There are some partnerships that just work. Russel Crow and Ridley Scott are famous for their Oscar-winning collaborations, Laurel and Hardy for their calamitous and occasionally hilarious antics, cheese and onion for being a seriously tasty flavour of crisp. 2010 will mark the 6th year of another such partnership; that of Defected and the world’s most glamorous clubbing destination; Pacha, Ibiza.

Once again occupying the Saturday night slot for the coming season, the relationship between Pacha and Defected has gone from strength to strength over the last few years. “Defected is perfect for Saturday nights at Pacha” explains Danny Whittle, Pacha’s Brand Director.  “It’s that absolute quality sound that just fits perfectly. I have always liked what Defected do from the attention to detail to the music and the marketing, it’s all top notch. So now Saturdays at Pacha are a great choice for a night out and I see a long future together for Defected and Pacha.”

The Entrance to Pacha

Pacha first opens its doors in 1973 and has since undergone a number of enlargements and refurbishments, now boasting a capacity topping 3,500. Pretty much every house DJ of note has at some time or another manned the decks there, and although Danny has not been with Pacha since the very beginning, he’s been around long enough to have met most of the personally. So how does he handle the occasional diva-ish qualities of the performers? “I handle them like I handle every other person and for this reason I don’t have to handle them very often” he admits. “I believe if you deal with people in the same way then there is not much opportunity for the diva to come through. Also I have known all the DJs for many years so we are mostly friends.”

Danny – who now lives full time in Ibiza – undertook a well-trodden path to get there, from fresh-faced clubber to permanent resident. What he does on the island however is anything from run-of-the-mill, being as he is one of the top guys at the most world’s most recognisable clubbing brands. So is his passion for clubbing as intense today as it was a decade ago? “Yes, it’s what I do” he smiles. “I suppose I enjoyed taking part in it more a decade ago, now I enjoy the making and planning of it more. I love all the nights in Pacha. They are all quality and the key is that no matter what night you find yourself in Pacha you will always have a great night. That’s why I’m so proud of what we’ve achieved.”

One notable change this year is the addition of Luciano presenting Cadenza Nights on 18 Sundays across the season, kicking off on June 6th, a move that has upset some of the island’s techno-loving purists. But Danny is unworried. “People who come to Pacha can handle a more techy sound,” he predicts. “Maybe there are some different sounds but ultimately, it’s all house music: it’s about getting people dancing and delivering a great vibe.”

Junior Jack & Kid Creme Man the Decks

This is something that Pacha have become experts at during close to 40 years in operation. So massive is their influence on the White Isle, that they have recently acquired the site of former competitor El Divino across the Ibiza Town harbor, which is set to be transformed into a luxury restaurant in time for the 2011 season. And while many clubs have struggled to cope with the global recession, Pacha has thrived. “Some places suffered, but not Pacha. That said I think the whole world is now recovering its confidence and this is the most important thing for an economic recovery.” And as for people who might think that Ibiza is ‘over’, Danny vehemently disagrees. “Ibiza will always be the centre of electronic music” he states confidently. “The history is too entrenched for it to change. Other kids will come through with great ideas and great new DJs and shows and the island will continue to entice music lovers and clubbers to come and visit.”

Pacha Dancers

Music will always be the major focus of much that happens on the island, but as a local how does Danny think you’re time is best spent while visiting? “See as much of the island as possible. Don’t just do the club thing every night and then sleep all day. See the beaches, go to Formentera, eat great food. Feel the vibe that is Balearic and Ibiza; this is a place that is easy to fall in love with.”

That’s all very well, but with clubs like Pacha and line-ups as strong as Defected has put together, it’s tempting to set up camp outside just outside for the duration and forego the rest of the island altogether. “I like all the nights for their own reasons, however Defected has that quintessential Saturday Pacha sound, so it works really well for us.”

We couldn’t agree more…

Defected In The House is at Pacha every Saturday – June 6th to September 25th – throughout the season. Click here to view full listings

Defected In The House Ibiza '10 is out 24th May - click to listen & pre-order