Lynn Cosgrave is the driving force behind one of the most respected management companies there is in dance music. Safehouse Managament are tasked with looking after a impressive roster of artists - such as Carl Cox, John Digweed, Yousef, Guy J and Layo & Bushwacka - whilst also running some events you may have heard of - Carl Cox & Friends, Carl Cox The Revolution Recruits. Whilst the initial ethos of the company when started in 2000 was to manage the artists on the books things quickly developed into the company it is today.
Last year Safehouse got involved with a little beach bar/restaurant on the Playa d'en Bossa beach, just down from Ushuaïa, and along with Jason Bull from Es Vive they embarked on a process of transformation and reinvention of the venue. I'm talking about Sands of course. Of all that went down there last year you will probably remember Carl Cox's Soul, Funk and House wig party on the 22nd September, a great party, and an atmopshere that Lynn, Jason and the Safehouse team are keen to build on throughout 2012.
"In partnership with Jason Bull of Es Vive Safehouse runs and programmes events at the luxurious Sands Beach Bar, set on the azure Mediterraneanits hub for fine dining and legendary beach parties. The seductive company of Sands is a true Balearic temptress, exotic cocktails, giant white beach beds, inspired musical selection and the best beach food on the island."
They intend on giving the venue a fresh look, a new approach to the music programming at the venue, and they have involved some highly respected Chef's, of Michilen Star status no less, to ensure the restaurant contained within is of the highest standard. We set up a little Q&A with Lynn about the whole thing...
How does it feel to be embarking on this new project over at Sands?
Well I started it last year, but it was all very last minute, now I am very excited about it!
Other than yourself, who is involved?
Jason Bull, Carl Cox and Neus.
How will the venue change this season, what plans do you have in mind?
We have put new windows in, and new toilets, a new roof and had a general tidy up.
There were some great parties last season, are there still plans to hold these, will they be free?
We have some tricks up our sleeve with some great parties, but don't expect banging music, more beach vibes and sun. And yes - they will be free!
What was the thinking behind getting involved in Sands? Compared to most of the other projects you and the Safehouse team are involved in, it seems completely unique...
It is, but we loved the restaurant and we love the beach. The opportunity came up so we took it!
Have any influences been taken from La Plage and Ushuaia?
None at all, except to say we will NOT be playing the kind of music they do.
What is it about outdoors venues that has seen them make such a rise in popularity over the last few years? Do you think Ibiza is going back to it's roots in that respect?
The Sun! Everybody wants to be outside, it's natural.
A big part of Sands 2012 will be the restaurant. Talk us through the vision you have for it.
We are doing the night service which is a first and also bringing some amazing Michelin Star chefs over - Chefs on Tour!
Will you be overseeing everything in Ibiza full time then?
Well its all teamwork, and I have all my DJs at Safehouse to look after as well, so not full time exactly...
Just a quick word regarding that other project you have going on, Carl Cox's Revolution Recruits, how's the season looking? Can you update us with the plans for this year?
After 10 years of great success we have decided to recruit new talent, new clubbers and move everything forward to create a freshness and a new vibe for the future.
Finally, with all of this in mind, what are you most excited about this season?
The music, the beach, the sun and catching up with friends that I only see in Ibiza!
But Sands won't just be showcasing the world's best DJs on Ibiza's stylin' Playa D'en Bossa beach. They will also be unveiling a promising Ibiza culinary event with their brand new dinner service concept – 'Chefs on Tour'. The four British chefs chosen to launch the first season Andy Needham, head chef of London's award winning Michelin Star restaurant, Simon Wadham, head chef at London's Rivington Grill Shoreditch and Greenwich.
Paul Wadham (yup, they're brothers), chef at Wing of St Mawes in Cornwall; Tim Payne, chef at the London Paradise Pub and former executive chef on ITV's Hell's Kitchen; and acclaimed chocolatier Damion Allsop, owner of Damian Allsop Chocolates. According to Cosgrave, Sands has been toned up with many new amenities including enormous sliding glass doors for windy days and nights. They have also been granted a later license so customers can enjoy their evenings to the fullest. Seats for the 'Chefs on Tour' nights are limited so we would suggest you book early – although the exceptional food associated with Sands will continue to be served throughout the season by Japanese culinarymaster chef Yuji Miura and his team from Japan's A-Life.
