As Autumn rolls into winter Mr Doris is presenting two mixes from either ends of his broad spectrum. As the ‘Hardest Working Man in Dance Music’™ he’s got an ample collection of old and new and stretches it in both directions here.
First up is a guest selection for the NuNorthern Soul stable. It’s nice to see (and lovely to hear) Doris’ take on how his beloved nu-jazz / world funk genres are moving into indie and folk territory lately with all the lush instrumentals and subtle vocals that entails. So expect the likes of Megan Washington, Fink and maybe just a little from Curtis ‘The Mozart of Soul’ Mayfield to round things off. As NuNorthern Soul padrone Phat Phil’s tentative food analogy goes “…something fresh and not mass produced main stream junk food, this boy is straight up grade A connoisseur business, the Mac and cheese, the real tasty stuff…”
From the uber-chill to the spills ‘n thrills now with his mix straight from the club. Alongside his turntablist buddy Mo’Funk they brought a 6 deck, 2 laptop, multiple FX machine and a shed load of vinyl session to the Sunset Terrace complimenting the insanity of Aphex and Fatboy in the main rooms at the We Love Space closing fiesta. This is only part 1 of 3 from the 6 hour set which lasted until some time past dawn, so keep an eye out for the sequels in coming weeks.
Mr Doris is about to embark on a winter (or is that summer?) tour of Australia, you can check his schedule at the Nu Northern Soul site, here. Meanwhile, shake your hips to this…
On Sunday September 25th, Mr Doris will be welcoming his broken beat brethren to his After Dark project on the Sunset Terrace. Joining him will be audio/visual trailblazer DJ Cheeba – check out his latest ‘video mix. As wonderful as an extended piece of video art can be, on balance the video below sums up his aesthetic and doctrine* much more sussinctly and as if by providence contains audio of Cheeba’s own mix of fellow closing party star Aphex Twin and his song Children Talking.
*DJ Cheeba does not condone the use of mashed potato in sandwiches.
‘Ibiza’s hardest working DJ’™, Mr Doris is bringing a new venture to Space’s Sunset Terrace for We Love this year. We asked him a few questions about what it’s all about and what he’s been up to through the winter months. Download and listen to his latest mix below while you read…
How are you doing Mr Doris, and what did you get up to over the winter months?
I’m great thank you and looking forward to the summer ahead. At the end of last season I finally did the honourable thing and moved full time to Ibiza – something I’ve been aiming to do since I first set foot on the island 15 years ago. Saying that, I still seemed to sp[end most of my time away or in some sort of transport, be it plane, train or automobile. The stationary moments were spent in the studio working on new material, compiling mix albums for the likes of Defected and El Chiringuito, prepping for ‘After Dark’ at We Love… (more about that later) and general tomfoolery.
Was this production work solo, or have you been working alongside somebody else we might have heard of?
Yes! I finally dived head first back into production this winter (after a hiatus of 4 years) on solo material and with other artists. I’m currently working with studio partners Donewrong on projects taking in several genres from chilled grooves to drum n’ bass and everything in-between. Back on the island, Andy Baxter (fellow We Love… resident DJ) and Grayson Shipley of Deepgroove have persuaded me to stray away from my usual path to a housier tip (under the mysterious guise of Señor Doris).
Have you had interest from any labels for these exploits or is it all up for grabs?
‘Born In The Ghetto’ & ‘Elam’ (under Señor Doris) have been signed to Dandy Kid Records for an early June release. A downtempo number entitled ‘Fourteen Hundred Hours’ will be released on Marley Records at the end of May. My more bassy material is hopefully set for a summer release with Skanky Panky. You can catch one of the releases ‘Seeing Red’ on the 2011 Red Bull Formula 1 promotional video, here.
You have been a regular feature at We Love… for a good few years now and you have a new concept starting on the Sunset Terrace this summer, can you explain how this came about and a little bit about what you have in store for us?”
Ideas for the ‘After Dark’ project were sprung from the success of last season’s impromptu sets on the Sunset Terrace after midnight. It was intended to be of a laid back nature but we ended up having it right off to sounds that most people wouldn’t associate with Ibiza: world music – be it reggae, latin, drum n’ bass or anything else that took the mood… with a bit of old fashioned turntablism thrown in for good measure. This year we’re taking it up a level and hopefully opening up Ibiza as a destination to people like myself who aren’t just into the music that is already associated with the island, while introducing new sounds to the regular We Love… crowd. It’s pretty much another dream come true for me – having a platform to both play the music I love to a wide audience and to invite artists who have been a staple ingredient of my record box to do it alongside me – most of whom will be having their exclusive Ibiza debuts including the likes of Quantic, Dr Rubberfunk, Mark Rae & DJ Cheeba.
This is a sound you have been championing for some time now, do you think it works well in a bigger arena like the Sunset Terrace?
This year as I’ve mentioned we’re raising it up a couple of gears, sounds and visions that might not necessarily be associated with a larger arena but one that will be sure to have it rocking. Last year’s unplanned success is testament to that.
Your shows start at midnight when the sound level traditionally drops a little in that particular arena, did you find this to be a problem last summer?
It’s always nice having a lot of volume to play with (although with the ‘After Dark’ music policy it’s not essential), originally I thought it may effect things but as anyone who was with us last year would have witnessed, the party went on regardless. This year we’re also going to be taking the crowd on a visual journey, bringing audio-visual showcases to the club from the likes of Ninja Tune, Solid Steel and Soundcrash. Total sensory overload. :)
The Sunset Terrace is essentially an open air part of the club, are you not worried with the new anti-smoking laws that it will be filled with smokers rather than people who have come to listen to some different sounds?
I think most people would find it very difficult not to enjoy themselves and become involved in the sights, sounds and festival atmosphere that ‘After Dark’ brings. As there’s no strict music policy there often seems to be something for everyone – a lot of people honestly stumble across what we’re doing on the Sunset Terrace and end up staying with us until close. If the smoking ban can bring us a bigger crowd then god bless the E.U.
As far as Space goes, you’re exclusive to We Love now, but what else are you doing on the isle this summer? Will we be able to catch your legendary beach bar sets at El Chiringuito again this summer?
You’ll be sure to catch me playing records during the day at El Chiringuito in Es Cavalet three or four times a week. The restaurant has become a home away from home and a place where I can push my sounds while people relax on perhaps one of the best beaches Ibiza has to offer. As mentioned, I’ve recently compiled and mixed the new El Chiringuito 2011 album that showcases my more downtempo grooves. Other 2011 residencies include Pacha, Rock Bar, KM5 and Lo Cura as well as a few guest spots at places like Bambuddha Grove, Aura and Atzaro.
Any hot tips for the summer months ahead?
Don’t restrict yourselves to the same nights and clubs. Venture out a bit and go explore the island as much as you can…
When you’re not working what do you like to do to relax on Ibiza?
Sleep when and where possible, sup wine and eat vast amounts of tapas with friends at La Bodega and on very rare occasions go to Aguas Blancas beach on the north of the island.
Estamos complacidos en anunciarles el lineup de nuestra fiesta de apertura de We Love…space, el domingo 12 de junio de 2011. We Love es única en Ibiza, con seis pistas de desenfranada exploración musical. Sigue los links de los artistas para videos, mixes y mucho más.
Seguir @welove_music en twitter para actualizaciones.
La fiesta de apertura de este año se plantea como la que definirá la temporada de Ibiza, ya que We Love… Space celebra los 20 años de Planet E. Pocos sellos discográficos han logrado superar la prueba del tiempo, y de haberlo hecho, no han sido muchos los que han podido proclamarse tan reelevantes e influyentes como lo fueron ellos,hace veinte anos ya. Planet E, no solo ha sobrevivido los ultimos 20 anos,sino que sin dudas se ha deleitado a lo grande durante los mismos. Al cerebro del techno de Detroit Carl Craig se le sumara Derrick May y Paul Woolford, quienes recientemente han realizado lanzamientos explosivos en el sello. Estos cerebros tambien estarán acompañados por el residente semanal de We Love Jem Haynes, quien tomará el control de la Discoteca y hara una inusual y prestigiosa sesión solo de vinilo, para celebrar este acontecimiento de la discografica.
Mientras tanto, la mundialmente famosa Terraza de Space tendrá de invitado a James Zabiela exibiendo su sonido house para el 2011. Los DJs de Hot Chip, Felix Martin y Al Doyle regresan para la primera de sus tres exclusivas fechas como residentes y Heidi, la favorita de “In New DJs We Trust” de Radio 1, traerá el sonido ‘jackin’ con el apoyo de Made to Play’s Jesse Rose. A continuación tendremos a la apuesta de We Love Mat Playford, haciendo un show en vivo de tres horas, utilizando un sistema análogo personalizado.
El 2011 trae nuevas caras para compartir esta serie de eventos de verano. El sello discografico Moda de Jaymo & Andy George estará auspiciandola Sunset Terrace antes de que el proyecto “Afterdark” de Mr Doris tome el control, luego de la media noche. Ryan O’ Gorman regresa con el Burlington Project para auspiciar doce citas íntimas en la Redbox, la pista que disfrutan entendidos locales y turistas por igual.
Calling all Guiris*! They’ve lived, worked and breathed the island of Ibiza and feel it’s time to give something back. Using somewhat ‘Espanified’ alter-egos, this lot hope to entertain locals and Guiris alike. Grial is one of the most respected hangouts in Ibiza and this Easter Sunday is set to be a special party with a distinctly We Love feel across both rooms of the club. Although We Love are representing in the UK this Easter weekend you can still get a taste of the good life if you’re in Ibiza with Jason Byzino, Alejandro Lobo, 2 Towns and Andres Baxtez in Sala Uno while Sr. Doriso, Davide Felipe, Daisy Heartbreaker and Tequila House control Sala Dos.
It all kicks off at 11PM and you can check out the facebook event page whatever job, here.
*Guiri is a Spanish and Catalan word used throughout Spain today, primarily to refer to foreign tourists similar in style to how Mexican natives point out Gringos. You can usually spot them wearing sandals with socks while speaking unnecessarily loudly with skin a painful shade of pink and it’s only April. Not that any of our Guiris would be up to old clichés like that.
We are delighted to announce the lineup for our opening party, We Love… Space on Sunday June 12th 2011. We Love is unique in Ibiza with 6 rooms of unbridled musical excursions. Follow the linked names for videos, mixes and more.
This years opening party is set to define the Ibiza season as We Love… Space celebrate the seminal 20 Years of Planet E. Few labels have managed to stand the test of time and if they have, few can claim to be as relevant and influential as they were twenty years back. Planet E hasn’t just survived the last twenty years but positively revelled in it. Detroit techno mastermind Carl Craig will be joined by Derrick May and Paul Woolford, who have both recently presented the label with blistering releases. These masterminds will be joined by We Love weekly resident Jem Haynes to take control of the Discoteca for a rare and prestigious vinyl-only session in celebration of the label.
Meanwhile, the world famous Space Terraza plays host to James Zabiela showcasing his house sound for 2011. The Hot Chip DJs, Felix Martin and Al Doyle return for the first of their three date exclusive residency and Radio 1 current “In New DJs We Trust” favourite Heidi bringing the jackin’ sound’ o’ Chi’ Town with support from Made To Play’s Jesse Rose. Kicking off proceedings is We Love’s own Mat Playford playing a three hour live show using a customised analogue setup.
2011 brings new faces to share this summer’s series of events. Jaymo & Andy George’s label Moda host the Sunset Terrace before Mr Doris’ “Afterdark” project takes over after midnight. Ryan O’Gorman returns with The Burlington Project to host twelve intimate dates in the Redbox, the room for clued up locals and holiday-makers alike.
To continue our Where Now featurette we look towards a man who now calls Ibiza his year-round home. Mr Doris is a true original, coming up through the unwavering ranks of resident Ibiza DJs with his true to the new school sound of global funk and breaks. His diverse selections have landed him sets in venues as diverse as The End and fabric to Koko and even the Royal Albert Hall, where he has supported the likes of The Cinematic Orchestra and Kruder & Dorfmeister.
Since dropping a promo mix on the desk of our chief booker 5 years ago, Mr Doris has grown in stature to play extended back-room sets for Carl Cox, Pacha and of course We Love. Last summer his star was burning bright when he was given a promotion of sorts to host the Sunset Terrace weekly for We Love from midnight until close, some might say a risky move with a crowd more accustomed to a classic high-energy house sound. It turned into an unexpectedly pristine display of musical knowledge and brought some much needed dubby light-heartedness to a time of day when things can get a wee bit moody. Give that mix a listen and you’ll know exactly where we’re coming from. Mr Doris, take it away…
Over the past few winter seasons you’ve set up shop everywhere from the East End of London to Bahrain. This year you seem to have settled down in Ibiza, you’ve even got a cat. How is that working out for you?
It’s true… I have led a bit of a nomadic lifestyle (or a hobo’s, depending on the way you look at it) for the last 11 years. The only recurring destination seems to have been Ibiza – and over the last 5 years myself & my partner in grime (fellow We Lover… Roxane Barcelo) have realised that this is the place for us (for now at least). This winter is turning out to be the most productive (literally) in a long time as I have finally got back in the studio after a 5 year hiatus, collaborating on many different projects with many different artists. I’ve also had time to compile and mix a new compilation album ‘El Chiringuito‘ that will be released at the start of May in CD format in stores as well as through the usual online sources (iTunes, Beatport etc).
Productivity aside I have never felt more at home (hence the new cat) as I do at the moment here in Ibiza, it’s a truly beautiful island with a nice year-round climate. However like any island I do believe it’s possible to go a bit stir crazy so I’ve been lucky enough to have a few great gigs in the “real world” to keep me sane.
Our house, in the middle of our street
How does it feel to be one of the most in-demand and busiest DJs in Ibiza? We’ve seen you everywhere from beach-shacks to super-clubs, there’s even claims of sightings at two places at once. Does man start to meld with machine after DJing for more than 60 hours per week?
The last 3 summers in Ibiza have been incredibly hectic – I got Tony Hart & Neil Buchanan to create a life-size cardboard cut-out of myself (complete with puppet strings) so I could keep up with the work load… luckily it seems that only you noticed.
Seriously though, after 6 months of pretty much non-stop music going through my ears it’s been nice to have a break from the DJing for a while but I wouldn’t change anything for the world, it’s just nice to do something I love and be appreciated for it at the same time.
Doris n' Mo'Funk
From what we’ve seen, yourself and a certain Mr Mo’Funk had it ‘right off’ on the Sunset Terrace this summer, bringing a new sound to a new audience once the high-energy house music had settled down. Is it important for you to be more than a bit different to the rest of the club, and how do you see things developing next year?
Last year on the Sunset Terrace for We Love… was one of the highlights of my summer and my career as a whole – added to the fact it was a completely unplanned success made it all the better. When Mo’ Funk & I do our 4 deck show we really do bring out the best in each other – although I still have a few things to teach him… ;-)
When it comes to being different it’s just the music I enjoy mixing the most and if that’s any different from anyone else then it’s unintentional. If it’s been successful then I would probably contribute that to the fact that the musical scope of the average Ibiza club goer in general has seriously expanded in the last few years.
Next years plans are hush hush but big nonetheless… all I can say is that there will be a lot of incredible artists (including a couple from my mix playlist) making their Ibiza debut at We Love… Sundays at Space.
Many thanks as ever to the consummate professional Señor Doris. Check out his official website, here.
Bar Lo Cura is nestled away in the back streets in the port area of Ibiza town. It’s become famous for being a haunt for local promoters, DJs and influential holiday makers and also being nearly impossible to find without a bit of guidance. During summer months expect impromptu sets from big players as well as a selection of sterling residents such as our very own Mr Doris every Wednesday and Ian Blevins every Saturday, for what’s become a regular fixture for the barflys of Ibiza town. Proprietor, DJ, culinary dilettante and all round good guy David Phillips conjures up a friendly but not at all touristy vibe for all of those in the know.
David has put together a mix with which the title says it all really. Download the Lo Cura After Hours session here. A great introduction to his take on whatever the hell it means to be balearic these days, expect some low slung sleazy beats, chugging classics and a taste of the unexpected.
You are crazy and cured Spanish pun down
Some would say the bar itself like the 1960s in that “if you remember it, you weren’t there”, the 70s for the rock and roll aesthetic, the 80s since it’s just ever-so-slightly glamourous and the 90s for it’s acid house turn of mind. As for its 21st century leanings, we could put that down to it’s mix of experience and youth in the programming of its resident DJs through summer and uniquely in Ibiza, winter too.
The end is nigh! There’s still time to book flights from wherever you may be for this party of epic proportion. The line-up speaks for itself, including an Ibiza debut from Aphex Twin in the Discoteca and a return to the venerated Terraza with Basement Jaxx. Big up to David Tazzyman. See you there! x
Our resident percussionist who performs weekly with Alfredo on the Sunset Terrace has been in high demand through the winter playing in clubs, at events and in studios throughout the world. Alfredo sums him up as an artist pretty well, “I never practice with Ian, never. I listened to him play in El Salon. He is the first percussionst to not get over the track and disturb the record. When he has to be silent he is silent. The way he keeps the beat is like a machine and melody with percussion is something I have not heard before. He is a humble guy to work with, I am pleased to know him and work with him.” Mark Broadbent belies his promotors hat like so, “I generally dislike drummers more than DJs but Ian is great.” Here are some tales and photos from his travels…
Ian C'enic
Six months since I played with Alfredo on the Sunset Terraza at Space and it’s hard to believe that Ibiza beckons already. I can remember that last gig like it was yesterday but I’ve crammed so much in since then – what a lucky sod!
Ian Frozen C
50 odd gigs since then (and some were odd) have led me around some parts of the world that I’ve never been to before… Denmark was amazing, mid-January, the sea was frozen (as was I) and I performed and partied in an old cinema with 800 or so people. In Sweden, amid their worst snow storm in 30 years we bounced around in an old church with only good music and strong alcohol for sustenance (by the if you are ever there and get offered a shot of liquid brown tar whose name escapes me, say no and run for the hills). In Austria, at a friends birthday party, I performed in a nightclub that is a coffee and pastry shop by day. Nice and randomly, as my life sometimes tends to be, I ended up staying with We Love’s Mr. Doris and his girlfriend Roxanne in Bahrain after finding out I had been booked to play at his winter residency (neither of us knew the other was there until it was all booked) – small world indeed.
Ian C of people
I’ve also been lucky enough to break some personal career records this winter and perform to 5,000 at Amsterdam Indoor Arena and a monster of a gig to 7,000 at the Dubai World Trade Center. This was rounded off rather bizarrely at an after party, with me drinking drinks I couldn’t possibly afford in the presidential penthouse suite of a well know Dubai hotel with some very nice folk indeed – in other circumstances I would have been mistaken for ‘the help’ and told to get my hair cut!
Ian C'eiling
The over-riding factor at all of the gigs (and many many previous events) in all the countries I have been lucky enough to visit over the years, is how universally, whatever our backgrounds, politics or colour, we all just want to have a bloody good time! So to the 30,000 + people that were at the gigs I’ve played at this winter, I salute you!
Ian C for yourself
The summer is nearly here, I can’t wait to get back on that outdoor terrace every week with Alfie again, Ibiza ticket (one way) is booked and a lot of my friends and all the We Love family are poised cat like for action, well, poised anyway… how about you?
Check out a mix created by Ian C and Jem Haynes, here. It’s a dex / percussion / fx mix recorded live and off the cuff by the duo. The busy pair have also just completed a bootleg of a classic Gorillaz record, check it out below…
