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Features
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| Introducing NEM3SI$’s new label Infinite Resistance! | | Mindbenderz talk ‘Lord of the Rings’ and fishing, as well as the creation of their new album ‘Celestial Gateway’! | | Iono-Music artists One Function, Eliyahu, Invisible Reality and Dual Vision talk Robert Miles, kids, dogs and vinyl, while we chat about their current releases! | | Luke&Flex talk influences, the Irish rave scene, why Flex wears a mask and Play Hard, their new EP out now on Onhcet Repbulik Xtreme! | | Lyktum expands on his new album ‘Home’ – talking about his love of storytelling, creating new harmonies and the concept behind his musical works. | | Pan talks getting caught short crossing the Sahara, acid eyeballs and tells us Trance is the Answer, plus shares his thoughts on his latest release 'Beyond the Horizon' - all from a beach in Spain! | | Miss C chats about living with the KLF, DJing in a huge cat’s mouth, training her brain and the upcoming super-duper Superfreq Grande party at LDN East this Saturday, 16th September! | | NEM3SI$ - I Live for the Night – talks superficiality, psychopaths, and bittersweet success, ahead of a plethora of evocative, emotional, and passionate upcoming melodic techno releases! | | Psy-Sisters Spring Blast Off! We talk to DJ competition winner ROEN along with other super talents on the lineup! | | Blasting towards summer festivals with Bahar Canca ahead of Psy-Sisters Spring Blast! | | Shyisma talks parties, UFO's, and Shotokan Karate ahead of his upcoming album 'Particles' on Iono-Music! | | SOME1 talks family, acid, stage fright and wolves - ahead of his upcoming album release ‘Voyager’ on Iono-Music in February 2023! | | The Transmission Crew tell all and talk about their first London event on 24th February 2023! | | NIXIRO talks body, mind and music production ahead of his release 'Planet Impulse' on Static Movement's label - Sol Music! | | Turning the world into a fairy tale with Ivy Orth ahead of Tribal Village’s 10th Birthday Anniversary Presents: The World Lounge Project | | The Psy-Sisters chat about music, achievements, aspirations and the 10-Year Anniversary Party - 18/12/22! | | A decade of dance music with Daniel Lesden | | Earth Needs a Rebirth! Discussions with Psy-Trance Artist Numayma | | Taking a Journey Through Time with Domino | | New Techno Rising Star DKLUB talks about his debut release White Rock on Onhcet Republik! | | PAN expands on many things including his new album 'Hyperbolic Oxymoron' due for release on the 14th April 2022 on PsyWorld Records! | | Psibindi talks all things music including her new collaborative EP 'Sentient Rays' on Aphid Records, her band Sentience Machine and 10 years of Psy-Sisters! |
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Ibizan Heat '04: Interview with Cream @ Amnesia's Promoter Mo Chaudry
Reported by Tom Allen & Shaun Rowland
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Submitted 01-06-04 10:37
With the top two DJs in the world as residents and what is widely regarded as the finest venue in the world as their playground, a night at Cream @ Amnesia is something that anyone serious about their clubbing has to experience at least once in their lifetime. With the now legendary opening and closing parties forming the mainstay of the Ibizan clubbing calendar, one of the highlights of this year's Ibizan Heat tour will undoubtedly be the moment the newly crowned HeatUK resident Ian Betts takes to the decks before Dutch sensation Armin Van Burren - what better time to take a few moments to talk to Cream's promoter, Mo Chaudry about the prospects for the season ahead...
Shaun Rowland: Cream is now entering its third year at Amnesia with Paul Van Dyk and Tiesto as residents - why do you think that Cream has succeeded in putting on a big trance night in Ibiza where the other superclub brands such as Godskitchen and Gatecrasher have failed?
Mo Chaudry: The success of Cream in Ibiza goes back to 10 years of experience, with each year developing and learning from the successes and failures of the previous years. We have very good relationships on the island and our reputation is one of professionalism, quality and continuity. Also over the last 9 years, we have been blessed with the best DJ talent. That has included the likes of Paul Oakenfold, Sasha, Sneak, Roger Sanchez, David Morales, Chemical Brothers, Deep Dish and Fatboy Slim. More recently PVD has actually been playing bi-weekly shows for Cream in Ibiza for the last 6 years and as far as I am aware, never really considered alternatives. For both Tiesto and Paul – the Cream experience is very much their own. The combination is now LEGENDARY!!!
Tom Allen: Do your enjoy a fair bit of autonomy from the main Cream organisation in the UK? Has the UK version of Cream closing it's doors impacted your business in Ibiza significantly or has the effect been minimal. Do you still think that so called 'superclubs' still have a place in club land?
Mo: We are one organisation and work very closely together. The success is based on the coming together and experience of the whole Cream team. Last year was the most successful summer ever for Cream Ibiza. I think people understand the changing nature of the scene – and all the Cream UK events are well attended. Creamfields is still a huge success in the UK and internationally with 10 Creamfields festivals planned for this year alone. Cream’s weekly club nights at Nation in Liverpool ended nearly 2 years ago now, however they still continue to hold one off events there, with everyone being a sell out success. It makes Cream events that extra special, and this ethos carries over to our Summer residency in Ibiza.
Tom: There must have been some low points as well as the highs over the years - have there been any times you can mention when it's all gone horribly wrong and it's looked like everything's going to fall apart?
Mo: The lowest point was losing a good friend and door host “Dee” in a car crash, during the peak period of August, a couple of years ago. It devastated our whole team, but everyone pulled together!! Professionally, we have been lucky that good planning and organisation has prevented anything “to go horribly wrong”.
Tom: What are you most excited about this season at Cream?
Mo: The thrill of been involved with such talented artists, who include the official top 3 DJ´s in the world, drives me. This year I am really looking forward to listening to tracks from the new Tiesto album. It contains some EPIC material. PVD is a hero and never fails to astound me. Also I have never had a chance to work with AVB or Fergie, so looking forward to that, especially for the R1 Ibiza Essential Mix party on Aug 7th. The line up is truly unbelievable. I believe that it will be the event of the summer.
Shaun: Amnesia is often described by many as the ‘best club in the world’ - what is it about the venue that is so special in your opinion?
Mo: I have experienced many great clubs around the world, but the magic of Amnesia is unsurpassed. The energy of the main room to a harder (trance) sound is unbelievable. The colour, the lights, the dancers, the atmosphere is something else. The garden terrace with its trees, the Coco Loco bar and the morning light coming in, compliments the intensity of the main room. That alone could be a great club in its own right.
Tom: One of Amnesia's biggest drawcards is the awesome 'Terror Fog Machine'. What made you decide it was the right thing to install in your club? Are there any interesting stories about it that you can tell us, teething problems, heart attacks, that sort of thing? Surely someone must have dropped down dead when that thing's gone off?!?
Mo: I have seen people´s jaw drop and shock on their faces. But fortunately no one has died, It´s medically safe!!! There are many rumours about the machine – how this or that intoxicant is added or how people were literally blown away. All rubbish – its a good old fashioned “fog machine” just the most powerful ever. But it cools the temperature down and raises the intensity.
Tom: Have there been any developments in terms of the structure, layout, lights, sound, capacity etc etc in Amnesia for 2004 that you can tell us about?
Mo: Amnesia is always developing – that’s why it is “the best”. They are forever improving – this year the sound system has been improved. I also believe that they will add to their VJ´s.
Shaun: How hard was it to secure the residencies of the top two Djs in the world for a third year running? Do you feel that having PVD and Tiesto playing on the same night brings out the best in them as there is a slightly competitive edge to the night?
Mo: It´s actually quite good as both only really want to play Amnesia and the Thursdays at Amnesia are now associated with them - PVD and Tijs have a lot of respect for each other. Of course they are competitive but now they also appreciate the strength of their togetherness. I believe Tijs has played for Vandit nights in Berlin and Paul at Tiesto events in Hollland.
Shaun: Do you feel that all the negative press over the last couple of years regarding Ibiza has permanently damaged the Island? Do programs such as 'Ibiza Uncovered' help or hinder what you are trying to do in Ibiza?
Mo: People have been writing the death notices for Ibiza since the 60´s. However, it keeps on developing and changing. New people always want to come and experience its wierd and wonderful hedonist ways. The nightlife is unique. No other place of this size has the quality and drama of its main clubs. The freedom to experience the best of “dance”!!! It has a place for everyone – the San Antonio West End to the Glamour bars of Ibiza town. I don’t go with the snobbery. Brasilio, the legendary promoter of La Troya Assasina and artistic director of Amnesia once said to me “Ibiza – it’s got both the devil and angel in it. It depends on your attitude on who you meet and how you feel!”
Tom: How do you think Ibiza needs to evolve or change over the next few years to retain its crown as Europe's premier clubbing destination?
Mo: The island is forever changing. Now more and more people are coming and living here. People like me who came here to party are now making their homes and lives here. All the big DJ´s are buying their second homes here, so I think this will drive it to greater creativity. Other places such as Aya Napa or Falakirky? (every year there is a new Ibiza) have tried to copy the formula, but this island is geared for high class clubbing, because of its history and love of the party. The locals are more accommodating and the venues simply unrivalled.
Tom: Take us through how you might spend a typical week during the main season in Ibiza.
Mo: no such thing as a typical week – the only constant is Thursday nights at Amnesia. Many people to see and meet. A typical week starts Friday after the night before. – Friday morning is sleep. Evening dinner followed inevitably by a few drink in Ibiza town. Saturday morning spent on the beach, possibly entertaining and Saturday night a walk around San An – getting response from various people about the party – then late visit to Privilege or Pacha. Sunday – starting promotion of next week & meeting with Cream staff to listen to their opinion. It’s also a day for Office work – followed always by sunset at Kumharas. Last year, most Sunday night we went to La Diosa. Mondays: mornings are always spent in meetings with Amnesia. Then I spend the afternoon in meetings or double checking hotels and flight bookings. Monday night involves a visit to Manumission and / or Sven Vath´s Cocoon. – Tuesday afternoon / day is spent in Playa de´n Bossa, around Bora Bora. Tuesday just pass with various chores such as tix distribution / co-ordinating Cream team work – from sending poster / flyers to reps and holiday companies to getting buses arranged to get people from pre parties to Amnesia Tuesday nights, I use to go religiously to Moneypennies but now its my early night. Wednesday is an arrivals day. DJ´s and VIPs to pick up, take to dinner, entertain. This is the day where my phone is always engaged. Thursday are just a blur of everything. A thrilling day which is made easier because I have a good team who know the job and are as dedicated as I am, so life is less hectic nowadays!!
Tom: What do you do during the rest of the year during the out of season period?
Mo: I now live in Ibiza – life here in Oct / Nov is so fantastic – great weather – everyone chilled. Many dinners and lazy days on the beach!!! Then a couple of months away in Thailand or last year in Bali. But I am always glad to be back in Ibiza. Its home. Beats a rainy night in Blighty!!
Shaun: Where apart from Amnesia do you find yourself dancing in Ibiza?
Mo: I used to be addicted to the old Space terrace, before the all day parties. Any excuse and I was there. The old free beach parties that used to follow Space on Sundays are sadly no more. I still shake an occasional leg – mostlt at private parties. But musically nothing really beats the sound of Thursday in Amnesia. I still get goose pimples to PVD. Last year Tiesto´s recording of “Traffic” had me going wild in the DJ box. I think you will still find me “pogoing” there in 2004.
Shaun: What would your advice be to anyone visiting the white isle for the first time? Which clubs do you regard as 'essential' to visit during the week to get a good all round perspective of the island?
Mo: difficult to say – essentials are a hat or sun lotion, lots of energy and good attitude. Must do´s club wise is obviously Cream @ Amnesia on Thursday nights! Manumission: theatricals in the biggest club in the world; Judgement Sundays – a very strong line up for 2004. The Space terrace is still a good experience on Tuesdays Manumission Carry on. DC 10 with Cream ressie Jo Mills is an experience for the brave. Bar wise: sunset at Café del Mar / Mambo or Savannah strip is still THE “sunset experience” but is so crowded and unreal – a good alternative is Coastline / Kanya / Kasbah (Judge Jules new bar / restaurant venture). Beaches: Salinas is a must see but closer to San Antonio, Calla Bassa / Calla Conte are just as good but not as cool; The old hippy beach of Benniras is still a a magical trip!!
Tom: Other than the club scene, are there any hidden spots on the island (beaches, views, hangouts, bars) that as someone who knows the island intimately you can tell us about?
Mo: So many places to do from a visit to Formentera, the climb of Sa Tallia, to Atlantis beach and Punta Galera. Kumharas beach bar is away from the maddening crowd but offers food, ambience and music of the “real” Ibiza. The Base Bar in Ibiza Port is a favourite hangout for all the “heads”.
Tom: Your resident Tiesto is the number one DJ in the world, and Paul Van Dyk is the number two - why do you think that these two Djs are so popular across the globe?
Mo: Well this year they will be joined by the numero 3 in the world – AVB, plus the legendary Paul Oakenfold. Their popularity is purely down to their professionalism and musical knowledge and presentation. The emotions generated by PVD have left people crying!!! Tijs is such a fantastic producer. The energy of his DJ sets is too much even for the best Amnesia GO GO´s.
Tom: You're welcoming HeatUK to Amnesia for the official Cream opening party on the 24th June. It seems to be something of an adventurous step to invite a London based hard trance promotion into Amnesia - what made you decide to bring the Heat crew in?
Mo: Cream has always been about innovation and giving new talent opportunities. This year we are working with a lot of great partners. Regards Heat, we have noticed how their innovative approach to bringing hard dance enthusiasts has developed for last 2 / 3 summers. So the natural step was to invite them to join us especially after hearing an Ian Betts mix CD. Our other partnerships see us hosting parties with Goodgreef ( Adam Sheridan will play) plus support DJ´s such as Nick Lunn from Storm. His new release “Tecno Punk” is about to be mixed by PVD. Also joining us will be the legend in his own right JFK, the resident at Passion.
Tom: Has word reached your ears about Heat's new resident and fast rising UK trance star, Ian Betts, in advance of chatting to the Heat crew? If not, do you have any reservations about letting someone you don't know play on the mighty Amnesia system?
Mo: It´s funny that since I heard his mix and we let it be known he was playing the opening – a lot of my friends in UK have been saying – how did you find him – he is going to be a star. I have total faith – in both him and Gareth WYN, another exciting new talent who will be one of our main room residents.
Tom & Shaun: Thank you for your time Mo and we look forward to seeing you in Ibiza!
Photos thanks to Cream Ibiza
Ibizan Heat takes place from Wednesday 16th until Sunday 27th June in Ibiza. HeatUK resident Ian Betts plays a main room set at the the Cream Ibiza opening party on Thursday 24th June. Be there!
For full details of this tour, visit www.radicalescapes.info/content/summer/Ibizan_Heat.php
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Bring on Ibiza this summer 
not long 2 go now 
Good article lads, it has given me a few ideas....