Ibiza is home to some of the greatest parties on earth.
It’s a place to feel free. A place to embrace your passion for dance music culture, Balearic style.
Unless you work in the events industry, then you may be blissfully unaware of how it all comes together behind the scenes. And we don’t blame you for that.
You just want to party, right?
Too right!
Shine at Eden
But what does go on behind the scenes involves months of strategic planning, dedication, motivation and of course, stamina.
Along with the experience to ensure that each event is carefully curated, to produce shows of epic proportion.
That’s what it’s all about after all isn’t it?
Having the time of your life without a care in the world.
DANCE LIKE NO ONE IS WATCHING
Amnesia
One man behind an impeccable selection of the islands biggest nights is long-term resident, Nick Ferguson.
A man who knows what works and what doesn’t. In terms of managing some of the hottest, most talked about events on the white isle.
Nick at Amnesia
Q: Tell us a bit about yourself and what you do here on the island?
A: I am the Managing Director of my own company, The Supernova Group. Which owns, manages and finances numerous projects on Ibiza connected to electronic music. I live on the island with my wife and two children. Ibiza is our home, and we are very happy here.
Q: How long have you been working in the events industry?
A: I started as a PR/ticket seller in Ibiza in 2001, whilst I was completing a music management degree at university. I managed to climb up the Ibiza ladder quite quickly. With roles going from PR manager at Café Mambo, to promotions manager for Tiesto. I then became the general manager/promoter for Cream Ibiza (which included Creamfields shows and Radio Ibiza). I was based at the Cream head office in Liverpool in the winter. Being involved in shows at Nation, Creamfields (International & UK), Electric Daisy Carnival and various artist tours. I then spent the summers managing the Ibiza operations for the company.
Q: What current club nights do you manage for the season this year?
A: Our main project’s for 2024 include: Shine with Paul Van Dyk, Camelphat at Pacha, Pikes Mondays, Radio 1, Clubland at Eden, the Kevin & Perry Experience at Amnesia, and One More Time at Eden. As well as several holiday brands we are involved in!
Q: If you had to choose your favourite venue to host a party at, which one would it be and why?
A: I have been lucky enough to be heavily involved with great events at all venues on the island from Ushuaïa, Pacha and Amnesia to Space, Pikes, Privilege, Cova Santa and Eden. I think Amnesia is my favourite after so many years of brilliant shows there.
Q: What makes your parties so popular?
A: A lot of care and early planning go into our events. We start putting them together as early as October, so we have a lot of time to plan all the finer details. We try to keep the ticket price as reasonable as possible, and do all we can to ensure the customer enjoys the experience. We have a great team who ensure every detail is well managed, which enables us to get better at what we do every year.
Q: Camelphat have taken the world by storm since 2017, and their residency at Pacha has proven to be highly popular. How has the season been going for the guys so far?
A: Camelphat‘s Tuesdays at Pacha have been a HUGE success. We have just started our second season and it is already established as one of the busiest, best and most atmospheric events on the island!
Camelphat at Pacha
Q: If you could organise a party at any venue on the island where would it be, and what sort of event?
A: It would be fun to fully programme and promote a series of events at Dalt Vila. It’s is such a special place!
Q: Who’s your favourite DJ to work with and why?
A: I have a very strong, long-term relationship with Paul Van Dyk, which has lead to many great events together. Although I also quite miss working with the likes of Eric Prydz, Fatboy Slim, Sasha and Above & Beyond, like I did regularly at Cream here on the island.
Cream at Amnesia
Q: What’s the best event you’ve ever been to on the island, that you weren’t involved with?
A: 123 Festival stands out, as it was such a huge attempt at doing something so massive and so different. Looking back it feels like a weird dream that the likes of Elton John, Sting and Tiesto were all playing in front of sunset. It’s now just a place were people take their dogs for a walk!
Q: If you had to choose your own personal-favourite genre of music, what would it be?
A: I am actually more into rock and indie music than dance, but there are many forms of electronic music that I enjoy. I am not limited at all by genres in my personal tastes.
Q: What do you do to relax in between all the summer mayhem?
A: It’s extremely hard to relax during the summer. But I try to get to Formentera, Mallorca and Menorca during the season for short breaks. And then somewhere further like the Maldives or Thailand in the winters with my family. As well as England at Christmas.
Q: Tell us about what’s coming up work-wise for the rest of the season.
A: We are now promoting 3-4 events a week, so it’s a busy time for us. Soon we have the Radio 1 weekend afterparty at Eden, and then the Kevin & Perry Experience at Amnesia. As well as all of our other amazing events. We are busy right until the end of the summer.
Kevin and Perry Experience
Q: And what about next year?
A: Next year will see a lot of change on the island. I am unsure exactly what we will be doing yet, but I know it will be exciting!
So there you have it. A little insight into the life of one of the most hands-on events managers, and senior club promoters on the island.
Q&A by Alexandra Ellis with Nick Ferguson.
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