Sam Divine
Sam Divine spent the summer delivering the perfect warm up for the various Defected guests that arrived to play the huge outdoor stage at Ushuaia before closing the parties in style. She is not a new name to the island but 2011 seen her stock rise considerably. Essentialibiza caught up with Sam back in the UK to get the handle on her summer…
How was your summer residency at Ushuaia?
It was unreal, every week the parties got better and better. I didn’t know what to expect from one week to the next. It was also really cool to hang out with the other DJs from Defected as our schedules rarely have us in the same place at the same time. I can’t forget to give a special shout out to all the staff at Ushuaia that made the experience that little bit more special.
Ibiza has a tradition of dancing outdoors, which has been denied clubbers in recent years, is it fair to say that they missed it?
Hell yeah, but out of every negative comes a positive and this year outdoor clubbing put Ibiza back on the map.
What was you highlight of the 2011 season?
The Defected opening party was really special, for me it really captured what Ibiza had lost in previous years, people didn’t know what to expect so they came to the party with an open mind. The vibe from start to finish was incredible and something that I will always remember as a good Ibiza memory .
How does Ibiza inspire you?
Musically it has made me into the artist I am today. I worked my first season in 2005 and have worked every summer since. You learn so much from playing to a different cosmopolitan crowd every night but also on the flip side you can see some of the best DJs in the world seven nights of the week. For me it’s really important that I take time out to see what other DJs are doing and feel what the dance floor is feeling so I can incorporate that into my own sets. I love the way of life in Ibiza, it’s super relaxed as are the people, anything goes and that’s how I live my life in London.
Describe your first Ibiza experience?
It was Radio One weekend, Pete Tong was doing his live show from Mambo, there were people on the beach going as far back as the sea. The sun set and everyone started clapping and cheering, I had never seen anything like that before, people actually celebrating the sun going down, it was crazy and really emotional. After that I knew I would be going to Ibiza for a really long time.
Did you play in Ibiza before your Defected residency?
I was resident at Hush for four years and in that time I also played at Amnesia, Savannah, Eden and Es Paradis. In 2009 I was the events manager for Defected, I had my own weekly radio show on Ibiza Global Radio, was playing weekly at Mambo and had nine dates at Pacha that year. 2009 was where everything clicked into place which set me up for the Ushuaia residency this year.
What would your advice be to a budding DJ trying to make their way on the clubbing capital?
Dont give up, it takes much longer to get on the ladder nowadays as there are so many good DJs out there. You really have to be doing something special and have an energy about you to get noticed. Networking is the key to any success so put mixes out regularly, go to the parties that you want to play at, talk to the promoter and resident DJs, you have to be a real people person and more importantly be liked for people to give you a break.
On your nights off, were you chilling recharging the batteries or were you front and centre at one of the other clubs?
My summer schedule was crazy this year, I was playing Monday to Thursday most weeks then flying into Ibiza on a Friday and not leaving till Sunday then it would all start again so I didnt get much chill. But as a rule, if i’m not working then i’m searching for new tracks, in a club or sleeping.
If the latter, which club and DJ are you listening to?
Pacha and DC10 are my favourite clubs in Ibiza. I saw Laurent Garnier at Pacha and he really blew me away, his energy, track selection and technical ability was incredible. I’m a huge fan of Kerri Chandler, I saw him play at DC10 twice and Blue Marlin this year, he’s a DJ that consistently rocks it no matter where he’s playing.
Ushuaia delivered many eclectic line up’s during its debut season, you have carte blanch for one evening only, who would you invite to play alongside you on the outdoor stage?
I would have to pick my vinyl day heroes – Frankie Knuckles, Kenny Dope, Kerri Chandler, DJ Spen and India doing a live PA.
What do you get up to during the winter?
I have a bit more time to see my family and friends in the winter and I dont feel so guilty for taking a holiday at this time to recover from the summer. In January I start prepping with my agent for the summer and it all starts again, I love it!
I love Ibiza because…
House music sounds so much better on the White Isle.
