Another sweet addition to the ever growing family of parties here on the white isle: Love The Underground Records presents Mikaela & Friends. The 16 part summer series residing every Saturday night inside the deep and dark, intimate and up close underground lair that is Tox – situated inside Destino’s wonderland. Last week Mikaela and her friends jumped aboard the Capadi Rebels Boat Party to get up to a little mischief.
Mikaela, Mikaela, Mikaela.. “Devoting much of her recent life to the music which inspires her most, she has developed an unconditional love for the underground echelons of the electronic music scene. It is such innate affection and passion, for not only the music, but the environment and memoirs which are cultivated through the music, which genuinely inspires her involvement in the industry.”
The sun wasn’t so shiny here and there but what can you expect, it’s September and after the last few months of heat – I think the cooler weather is nothing short of a godsend. I welcomed a few of my friends who were visiting me from London and this was their first time aboard a party like this in Ibiza so they had absolutely no idea what they were in for. We arrived at the Marina Botofoch shortly before 5pm, feeding off each others’ vibes and eager to down a few beverages, we proceeded onto the boat to get this show on the road.
Our german friend Tay (Taylite/Tay & Finn) from across the waters returned for another Rebels dosage before the season came to a holt, kicking things off from 5pm with some tunes from the more chilled, deep and soothing side of the spectrum – perfect for setting the mood and engaging the guests for what was in store for the next few hours. I even came across a guy who brought his saxophone along for a jam, it definitely caught everybody’s attention and added to the experience quite well.
The adventure embarked from the Marina Botofoch, making way past the ancient hilltop Dalt Villa and along the beautiful coast of Playa d’en Bossa – I believe this is one of the best views you will get of the beach from this side of the shore. We made our way around past the point between Platja Des Cavallet and Formentera and around to a nice little calm and quiet cove just before Es Vedra, perfect for the swim stop and finger food break.
Rebels resident Frank Mendez took the wheel of things from here, picking up the pace of things and before warming the hot-seat for miss Mikaela. This was the first time I had seen her play so I was quite intrigued to see how things were going to pan out. I was chatting to some American guys who were here on their friends stag-do and I said ‘Where´s the lucky guy?’ and they turned around and pointed to the front of the boat with a swift reply `He´s the one who is about to jump in wearing his soon-to-be wife’s bikini!’ – my god, this island never fails to amaze me.
Once everybody gets a few drinks in them, the different groups of people, open up and everybody becomes one, this was my favourite part about the party: no matter who you are, what you do or where you’re from – each and every guest or staff member had time for a chat. I was doing my thing running around with my camera so I kept losing my English friends who were visiting, but that was fine… every time I lapped around the boat to where they were, arms stretched out ready for the hi-5, it was like a game of tennis with who could pull the ugliest or funniest face at each other.
The sun was on it’s way down and it was time for us to start heading back to the port, not so soon though as there was still a few hours on the clock. Mikaela jumps on the decks and she has the guests in the palm of her hand. None of the guests were up the front of the boat, the dancefloor is where the party was at – with an indescribable nature. We had reached the point back between Platja Des Cavallet and Formentera again – perfect to watch the bright red sky and glowing sun illuminating the silhouette of Es Vedra in the background.
One of the best boat parties I have been on this season – with no worries, stress or problems! Unfortunately I did not make it to the party Tox at Destino afterwards see Sam Paginini tear it up for his only gig on the island this season, but I was still overly satisfied with my day. Thanks a million Mikaela, and thank-you to the Capadi Rebels for putting on such a sweet party, week in week out. Until next time, hasta luego!
Words & Photography: JIAY MILLS