Having arrived on Ibiza at the end of April and seeing the billboards spread across the island for the return of The Martinez Brothers, 14 June seemed so far away. Boy, did it come around quickly.
With new branding for 2023, the innovative duo are back. We simply couldn't resist attending the opening party. Those Wednesday morning meetings sure look to be in jeopardy once again... whoops. Sorry, not sorry.
The Theatre | The domain of The Martinez Brothers
Keen as beans, we arrived at Hï Ibiza around midnight as we knew the crowds would start to pile in. Upon entry, the smoking area appeared empty, so we thought we'd beaten the crowds as planned. However, once we got inside to The Theatre, the room was packed already.
Jaden Thompson was on the decks playing to an almost full main room! I guess we weren't the only keen beans. Keeping it in the family, the Cuttin' Headz alumni Jaden Thompson lubricated the crowd for the night ahead with his signature flex of sultry House rhythms.
Swapping the mic for the decks, UK Grime lord Skepta stepped up to the booth next for his first of a select few DJ sets on Ibiza this summer. The man himself even brushed past us on the way to the booth. Starstruck? Oh, yes.
Met with an eager-eyed swarm of party people, The Theatre was ready to get hyped amongst some seriously outrageous beats, as a swarm of phones raised into the air ready to capture the Grime turned House star open his set.
Tapping back into his DJ roots as a youngster, Skepta kept it cool and contemporary but also scoured the archives dropping Dennis Ferrer's House classic Hey Hey, as well as Cajmere's (Green Velvet) Percolator, which sent the happening bunch of ravers positively loco.
Just like that, 03:00 had swung around. Time flies when you're getting your groove on! The energy radiating from The Theatre would suggest we were headed for full capacity territory. This could only mean one thing: enter The Martinez Brothers.
In true TMB fashion, The Bros from the Bronx swaggered into action. Wasting no time in dishing out their stylistic grooves and audaciously fly selections, the brothers brought the essence of an intimate bunker party to the galactic scale of Hï Ibiza and its astounding visual production.
Watching on in real-time as Chris and Steve live out their reputation as one of the hippest duos around, we couldn't help but feel a shade of green. I mean, come on, how are they so damn cool?
Club Room | In the moment with Paco Osuna's Now Here
Packed from start to finish, there was barely any room to bust a move. Despite this, the energy in the Club Room was electric till close. Ibiza-based Manu Gonzalez warmed things up nicely, followed by German born, Jamaican raised Tech House DJ/Producer Melanie Ribbe.
From the raised balcony, it might not have been the best vantage point to see the DJ, however her metallic silver top shined through the gaps in front of us. It was clear she was in her element. This girl is definitely one to look out for this year and is already making waves.
Returning for his second year in the club room on Tuesdays, Paco Osuna was welcomed by a full crowd. Blending Tech House with some naturally darker Techno, his set fluxed between the two, creating the perfect atmosphere for the more intimate vibes the room has to offer.
Wild Corner | Time for Mas Tiempo
Trying to catch a glimpse of everything, there were numerous trips to the Wild Corner over the course of the evening.
First up was upcoming Italian native Matisa. We appeared to have entered at the right time, as she was mixing in Peggy Gou's new track It Goes (Nanana). Having seen it all over TikTok over the last few weeks, it was the first time hearing it out, live in a club. It went off.
It's safe to say that this track will be taking over the dancefloors around the world this summer.
Skepta's close ally and Mas Tiempo co-founder Jammer was next up in the multi-coloured toilet, waving the flag for the Boy Better Know crew. He has some beats, let us tell you! The vibes were on point and it's safe to say that he's made transitioning to a new genre look like a walk in the park. If you haven't seen him before, you ought to.
This week, The Bros welcome man of the moment Chris Stussy and Rossi. to the Theatre. It's setting up to be a big one so grab your tickets here to ensure your spot on the dancefloor of DJ Mag's world's number one club. You can find all remaining dates below.
WORDS | by Lissy Lübeck and Jo Dargie
