Previews

Preview: Ibiza 2009 – We Love / Q&A: DJ Hell, Alfredo

By Jamil Ahmad | 1 July 2009

For the most rounded Ibiza clubbing experience look no further than We Love’s Sunday party at Space. Now in its 11th year, six rooms set the scene for one of the best clubbing experiences to be had, a 14-hour marathon that begins at 4pm and rolls on till 6am on Monday.

It’s not uncommon to wander the rooms and hear techno, house, disco and tribal pumping all at the same time on your way to the bar.

“It is always great fun sitting in my office during the winter months and putting together dream line-ups, thinking back to the summer gone, remembering the highlights and low-lights in equal measure,” says We Love chief Mark Broadbent.

“I have to say that this year we have really broke the bank, pulled out all the stops and put together the biggest, baddest lineup ever to hit the island.”

Indeed the guests are some of the most eye-catching to hit the island in 2009: Grace Jones in full live performance, Jeff Mills showcasing his transition from vinyl to digital, and The Chemical Brothers on the decks in the discoteca.

Other guests billed include Simian Mobile Disco, Miss Kittin and the Hacker, 2Many DJs, Claude VonStroke, David Guetta, Felix Da Housecat, Boys Noize and Hercules and Love Affair. Nuff said? We think so.

We took five with We Love regulars DJ Hell and Alfredo for their thoughts on the season:

DJ Hell

International DeeJay Gigolo Records boss DJ Hell recently released his excellent double album Teufelswerk and returns to We Love for three guest spots this summer.

You’re no stranger to Ibiza, what are you most looking forward to about this season?
“I’m looking forward to finding some new places and some quiet places. And some great times at Space – this is my home here in Ibiza. There is nowhere like it. I play here a lot and I’m always looking forward to meeting people and I’m hopefully looking forward to playing the best set of summer again.”

Teufelswerk’s two discs are divided into day and night. When you’re on the island which do you prefer and why?
The thing is I don’t like to hear my own music again and again. I even don’t play it – it’s kind of wrong, but always like that for me. But of course disc day for day and night for night.

How did you become involved with We Love?
Because we love them and because I love Mark and Sarah and Darren – one of best promoters in world. I first played Space in ’94 with Jeff Mills and Green Velvet; I came back in 2006 to We Love when they made me an offer.

What are your best memories of the night?
My PR singing over Depeche Mode in the discoteca in 2007.

What advice would you offer for Ibiza first timers?
Do not only go to the parties. Check out the beautiful island and beautiful beaches.

Alfredo

One of Ibiza’s true originals, Alfredo came to the island from Argentina in the mid ’80s and is credited with developing the classic Balearic sound, influencing the likes of Paul Oakenfold and many more along the way. He is a resident for the season at We Love in 2009.

How are things going for you so far this season?
Very well, I’m going through a fantastic season at We love at the sunset terrace at Space, my compilation for Azuli called Balearic Beach went out a few days ago, I have some dates in England and Ireland and my family is all good, I can’t ask for more!

You could DJ anywhere on the island. What made you decide to become involved with We Love?
Because its one of the zenith of the island nights, I have a very good relation with the promoters, Mark and Darren and I love to play at the sunset terrace, one of the few open air venues at the moment.

What are your best memories of the night?
In general I have a lot of good memories after all these times, but playing with my son Jaime back to back its one of the best and I’m looking forward to repeat the experience at the terrace in September.

What advice would you offer for Ibiza first timers?
To relax enjoy the weather, go to the beach, smell the air of the island and of course make the best of the nights, take care of themselves and come to see me at We love!

Competition

We’ve teamed up with We Love to offer one of our lucky readers guest list for two to any of this season’s We Love Sunday parties. To be in with a chance of winning, just send an email to (competition closed) with the subject “WE LOVE”, your name, address and daytime telephone number. The randomly picked winner will be contacted to find out which Sunday they’d like passes for.

To see the line-up for every weekend this summer, buy tickets and listen to music and video podcasts visit www.welove-music.com