Ibiza Insider's Guide: Phat Phil Cooper

Our latest Ibiza Insider's guide looks towards a veteran of the island, former Cream resident Phat Phil Cooper, who has been a fixture on the White Isle for decades.

Having continually played everywhere from the main rooms of Space for We Love... up to the more intimate bars, restaurants and sunset spots, he's someone who has a grasp of the true meaning of the real Balearic sound and the rich spirituality of the island long beyond the more well known clubs.

Once such hidden space is La Escollera, a wonderful family-run restaurant on Es Cavallet beach. Cooper and Gavin Kendrick have recently released the compilation La Escollera Session One via NuNorthern Soul records, which captures the sounds the duo have been pushing during their extended sets at the venue both during the season and after it finishes. 

It boasts tracks and mixes from the likes of Major Lazer, Ron Basejam, Smith and Mudd, Marcos Valle, Steve Cobby, Prins Thomas and B.J. Smith, the latter's covers of Outkast tracks 'Hey Ya' and 'Prototype' are above,  with 'Prototype' appearing on the album.

With that in mind, we feel he's the perfect person to show you a different side to the White Isle's obvious party credentials.

Where do you stay on the island when you're there and why?

On my extended visits I either stay at a private house near La Escollera on Es Cavallet beach, or with my good friends Mark and Sarah Broadbent at their wonderful house in Ibiza town.

What makes Ibiza so special?

In the early years of my visits, the early nineties, it was the one place I could hear the music and be surrounded by like minded people from around the world.

As years have gone by its the tranquility of the Island and natural beauty that appeals to me so much in the Autumn, Winter and Spring. The full blown summers are so manic I hardly bother going to the Island in the peak season...

Where’s your favourite places to eat?

Blimey, so many choices but my most recent find is La Escollera, amazing food and the best coastline view on the Island.

And the best places to go out?

I love to find those little hidden parties, anywhere I can hear people like Andy Wilson, Jon Sa Trinxa, George Nightmares on Wax and Jose Padilla (listen to his classic Essential Mix from 1995 below). 

Where is the best place to watch the sun set and rise on the island?

Cafe Del Mar was always the spot for me for sunsets. I have never been in any fit state or awake to appreciate the sunrise in Ibiza... 

For someone about to come to Ibiza for the first time, what are the three things they must do before there time is out?

Get to the North of the Island and walk around the coastal path.

Wander up into the Old Town and take in the views.

Sit in Plaza del Parque and have a cold beer and watch the world go by.

What’s the island's greatest hidden secret?

Sa Punta Fish Shack

And finally, what one bit of advice would you give someone hitting Ibiza for the first time?

Go in the off season, take in the wonderful Island and meet the locals...

For more information on the album head here.

Like this? Try Pete Gooding: The true meaning of Balearic.