Ibiza Insider's Guide: Dave Seaman and Steve Parry

As DJs who have been positively and heavily involved with the dance music scene since the early 90s, it's no surprise that Dave Seaman and Steve Parry's Selador Recordings label is as respected as it is, boasting releases from SEFF, Cristoph, Third Son and the founders themselves.

Seaman is behind some of the most popular Global Underground and Renaissance mix CDs and has played at pretty much every major club including Watergate, Ministry of Sound and Space Ibiza, whilst Parry previously worked as the manager of the world-famous 3 Beat Records and also held a 3 year residency at Cream in Liverpool.

With plenty of club knowledge between them, and certainly a fair bit of Ibiza experience under their belts, we asked the pair to give us some details on the island and how to get the most out of it before the Selador takes the reigns at Space on Sunday 12th June.

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

Dave: Usually around San Rafel as it’s quite central and therefore relatively easy to get everywhere. I lived in that area for a couple of years at the turn of the millennium so I guess I feel most at home there. There’s a lovely retreat hidden away called Can Lluc Country Boutique Hotel which is very tranquil.

Alternatively a bit closer to San Antonio, if you want something a bit more lively, you can’t go too far wrong with Pikes. It’s where Wham filmed their Club Tropicana video and Freddie Mercury used to host his legendary parties, so is something of an institution on the island. The Ibiza Rocks guys have recently taken it over so there’s always lots of cool things going on. 

What makes Ibiza so special?

Dave: Outside of being the clubbing capital of the world for three months every year, it’s such a beautiful island. And the sense of freedom and creativity that it evokes when you’re there stems back hundreds of years. During the Franco era, it’s where all the leftie, creative types flocked to to escape the tyranny. 

Steve: The very thought of it brings out the inner child in me. I get that first time buzz overtime I go. It’s steeped in musical and clubbing history and I’ve had so many great times there. Plus some of the best club nights in the world, the weather, the excitement, bumping in to friends randomly, the food, it’s got the lot really.

Where are your favourite places to eat?

Dave: For a romantic dinner with the Mrs, try Amante, carved into the cliff-side at Cala Llonga. For no fuss traditional, Spanish food with the locals try Cas Pages in San Carlos. Another traditional Balearic beauty is Clandestino in Playa Den Bossa where my very good friend Tim Payne is the head chef and for day time beach vibes, El Chiringuito, Es Cavellet is ace too.

And the best places to go out?

Steve: Space is always tremendous, and always has been. It was the first club in Ibiza I ever went to in 1993 (I didn't even realise there was an inside the first time that I went, I just grooved on the Terrace all day and night haha) I had an amazing time at Pikes last year, what a place! Bonkers. Very ‘Ibiza’. And very much looking forward to seeing my mate Paul Reynolds play at Ushuaia in the daytime this year.

Who do you think will be the star of the season this year?

Dave: I hope Maceo Plex’s night goes well at Pacha. It’s not the most obvious choice of venue for his style of music so I’ve got my fingers crossed for him.

Steve: Cristoph has been having a good couple of years and it’s great to see somebody rise through the ranks. I’m hoping he gets to the heights he deserves.

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

Dave: Hostal La Torre in Cap Negret is a great sunset. It’s now been taken over by Javier from Cafe Mambo and residents DJs include Pete Gooding, Chris Coco, Mark Barrott and Andy Wilson from Sonica. It’s got breathtaking views and is in a beautiful isolated spot between Cala Gracie and Cala Salada beaches on the west coast.

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

Dave: 

1. A boat trip to Formentera and spend a day snorkeling on Playa Mitjorn.

2. Climb La Torre De Savinar for the best view over looking Es Vedra

3. Visit the legendary Space for the final time before it closes for good. Preferably on a Selador night! 

What is your fondest memory of your time spent on the island?

Steve: My 40th Birthday with the boys for a week staying in amazing rock star villa. Pretty much a perfect week. Clubbing, great friends, great food, and lot of partying. A real lot of partying. I’m smiling as I’m typing this.

What’s the island's greatest hidden secret?

Dave: A great hidden secret for me would be the caves underneath Cap De Barbaria lighthouse in Formentera. Climb through and out onto the cliff top ledge to watch sunset, amazing but be very careful, its a long way down!

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

Dave: Don’t go too crazy at night and miss everything the day has to offer. Make sure you explore up north too. Don’t just do the most obvious places. 

Steve: Apart from coming to the Selador parties at Space obviously. You should stay up all night for those! 

Catch Dave and Steve at Sundays at Space on 12th June. Tickets available from the box below. 

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