart from (bascially) private sessions from some of the most respected music makers and mingling with the influencers in the world of electronic music, the vibe was chilled yet fun.

Luciano also revealed all the tracks he had played that night were unreleased and new. It was his chance to road test them before a live audience, working them at different speeds and effects.

With bottles of smoky Mezcal Amores floating around - thanks to Maria and Anthony ( one half of Audiofly), who partly sponsored the event - shots could have instantly turned the gathering into a party.

Special thanks to Hagi Craig for the invitation.

Birthdays.
Just another excuse for a part-ay.

And what better place to celebrate than in Ibiza.

Personally, the stand-out party for me this year is "Rumors" at Beach House, the new chiringuito that's given skanky Playa den Bossa a facelift. The guys from El Chiringuito are behind Beach House - so you can expect top notch quality and service.

After being spoiled with a delicious lunch it was time to his the dance floor.

"Rumors" is the brainchild of Israeli DJ and music producer, Guy Gerber. Guy has always been a personal favourite of mine. His style is unique, his sound is special and can teleport you to another dimension. I haven't had that experience with any other DJ. The dedication he puts into his work, living and breathing music every second is impressive.

Rumors is perfect for a beach location. Dancing in the sand, under the stars to the breeze of the ocean ... what more could you want.

Even better, Beach House charges no entry - so everyone is free to come and no table is needed to enjoy the space.

With so many friends around, great music and vibe you really can't go wrong with having a great birthday.

And that is was.

One of the things I love about Ibiza is the the down right crazy places you will most definitely end up once stepping out of your home.
Today after a fairly chilled day of leisurely sailing around Cala Comte, I end up at the house of Cirque du Soleil founder Guy Laliberte. A magnificent villa perched on the cliffs of northern Ibiza, separate small fincas sprawled across the grassy property. Tall palm trees swayed to the breeze. Activities, food stalls and sculptures scattered in between - all of the circus kind.

I probably tried every single flavour of artisan ice-cream handed out by sequin clad women in top hats.


Why such a lavish set you ask? Well, it was the scene for the famed Boiler Room Villa Takeovers.

Walking into the villa grounds, people were spread everywhere. The party had just started so it was difficult to guess numbers. But by the time Paradise creator Jamie Jones stepped up to the decks, I'm guessing around 500 partyers were scattered around the Paradise Circus.

First UP, Kate Simko performed with the London Electronic Orchestra. A live performance of "Benediction" with Ali Love on the mike finished her set and an energetic WAFF set the pace for the rest of the night.

As the sun set on another glorious day, the circus went into night mode. Tripadelic lights, large-scale projections, performances and of course, the dancing. Martinez Brothers pumped up the atmosphere with their RnB laden beats. Then Jamie Jones took the reigns to finish his party right.

This was definitely a party remember. Long after Boiler Room had taken down their production lights the party kept going. No one wanted to leave such a magical setting, but alas ... all good things must come to end.

Great thanks to Guy, the ring leader, who's hospitality was of epic scale.

To Cocoon or not to Cocoon ... what a silly question. Of course YES. Monday nights in Amnesia are just the cherry on the cupcake post a DC10 session. After mingling and having a wee boogie, I set off with some friends to Cocoon to dance away to the beats of what could only be a great back to back set between two greats and inspirations - Luciano and Ricardo Villalobos.


The club was well packed even at the early time of 2am.
Sure enough, those tribal beats and melodies that we have learned to associat

After settling in my usual corner near the DJ booth, I ran into a friend who would then be my partner in crime for the night - Ross Evans.

Ross apart from being Carl Craig's tour manager, has that other talent of music production -  which just quietly, he is killing at the moment. His records have been released on a host of respected labels including Cecile (one of my personal favs), Saved, Noir Music, Get Physical Music and of course, Cocoon.

After spending some time on the Terrace we moved to the Main Room to visit Papa Sven. There I ran into another surprise - Scott Roberston whom I met at Future Festival two years ago at the Cocoon Stage.

As the fiery sun lights the sky with it's amber, saluting another day what better place to see this sight than a beach. And what better inspiration to play a set than facing such a view.

This is one of the many reasons why I love being a DJ in Ibiza. Playing at a beach club, surrounded by such breathtaking acts of nature, you are filled with a sense of gratitude towards life. Watching people as they luxuriously laze about and enjoy the simply things in life as you provide the soundtrack is a lovely place to be in.

I had the pleasure of playing at Experimental Beach Club - part of the Experimental Cocktail Club group that holds posts in London and NYC. It was actually in NYC that this gig came to fruition. After meeting Cameron, a Canadion presenter and entertainer living in NYC at the taping of The Colbert Show, he introduced me to Elisa - the owner of the Experimental Cocktail Clubs and after much planning, a gig in Ibiza came to life. Don't you just love life and its little ways?

My six hour set was made more enjoyable with the familiar faces who came to support me and the wonderful staff at the club. And of course playing with a view like that, how could you get bored. I'd timed the sun setting so that "Sun" by Caribou was the soundtrack as it slowly edged down between the two mountains, leaving with a glowing ray of light and dusky pink remnants.

Track List:
"Sun" by Caribou
"Claustrofobix" by Gabriel Slick
"Mission Venice" by Nightmares on Wax
"Night Drive"  by Lake People
"Hand in Hand" by KlangKuenstler

When you think London, you think edgy punk fashion, Doc Martens and moody colours ... the spectrum of greyscale to be more precise . A pioneer of the London look is definitely the iconic brand AllSaints.

Last night I had the pleasure of DJing for the private party celebrating the new Autumn Winter collection, hosting guests for an exclusive preview of what threads are hot for those cold days ahead.

The VIP party was in the beautiful Notting Hill store. Set upon two levels, the wooden floorboards and steel frames give it that rough yet stylish atmosphere.

Like any fashion event bubbly and kind-to-the-hip canapes floated around. Guests could also have some fun with the photo booth. Everyone loves a good photo session ... including me! I managed to sneak in a cheeky photo with my fav girl about London town, Shannon - aka. hostess with the mostess

AllSaints music direction is more Indie Rock, so I got a chance to catch up on the latest in the indie world,play some old favourites and mix it up a bit with vocal deep house.

AllSaints tracklist :
"Swinging Party" - The Kindness
"Blue Monday" - New Order
"Get Myself Into It" - The Rapture
"Feel the Love" - Cut Copy
"Blind" -  Hercules & Love Affair
"Pow Pow" - LCD Soundsystem