Jonathan Ulysses Interview!!

Here he talks about the reinforced reputation of San Antonio, Ibiza’s best kept secrets, and what it is he loves so much about Hat Club… 

Jonathan, how has the summer of 2009 been for you so far?

The summer has been as enjoyable as always.  I’ve been living the life in the sunshine, listening to cutting edge music, and watching some new nights at Space really explode and take off.

Last year saw Ulybug the clothing label (with some mighty fine T-Shirt designs I might add), this year sees Ulybug the record label. World domination one step at a time, right?  

That’s correct.  I feel that in order to always keep ahead of the game it is important to explore new ventures.  Ulybug record label is an idea I have had for a while and with the success of the Ulybug nights and clothing I felt now was the right time.  Ulybug Records will be working closely with cutting edge producers and we will be putting out up-tempo percussion based driving, jackin house music.  

And what is your philosophy for the label?  

My philosophy for the label is good house music with high energy for the big room of any nightclub. 

Any upcoming releases we should be watching out for?  

The first release will be a track called “Come Baby” that I produced with new talent Tristan Ingram, so watch this space. 

How has your Space residency in Ibiza been this year?  

‘We Love’ has been fantastic this year with world renowned artists including David Guetta, Funkagenda, Camilo Franco, Jason Bye and a live show from Grace Jones which totally took the roof off.  My residency at ‘Monday’s Calling’ on Monday nights echoes the atmosphere of the old Ibiza with high end entertainment, fire shows, amazing light displays, and a carnival vibe. 

How has the season been in Ibiza?  

This season has been a little different due to the new laws restricting opening times but I think it has been a positive thing, the island is still really busy, the clubs are busy and with less time to party, clubbers make the most of their time in them.  

Is San An reinforcing its reputation this year as a respected clubbing destination on the island?  

Yes it is.  I have played various events in San An this summer; Judgement Sundays for Kissdafunk, which is the busiest night in San An. I played at an amazing boat party organised by Ibiza veteran Marco Loco.  I played with my good friends Jason Bye and Oliver Lang for the first time in years and it was really mind blowing because of the togetherness of the crowd, the motion of the sea, the amazing sunset and really exceptional house music played by all the DJ’s.  There has also been a night called Random @ Hush each Tuesday which is building up a stellar reputation with the workers and not forgetting The Zoo Project in the Benimussa Hills that is rebuilding faith in the San Antonio party scene. 

You are a man who is inexorably linked to Ibiza and quite rightly so. What is it that you love so much about the island?  

We all know Ibiza is a unique and spiritual island.  Every year it draws back many of the same devoted crowd. It is a piece of heaven that we are all allowed to take a dip in. House music all night long… 

What would a day off on Ibiza be like for you, any secret haunts?  

Yes my bed is my favourite secret haunt at the moment as I’m working a lot and have been doing an extreme amount of travelling. Airports are exhausting but worthwhile once you reach the venue and start playing for the crowd – it reminds me of why I became a DJ. I also love the beaches that Ibiza has to offer Benirras on Sundays with the hippy drummers, Cala San Vincent, sunsets from Cala Gracianetta to Kumharas and parties on Bora Bora, but I aint telling you everywhere as you must come here and discover. That’s the best way to see Ibiza is to discover its secrets. 

You are back over in the UK this weekend for Hat Club in Brighton. We’re not supposed to talk about Hat Club - everyone knows that - but if we had to, absolutely had to, what is it about Hat Club that floats your boat?  

I enjoy hat club mainly because of the crowd it attracts cool sexy wild mad hatters that are out for the full party and you get that vibe as soon as you walk through the door. And obviously the different and interesting hats!  

So you’re looking forward to playing in Brighton, right? Sounds like you are swapping one beach scene for another.  

That’s right but it’s a lot hotter here in Ibiza. Brighton’s beach is infamous for many different reasons Quadraphinia in the 60’s, The Pier, its vibrant gay scene and of course Fat Boy Slim’s outrageous beach parties. 

Hat Club residents Vince Frimpong and Johnny Kango are joining you on the bill. This looks like a recipe for success.  

Deffo!!! I am really looking forward to it.  I went to a BBQ with Vince in Ibiza at a villa a few days ago and we were talking about how thrilled we are to be playing on the same line-up once again. Last time we played together, we had such a party and the crowd were really rocking. 

Favourite hat and why?  

Bobble hat. Because I had one as a kid and just loved that hat. It was a bit hot in the summer thou and people kept nicking my bobble!! 

What else have you got lined up this year?   

I am lined up for gigs all over the globe for some great parties: The Gallery at Ministry Of Sound, London’s Matter for Kinky Malinki, Colours in Glasgow, Music On Board and Green Valley in Brazil, Chi in Dubai, and Club Platinum in Morocco. Check www.jonathanulysses.com for more information. 

Any plans for NYE?  

All plans are being discussed at the moment, but we have been looking at possibilities in Asia/Thailand for Christmas, and maybe Australia for New Year. I always go for NYE in exotic places and then try to squeeze in a little holiday in between. 

Looking forward to Hat Club this weekend!