Last month as we were going to publish May's new release chart, the UK was preparing for a series of pilot events. Ultimately, the aim being to open large scale events safely in a post-Covid world.
The government-backed scheme fell under the Event Research Programme. Lucky attendees had to produce a negative Covid test result to gain admission, as well as following up with a second test after the event.
The 2021 BRIT Awards, the FA Cup Final at Wembley and the World Snooker Championship were amongst the events being monitored.
Club-wise, the focus centered around two warehouse parties taking place in Liverpool in the North-West of England and co-promoted by Circus at the city's Bramley Moore Dock. We're sure you will be familiar with the scenes shared on social media. Boy, we wish we had been there!
The results are now in.
Out of 6,000 partygoers, a mere 9 registered as positive in the days after. In fact, out of 58,000 attendees across all events, only 15 returned positive results in total. Essentially, no more risky than a trip to the shops.
Jayda G thanks the masses at Circus, Bramley Moore Dock, Liverpool
Combined with the research of similar pilot events in Barcelona and The Netherlands, this is the light at the end of the tunnel the events industry had been hoping for.
Now Ibiza's nightlife association Ocio de Ibiza and the local government are conducting Ibiza's own pilot event on Friday 25 June.
Read what we know so far here.
More news as we have it, but really positive steps being made, alongside the continued success of the vaccination roll-out. We're getting a little excited!
Let's get stuck into some tunes, shall we?
Kelli-Leigh | Feelin' U | Warner Music | 21 May
Back in March, we charted Kelli-Leigh alongside MistaJam with Good. Now the Grammy-nominated singer is back with a single of her own. Do you recognise the sample on Feelin' U? It's Tim Deluxe's It Just Won't Do - an Ibiza anthem itself back in the early noughties.
Argy | Ab Aeterno | Renaissance Records | 17 May
Greek talent Argy drops new album The Interior Journey on Renaissance Records at the end of the month.
You may have seen videos of Dixon playing his track Ketuvim in Tulum, but for our money Ab Aeterno is better. Plus, the story behind the track has Ibiza stitched into its fibre.
The off-kilter, broken-beat piano track is influenced by Alfredo and the late José Padilla, as well as being partly inspired by Sven Väth's Esperanza. In fact, the full album was recorded at Argy's Ibiza studio and is well worth checking out. Don't sleep on this one.
Aniche | 396 (Sunset Mix) | Reptile Dysfunction | 14 May
Sticking in the same tempo range, Aniche returns to Reptile Dysfunction with his From Dusk EP. 396 comes with deep Asiatic influences and vocal chants from Yazmyn Hendrix, projected onto a Balearic canvas. Let these sonic waves of wonderfulness wash over you.
Perfect for sunset moments, as the mix name infers.
Roberto Surace & The Melody Men | Cookies | Solotoko | 14 May
He had the undisputed hit record of summer 2019 with Joys, and now Roberto Surace is back with an equally catchy number. Equipped with funky drum patterns and feel-good lyrics, Cookies is another soul-fuelled summer record. Chances are you'll be hearing this lots!
Slumber | Night Kiss | Rumors | 14 May
Öona Dahl and Amber Cox have been recruited by Rumors for a four track EP under their Slumber project. With its soft tones, the dreamlike Night Kiss is our pick of an exceptional release.
Further proof, that when it comes to A&R, few in the business have better ears than Guy Gerber. We look forward to hearing this on Ibiza this summer.
Hart & Neenan | Do It Again (August Artier & Mick Wilson Remix) | Do Not Sleep |
28 May
Fresh from wrapping up the enchanted four part Kitsetsu series on RAWAX, Ibiza residents August Artier and Mick Wilson return to the studio to continue their partnership. This time, they're on remixing duties, submitting a stripped deep-tech take on Hart & Neenan's Do It Again.
Ronnie Spiteri | Movement | Tronic | 24 May
Another LP which demanded our attention this month, was Ronnie Spiteri's Reset & Restart.
A reflection of the global circumstances of our time, the album's theme is one of new beginnings. Landing on Tronic, the bumper 13-track release is largely harder hitting techno. Yet is does have softer moments too. Take Movement, which feels like a proper Ibiza house track.
Eli Brown & Siege | Pulling Me Back | Purified | 14 May
Taking a departure from their usual tech style, Eli Brown and Siege hook up on Pulling Me Back. Filtered through layers of ancient sedimentary rock and hitting in a refreshing blast, this synth-laced club track radiates hydro-power. Californian vocalist, Lovlee, adds some sweet nectar.
Alisha | What's Your Names? | Kaluki | 21 May
Before Coronavirus derailed everything, Kaluki was set to embark on its first full length Ibiza season, with a new residency at Octan. Best believe Alisha would've been part of that journey. Luckily, the pandemic hasn't slowed her momentum. The Peterborough DJ/producer is playing the colossus that is Mayfield Depot for Warehouse Project's 2021 curtain-raiser.
Jamie Jones | The Land Of The Giants (Unreleased Full Length Dub) | Emerald City |
12 May
Recent weeks have seen Jamie Jones dig into his collection and share personal edits via his YouTube channel.
Land Of The Giants originally came out in 2016 and featured Hero Twins. Hidden from the public until now, this extended version strips away the vocal and compensates with some ear-pricking melodic elements previously absent.
Talking of Land Of The Giants, catch Jamie Jones headline Amnesia's Closing Party on Saturday 23 October. 100% refundable tickets are on sale now.
Some of these tracks and more can be heard on our newly published Ibiza Spotlight Selects 2021 playlist. Subscribe to our Spotify channel for more music.
We'll be back next month with the best releases from June.
