Solomun +1

Back in 2012, (the now closed down) Sankeys Ibiza, was still finding its feet. After a promising debut year on the island a year earlier, Sankeys looked to build on that foundation as the underdog took the fight to Ibiza’s larger, shinier and more established clubs. The club already had a reputation thanks to the rub given by its sister venue in Manchester, UK making it particularly popular amongst the British crowd.

Solomun atDiynamic, Sankey's Ibiza - 2013

One of the surprise packages at Sankeys that season was Tuesday nights, hosted by German label Diynamic. The midweek party won rave reviews from critics and attendees alike. Its success was a curious case study, since the high-brow, media-averse mentality of German clubbing often clashed with the corporate, mass-market appeal that Ibiza portrayed.

Led by label head Solomun, Diynamic Neon Nights brought roster members to Ibiza - many of them for the first time, while others played infrequently. Adriatique, HOSH, David August and Stimming were booked almost every week during 2012. By the end of summer, the buzz surrounding Diynamic had reached feverpitch levels.

That’s probably what took Pacha to take a gamble on Solomun and offer him the prized Sunday night hotseat in 2013. The move was an eyebrow-raiser and was regarded as a risky move from a club who had traditionally played it safe by using bankable stars as residents. In actual fact, Solomun was a direct replacement for the outgoing Luciano, one of Pacha’s biggest names, who left under a cloud.

In an unusual set of circumstances, Diynamic Neon Nights was allowed to continue at Sankeys, giving Solomun the rare feat of holding two weekly residencies in the same summer at different venues. Sankeys owner Dave Vincent made no secret of his disdain at the arrangement and felt like his talent had been poached by the bigger fish flexing its muscles. 2013 would be the last summer of Diynamic at Sankeys.

But what about Solomun at Pacha?

Solomun had appeared at Pacha before, guesting for Defected on a couple of occasions in 2012. Those tasters obviously showed Pacha enough. The night, unique to Ibiza in that the line-ups only had two DJs both playing extended sets - literally Solomun + 1, proved popular in year one. In year two, the crowds got bigger. By the third season, Solomun +1 was flying.

Solomun at Pacha, Ibiza - 2019

About to enter its 11th summer at Pacha, it’s hard to imagine the club without Solomun on Sunday's today.

In terms of guest DJs, they’re pretty diverse. From Richie Hawtin and Sven Väth, to Âme and Peggy Gou, but always only Solomun “plus one” and more often than not ending the night playing B2B.

Let's get it 2024! From Sunday June 23 to Sunday October 6.