What's New?

Sorry I have not been blogging so much. With not having internet at home, and also not really being supposed to use it whilst at work (which is pretty much the usual wherever one works), it's a little harder to get on-line. But I am at at café down the road where I live and getting a chance to blog and share what is going on before I have to be somewhere.

Space Opening

Yes, I did go! You just have to attend THE party of the summer at pretty much THE best club on the Island. Neil (my house mate) and I went together and danced for about 11 hours! We did have a few breaks though, especially now I am getting on a bit. This year, Space decided to host the Opening party over 2 days; previously, it has always been on the first Sunday in June, but this year it was over 2 days. We went on Saturday, and we saw some awesome Djs. I loved Andy Cato (one half of Groove Armada), and Fatboy Slim was also really good. I was hoping he'd play some more of his own music, but alas, he played mainly the big choons that are getting smashed on the Island. I was hoping too that Space would have the outside arena, as Fatboy suits the larger, outside space - but sadly it was on the Sunday they had that – gutted! But it was still a great night. The sunset terrace was amazing, which is outside. Such huge basslines and meaty beats. Jonathan Ulysses was amazing in one of the smaller rooms too. Met some good people whilst chilling out, and also bumped into a few workers I know.

All in all a great start to the clubbing season. I'm not here in Ibiza to go clubbing, but I really think it's an important part of what we do, and getting to 'play' - and by that I mean dance and celebrate at some of these significant places - is a huge treat and chance to lift up God in prayer when out. Awesome!

Pacha: Dancing and Eating!!! Love them both.

Had such a great end to our Prayer team. Since they were such great people and really gave themselves to praying and helping us get ready on many levels, we treated them to an amazing night.

I booked us a table at The Pacha Restaurant and we rocked up for 10:30pm (that's how we roll) and sat down and enjoyed some amazing food. We ended up getting filmed for a Spanish tv channel and so the management gave us the wine for free - result! (I told a little white lie and said 'i usually eat in Pacha' - sorry God - couldn't help it - got caught up in the moment). I shared Beef Carpaccio with Mike to start off, then went for the Scallops for my main and finished it all off by sharing 4 different desserts. Best dessert was the Pistachio one. WOW!!!!

The genius bit about eating at The Pacha Restaurant is if you spend a certain amount you get entry into the club for free. In the summer, tickets to Pacha cost anywhere up to €75 for the best nights, so it pays to have a meal first. We might even do this again with some of the other teams.

By the time we finsihed our meal and had a coffee it was nearly 1am. We stopped off at the car for a quick red bull to give us some wings and then headed to the Club for a boogie for a few hours. It took us a few choons to get our groove on and shake off the food we'd just demolished, but soon we were all tearing up the dancefloor. Best bit was hearing a choon with the lyrics 'I'm gonna give you devotion' which we all loved.

I think the Prayer team were all SUCH legends. They fully deserved such a treat like this, and it was an honour and a pleasure to be a part of such a great week. Guys, please come again!!!!

One of those blogs you'll hate me for - sorry!

I know you're gonna hate me for blogging like this, but it'd be rude not to. This blog covers all the bases don't you know. Question: have you ever seen a yacht with a group of people on it, all of them seemingly having the best time of their lives and jealously thought 'I wish that was me?' (by the way, they are in fact having the best time – I can prove it).

I've often coveted (ever so slightly) those people on their yachts and sailing boats here in Ibiza, and yesterday was a chance to sample the high life as I got invited out on one of Brian and Tracy's friend's sailing boats. Martin – the guy who owns the boat - is such a generous guy, and really treated us all to an amazing day. We all took goes steering the boat as we sailed a little out to sea until Brian did some interesting skippering of the boat and took us in a whole new direction...but it was time to get to a little inlet and anchor down to have lunch anyway. We popped open the wine, had some bacon butties with English cheddar cheese and enjoyed the warm weather on deck listening to some music. It's moments like that you you think 'am I really here?' We cheered the Heasley's for having been in Ibiza 5 whole years as a family. Absolute awesome effort guys – pleasure to enjoy the moments with you.

The questions on our lips were: do we go swimming? Will it be warm enough? The lads got in, and I couldn't let them out-do me, so I got involved with Ellis, Dan, and Matthew and had a dip - albeit an ABSOLUTELY freezing one! I went with the 'dive-straight-in' approach, preferring that to the lad's 'slowly-slowly-in' technique. But it was a shock to the system to say the least. I swam one circuit of the boat before getting straight back out. March – too cold to go swimming in Ibiza!

When you cap off a day like that with a curry, you know it's been one of 'em days! What a wkd day - good times!

Anthems!

These three are just a couple of the choons that you could hear in most clubs and bars this summer.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gd3KxitATVo
This is the MGMT 'Kids' remix by Ingrosso that every DJ smashed this summer and when it breaks down will put the biggest smile on your face! It also reminds me of a guy who lived with us called James, as he's an Indie-head.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5JZyChjUARE
This choon builds and builds and builds until it destroys you in the breakdown - loads of amazing energy: Sunset Terrace at Space - need i say more? It's called On:Off and it's by Cirez D, otherwise known as Eric Prydz.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=14Wwx_9vUL8
This reminds me of the dirty electro we heard in the backroom of Judgement Sundays @ Eden. We had some good times there. It takes a while to get into it, but it rocks...it's by Starkillers and called 'Bitch Ass Trick'.

Joint 30th birthday invitation

Hola Amigos!

You're all invited to attend my joint 30th birthday bash with my twin sister Nicole, on Sat 18th April at The South London Pacific, Kennington, London. Nicole is my extra special VIP, so please come along and meet her! My good friends behind the Sambalanco Soundsystem are hosting the party as a one off special, so please make it even more special by coming along if you're around. It's set to be a road block! Quote 'Bruces Bonus' and you'll get in for £2! Job done!

Check out Facebook for more details by searching 'Sambalanco'.

Keeper of the Bee

Today Helen and I were invited to attend a 'gathering' of Bee Keepers by our friend and Spanish teacher, Solveig. I got my first ever 'taste' of Bee Keeping, and i was a tad excited about it. We were lent all the right protective clothing and head gear, but in the back of my mind i had to believe that the Bees wouldn't sting me. This belief was tested big time, as at one point i must have had at least 200 Bees on my head. At first i was none the wiser, as they were all around the back of my head gear, and it was only until a few experienced professionals gave me some assistance. The only gutting part of the day is not tasting any honey. But after seeing the TLC that is put into the process, i think it'd be wrong not to buy some.

Throughout the day i was listening and picking up some Spanish words and phrases and being given the odd lesson by some helpful Spanish speakers. I really think my understanding of the language is growing. Maybe this time next year I'll be on the way to fluency? And keeping some Bees?

Shipwrecked Video

I thought i'd post a little video from my camera of myself, Helen, Michael and Kat all dancing on a boat at a party called Shipwrecked. It was very choppy that morning, so i'm not doing a good job at recording. I was also trying hard to stay standing on those plastic chairs that aren't very stable at all. But it was awesome fun, to be on the boat, dancing with loads of other workers. Here's a little snippet of what the party is like. Watching this again makes me think of the good times we had last summer. I'm also very much looking forward to the coming summer.

Tour of Ibiza 08

Well, without wanting to rub it in, well ok, i do want to a little, Freddy, Agneta and i hired scooters for the day and toured the whole of Ibiza. After thinking hard for several minutes about the safety of renting scooters, i'm glad we did, as all i can say is that it was magical - that's probably the best word to describe it. The scooters were only basic 50cc bangers, but they were fairly zippy! We spent 8 hours making our way around the whole Island. We began in San Antonio, turning North to Santa Ines. We then headed towards San Miguel, stopping only for lunch before popping down to Benirras to take in the views. From time to time i thought to myself, 'i've never been that way, let's go and see what there is'. So quite often we'd head down some country road and find some amazing views. All along the way there were winding country roads, lovely views of awesome cliffs and secluded villas here and there. Boy i wish i owned one of them beauties - villas i mean. One day...

From San Miguel we travelled to the very North-easterly point of Ibiza called Portinatx. We didn't really spend as much time there as i would have liked as it's very beauitful round there. From there we headed down to Cala San Vicent and had a spot of 'Fika', a lovely Swedish word for 'snack'. We then motored down to Santa Eularia, past Ibiza Town and on down to the Salt Flats of Salines. We visited a gorgeous beach that we found a few months ago called Es Cavallet, only to realise that it's actually a nudist beach. Quickly leaving there, we headed out past the airport and up to San Josep, before returning to San Antonio.

The fun part of all of this was being able to drink in all the breath-taking views of this gorgeous Island, and to do it with such good friends as Freddy and Agneta. Needless to say, Freddy and I really pushed the bikes, often finding no traffic on the country roads and some very straight ones at that! It was such good fun. Having Agneta there helped us from going too crazy as we'd always have to stop and wait for her. We sometimes had to go back to see if she was ok...haha!

I think i'd do it again next year too. There's lots more to see. Hopefully Freddy will send me some photos that he took of the 'sights' of Ibiza. I'll put some up here soon.

Oh My Life!

Yes, i can say that again....'Oh my life!'

Once again, a blog post that might send some of you to sleep - but i make no apologies for it!!!

Space closing Fiesta was simply awesome! 18 hour closing party with soo many amazing DJs playing, it was mind-boggling. Helen and i were amongst the first 10 in the queue, slightly Roy Keane, but you know, it was the closing! We got in about 12:30pm and we hung out inon the sunset terrace till about 4:30pm, seeing Steve Aoki and Jonathan Ulyseese. Steve Aoki had soo much energy and we began to really dance and go for it, maybe spending a little bit too much energy so early on. We then headed to the outdoor stage and saw a guy called Deadmau5 play his trademark lush and grooving melodic house. We then mooched back to the sunset terrace and saw Fedde le Grande who rocked it, and by then it was getting really busy. The outside car park probably held at least 3000 people...the atmosphere was electric and the weather unbelievable! We had a quick break before making sure we saw Steve Lawler outside and he was my fave DJ by far! He definately rules Space! And the show was unreal, some amazing costumes and themes...at one point the stage was overtaken by at least 10 characters from Star Wars. Then out came all these acrobats and the sight was incredible. David Guetta came on after Mr Lawler, but apart from his first choon - this amazing remix of 'Hey Boy Hey Girl' by The Chems, we weren't that bothered with him. We managed to catch the last half hour of Tom Novy on the sunset terrace and he made us all bend down and get low whilst the remix of 'Toca's Miracle' was being played. Once the breakdown finished we all jumped up - great moment! Once he finished we managed to battle through the crowds to make our way inside to the Terraza to see the one and only Groove Armada play. Never too sure about 2 producers who try to DJ - but they were really good. They of course rinsed 'Superstylin' - twice! During their set i was beginning to think 'I've heard this choon three times already today' - when you start thinking that, it must be time to go...and at that point (2:30am) i was beginning to flake out, and was getting thoroughly pissed off with the annoying Italians (before you ask how i knew they were Italian - they just were - ok?!) And yes, before you mention, i do need to get over my annoyance with people who can't dance - or rather with people who think that elbowing you several times is fine (Sorry - rant over). We chilled out a little and thought about our options...either head home or soldier on. Although i really wanted to see Danny Tenaglia play, i must admit it was me who suggested we call it a night. And DT wasn't on till 4:30am, and i couldn't find the strength to stay till then, so we called it a night - a really good one at that!

So it's with much sadness that Space closes until next summer. I hope it comes round quickly!

Space Closing

Yes, it's finally that time of year when all the clubs begin to finish and close their doors. As the summer sun begins to get cooler and the feeling of winter starts to hit in, not as many tourists make Ibiza their destination anymore. And so the clubs begin to close one by one, leaving the final party of them all: Space closing. Space is one of the best clubs on the Island, if not the world. When it opens at the beginning of June each year it really does mark the beginning of the season for the clubs. And the line up is to die for. It's like a mini-festival for 18 hours in one huge club. They open their massive car-park and it becomes an outdoor stage. The highlights are going to be seeing DJs like: Deadmau5, Steve Lawler, Danny Tenaglia...it's going to be difficult deciding where to be and when. There's too many stages to get round. But we've got plenty of time.

It's going to be a real celebration of the season that has just gone. I think nearly everyone is going tomorrow, from the local shop owner and his dog to hardened clubbers from around the world. For me, it's going to be special as i've never been to a Space closing before, but i did go to the opening this season. It'll be a moment to remember all he good times this summer and be thankful for all the people that i have met and have an absolute blast with 2 of my best friends here in Ibiza: my house-mate Helen and Micheal French who has been here for the past 3 months. They're both awesome people and it'll be great to be dancing with them. And we're likely to bump into loads of workers during the 18 hours, and i'm looking forward to being around them and having a laugh.

I will be getting up at about 10am in the morning, which is the earliest since i've got here. Not sure i'll do it...we'll see.

'Sing like no one's watching'

Helen, Michael and myself went along to the Full Moon party last night at The Hippy Market as guests of Gospel House singer Kym Mazelle. She was supposed to be doing a live-band-gospel-house-thingy-ma-bob at 3am, but she only arrived a bit before that and it became clear that there were some considerable set-backs. We found out that she was supposed to be inside the club with her live band but they had set it up outside. So instead of her doing her live band thing, she was going to sing her famous track 'Young hearts run free' inside the club.

As we waited with her, Michael told her that all our friends (workers in the West End) were in the club and encouraged her to sing out what is on her heart and to be free to sing about God and shine in the club. She took those words on, as all i can say is, 'She rocked it'. It all was nearly not going to happen, as the DJ didn't seem to have a clue what was going on, and if it weren't for Michael stepping in and sorting out the microphone, she wouldn't have been able to sing. But for about 15 mins she sang out her prayers, her love for God, and the message to 'come home' over the DJ, which reminded me of the story of The Prodigal Son'. I'm so glad that she didn't sing her song, as it was so right that she sang over the top of the DJ and freestyled. The three of us were loving it, and it was clear after she finished that many people were touched by her words and her passion for God. I was blown away, as i love it when a gospel singer sings over the beats of a DJ. It reminded me of the after parties that me and some friends went to a few years ago at Space called 'In Bed with Space', where Barbara Tucker did the same.

Kym shined like a star in the universe last night, and sang what was on her heart. It was such an honour to dance with her. I hope she does that again in the future.

'Shining like stars in the universe'

Manumission was a really good night!

We got to Amnesia about 2am and went straight to the main room. Not sure who was DJing, but the music was awesome. At first i found it hard to concentrate and enjoy myself and really dance as there were too many things that distracted me; those around me in costumes; dancers; but especially the video footage of past parties - TV screens everywhere. So we went to the terrace area and Zane Lowe was DJing. He was on the mic quite a bit - i think he liked the sound of his own voice to be fair. He played loads of different stuff, from alternative to drum and bass. The atmosphere was really good. At about 3am the 'show' started, but it came in drips and drabs, and not all at once. It was wierd to keep flicking from dancing to watching, but you got used to it. The show had lots of talent on offer. There was this amazing flamenco guitarist and some Spanish dancers; a Didgeridoo player who was awesome. He played along to the DJ, adding his own stuff. There were loads of dancers, who looked very much Moulin Rouge...at one point it all seemed like a glamorous circus. There were a few shocking moments, which i won't share here, but these are some of the things that came into my mind: 'interesting', 'didn't know that was possible', and 'she must have alot of time on her hands'. We bumped into loads of workers towards the end of the night and hung out with them for a bit. Mike and Claire, the promotors, know how to put on a great show. The DJ played some great choons too, and i really felt i could shine and go for it. I love when you're dancing and just in the way you look at others and dance you can communicate something to them. You can even invite someone to dance with you too. I love those connections.

Tonight we're going to a party called 'Thailandia' - a Full Moon Party which is happening down at the Hippy Market at Las Dalias. Our friend Kym Mazelle is doing a live PA. She has invited us as her guests. It seems like the whole Island is going. We met with Kym this week to hang out and eat and pray. She hopes to shine in her music and her singing. It should be great fun to be there. I'll let you know how it goes.

Manumission

'Manumission is a latin word meaning freedom from slavey. The idea is anyone in Manumission is free to do or be whatever they choose as long as it does not harm anyone else.

Manumission is the party we throw in IBIZA

Each year we reinvent ourselves with the creation of a new concept. These concepts are a reflection of how we are feeling & our reaction to what is going on in the world we live in.'

Those words are on the Manumission website, and i didn't realise that Manumission stood for that. I have never been to one of their parties, as the promotors Mike and Claire have often had live sex shows on stage in front of everyone, and it's not really the kind of thing i'm into. Apparently they have really tamed the show quite considerably, and so i go along tonight with both a little fear but alot of excitment.

There's loads of things i'm looking forward to tonight - but most of all, hanging out with Tracy, Helen, Michael and loads of the PRs who'll be going along too! I wonder what the show will be like? What will the promotors message be to everyone? How will they express their freedom?

I love the thought of being free...to be myself around people. Free from the things that trap me and enslave me. Free to dance and not care what those around me think. I love this quote that i've heard many times: "Love as if you have never been hurt. Dance like no one is watching. Sing like no one is listening. And live everyday as if it were your last." Awesome quote.

Tiesto!

Enough said! Awesome! 10,000 people all dancing to the same beat. Wow! I'm here right now-sweating! Wish you were here.x

Hed Kandi

A great night out with our team. There was live percussion and this wkd sax player who rocked. Best moment-her playing over the song 'Man with the red face'-awesome!

Hed Kandi

Tonight we're heading to Ibiza town to go to a night called 'Hed Kandi' at the club El Divino. I'm well excited as i've not been to a Hed Kandi night before. It's an English night, so i'm expecting it to be packed with a mainly British people, but as it's in Ibiza town as opposed to San Antonio, there'll be more of a mixed, cosmopolitan crowd.

I'll take some pictures and videos and upload when i'm there...to give you a feel for the night.

We've got Katrina Pike coming tonight to stay for 6 or so weeks, and Helen and i are really looking forward to her arrival. She is a quality person, full of God and love for life, so she'll really bring something to the work here, and to our house.

Ahoy there!

A little equation to begin.

What do you get when you have one huge boat, plus a sound system, divided by 2 DJs, and multiplied by 250 Ibiza workers?

Answer: One very crazy party!

So, i got up at 5 am - nearly didn't go to bed as i usually work till that time - to go to 'Shipwrecked', the boat party that hundreds of workers go on each and every Wednesday morning. One word...'AWESOME!'

The sun was beginning to rise and give way to a fresh day in San Antonio, and myself and four others jumped onto a large ship full of people. I've heard many crazy stories of these parties, and stepped on thinking i'd end up walking the plank, but straight away, we met loads of familiar faces that work in the West End, and it was great to see them and hang out with them and not be in 'work-mode'. We had several 'what are you guys doing here?' comments, but on the whole, we partied and let our hair down with the rest of them, minus the copius amounts of drugs. But to be honest, it isn't much different to what i see in the clubs on land. The music was great, and i had met the DJ the night before, and he and everyone else was so down to earth and themselves. You didn't get any real snobbishness that you're used to in the clubs. It was quite fun watching people dance when the boat was swaying and being tossed by the sea. I did get a few funny looks, as people worked out that i wasn't 'on' anything, yet danced with as much energy and enthusiasm, if not more.

The boat sailed around the West side of the Island, stopping near a gorgeous piece of rock called 'Es Vedre'. It was beautiful, and i took loads of snaps. I got to meet more workers and catch up with those i already knew. I absolutely loved the experience, and will definately be going back there to hang out, dance and smile at the people on the boat. 'Ahoy!'

Shipwrecked and Ibiza Rocks!

We were invited to the Ibiza Rocks Hotel by the band 'OK Tokyo'. They've had their residency there for the past 6 weeks. They are such good guys, but i've not heard their music, and although they sorted us guestlist for this evening, we missed them, as the guestlist wasn't sorted. But we got to see Sam Sparrow do his thing, and Dizzee Rascal definately did his thing. Loved Sam Sparrow's 'Black and Gold' song. We then hung out with the lads for OK...they're great fun, and have joined us twice for our Sunday community days.

The Ibiza Rocks hotel is uber trendy. They have a huge stage in the middle of their courtyard, with a massive sound system. There was a great atmosphere tonight, really buzzing. But i was so gutted to miss the OK Tokyo boys. But definately check them out, you'll just have to take my word.

I'm up in the morning at 6am, which is far too early, as i'm used to going to bed at 5am. Some of us are going to a party called 'Shipwrecked'. Workers mainly go to this party, that hapens to be on a boat, and it'll embark around 6.30am and then sail part way round the Island. It's infamous for being the place that workers really party, so i think we'll see some crazy things. I'm well excited to be going, as i'll know many of the workers, and we're going not to work but to be a part of the party. I'll let you know how it goes. Maybe we'll end up helping in some way...you just don't know.

'Release those Shackles'

I had such a good night last night. We were invited personally by Kym Mazelle to attend her new 'Gospel House - Live' night in Playa d'en Bossa. For those of you who don't know her, she used to sing in 'Soul ll Soul', and is probably most famous for covering the hit 'Young Hearts Run Free', in the film Romeo and Juliet. At present, she feels that she needs to be in Ibiza presenting the Gospel of Jesus to as many people as possible. She came to our Sunday service a few weeks back and we got a chance to hear her story and to pray with her.

I've never been to the club 'Martina Discotheque', and although it was fairly small, it had an intimate feel to it and also a touch of upper-class to it too. Kym came on after the DJ and had a full band and gospel choir with her. She began her set with 'Oh Happy Day', and then went into 'This little light of mine'. To be honest, i was absolutley gobsmacked! There i was standing in a club in Ibiza hearing someone singing gospel songs and i loved it. And when she sang 'Over the mountains and the sea', i was buzzing. I've sung that song in church settings since i was like 14, so to hear it here in Ibiza was amazing. And she wasn't ashamed of singing about Jesus and encouraging the crowd to lift their hands and hearts to God.

To be honest, half of the club dispersed when she came on, yet those that stayed seemed interested in such a unique presentation of the Gospel. I have so much respect for Kym. She was both bold and courageous, and i believe she was speaking God's words to all of us. What made me think the most was her rendition of 'Shackles' by Mary Mary. The words go, 'take the shackles off my feet so i can dance, i just want to praise you, i just want to praise you.' I quite often hold back when dancing, afraid of letting go, for fear of being made fun of. But i went for it...i found a new boldness.

Kym is here for the summer, promoting the Gospel and singing about her faith in God. I hope we get to go along again, and i hope that those that hear her singing find a new freedom, like i did.

Pacha

So last weekend i and some friends went to Pacha, one of the most glamourous clubs in Ibiza and possibly the whole world! Pacha the club began in a small village called Stiges outside of Barcelona in 1967, and after it proved a hit, they opened Pacha Ibiza in 1973. They have clubs all around the world now, and it has become a global franchise, yet Pacha Ibiza contains the spirit of Ibiza, and it really is the daddy of clubs! It is open all year round, but come May, the club is open every day of the week until it's official closing party in October, when it reverts to just being open once a week...

For those of you who hate clubbing and know nothing about DJs, you might not want to read what i'm about to write, as it might bore you. However, for those of you who love clubbing and dance music, check out the nights that Pacha have here in Ibiza...it might make you cry!

Various DJs, promotors and labels all 'host' a certain night, and they are in charge of the music. Here is the line-up...Roger Sanchez hosts his 'Release Yourself' parties every Monday night. Tuesday is all about 'Defected', with DJs like Bob Sinclair, Juniour Jack and Kid Creme. Erick Morillo DJs every Wednesday with his 'Subliminal' nights...Thursdays is 'F*** ME I'M FAMOUS', hosted by David Guetta. Friday is 'Pure Pacha' and DJs like Faithless, Basement Jaxx and Axwell show up. On Saturdays the USA take over for their 'Def Mix' nights and fly over some of house music biggest legends like Frankie Knuckles and David Morales, and the week finishes with various stuff happening on Sundays.

And this goes on every week. You could easily come to Ibiza and just go to Pacha every night. But that'd be sad and boring, and very expensive, especially considering a ticket for one night can cost anywhere between 37 - 50 Euros. And don't get me started with their drinks prices...a coke is 7 Euros, a can of Red Bull is 15 Euros, and a small, 200ml bottle of water is also 7 Euros. So, i don't go there very often.

But i did go there the other night, with my housemates and a guy called Chris who'd been living and working here for a month. We went there as a kind of leaving for Chris, and it was on friday night. A giuy called Trentmoeller was DJing, and he was awesome! He played 'Let's Dance' by David Bowie, which i liked!!!

I'm sure there'll be many more posts about clubbing...i hope to include some interesting stories of people i meet and dance with. Until then...