We caught up with the DJ behind CD 1 of our latest Deep House album.

One of our most in demand residents, DJ Eibhlin’s obsession with dance music and events grew rapidly from her teens until she eventually made the decision to move to London to pursue her passion full time.

She now DJs out across the world for Hed Kandi and regularly mixes our albums.

Talk us through your selections on the Deep House album.

When I started putting the album together, in my head, I wanted to create a sort of journey for the listener.  I selected tracks that I thought would resonate with our following on a deeper level. Many deep house tracks have been revisited and reinvented by current artists.

I wanted to pay homage to those legends that paved the way for the deep house genre when it originally begun a quarter of a century ago. I also wanted to showcase some fresh new artists that are up-and-coming and also applaud the big ballers in the deep house game.

Who are the new and upcoming artists in the Deep House scene to lookout for?

No Artificial Colours have been creating so much good music the past few years and are very talented. It is going to be a major year for them. Another London-based duo Tough Love are definitely ones to watch. They have been making some amazing records and are very talented DJs and producers.  With Duke Dumont going to number one in the national chart, it just goes to show how massive deep house has become over the last 12 months!

What’s your favourite track from the album?

I couldn’t choose one! Lee Foss & MK Featuring Anabel Aungland – Electricity, Clean Bandit – A&E, Romanthony – Let Me Show You Love, Kim English – Nitelife (Alexis Raphael Remix), Duke Dumont –Need U (100%). The whole album is ‘da shizzle’!

How are the album tracks going down when you’re playing them out?

The tracks are being so well received. When I was putting the album together I played out some of my favourite deep house tracks to see the crowd’s reactions. The response when I played tracks from Shadow Child, NiCe7, Duke Dumont, Hot Since 82 and Alexis Raphael were immense so I knew that they would be firm favourites for the album.

You’ve got one of your new tracks on there, how did the track come about?

I was hanging out in the studio with Tough Love who are mates of mine. We were listening to music and some of their on-going projects. We started vibing and bouncing ideas off one another. We had so many thoughts about sounds and vocals, we decided to start laying down a track which ended up being Expressions!

What does the summer have in store for you?

Summer is going to be a really busy one. I will be back and forth to Ibiza and Marbella for our Hed Kandi residencies. We also have gigs lined up throughout Europe and also the UK. I will be playing at festivals such Creamfields, Kiss Beach and Sundown.

It’s going be hectic to say the least but I live for summers like this. From sunshine and sea to raving in fields with friends, all for the love of house music! What more could you want?

Hed Kandi Deep House 2013 is out now.

Buy on iTunes, Amazon and Google Play.

Hed Kandi Deep House debuted last year and was an unrivalled success. The genre has since exploded not only on the underground dance scene but has even managed to transcend into the mainstream with collectives such as Hot Natured finding their way into the charts and acts such as Disclosure charting at #2 and being championed by some of the most well respected radio DJs such as Annie Mac and Pete Tong.

This second instalment of Hed Kandi Deep House, carefully curated by Hed Kandi residents DJ Eibhlin and John Jones, features the highly anticipated new single from Duke Dumont, ‘Need U (100%)’ along with some of the most pivotal names in deep house including Lee Foss, MK, Jamie Jones, Maceo Plex, Eats Everything, Shadow Child and Alexis Raphael.

To celebrate the release of our Deep House album, we're giving one lucky person the chance to win a framed copy of the album.

All you have to do is answer the following question:

Which resident DJ mixed CD 1 of this year’s album?

A) Carl Hanaghan
B) Stephanie Jay
C) Eibhlin

Email your answer to pickme@hedkandi.com before midnight on Sunday 21st April.

Good luck!

Terms & conditions can be found here.

It’s the announcement you’ve been asking us for and, we’re delighted to bring you news of our Ibiza 2013 plans.

We’re returning to Es Paradis for another summer full of Kandi magic, starting with our opening party on Saturday 1st June.

Expect the unexpected as you are catapulted down the rabbit hole to Once Upon A Time In Ibiza as Es Paradis is transformed into a world of fantasy and fascination!  

2013 will see us up the ante once again with our world-class resident DJs, lavish live shows and exquisite dancers in action every Saturday night all the way through until 28th September.

For our opening celebration, we’ll be bringing headline resident DJs Sam Cannon, Phil Faversham and DJ Eibhlin over to the White Isle while Ben Santiago will be DJing alongside Dean Oram on percussion and the Lovely Laura on sax.

We began in Ibiza with underground parties at Ibiza Town's Base Bar and Es Vive Hotel, before moving on to bigger spots at El Divino, Space and we’re thrilled to continue our residency at Es Paradis.

Tickets are priced at €40 online and are available now. Further details will be announced shortly.

More festival news from Hed Kandi HQ: we’ve been confirmed as the hosts for Sundown festival’s closing party on Sunday, September 1.

Two of our DJs and two live acts, to be announced, will perform on the showground’s indoor Warehouse Arena at the after-show party, which is open only to festival campers.

There will be after-show parties at the end of each day’s main performances - with the likes of Example, DJ Fresh, Rita Ora and X Factor winner James Arthur already lined up for the main stage on Saturday, August 31, and Rinse FM’s Stage 2 including sets from Skepta, Redlight and High Contrast.

While Jessie J, JLS, Union J and Amelia Lily will be performing on the main stage on the Sunday, with Hospitality’s Stage 2 line-up featuring sets by the likes of Netsky and Danny Byrd.

“With its distinct upbeat house music style, Hed Kandi is a truly global brand that we’re very pleased to welcome to our Warehouse stage for the campers after show closing party,” said Dion Clements, Sundown Festival spokesman.

For more information or to book tickets for Sundown, go to www.nationalboxoffice.co.uk, or call 0871 224 1112 or 1113.

We are thrilled to announce that Hed Kandi is returning to Creamfields this summer to host the Hospitality Arena.

The legendary three-day event on August Bank Holiday weekend kicks off on Friday 23rd August and will see some of the biggest names in electronic music play to thousands of dance-hungry fans in Cheshire.

Saturday will see four of our biggest Hed Kandi resident DJs - Phil Faversham, Carl Hanaghan, Sam Cannon and DJ Eibhlin - heat up the hospitality tent with classic and current house anthems. They’ll also be joined by Dean Oram on percussion and Tom Da Lips on Saxophone.

On Sunday, Andy Daniels, Phoebe D’Abo, Stu Ojelay and Andy Norman take on deck duty for Hed Kandi, while Dean Oram returns on percussion with Aimee Jay on saxophone.

We can't wait to be back at one of the biggest and best UK festivals for one of the highlights of the summer - you definitely do not want to miss this! Creamfields tickets are now available to pre-order here, so get yours now and we'll see you for a weekend of Hed Kandi house in the summer sun!

Greetings from Hong Kong airport where I'm just sat waiting to board my flight home.

Thought I’d check in and let you know what in the world we've been doing all these many miles from home.
I’m over here with Stephanie Jay to represent at the cool Magnum nightclub in Hong Kong.

I love coming to this part of the world and "Honkers" is one of my favourite cities in the world to visit and play, so I naturally was over the moon to get to come back.

After a long flight out via Mumbai we arrived on Thursday morning for the show. After an afternoon of gauging on dim sum and a quick disco nap, we sound checked before heading to the club to do a spot of press, have a good pose and try to be as cool as we could in front of our billboard (what an ego boost).

The club itself is wicked with quite an intimate little room but with a seriously booming sound system. It was a really fun gig for us both and great to show the locals our darker sound – we were told to go in hard or go home!

The next day it was great to be taken to the fancy Armani Prive for lunch, where I had quite possibly the best Bento Box I have ever tasted – it was insane. We also found time to hang out with the Sex Panther guys who had flown in from LA.

Steph and myself quickly managed to squeeze in a trip to the peak, to take in the amazing views out over the city, if you ever get the chance to go to Hong Kong it’s a must.

Big props to Nick, Sabrina and all at Magnum Club for having us – everyone over there is so welcoming and hopefully I’ll get the chance to return there again soon.

ChrisB Percussion

We are excited to bring you details of our latest compilation, Hed Kandi Miami 2013!

With Miami’s position as the USA’s dance music hub ever-strong and house music continuing to inspire dancefloors around the globe, Hed Kandi returns with another Miami devoted album.

March is an exciting time for the Miami music scene, with Winter Music Conference and Ultra Music Festival occurring within the same two weeks and hundreds of thousands of EDM obsessed fans flocking to live it up in view of one of the most infamous skylines and sandy beaches in the world. 

Hed Kandi Miami 2013 captures the upfront, awe inspiring sounds set to roll off the decks at every seductive, chic party to hit the city this year.

Hed Kandi headline DJs, Phil Faversham and Carl Hanaghan have put their unrivalled knowledge to work to select the crème de la crème of house grooves. Divided into two mixes, mix 1, exquisitely mixed by Carl Hanaghan, exudes tantalising beach vibes that get you in the mood for pool party pre-parties, featuring legends, The Shapeshifters, Frankie Knuckles, Supernova, Soul Avengerz and Soulmagic.

Mix 2, mixed by Phil Faversham, delves into the upbeat sounds of the Hed Kandi club floor with an uplifting mix of deep house and harder house beats reflecting the perfect Miami club night. Including Todd Terry, Roger Sanchez, Prok & Fitch, Kings of Tomorrow, The Cube Guys, Sonny Fodera, Danny Kane and Jacqui George, this disc will keep you partying straight through to sunrise.

For the sounds of this year’s Miami party scene, Hed Kandi Miami 2013.

Pre-order Miami 2013 on iTunes here and physical here.

Happy Friday!

Welcome to Residents in Residence, our new feature taking a musical look into the DJ sets of our resident here at Hed Kandi.

"I've put this mix together as a representation of the sound I bring to the table for Hed Kandi. The beauty of representing the label is that you do not have to be pigeon-holed and genre specific. We produce so many amazing albums that cover the spectrum of house music from the soulful balearic grooves of Beach House through to the uplifting vibes of Disco Kandi and Nu Disco, then the driving techy or sultry beats of Twisted Disco and Deep House and the seminal classics of Back To Love.

This is what I try to emulate in my sets. For them to have a start, a middle and an end so that the night makes sense, rather then an audible bombardment on your senses that will leave you shattered and blown out after the first few hours. This mix includes material from the likes of Murk and Louie Vega through to Copyright.

I'm sure you're going to love it"

John Jones, February 2013

Residents in Residence: John Jones by Hed Kandi on Mixcloud

John Jones will next be playing for Hed Kandi at Pacha London on 16 March.

To celebrate the release of our Back To Love album, we're giving on lucky person the chance to win a framed copy of the album.

All you have to do is answer the following question:

When was the Second Summer of Love?

A) 1988 and 1989

B) 2011 and 2012

C) 1801 and 1802

Email your answer to pickme@hedkandi.com before midnight on Friday 15 February.

Good luck!

Terms & conditions can be found here.

Back to Love, the original Hed Kandi series, returns in 2013 to celebrate the finest true club classics that once paved the way for a whole generation of music lovers.

On Monday 28 January, we are going to be live from Ministry of Sound Radio studios for one hour only to give you an exclusive listen to some of the definitive classics that feature on our forthcoming 3CD album

Neev will guide us through some of the vocally dominated anthems that defined an era including Incognito & Jocelyn Brown, Degrees of Motion, Ce Ce Peniston and Pulse, as well as house classics from Nightcrawlers and Ultra Naté. There will also be music from the hip house legends Jungle Brothers and A Tribe Called Quest.

It’s been 25 years since the Second Summer of Love in 1988 and 1989, which is what sparked the revival of the Back to Love compilation series, and we are lucky to have Hed Kandi resident DJ Andy Daniels who will be joining us in the studio to chat about the house music scene over the past few decades and how it has evolved.

We will also be giving away a copy of the album live on the show so keep your ears peeled.

We’ll be looking to involve you in the show as much as possible so make sure you reach out on our Facebook & Twitter communities.

Join us as we celebrate one of our most prestigious releases on Monday 28 January at 4pm, live on Ministry of Sound Radio.

After a short sabbatical we're returning to Pacha London this February to celebrate all that is great and good about the weekend.

Pacha London has witnessed many magical Kandi moments and we’re excited to be coming back. This is our first London party of 2013 and we can’t wait to get things underway.

Hed Kandi residents Sam Cannon & Carl Hanaghan will be raising the roof alongside Dean Oram on percussion and Aimee Jay on saxophone.

With this talented quartet of house music specialists taking the reigns, you can be certain that this weekend will be with you ‘til Wednesday.

To buy tickets, visit Pacha London's website.

When Chris B and I were invited to Dubai to play at Barasti Beach club we were excited to get away from the miserable British weather.

Sony had created a whole virtual world based on Basrati Beach Club where anybody across the globe could get the opportunity to party with us. Chris and I were going to be performing live while people logged in online, creating characters of themselves. 

The virtual rave was going to give people the opportunity to dance virtually, drink virtually, but minus the hangover in the morning. We were going to be playing to ten thousand people on the beach and hundreds of thousands of people online; we were so excited by the prospect.

I packed my bikini (and speedos for Chris) and off we flew to hot and sunny Dubai. We landed to 28 degree heat and I was beyond ecstatic. We checked in at the Westin hotel where we were greeted and treated like royalty. The Emiratis’ are such lovely people – we received such a warm welcome.

I couldn’t wait to get out in the Sun to top up the much faded Ibiza tan I had built during the summer months.  Dropping our suitcases off, Chris and I ran for the beautiful beach. We soaked up the sun and chatted about the whole virtual world Sony had created for Hed Kandi.

I enthusiastically spoke about dressing my character in glamorous clothing while Chris pretended to be interested in the fashion trends I would create for her when I logged into Playstation Home. Looking out at the sea, we felt very lucky to be here and we were buzzing for the live broadcast. Later in the evening we met with the Sony crew and Barasti staff to have a pre-gig warm up. We enjoyed a few puffs of the strawberry shish while we danced under the stars.

The following night was the main event. We met up with the Playstation crew to ensure everything was in order for the gig.  Chris and I were busy doing promotions and interviews during the day. I was sitting on the beach being filmed when a few drops of water started to fall on my head. Hoping that it was just going to be a shower I shrugged it off.  However, it ended up being a thunderstorm!  

Even though the weather was bad until the evening, it didn’t stop anybody from wanting to party! We arrived at the venue to be greeted by such a wicked vibe! Everybody was on top form. Chris and I set up and prepared for the live broadcast!

We couldn’t contain our excitement. We danced and raved, getting sucked in by the amazing atmosphere of the gig.  Everybody was having such a good time and I didn’t want it to end! Rain was the least of our worries when the music played. Looking out over the decks all I could see were hands in the air and happy faces.

It was such an amazing experience and I felt so lucky to be part of it – I can’t wait to return to Dubai!

Dutchman Patrick Hagenaar is back in familiar territory, releasing one of his biggest tracks to date, You Got Me (Glowing In The Dark), on Hed Kandi Records this week.

Currently DMC Buzz Chart number 1, the track has already featured on David Guetta’s and Tiesto’s radio shows and on on BBC Radio 1.

With remixes courtesy of My Digital Enemy and Dan Van & Adam Fierce – this is a killer package not to be missed!

We asked the Dutchman, via Instagram, five musical questions just before he headed off to play in Cairo.

Where are you currently?

Show us what you use to make music.

What’s your favourite piece of studio gear?

Do you still have the first record you bought?

Show us a picture from your favourite gig of the year.

You Got Me (Glowing In The Dark) is out now on Hed Kandi Records

I’ve just returned from another journey flying the Hed Kandi flag over the other side of the world with gigs in Hong Kong & Manila, Philippines. So I thought I’d touch base and give you an insight from this epic tour.

No matter how much you plan and prep your journey there’s nothing you can do about the English weather. A normal two-hour drive from my home in Wolverhampton to Heathrow Airport easily turns into a 4 and a half hour one when a UK torrential downpour hits.

Thankfully I made check in within seconds and the stress levels are always lowered when your travel plans are now in somebody else’s hands!

I was flanked on this adventure by saxophonist Aimee Jay who never fails in the banter stakes to keep everything upbeat along the way. Our first port of call was Hong Kong after a 12-hour flight, which did seem shorter thankfully by a great film selection where ‘Dark Knight Rises’ comes highly recommended!

We arrived pretty early so battling jet lag we kicked into tourist mode and headed up to ‘The Peak’. Unfortunately Hong Kong was moody and the views were restricted by fog and mist. Although the place still defied architectural rules on how much you can develop the top of a mountain – there’s everything up there!

Onto the serious matter of the gig and with a great soundcheck completed excitement levels were high and optimistic for a great show. Thankfully Magnum Hong Kong didn’t disappoint with a lively crowd arriving early and it wasn’t long before they hit capacity. It’s always a great sense of feeling when people are so brand aware of Hed Kandi and couldn’t wait to get their groove on.

The club was very ‘bling’ with plenty of simmer and sparkle on show including the most out-there toilet cubicles I’ve ever seen! With plenty of hands in the air memories it was time for a short rest and onto Manila, Philippines we went.

To give you an idea of the vastness of Hong Kong airport, you check in your bags at one area and then you have to take a 10 minute train to another section of the airport.

The flight to Manila is only 90 minutes but seriously I have never seen so many people on a plane at once. With the size of the queues at the gate it seemed like some kind of Guinness World Record attempt.

After arriving safely in Manila once again you’re greeted by an intense closeness of heat. We were performing at the Exception Music Festival in the city centre where Hed Kandi were hosting one of the main arenas.

You always have to be versatile in many ways as we went from an ultra glam nightclub in Hong Kong to a field in the Philippines. These gigs are nothing short of epic and upon arrival the sense of your task hits home when just fewer than 10,000 people are descending for this full on rave.

Experiences like this are one of the reasons why I got into this business and with the help of Aimee on sax we put on a show to remember.

The Mix is back to kick start the new year and we are celebrating the release in true Hed Kandi style!

We are going to be live in the mix, on Ministry of Sound Radio, for one hour only to give you exclusive access to the resident DJs that mixed the album.

We’ll also play some of our favourite records from each CD and you’ll also have the chance to win a copy of the compilation.

We’ll be looking to involve you in the show as much as possible by playing the ultimate Hed Kandi classic track as voted for by the Hed Kandi Facebook & Twitter communities!

Tune in as Ms Roxx is joined by Hed Kandi residents Nathan Cozzetto, Dan Van and Carl Hanaghan on Friday the 23rd of November at 4pm, live on Ministry of Sound Radio.

The Mix is back to kick start the new year and as always we are celebrating the festive season in true Hed Kandi style. Focusing on a collection of the biggest records and future anthems, this spectacular mix is the perfect album to get you in the mood for your Christmas and New Year’s Eve parties.

Hed Kandi A&R master and DJ, Carl Hanaghan delivers a brilliant mix of old school vs. nu school house for Mix 3. Featuring future anthems from Hot Natured & Ali Love, Tensnake, Miguel Campbell, Pete Tong, Luvlife, Storm Queen and Ibiza Awards winner, Maceo Plex.

With the album out now, we caught up with Hed Kandi resident and A&R DJ Carl Hanghan for a chat, via Instagram.

Where are you currently?

 On my way to play at Jade in Zurich.

Show us a picture from a previous gig?

Hed Kandi ADE Special!

What's been your favourite Hed Kandi gig of the year?

Es Paradis in Ibiza alongside DJ Andy Norman

Show us a picture of you partying with the Hed Kandi gang?

A Sunday session in Ibiza watching the sunset from Kamaras.

What’s been your favourite Hed Kandi release of the year so far?

The Mix 2013!

The Mix 2013 is out now | Buy on iTunes | Buy on Amazon

With Halloween weekend just gone, there’s no hold up for our DJs as they continue bringing Hed Kandi to all corners of the world.

This weekend sees Sam Cannon head to Graz in Austria where, alongside Dean Oram on percussion, he’ll be playing at Dom. On the same night, several thousand miles away in Australia, we’ll be bringing all the latest house anthems to Fusion in Melbourne.

The following weekend sees our residents head out to all corners of the globe from Mexico, where Stu Ojelay headlines at Roe in Monterrey on 9 November, to Mauritius where Nathan Cozzetto has the pleasure of playing at L'Aventure du Sucre the following day.

Slightly closer to home John Jones (with Dean Oram on percussion) play at Ozu Club in Paris, France on the Friday with A&R master Carl Hanaghan flying the Hed Kandi flag at Jade in Zurich on the Saturday night.

We return to Switzerland the following weekend as Stu Ojelay headlines at Liquid in Berne while on the same night, Sarah Louise leads the line as Hed Kandi take over Winkel Van Sinkel in Utrecht.

It’s a busy month for us and our residents and hopefully you’ll be joining us at one of our parties soon.

With ADE coming to a close this weekend, we caught up with our resident, DJ Eibhlin, on the flight home from Amsterdam to try a different style of interview. For the first time ever we present you with an Instagram interview.

Where you are currently?

I'm currenty on a flight heading home from ADE.

Show us a picture from your previous gig?

This is me DJing at Cocoon Frankfurt - an amazing club and amazing people!

What's been your favourite Hed Kandi gig of the year?

One of my favourite gigs this year was at Creamfields 2012. It had the most amazing atmosphere and we raved all day.

Show us a picture of you partying with the Hed Kandi gang?

This is some of the Ibiza 2012 crew! Here Sam Cannon, Dean Oram and I are partying with Rachel, Tammy and Ian after the amazing Ibiza closing party.

What’s been your favourite Hed Kandi release of the year so far?

My favourite release of the year was the Deep House album. We put lots of love into making it and it has one bad ass selection of tunes on the album and the I heart the artwork!

Make sure to follow us on Instagram: hedkandiofficial

The final two weeks of this month are set to be massive for Hed Kandi. We’re taking our famous parties all over the world, from London to Luxemburg and Birmingham to Bahrain.

This weekend takes us to cities such as Tallin in Estonia where Andy Daniels will be playing at Club Prive (tonight) and over at Elite 360 in Bahrain, Sam Cannon will be headlining there before heading over to our ADE party on Saturday night.

Closer to home sees Sarah Louise play at Thompsons Garage in Belfast tomorrow night and bringing this stellar weekend to a close will be Steve Quarre playing at Club Joia in Napoli.

And with Halloween around the corner, we’re gearing up for one of our busiest times of the year with six events taking place over the continent during the weekend.

On Friday 26th, Nathan Cozzetto kicks proceedings off at Rhino in Southampton before Saturday 27th sees John Jones play at The Hub in Darlington, Carl Hanaghan at Epsilon in Leicester and our flagship party at Gatecrasher continues on this night with Phoebe d'Abo and Sarah Louise both headlining.

On the same night over in Portugal, Andy Daniels & DJ Eibhlin take to the decks at FDS Ericeira, Ericeira while Glen Horsborough headlines at Le Palais in Luxembourg.

But the highlight of our next two weeks is our party at the world renowned Amsterdam Dance Event.

We’re pulling out all the stops to create an unforgettable club experience that will have everybody talking.

We have residents Phil Faversham, Sam Cannon, Carl Hanaghan, DJ Eibhlin and Phoebe d’Abo all playing and joining us are Stonebridge, Chris Kaeser, Steven Quarre and Denniz.

And to get you in the mood for the weekend, here’s a mix from our resident Phobe d’Abo ahead of our event at ADE tomorrow night!

They usually say what goes on tour stays on tour, but thought I’d give you guys an insight on this so far amazing journey to India. I’ve been joined by Chris B on percussion, Aimee Jay on Sax and tour manager Roz in flying the Hed Kandi flag on these enthralling shores.

We’re on the last leg as I write this from Bangalore with us already performed in Delhi, Mumbai and Pune. The first thing you notice here is the fantastic welcome from the locals and this filters through all the way to the clubs and bars.

First up was Lap nightclub in Delhi. With its giant chandeliers, glitzy bars and beautiful open-air terrace it plays host to the who’s who of the city. For a sporting geek like me it was great to see cricket don Virat Kohli getting down to some Hed Kandi classics in the middle of the dancefloor!

Then it was up at first light to catch the flight to Mumbai and get set for China House nightclub. We were greeted by a daunting fierce electrical storm, which thankfully didn’t keep the masses at bay. China House is situated in the underbelly of the Hyatt hotel that, I’m sure you can imagine was nothing short of Plush. Once more we were greeted with friendly faces and a fantastic atmosphere which we duly obliged and created one hell of a party.

No one said touring was going to be easy and there’s no rest for the wicked! I finished my set at 2am, packed up and headed straight on the road at 3am for Pune to miss the traffic.

I’m sure you’ve heard a lot about Indian roads, and combine that with pitch black darkness and early morning fog – this wasn’t a trip for the feint hearted.

Thankfully we all arrived in Pune all intact and with some rest we were ready to hit Penthouze Club. This place is at the top of one of the highest buildings in Pune and has some awesome panoramic views of the city.

With it being Sunday this was an early set for us and people were starting to head in at 5pm. We took to the stage at 8pm with a fantastic vibe being set. The majority of this venue is outside and unfortunately due to a threat of rain we were forced to play inside but it didn’t take long to pack out and build into something rather special.

Partying like this on a Sunday in India?

Although it’s been brief, my dalliance with this part of the subcontinent has been nothing short of breathtaking. The sights, sounds, and culture have been great to behold and I’m looking forward to topping it all off here in Bangalore.

Big love from all of us here in India and hope to catch up with you all very soon!

Stuart Ojelay

After a very successful and thoroughly enjoyable season on the White Isle we have just about returned to normality.

It was a thrilling ride and definitely one of the most memorable summers we have ever experienced at Es Paradis. With so many highlights, its impossible to single out one unique moment that stands apart from the rest but a very special night that we will never forget was when our friends at Fabulous Magazine came to visit.

With bespoke cocktails and celebrity chic added to an already magnificent billing of music, dancers and production it’s a wonder how we dragged ourselves away that night!

Having had such an amazing time we felt it only right to share this amazing experience with our wonderful fans that didn’t have the chance to travel to Ibiza. Beginning tonight, Hed Kandi and Fabulous will be traversing the UK and Ireland with the hope of reliving our unforgettable Ibiza experience together.

The Fabulous Tour will showcase the style, chic and celebrity grace for which the magazine is known alongside the well established Hed Kandi fun loving party spirit.

It’s all about recalling those heady Ibiza nights and continuing to keep that spirit alive, until next year at least.

To give you a taste of the upcoming dates, we've edited together our Closing Party Live at Es Paradis, featuring DJs Treasure Fingers, DJ Eibhlin, Phil Faversham and Sam Cannon alongside The Lovely Laura on Saxophone and Dean Oram aka The Drum Warrior on Percussion.

Details and tickets for our Fabulous Night Out can be found here.

Saturday 22nd September saw us celebrate the final Hed Kandi Ibiza 10 Years party of the season at Es Paradis. It’s been one of our most successful seasons in Ibiza to date, with the mighty Treasure Fingers opening and closing the 17-week celebration.

We were also joined by residents Phil Faversham, Sarah Louise, Andy Norman, Stephanie Jay, Carl Hanaghan, Krystal Roxx, Sam Cannon, DJ Eibhlin, Andy Daniels, Jim Breese, Steven Quarre and Des Paul, who all brought their unique DJing skills to help Hed Kandi celebrate a decade of decadence on the White Isle. Not forgetting our Ibiza resident DJ Ben Santiago, our world-renowned saxophonist The Lovely Laura and Dean Oram, Steve Lewis and Chris B on percussion.

It really has been a decade to remember; pretty incredible when you think that it all started back at Ibiza Town’s Base Bar with exclusive afterparties at Es Vive Hotel, before Hed Kandi took up residence at El Divino, Space and now Es Paradis.

Here’s what some of you tweeted us about the closing party last weekend:

@jones_1304 @hedkandi I hate it when it all comes to an end #whatanight

— Dick Van-Wilts (@DickVanWilts) September 24, 2012

@esparadisibz @hedkandi epic indeed.

— Gerard(@GerardZA) September 24, 2012

Isn't she lovely? #ibiza10years Closing Party was AMAZING! @hedkandi @lovelylaurasax @esparadisibz instagr.am/p/P8Yx_0Ic0x/

— Joris Rutten (@JorisRutten) September 24, 2012

Thanks to each and every one of you who helped us celebrate this summer, and see you next year for another year of Hed Kandi heaven in Ibiza – we can’t wait to do it all over again!

We’ve invited Treasure Fingers back to Es Paradis on 22nd September to help Hed Kandi say farewell to Ibiza for another year, and we can’t think of a better way to round off one of our most successful seasons yet!

After teaming up with Treasure Fingers earlier this summer for our Ibiza 2012 opening party and his New York edition of our World Series USA album, we can’t wait for another superb set of his trademark disco house hotness to round off this year’s celebrations of a decade of Hed Kandi decadence on the White Isle.

Joining Treasure Fingers on the decks for the grande finale will be DJ Eibhlin, Hed Kandi head honchos Phil Faversham and Sam Cannon, our Ibiza resident DJ Ben Santiago and live performers The Lovely Laura on saxophone and Dean Oram (aka The Drum Warrior) on percussion.

We’ve come a long way since we started our Ibiza journey with underground parties in Ibiza Town’s Base Bar and exclusive afterparties at Es Vive Hotel, before taking up residence at El Divino, Space and now Es Paradis.

From the latest hands-in-the-air feel good house music to spectacular production, distinguished DJs, glamorous dancers and unrivalled musicians, we’ve helped transform Es Paradis into the ultimate Saturday night party destination in the dance capital of the world – who’ll be joining us to see the summer out in style?!

Creamfields returns in all its glory to kick off another three day festival extravaganza on August Bank Holiday weekend, starting on Friday 24 August right the way through until Sunday night.
 
Our Hospitality Arena sold out three months in advance last year so it was only right we returned to the world’s best dance festival.
 
The weekend will see Hed Kandi residents Phil Faversham, Sam Cannon, DJ Eibhlin and Sarah Louise perform on the Saturday while Sunday will see Carl Hanaghan and Stephanie Jay take to the stage.
 
And with the festival selling out this week, we’ve teamed up with Ministry of Sound & Nissan – who will be bringing the Nissan Juke Box, the world’s loudest on the road sound system, to Creamfields with Mark Knight & more – to give you a rare chance to get your hands on 2 pairs of VIP tickets for the festival.

All you have to do is e-mail your answer to the question below with your name and address to pickme@hedkandi.com before midnight on Sunday 19 August.
 
Question

• Name one of the Hed Kandi residents DJing at Creamfields over the weekend?

 
Good luck!

CLICK HERE FOR FULL TERMS AND CONDITIONS.

With Las Vegas currently labelled as ‘the new Ibiza’, we kicked off this year’s World Series USA album with the main room sounds from Las Vegas’ biggest nightclubs, mixed by Hed Kandi DJ Sarah Louise.

To celebrate the album's release, we caught up with her to discuss her history with Hed Kandi, where she’s playing this summer and her contribution to World Series USA.

How did you go about putting the tracks together?

Having seen the Vegas club scene first hand, I was really excited when I was asked to compile this particular mix as I knew I would be able to put some amazing tracks on it! I wanted to create a mix much like a club set that I would play in this city, which would start strong and keep momentum the whole way through and never giving the listener a chance to stop dancing!

Being a part of Hed Kandi allows me access to some of the hottest tracks on the scene - I picked the tracks which I felt related best to the Vegas scene and mixed them together in a way to try and keep the party rocking!

What’s your favourite track from your mix, and why?

Hard to choose but I’m going to go with Avicii - Silouettes. It's a firm favourite in my record box at the moment. I really love the vocal and it's definitely a track that gets the crowd going.

What do you like so much about Las Vegas?

I love Vegas because it's a city you can really get lost in. There are so many sights to see and things to do.
I love the fact that the party never stops!

Tell us about your history with Hed Kandi.

I've been with Hed Kandi since April 2008. It's been amazing to watch the brand grow from strength to strength and to say that I’ve been a part of it. I've spent five seasons in Ibiza and been involved in some brilliant festivals including the BPM Festival in Mexico and Ylon Festival in Slovenia and then experienced the full force of some of the best clubs across the world.

What’s the best club in Las Vegas and why?

It's hard to pick just one club in Vegas because there are so many good ones, but I always have a great night when I visit XS nightclub. The club is stunning and the resident and guest DJs always deliver a great party.

Where do you hang out when in Las Vegas?

It depends what mood I’m in because there's so much variety. I'm very partial to daytime pool parties, so very often you'll find me at one of those! I also check out the casinos, the shows and last time I was there, I was hanging out of plane doing a skydive!

You’re playing all over the world this summer, but any event in particular you’re looking forward to?

There's a few that stand out for me this summer. The Digital Dreams Festival in Toronto was incredible.  Es Paradis in Ibiza is celebrating our 10 year birthday party and has had an incredible set up this year. I'm back for my fourth time in Creamfields which is always a guaranteed party! I've been spoilt!

And finally, if you could sum up what you want the listener to get from your mix on World Series USA, what would it be?

Just like Vegas - I wanted this mix to be loud and in your face, the kind of mix that would get you up and dancing, wherever you happened to be! I hope the listeners feel the same way.

World Series is out now | Click here for more information, tracklisting and to buy

As a resident of LA for seven years, Hed Kandi DJ and mixer of the Los Angeles edition of Hed Kandi World Series USA Mikey Gallagher is perfectly positioned to give us an insight into the dance music scene over in the City of Angels.

To celebrate the album's release, we caught up with him to discuss his history with Hed Kandi, life in LA and his contribution to World Series USA...

What do you like so much about LA?

The sunshine! Funnily enough I did move here for the weather - the fact that it's consistently nice also makes everyone here much happier than a lot of other places. It has that certain cool vibe about it too; it's a huge melting pot of talented people. On top of that, the sunshine also makes it the perfect place for Hed Kandi-style uplifting house music!

What are your early memories of you immersing yourself in LA’s music scene?

I've been here for seven years now. When I first came here house music was more underground while hip hop and R&B were more mainstream, but now even the Hollywood clubs play house. It's nice to see house music getting the respect it deserves here.

My early memories of going out to places that played house music here were more underground warehouse parties put on by pioneers in the scene here like Doc Martin.

Tell us about your history with Hed Kandi?

I started off working for Ministry of Sound when I was in the UK. I DJed at their tour events, in the London club and on Ministry of Sound Radio - then about four years ago I was asked to join the Hed Kandi roster of DJs for the USA. I've always been a fan of the Hed Kandi brand and love being part of the team.

What’s the best club in LA?

My favourite club to DJ at in LA is Supperclub. It has a great European vibe to it. There are lots of great clubs, though. Exchange in Downtown LA is a really amazing club and new club Lure is good too.

Where do you hang out when in LA?

Drinks around the Roosevelt pool, lunch at Chateau Marmont or cocktails at the Mondrian are some of my favourite places, but there are so many great places to hang out in LA that it's hard to narrow it down.

How did you go about putting the tracks for your mix in World Series together?

The tracks in my mix are tracks that I have tried and tested on US dancefloors and that I have also championed on my Hed Kandi America radio show. These tracks have been doing some serious damage over here. I was also happy to be able to include tracks by friends like Stonebridge and Hoxton Whores.

What do you enjoy about playing out in LA?

Just because it's LA! You never know who you're going to bump into - it could be anyone from an A-list movie star to a Kardashian. People here are genuinely nice too and really appreciate good music.

And finally, if you could sum up what you want the listener to get from your mix on World Series USA, what would it be?

I want the listener to put on the CD and listen to the entire mix from beginning to end and truly get a feel of one of my Hed Kandi America sets. This mix sums up the LA crowd. Cool, sexy and sophisticated!

World Series is out now | Click here for more information, tracklisting and to buy

They say everything he touches turns to gold...and when it comes to house music, Ashley Scott Jones - aka Treasure Fingers - most definitely has the midas touch. With his signature feel-good funk-inspired sound he’s captured the house hearts of the likes of Eric Prydz, Roy Davis Jr, Miike Snow and many more, and brought the party to dancefloors worldwide alongside A-Trak, Chromeo, Laidback Luke, Felix da Housecat, Benny Benassi - to name just a few.

So we were delighted when he agreed to mix the New York edition of Hed Kandi World Series USA - a tribute to the city he calls home when he’s not jet-setting across the globe - and caught up with him for an exclusive interview all about New York’s music scene, his hangouts, who to listen to and what makes a top night out in the city that never sleeps...

What do you like so much about New York?

The diversity of everything, from food to people to the arts. Everything just seems so accessible there, whatever you are into, you'll be able to find it and other like-minded people in NYC.

What are your earlier memories of you immersing yourself in New York’s music scene?

I didn't move there until 2007 or 2008, but the memory that stands out the most is finding a studio space and then knowing several other people in the building already, & later finding out those friends and other artists I knew were all within a block surrounding me – a huge but small community at the same time.

What’s the best club in New York?

I've always liked the basement at Santos Party House. The drinks are way too expensive, but the low-key lighting and sound is really great in there. It's a good vibe all around.

Tell us a bit about New York’s music scene?

It's endless. There's some sort of scene for every type of genre, sub-genre and sub-sub-genre in New York. You could go from a Dutch jump-style afterhours rave to a black metal basement party to a kindergarten piano recital probably within a few blocks of each other if you wanted.

Where do you hang out when in New York?

Brooklyn or Lower East Side usually. Most of the main big house clubs are midtown or Chelsea, the clubs are nice, but I don't typically hang out day to day in those neighbourhoods.

How much has New York influenced your music?

I really can't pinpoint. It's sort of a magical energy, the entire environment around you. I might get inspired hearing a guy playing pan flute in the L train station, or just walking around in the city. Also, being around so many other creative people really pushes you to keep going and trying new things.

I'll say traditionally I've been more inspired from old Chicago house rather than New York house, but my direct influence comes from hearing what my friends are doing & keeping up with new trends in music and trying to merge everything I like into something that works.

Can you tell us about any New York based producers we should be looking out for?

Free Magic & Jkriv are putting out some really nice stuff and also involved with one of the best NYC parties going right now, Discovery.

Talk us through a great night out, starting at a bar and ending at a club.

I'd start at the Turkey's Nest in Williamsburg. It's a shitty dive bar and they serve their drinks in Styrofoam cups, but I've never had a bad night there. From there I'd go to Maison Premiere, which is the opposite of dive bar. It's a drinker’s paradise if you are into well made cocktails. From there, hop on the L into the city & hit Le Bain, the rooftop bar on top of the Standard.

From here enough alcohol has probably been consumed that the rest of the night could take you anywhere. There's usually Pacha for super late night fun, or you could ask around to find a loft or warehouse afterhours somewhere.

If you had one bit of advice on New York that you could give to a visitor, what would it be?
Put the map away and just do some free exploring. Most people try to over plan their trip and miss out on seeing the real NYC.

World Series is out now | Click here for more information, tracklisting and to buy

To celebrate the release of Hed Kandi World Series USA, we’ve got an EXCLUSIVE free download from Treasure Fingers, the mixer of our New York edition.

The globetrotting album concept returns as Hed Kandi World Series takes on the USA, and after the recent success of World Series Miami Vol 2, it only makes sense to continue this journey through America’s evolving electronic music scene.

Kicking off this 3CD extravaganza are massive main room sounds from Las Vegas’ biggest nightclubs, lovingly mixed by Hed Kandi DJ Sarah Louise. Next up is fellow Hed Kandi resident, Mikey Gallagher, delivering a unique blend of upfront and cutting edge electro hits from the infamous Los Angeles pool parties and dancefloors.

Finally, to round off your journey through the USA’s unbeatable club scene is exclusive guest Treasure Fingers, who puts his own spin on CD3, bringing you the perfect amalgamation of New York House beats.

And as a taster of the album, he's given us delightful disco track ‘Rooftop Revival’ for free! Download, share and spread the word - this download will only be available until Friday 3rd August, so don't miss out!  

Welcome to episode 5 of the Hed Kandi Podcast.

In this episode we celebrate our tenth year in Ibiza! We also speak with Hed Kandi resident DJ, Stu Ojelay, who also features in the mix with his favourite tracks from the new Taste Of Kandi Summer 2012 album!

As always we have some of the biggest and hottest tracks being played across Kandi’s global dancefloors and we also have information on some key Hed Kandi parties coming up in the next few weeks and a full update on our Ibiza 2012 season - Hed Kandi 10 Years!

Enjoy!

Last month saw Hed Kandi join a stellar line-up of some of the world’s biggest superstar DJs, including Afrojack, Richie Hawtin, Alesso, Kaskade, Chuckie and more, as they descended on Toronto to celebrate the Canada Day long weekend.

With over 25,000 people in attendance, Digital Dreams was the first and only multi-day EDM festival to take place in downtown Toronto and we were honoured to host the Carte Blanche All White Beach Party, which featured massive sets from Hed Kandi residents Sarah Louise and Andy Warburton.

We also ran a competition to win a pair of tickets to Digital Dreams – and Dave Deveci was the lucky winner! His verdict?

@HedKandi Thanks again for the Digital Dreams festival passes. Had a really great time!

— David Deveci (@DavidDeveci) July 2, 2012

But if you couldn’t make it, check out the video round-up of this historic moment for Canadian clubbing & festivals...

Bring on Digital Dreams 2013!

The Hed Kandi samplers are extremely popular across UK and globally, edited into a bite size-collection of highlights from our latest upcoming albums and singles. We return with our world famous summer sampler, A Taste of Kandi: Summer 2012, handpicked for you.

This uplifting single CD mix features Hed Kandi favourites by A-List producers including Mark Knight, Chris Kaeser, Stonebridge, Crazibiza, Sandy B, Richard Grey, Reza & K-Klass, My Digital Enemy and Dirty Freek to name a few.

This tantalising collection of delicious tracks packs a suitcase full of Kandi magic which has been handpicked for you by Hed Kandi resident DJ Stu Ojelay and his music production partner in crime James Garrett, under their production alias of Garrett & Ojelay.

We had a chat with Stu about the album.

How did you go about putting the tracks together?

It was a great privilege to compile the tracks. For me it was just a case of seeing what was working currently in front of me on the dancefloors I was performing to and touching base with the DJs and producers I respected to source out new material from them. This then gave us a great balance of recognisable tracks and forthcoming exclusives that are yet to be released.

What’s your favourite track from the album, and why?

I’m sucker for the phrase a classic never dies and no truer word can be said about Sandy B – Make the World Go Round. This track was synonymous with my early days of clubbing and no one stood still once that infectious bassline dropped. Our updated Garrett & Ojelay 2012 remode version originally started out as a bootleg and got some fantastic plays from some big names in the industry across the globe.

It was such a huge compliment for it to be picked up from its original label thus enabling us to feature it on this album and for it to reach an even bigger audience. I’m still caning it now from small gigs to festivals and fingers crossed it will be a mainstay of many other DJs sets for years to come.

You’ve put some of your own remixes in there, why each particular tracks?

I picked out ASBO Let The Beat Hit 'Em from the Hed Kandi records repertoire that was crying out for an update so had to jump on it. This is also only available as an exclusive on the album and from recent gig experiences this one definitely does some damage to a dancefloor. We’ve tried to keep the original elements of the wonderful vocal and distinctive chimes plus added a main room modern day bassline.

I also have recently been a huge admirer of producers Crazibiza and after a bit of social network banter we decided to concoct collaboration. From their original guitar sample we combined to create some rolling beats and bass and Dirty Guitarra was born. Again this was developed as an exclusive with the album in mind but now has gone on to achieve chart success on its own right.

What do you enjoy about playing out over the summer season?

From generating smiles, getting glammed up to general socialising, for me when the sun is shining it kind of makes everything just that little bit easier. It opens up a whole new genre of clubbing with open air and beach parties coming to the forefront and any DJs experience can only be enhanced by playing to more flesh on show!

You’re playing all over the world this summer, but any events in particular you’re looking forward to?

So fortunate so have a fantastic high summer lined up. Highlights include my first festival experience of 2012 in Finland, Helsinki. Where Hed Kandi are hosting a main stage which shall be an incredible experience to play in front of a vast audience. This part of the world also has 24 hours of sunlight at this time of year ideal for a festival.

I’ll also be heading back out to Asia, which is always special to me as have already been fortunate enough to experience their diverse culture. You’re always guaranteed a warm welcome here and hopefully this will be the case when I head out to Hong Kong and Shanghai. Also, can’t wait to get on the decks a little closer to home at Gatecrasher, Birmingham and of course a Summer couldn’t be without a trip to the white isle of Ibiza!

If you could sum up what you want the listener to get from Taste of Kandi Summer in one sentence, what would it be?

I could never be as cheesy to say it will ‘take you on a journey’ but from your car to the club from the pool and beach to the club, I hope it assists you in getting your groove on!

Buy A Taste of Kandi Summer | Follow Stu Ojelay on Twitter | Like Stu Ojelay on Facebook

Running from 12pm-12am for the rest of the summer season, we will be celebrating each new week in style, every Monday at the luxurious, new Ocean Beach Club Ibiza with Ben Santiago supplying the outdoor sounds and Ocean Beach Club providing the perfect poolside setting for a new take on Mondays.

Perfectly complimenting our Ibiza 10 year celebrations at Es Paradis, Ocean Beach Club is sure to please anyone in the party mood.

Free entry wristbands to Monday at Ocean Beach Club will be available at Hed Kandi’s Saturday night party at Es Paradis.

Date: Monday 2nd July 2012 continuing every Monday until the end of the season

Tickets: £10 entry or free when ticket to Hed Kandi on Saturday night is redeemed at Es Paradis

www.hedkandi.com
reservations@oceanbeachibiza.com
info@oceanbeachibiza.com

Dress code: ‘The Weekend Never Dies’

VIPBeds: For V.I.P Bed Reservations +34971803260 reservations@oceanbeachibiza.com

Address: Ocean beach club Ibiza
Carrer des Moli
San Antonio
07820
Ibiza
Isles Balears

Having spent years traversing the globe in search of the world's best party hot spots, here at Hed Kandi we're thrilled to announce our latest residency.

Where there's a great party there's Hed Kandi, and this summer has seen us launch not one, but two sensational weekly parties in Sin City itself - Vegas, baby!

We caught up with our man on the ground in Las Vegas, Hed Kandi resident Mikey Gallagher, to find out how things have been going so far.

“We started doing a handful of pool parties last summer but this year we took those pool parties weekly to every Saturday,” says Mikey.

Already well established one of our best loved residents in the USA, Mikey recognises the unique position in which Hed Kandi finds itself in Sin City - where dance music, and house in particular, has never before been at the forefront of people’s minds.

“Las Vegas is the party town,” he told us. “It has always been the place where people from all across America travel to, to go crazy.

“Vegas, until recently, was dominated by hip-hop – now almost every club here plays electronic dance music.”

With this newfound love for house music, visitors to Vegas are embracing new parties and a club scene that's growing to be equally as prominent as that of its intercontinental cousin in Ibiza.

“Vegas is totally unique, like nowhere else I’ve been to,” Mikey says. “It’s a totally crazy fun place full of people that never want to stop partying. It is the true place of excess.”

And at both our pool party at Azure in the Palazzo Hotel as well as our night party at Gallery inside Planet Hollywood, we're giving you two incredible reasons to join in the Vegas party atmosphere.

“When you come to a Hed Kandi event in Vegas you are going to hear amazing tracks that you won’t hear at any other venue out here. You will be part of a party with no pretentiousness, just smiling happy faces listening to the best house music.”

Which really does sum up Hed Kandi perfectly. Our bags are packed, our iPods are loaded and we've got our suitably embarrassing passport in hand.

See you by the pool!

To celebrate the release of our Ibiza 10 Years album, we’ve spoken to some of the names involved with our parties over the last decade.

Today we speak to Sam Cannon who has been a DJ at Hed Kandi since 2005.

Can you tell us about your first time in Ibiza?

My first time in Ibiza was back in 2000. Myself and a friend went to work the season. Five months of no responsibility and the only thing to worry about was how you were going to get in free to the clubs. I had no idea it would put me where I am today!

How did you get involved with playing over there?

I got involved DJing in Ibiza from just getting myself out there, playing a few free gigs, organising parties for workers and going to the right after parties.

I was a promoter more than a DJ then so was a little biased when it came to who was DJing at my parties.

Over the time you’ve been going to Ibiza, what standout memories do you have?

There are so many. DJing on Space terrace is up there with the best of them, taking 100 friends to Formentera and having a beach party dancing round a fire like something from Lord of the Flies is another, and then there are quite a few that are probably more suited to a conversation in the pub if you want to grab a pint some time.

What is it that makes Ibiza stand out as a clubbing destination?

The sheer volume and class of talent and locations on offer. The island pretty much has everything, whenever you want it. The biggest DJs and live acts, amazing clubs, wicked bars and restaurants, beautiful beaches and sunsets and a vibe that is very hard to create anywhere else in the world! I should work for the tourist board!

What are your plans for Ibiza this year?

This year I am back and forth to Ibiza for our residency at Es Paradis every Saturday night. It is Hed Kandi's 10 year on the island and to celebrate we are having our very own birthday with over 2000 invited guests every weekend. It is simply amazing. I love it at Es Paradis and this year we have gone all out on production and entertainment to make it extra special.

What do you personally enjoy about Ibiza?

The extremely hot females everywhere.

What’s your funniest Ibiza-related story?

It is hard to think of one that isn't incriminating in some way! Probably blowing up a hire car. I was staying in a villa that was in the hills that had a really bumpy road and was showing off to friends one day driving fast and hadn't realised I had cracked the oil sump.

The following day the oil light came on and the car was driving all over the place so I pulled into a petrol garage to top up with oil. As I poured it in the whole engine went up in flames. In typical Spanish style none of the extinguishers were working so the engine burnt out for a good few minutes – in a petrol station!

We finally put it out but the car was a write off. The hire company was not happy. I believe there is now a saying that you have never fully experienced Ibiza unless you have written off at least one hire car.

Buy Ibiza 10 Years

To celebrate the release of our Ibiza 10 Years album, we’ve spoken to some of the names involved with our parties over the last decade.

Today we speak to Ben Santiago, our Ibiza resident at Es Paradis since 2010.

Can you tell us about your first time in Ibiza?

I spent a lot of my youth travelling and Ibiza was always a place that I wanted to visit, but I knew that for the same amount of money it would cost me to come here for a week, I could go to somewhere like India for two months.

Therefore, I had filed Ibiza as a place that I would like to visit but would probably not get around to doing as I would rather two months in somewhere like India rather than one week here.

Then my brother won a holiday to Ibiza on Kiss FM and asked me would I like to join him, so of course I said yes! When I came here, I really fell head over heels in love with the island. The last thing I did when I left from that holiday was find a patch of earth at the airport and kiss the ground of Ibiza just out of sheer respect and admiration. I just had to return and here I am today, fully settled on this amazing island.

How did you get involved with playing over there?

After coming here on holiday, I swore I would be back the following year to try and make my passion my profession, so I came back that year solely seeking work as a DJ. During my first summer I was very fortunate to have landed a paid job. Many people in their first year of DJing here play in places for free just to make contacts.

On my second year I started working at Hotel Es Vive which was again a really fortunate thing as it established me and through that I got the Base Bar residency and then guest slots for Cream at Amnesia. I was very lucky and one thing led to another and so on.

Over the time you’ve been going to Ibiza, what standout memories do you have?

I remember being on the Space Terrace when Groove Armada were playing and loads of Space staff went around giving out sparklers to all the people. Don't ask me how, but somehow everyone held on to their sparklers and didn't light them while they finished giving them out to everyone.

Then all of a sudden, Andy Cato held a lit sparkler up in the air and of course, everyone on the dancefloor took this as cue to light theirs. I can't remember the tune that was playing at the time, but it was pretty euphoric and the entire Space terrace was filled with hundreds of people holding up sparkers. I may have been slightly intoxicated, but either way it was a real moment and one I'll never forget. Pure magic...

What is it that makes Ibiza stand out as a clubbing destination?

Having the world's best DJs playing in the world's best clubs and being spoilt for choice seven days a week.

What are your plans for Ibiza this year?

I'm back with Hed Kandi again for their amazing parties at Es Paradis. They have also started a Beach House weekly party at the Ocean Club which is a stunning new outdoor venue. I'm back with Cream for the fifth year running and I also do a lot of daytime stuff on the beach playing eclectic sets (everything from Hip Hop, Jazz, Soul, Funk, Reggae, Nu Disco, Lounge etc). I also do quite a few private parties in villas etc.

What do you enjoy about Ibiza?

Just being here but it's nice to be a part of it because it really is like a big family here. There are a lot of like minded people here who chose to be in Ibiza because they have a certain lust for life and I think it's that melting pot of interesting people that makes it great.

My favourite thing about Ibiza is its spirit and the island's nature. It is a beautiful island and if all the clubs closed tomorrow, I would still be here because, for me, it's a truly beautiful island and a very special place.

What’s your favourite track from the new Hed Kandi 10 Years album?

DJ Chus & David Penn – Will I (Discover Love). Its sound captures the spirit of the island more than any of the other tracks on the compilation.

What is your ultimate Ibiza anthem?

Jamie Principle & Frankie Knuckles – Your Love. There's not a lot I can say here because it really doesn't need explaining!

Buy Ibiza 10 Years

To celebrate the release of our Ibiza 10 Years CD, we’ve spoken to some of the names involved with our parties over the last decade.

Today we speak to Lovely Laura, the saxophonist who works alongside the DJs and producers at our events.

Can you tell us about your first time in Ibiza?

It was 1999 and I was invited over to play at the Manumission Millennium party at Privilege with Pav the percussionist. It was a life changing memory. I was introduced to clubbing on another level and I knew someday that I would have to return.

How did you get involved with playing over there?

Hed Kandi of course! I was invited over to play at El Divino for their closing party in 2005 where I remember it chucked it down with rain. I still fell in love with the island, though and have had the fortune to return with Hed Kandi every year since.

Over the time you’ve been going to Ibiza, what standout memories do you have?

India singing at ElDivino for Louis Vega's night in 2008 - tear jerkingly awesome, I was so moved I cried my eyes out! Dressing up for Flower Power at Pacha and meeting my gorgeous fiance Ben Santiago. Playing for Hed Kandi on numerous occasions, including magical ElDivino parties, epic sets on the Space terrace in 2009, being airlifted to play on a big sparkly silver half moon at EsParadis in 2011 and this year playing on a gigantic 10.

What is it that makes Ibiza stand out as a clubbing destination?

It has some of the best parties, DJs and clubs in the world. It really is an innovative musical hub of inspiration every summer, while also being positioned on one of the most beautiful islands with stunning views, sandy beaches and glorious sunshine. Two hours from the UK and pretty much central in the world, who could ask for anything more?

What are your plans for Ibiza this year?

Enjoy every moment and spread the love.

What do you personally enjoy about Ibiza?

Ibiza can give you whatever you want and can cater for any mood that you're in. If you wish to party forever you can or if you wish to slip off to a quiet corner of the island, you can. I love this about Ibiza, she gives whatever you want when you want. For me, a cuppa on my roof terrace overlooking the sea and listening to the birds makes me one very happy lady.

What’s your favourite track from the new Hed Kandi 10 Years CD?

Man With The Red Face, for obvious reasons.

What is your ultimate Ibiza anthem?

Chrissy Ward – Right And Exact. Tune.

Buy Ibiza 10 Years

To celebrate the release of our Ibiza 10 Years CD, we’ve spoken to some of the names involved with our parties over the last decade.

Today we speak to Andy Norman, Hed Kandi resident DJ of nearly 11 years.

Can you tell us about your first time in Ibiza?

Back in 2001, Hed Kandi did the backroom at Eden where Paul Taylor ran the night called Retro. My first time there was alongside Paul Wilkins and Matt Collins who were the Hed Kandi residents at the time. Although Retro was more of a classic house night, the Hed Kandi session fast became popular due to the more funky vocal house vibe. We started off small but it was quite obvious from an early stage that we had started something special with a fresh new sound, filling a niche on the island.

How did you get involved with playing over there?

I’ve been at Hed Kandi for almost 11 years so I was fortunate to be part of the team taking the brand to the White Isle for the very first time in 2002.

Over the time you’ve been going to Ibiza, what standout memories do you have?

Since Hed Kandi started doing Ibiza, I’ve had the good fortune of being able to go out there every year.  It’s been great to see the brand take off and grow. Launching our own weekly night at El Divino was definitely a proud moment for me, even more so seeing it go on to be the most successful night at the club and holding our own against some of the biggest events on the island without a big name line-up!

Seeing our own full size billboard advertising Hed Kandi on the island was also a special moment. It was a proud moment and it felt like we’d made our presence felt on the island.    

What is it that makes Ibiza stand out as a clubbing destination?

It’s got some of the biggest clubs in the world and attracts some of the biggest DJs and brands. It has some of the best beaches and even after ten years of touring with Hed Kandi there aren’t many places that come close to the spiritual vibe that Ibiza brings.

What are your plans for Ibiza this year?

Given it’s our ten year anniversary we’ve gone all out on planning our most glamorous party to date. I’m looking forward to playing some of the Hed Kandi classic anthems from the last ten years alongside some of the more current big floorfillers. As well as catching the legendary Ibiza sunset at Savannah’s Beach Bar.

What do you personally enjoy about Ibiza?

What I like about Ibiza is the freedom to do practically what you want whenever you want.  Whether this be visiting the beautiful beaches, partying until the sunrise or going to dinner at midnight at some of the finest restaurants - it offers something for everyone.

What’s your favourite track from the new Hed Kandi 10 Years CD?

It has to be Put ‘Em High by Stonebridge ft Therese.  It wasn’t instantly a big hit and indeed it was a bit of a slow burner but it went on to become a huge club and national chart hit because of the exposure on the island.  It is still, for me, one of Hed Kandi’s golden moments.  

What is your ultimate Ibiza anthem?

For me it has to be Soul Providers – Rise, it was the last track I played at one of the closing parties at El Divino, the sun had come up over the marina, it was packed to the rafters and with everyone singing it was a true hands in the air moment!

And finally, what’s your funniest Ibiza-related story?

There are one or two funny stories I could tell, although right now I wouldn’t like to tarnish the names of some of my fellow Hed kandi DJs, you’ll have to wait for my book!

Buy Ibiza 10 Years

To celebrate the release of our Ibiza 10 Years CD, we’ve spoke to some of the names involved with our parties over the last decade.

Today we speak to Hed Kandi resident DJ and A&R Carl Hanaghan.

Can you tell us about your first time in Ibiza?

My first trip to Ibiza was in 2002 so, like Hed Kandi, I am also celebrating my tenth anniversary! I was young, naive and I really didn’t know what to expect. As soon as I got there it swallowed me up. I have loved the Evissa ever since.

How did you get involved with playing over there?

I have been a resident DJ for Hed Kandi since 2006 and was very fortunate enough to be asked to play for the brand in Ibiza and the rest is history.

Over the time you’ve been going to Ibiza, what stand-out memories do you have?

The most obvious stand out moment would be when I played my first gig for Hed Kandi at El Divino. I was so nervous and luckily the nerves got the better of me and I had one of the best nights of my life. It all went so fast, that’s how much fun we were having and I remember when I played the last record of the night.

This was around 8am and the club was still full, the crowd were literally hugging one enough, singing to one another and when the beat stopped they cried for more, it was an amazing moment. I’m a little embarrassed by the last track I played, I won’t share it out loud!

What is it that makes Ibiza stand out as a clubbing destination?

For me it’s the place where I can see all of my favourite DJs, hear all the latest music and discover something new.

What are your plans for Ibiza this year?

I am over there for five dates this summer, playing for Hed Kandi at Es Paradis and I may have a little party either side of these dates too!

What do you personally enjoy about Ibiza?

Being surrounded by like minded people – as I said previously, everyone is there for the music!

What’s your favourite track from the new Hed Kandi 10 Years CD?

Tensnake ‘Coma Cat’ – Cool Nu Disco vibes that can be played on the beach, at the club or at the after party, a pure sunshine anthem.

What is your ultimate Ibiza anthem?

There are loads, but Laurent Garnier ‘The Man With The Red Face’ is a firm favourite of mine. Mark Knight and Funkagenda have recently produced a wicked cover version of this that features on the brand new Hed Kandi Ibiza 10 Years compilation.

And finally, what’s your funniest Ibiza-related story?

Too many to mention, could involve a missed flight or when an owl flew into the plane’s engine on takeoff, which was hilarious afterwards. I really couldn’t explain – my Mum may read this!

Buy Ibiza 10 Years

Ahead of our Ibiza 10 Years CD release, we sent a copy of our new album out to producer and reviewer Lewis Dene.

Hed Kandi and Ibiza have been synonymous with one another for a decade now and to launching a 17-week season of debauched hedonistic fun and escapism, they’re issuing one of their biggest releases to date in the aptly named ‘Hed Kandi Ibiza 10 Years’.

The old adage of if-it-ain’t-broke-don’t-fix-it is an ethos that runs deep within the Hed Kandi brand: from their recognisable artwork and uniquely glamorous imagery to a DJ roster where the music is more important than star spinners with egos to match.

This triple CD collection draws together a selection of the past, present and future classics that have made their nights over the last decade some of the most talked about parties in the White Island’s history. Showcasing a plethora of A-list producers and artists, the set including classics from StoneBridge, Joey Negro, Freemason, Armand Van Helden and Bon Sinclar, rubbing shoulders with contemporary hits from Florence & The Machine, Avicii, Calvin Harris, Goyte and DJ Fresh with Dizzee Rascal.

Hed Kandi’s releases have always had one foot firmly rooted in the past and the other in the here-and-now, and it’s this respect for what’s gone before that has enabled them to bridge not only the generation divide, but also expertly mix ‘n’ match genres and styles with near-effortless ease.

Our Ibiza 10 Years CD is available to buy now. Check out a teaser below.

Less than a week to go before we release our Ibiza 10 Years CD so let’s whet your appetite some more with a minimix!

It’s been an exciting couple of months for the Hed Kandi label that have seen the release of some huge house singles from some of our favourite artists.

Check out some of our releases below, all available to buy now.

Amia feat. Livvy Nicole - Nobody But You

Twisted Disco’s second release arrives courtesy of London based producer Amia, a female DJ whose love for main room house thrives within her biggest production to date, ‘Nobody But You’.

Livvy Nicole’s infectious vocal aligned with an anthemic guitar hook has all the makings of a huge summer smash.

Jonas Fehr feat. AMPM - Vice Moves

The time has come for the long awaited vocal version of Jonas Fehr’s debut single on Hed Kandi, ‘Vice Moves’, to be unleashed!

Now featuring the incredible vocal talent of AMPM, ‘Vice Moves (Let Me Go)’ is set to become Jonas’ biggest record to date after a handful of releases under his other artist name, Fehrplay.

Patrick Hagenaar - Golden Nugget

It’s time to take a twisted journey to the darker side of house as Hed Kandi launches its brand new sub-label, Twisted Disco. Already a favourite in the brand’s compilation series, Twisted Disco is now set to become the international home for essential dancefloor anthems.

The first release arrives courtesy of Dutch producer Patrick Hagenaar, who takes us on a fun-fuelled electronic trip with one serious main room cut.

This summer we’re celebrating our biggest Ibiza residency to date as we celebrate a decade of decadence on the White Isle in spectacular style!

Our iconic Ibiza parties have become a jewel in the island's calendar and our 2012 17-week residency at the legendary Es Paradis is dedicated to providing the ultimate in Hed Kandi hedonism.

Therefore we’re proud to present Hed Kandi Ibiza 10 Years, coming soon – and look what’s just landed at HK HQ! You can get your hands on this from 2 July.

Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for more sneak peaks.

Welcome to episode 4 of our brand new Hed Kandi Podcast.

In this episode we speak with Hed Kandi’s very own Ibiza resident, Ben Santiago, who also features in the mix with his favourite tracks from our new Beach House album!

As always we have some of the biggest and hottest tracks being played across Kandi’s global dancefloors and we also have information on some key Hed Kandi parties coming up in the next few weeks and a full update on our Ibiza 2012 season – Hed Kandi Ibiza 10 Years!

With festival season fast approaching, Hed Kandi heads to Toronto for one of the most highly anticipated outdoor electronic music festivals this summer, Digital Dreams! (www.digitaldreamsfest.ca)

Together with our lovely friends from Digital Dreams we are giving away a pair of 2-Day festival passes to Digital Dreams Festival powered by Rogers on June 30^th and July 1^st!

Question
At this year’s Digital Dreams Festival, name one of the Hed Kandi DJs who will be playing at the Carte Blanche All White Beach Party?

To enter and stand a chance of winning, simply email your answer to pickme@hedkandi.com

The winner will be announced on Friday 22^nd June. Good luck! xx

*Travel & accommodation not included*

Digital Dreams on Facebook
Digital Dreams on Twitter

This weekend saw our Ibiza 10 Years opening party at Es Paradis in Ibiza.

Check out the images from the night here.

See you at the next event.

Beach House is out today! Kick start your summer with the hottest collection of sun kissed summer grooves from Hed Kandi. Check out the YouTube mini mix.

Hed Kandi Launch Party – Es Paradis 2nd June 2012

GET YOUR TICKETS HERE

This Saturday see’s the veil lifted on what promises to be another stunning summer of the Hed Kandi parties in Ibiza. For 10 years, Hed Kandi has thrown some of the most extravagant house music parties the island has ever seen. With no end in sight, this season promises to deliver more decadence; pleasure seeking and the sounds that have propelled Hed Kandi Ibiza residencies into hearts and minds of every island hopper in the know.

It has been an exceptional 10 years, with too many highlights to mention here. As always, the music is most important and the line-ups this summer do not disappoint. Residents Sam Cannon, Carl Hanaghan, DJ Eibhlin, Phil Faversham, Sarah Louise, Steven Quarre and Ben Santiago provide the silkiest house selections that Es Paradis will hear all summer long. With crowd pleasing performances from The Lovely Laura, Dean Oram, Chris B and Steve Lewis this birthday summer will be one of the finest in our history and fitting way to celebrate a decade of fun and freedom.

Without the amazing crowds and exhilarating atmosphere our parties would never reach the unassailable heights that we have. Thanks to Ibiza and thanks to you. You help to make the party a new and heady experience each and every time. Together, we can make 2012 the finest summer on record.

Here’s to another decade of beautiful people in beautiful places.  Happy Birthday Hed Kandi!

Join us on Facebook

The time has arrived – our Ibiza Opening Party is this Saturday 2nd June!

We can’t wait to see you on the Es Paradis Ibiza dancefloor as we kickstart summer in true Kandi tradition.

Also, be sure to check out our fantastic party we have planned with Fabulous Magazine on the 16th June - two massive dates for your party diary.

Get more info and your tickets here.

Henry Conway tells us how the Hed Kandi girls got their ‘Lash Looks’ for the night, and gives us the party low-down.

At Hed Kandi we not only love a party, we are the party, so when it came to launching the Hed Kandi by Eyelure Lashes, we had to do it with high-wattage glamour. The super exclusive Wyld bar at London’s glam W Hotel off Leicester Square, one of Kate Moss’s regular hangouts, was transformed into Hed Kandi heaven. Under what is the biggest glitterball in Europe (3 meters wide!), the cocktails flowed, as everyone got to glam up and try on the gorgeous new lashes.

We gathered together four of our most fabulous Hed Kandi DJs to rock the lash launch - Krystall Roxx, DJ Eibhlin, Stephanie Jay and Sarah Louise. It was up to me to style the girls fabulous, so why not a bit of the new French Connection Premium line and Chanel, I thought? Krystall Roxx loves her rocker leggings, so I teamed Mango leather wet look leggings with a disco 80s inspired blue top from French connection and belted it with a vintage metallic snakeskin number from Rokit. With a quiff and chunky chain jewellery she looked perfect for the heavy-eyed rock make up that her Twisted Disco lashes needed.

Next up was DJ Eibhlin, who’s gorgeous red hair looked divine with a dropped-waist copper coloured sequined flapper dress, again from French Connection Premium. My stylist’s tip for this look is that even though it is a highly embellished dress, don’t be afraid to belt it - I used a wide gold vintage belt to synch the waistline, and swung the buckle to the back, so it looked like an Obi belt, giving the dress shape. The buckle at the front would have made it too Bohemian. Big hair and Twisted Disco lashes completed her high glam look.

Stephanie Jay rocked a beautiful dusty pink ballerina dress from the range, but its vintage feel was toughened up by the stud-like silver sequins. The strapless, corseted shape can look too ‘princessy’ if not accessorized properly, so I added rocky ankle boots and a strong deco collar necklace. Her 70s disco blonde curls were pure Sex and the City, and we layered Jet Set and Disco Heaven eyelashes to give her eyes a fluttering full look.

Last to style was Sarah Louise, who looked every inch the super hot Disco Diva in French Connection Premium line gold sequined hotpants. Shorts are such a sexy alternative to skirts, and much more comfortable to party in. I teamed them with a black lace shirt to balance out the leg on show, and added two metallic stud cuffs. With this look, hair should be as big as you can make it – a proper blow out, and Sarah looked fabulous. There were squeals of delight as I distributed the handbags for the night – Sarah’s oversized classic quilted Chanel 2.55 being the envy of all the others. How on earth had I got hold of that? I hadn’t gone on a Victoria Beckham style shopping spree, just hired it from Wish Want Wear.com. Hiring really expensive accessories means you can have a fabulous bag for your event without spending three month’s salary - perfect.

Our girls headed down to the launch, and got the crowd moving with their fab sets. All the guests got stuck into the cocktails – named after the five types of eyelashes – and the party started rocking. The lovely people at Eylure set up a lash bar in the corner, and the lashes were applied by a lash technician who was a doppleganger for Kylie Minogue - everybody did a double take! Though I’m sure the real Kylie knows her way around eyelashes, picking up these tips was essential, and as the girls (and a few boys!) had them applied, everyone learnt how to master their application. The cocktails seemed endlessly flowing, but after a good few, I left with the party still roaring. I’m sure some of the glam squad didn’t want to take off those lashes before going to bed – but that disappointment would have been fleeting – once peeled off, you can wear them again, and so as your favourite Hed Kandi track is played another night, your lashes can be full and fluttering once more…

To get your hands on some of our new Lashes Click Here

Follow us on our Fashion & Beauty Facebook Page

To the excitement of every disco diva, Hed Kandi by Eylure Lashes launched this week. With five different lashes, every one can transform your evening look, but how do you match them to the hottest make up trends?  Big glam is not going anywhere, maximal is what it’s all about.  Eyebrows have got bigger, lips have got more beestung, and now eyelashes are in for a treat. From a heavy, smoky panda eye on the Gucci catwalk, to the more subtle deep navy eyeliner at Just Cavalli, the look is definitely strong – think rocky disco. 

Pair the fuller "Twisted Disco” lashes with a super smoky rock eye.

If you are more of a boho babe, then team “Disco Heaven” wet-eyed look lashes with a metallic blue or emerald green for your beach time cocktails, perfect to flutter at dusk.

Bright colours look great with a dramatic lash like “Ibiza”, with their blue diamantes and highlights. They would look at home in London Fashion Week, so ramp up the colour for a bold club look. Fashion can’t decide what it wants at the moment – taking in everything from full vamp, to vintage sophisticat, it’s all the better for the girl who likes to change up her style. 

For that chic look, try “Jet set” with a sleek volumising effect – perfect for jetting around this summer.

Of all my years of going to fashion parties, however, the bolder the better, and for the ultimate in big eyes, it has to be “Glitterball”.  Don’t do a bold lip with these, as it will be unbalanced, but wear with a high octane, super glam outfit and you will knock the competition out the water. 

If you feel like being really daring, Fendi covered the entire eyelid with gold leaf – why not try something similar!  As they say, she who dares, wins.

Q. You've been working with Hed Kandi for a number of years now on different projects, but for all our new fans out there, who is Patrick Hagenaar?

A Dutch guy that moved to London back in ’99 to discover the UK dance scene and has since been DJ-ing around the world and more recently (2008) started producing tracks for numerous labels and remixed Nr1 records for peeps like Ke$ha & Wynter Gordon.

Q. What made you want to be a DJ and producer and, which came first, DJ sets or endless hours in the studio?

Well I got into dance music when I was about 10, went to my first rave at 11, starting faffing around with production software when I was 13, but just for a laugh. As a kid I always was obsessed with music + DJs and when I had a chance to try DJ-ing when I was 15, I was hooked and start saving for decks, which funnily enough ended up being CD decks (CDJ100’s) back in 99’ when mixing with CDs was a ‘dirty word’ :-)

Q. What is the inspiration behind your new single L.O.V.E (Yout Give The)?

Well, I like fun, ‘feel good’ house music – nothing too serious and wanted to make a happy feelgood anthem. I have always liked some of the French house stuff from early 2000 so took that kind of as inspiration and came up with the instrumental and afterwards found a little vocal sample which made the track complete as a club record.

Buy Patrick Hagenaar feat. AMPM - L.O.V.E. (You Give The) on iTunes


Q. This record has gained a great deal of attention as soon as it was released, how does is it make you feel when fellow DJs champion your productions?

When you make music, you want other people to get it and enjoy it. When fellow DJs start playing your music it’s kind of a sign of approval that fellow music geeks give the ‘thumbs up’.

Q. The record first came out without a vocal in 2011 and had huge success, but the new vocal remix simply takes it to a different level. How has crowd reaction been every time you drop it on the dancefloor? Biggest track in your record box at the moment?

Yeah, you know it’s the hardest bit when you have a club track that does well on its own and then you start adding vocals at a later stage – it’s often very hit or miss, but this has worked out a treat :-) So far I have been getting great reactions and with the addition of the Ghosts of Venice and David Jones mix – its only getting bigger and better!

Q. What was it like collaborating with the AMPM, for the vocal mix?

AMPM is wicked – this London girl works under a different pseudonym in the Dubstep/D&B scene and really brought a bit of this attitude to the record, which I really really like - rather than the same old dance vocals... I hope this is a start of many more collabs to come with her.

Q. What was the first piece of equipment you bought or programme you had to make beats and what are you using now?

Haha that was Magik Music Maker 1 back in 1994 – I think it was a 8-track and I just used a couple of kicks/snares/hihats/melodies, which i just sampled from other house tracks – just thought it was fun to do, never thought anything of it. In 1997, I played around a lot with Rebirth, then got the first version of Reason, which I played around with for a quite some time and made my first couple of tracks on – then about 2,5 years ago switched over to Ableton, which I use now, but also just got myself a copy of Pro Tools 10 which I’m starting to learn...

Q. What’s been the proudest moment in your career to date?

Might sound a bit sad, but it was winning the upcoming DJ award in Holland back in 2001, beating 500 DJs in the process – I was the only DJ playing with CDs, so for me it was kind of putting two fingers up to all those peeps at that time who thought DJ-ing with CDs was a joke. It also made me realise that I probably was OK at it, so might as well see how far I could take it. Still got a long way to go though!

Q. What are you looking forward to most this year and anything lined up with Hed Kandi in the upcoming months?

See where L.O.V.E will end up this year, finishing off the follow up to L.O.V.E, (obviously forthcoming on Hed Kandi) and lots of other fun music projects for viral campaigns, TV series and obviously lots of DJ-ing – oh and mixing a comp for Ministry of Sound in the forthcoming months :P


Quick Fire Questions

Q.If you were an animal – what kind would you be and why?
Turtle – They always seem nice and chilled out – do everything at their own pase :-)

Q. What is the last album you bought? Any good?
Emeli Sande’s new album – yeah – got some belter of tracks on there!

Q. If you could trade places with any person for a day, famous or not, living or dead, real or
fictional, who would it be?
Michael Jordan – I have always loved Basketball and he is in a league of his own

Q. If someone wrote a biography about you, what do you think the title should be?
‘If It Ain’t Dutch, It Ain’t Much’

Q. What's your favourite Kandi?
Do M&M’s fall under this? Just double checked – ‘chocolate candy’ – don’t give me a bag, because I’ll eat them all in one go – even if it makes me feel sick haha

To find out more about Patrick Hagenaar, follow him on Facebook and/or Twitter

Patrick's latest mix for you to enjoy xx

As we countdown to one of the biggest Hed Kandi parties of the calendar year (Hed Kandi @ Nikki Beach Miami for this year's WMC2012), we thought we would touch base with Hed Kandi Head of Events & Headline DJ, Sam Cannon, to see how preparations for this sublime party are going...


Q1. Hi Sam, this is always an exciting time of year with WMC2012 just around the corner. So how are preparations going in the lead up to this weekend's big Hed Kandi party in Miami, and what can people expect from Hed Kandi this year?

Yes it is always an exciting time of year for those going to Miami, not for those who are stuck in London!  No it is very exciting!!  We love Miami and the conference is such an amazing time to be there.  Everything is ready for what promises to be another fantastic year at Nikki Beach.  We welcome back Milk and Sugar after tearing the place up last March, and are very excited to have Treasure Fingers and David Jones on a Hed Kandi line up for the first time!  There will be plenty more surprises on the day so I guess you will just have to make it down to find out!  (and the dancers are pretty hot too!)

Q2.  Hed Kandi returns once again to the beautiful Nikki Beach for this year's party, if I'm not mistaken that's 5 years in a row now. So what makes Hed Kandi and Nikki Beach such a good fit?

To be honest, I only think it is 4 years, it may be five.  However long it is it is now firmly established in the WMC calendar.  We always play the Sunday which is the official closing of the conference, and it always goes off with a bang. Nikki Beach and Hed Kandi go hand in hand.  Beautiful people, beautiful weather, beautiful location.  What an address.  1 Ocean Drive!  My penthouse is round the corner!

Q3. Alongside the Hed Kandi headline DJs, the line up this year features some exciting names out in the scene at the moment. Milk & Sugar are back again and headlining this year (always love their sets!) and you've also included the likes of Treasure Fingers, David Jones, J Paul Getto,  Anie from II Elements and Rafael from Plastic Funk on the line up. Will more Hed Kandi event shave such amazing line ups in future or is this just a once of for this special occasion?

We always try to do something a little different in Miami.  As every single DJ is in one area for such a small space of time, we like to get those who are involved in our albums and releases on the line ups.  It great to have these guys involved, and we have some very exclusive news coming up about one of these superstars being involved in our Ibiza events.  Check out  hedkandi.com for more details

Q4. Music wise, what can people expect this year? Will it be along the lines of the new Hed Kandi World Series: Miami release?

Miami is a proper party, so expect a little bit of everything.  More soulful and deeper vibes to start, moving into good old chunky house plus an amazing crowd to play to!

Q5. WMC has always been a breeding ground for discovering new talent and the massive tunes for the up and coming summer, any producer, DJs and tunes we should be watching out for in 2012?

I always find this hard to predict as no matter what you say there is always someone with a secret weapon that they pull out the bag.  Big ones for me this year will be Patrick Hagenaar feat. AMPM 'L.O.V.E. (You Give The)' and Alesso “Years”.  Enjoy!



Q6. Can you recommend any other parties for people  to check out while they are at this year's WMC?

So many parties!  If you get to one more while you are there check out Ministry of Sound at The Raleigh.  Huuuuge line up!  Also, if you come across Sasha playing at a pool party somewhere stay for the whole time.  Witnessed it last year first hand and was amazing. (From what I can remember)

Q7. For people who have never been to Miami for WMC, in five words, what makes Miami so special?

One week with no sleep!

--------------------------------------------

For tickets to this years party Click Here

To follow Sam on Twitter Click Here

See you on the dancefloor! xx

The season of good times is officially beginning with WMC 2012 just around the corner! Of course it wouldn't be a WMC without our very own World Series: Miami release so right on cue we're delivering another thick slice of Miami magic straight from the hands of Hed Kandi's A&R guru...Mr. Carl Hanaghan. We managed to grab 5 minutes with the man himself to discuss Miami Volume II and the inspiration that went into the record!

-What is your involvement with Hed Kandi on a day to day basis?

Not only have I been a resident DJ for the brand for last 6 years but I have been working in the office as an A&R manager for the past 18 months. I work all of the Hed Kandi albums from start to finish and lucky for me this includes deciding what records are used on them. I am also busy working with artists such as Patrick Hagenaar, Ghosts Of Venice and Jonas Fehr to name but a few in delivering brand new Hed Kandi singles that you will no doubt hear at one of our parties. I won't go on too much with everything else that I do, but there's a lot going on here and it's a very exciting time here at Hed Kandi HQ.
 
-What is it that makes the World Series releases so unique to the rest of Hed Kandi's compilations?

The World Series platform gives our resident DJ's a place to express their unique part in the Hed Kandi brand. I remember being given the opportunity to mix World Series Tokyo a couple of years back, prior to this I was always so excited to hear who made the cut to mix the series and the hunger to do one grew stronger and stronger. I was really fortunate enough to be given the opportunity to do one and I must've done a good job that I got asked to do a second one in this years World Series Miami.
 
-  What are the key differences between World Series Miami Volume I and II?

Last years album was incredible and it was a huge task to live up to it's expectations, I think we did that! However, I don't think there are too many differences. It showcases the very best music that you'll be hearing in Miami along with retaining that 'good times' vibe that Hed Kandi is renowned for. The album does what it says on the tin, place the CD into your player and watch the Miami sun pay you a visit.
 
-What was your inspiration when you were asked to mix the Club CD for WS Miami II?

A lot of what I do in the mix and the in my record selection is taken from when I am on a worldwide tour for Hed Kandi. From clubs such as Cocoon in Frankfurt, Pacha in London and the fond memories I have of our party at Nikki Beach last year, the music is 150% road-tested and ready for the Hed Kandi club. I felt that it was important to include some exclusive records that you'll only hear on this album, so I rounded up a few of the troops and you'll hear brand new cuts from Patrick Hagenaar, Jonas Fehr, Darryl Green and myself. For me, it's really important to write a record for a any compilation that I am mixing. I did this with the World Series Tokyo compilation, a collaboration with My Digital Enemy, but here I go on a solo adventure and have produced 'South Beach Love', an uplifting record that tells the story of how I feel when performing in Miami.
 
-What do you enjoy about Miami the most? What makes this city so special?

The sun, it really does have super healing powers! When I was at the last conference I had to make quick over night trip to New York to see an act perform at Pacha. My flight the next day was ridiculously early, but for the pure fact that I was performing at our daytime party at Nikki Beach. Obviously when you go to watch an act perform you are up during un-sociable hours (or is it really sociable hours?) and it was a late night that resulted in an hour or so's sleep on the flight back to Miami. If it wasn't for the Sun, I don't know how I would've got through the day (big fan of sleep here), but I did and it was all down to the rays on my skin from something that we really do take for granted.
 
-What is your favourite part of the Winter Music Conference?

Everywhere you go there is a party, there really is no escaping it. The best thing about that is that you'll find every one that's someone in the DJ world is there in Miami for the conference and even if they're not on the line-up, I can guarantee a few surprise appearances at that party, either to play some tracks or just to hang out.
 
-In your opinion, which will be the best breakthrough tracks or artists at this year’s WMC and 2012 in general?

This is the BIG question and it really is the hardest to answer. Last year and amongst the biggest artists to come out of the event was Avicii. I think he had a inkling that he was going to be the name around town as I had some serious DJ envy when I saw the size of his tour bus! It was huge and was covered in his branding. He went on to have a seriously good year, 'Levels' was by far the biggest track of 2011. This year I'm sure will see the next big push, as per Avicii last year, from another Scandinavian talent, Alesso. He has been touring the world with the Swedish House Mafia for the past 12 months and his productions are getting seriously big, I've heard his next cut and I can't wait to get my hands on it to play it at a Hed Kandi event.
 
-3 words that describe you as a DJ/Producer?

Passionate. Diverse. Fun.
 
-What kind of music do you listen to when you aren’t working for Hed Kandi?

Honestly it really depends on what mood I am in but I have a tiny love fling with Drum & Bass most of the time. I'm a big fan of bands like Friendly Fires, Fenech-Soler, SBTRKT, I could go on, but these three regularly find themselves heavily repeated on my iPod.
 
-What are the 3 top words you associate with WS Miami II?

Fun, Sun & Parties.


Thanks Carl! Who else needs more Miami action?? Click below now to listen to our brand new Miami Mini Mix!

Now if you're really a true Kandi fan...you'll make sure you get yourself to the dancefloor on Sunday 25th March! With one of the hottest line-ups around and a whole host of special guests...this is not one to miss! You can head to our Parties section right now for full details or if you're feeling the vibe, you can get your ticket right here!

See you by the pool... xx

All the way from Ibiza comes Circus Balearica to Amsterdam in the Muziekgebouw aan ’t IJ on the 7th April. Prepare for the greatest show on earth in one of the most stunning locations in the Netherlands.

Partying the only way we know how, expect the ultimate Hed Kandi spectacle. Prepare yourself for an unforgettable experience with special performances from the Glamorous Marionette Theatre, Circo Loco Los Animales, Pierrot Ballerinas, Nouvelle Sky Ladies, Fearless Fire Eaters and the famous Ibiza Stilt Walkers! On top of all this, we'll of course be bringing along with us one of the hottest DJ line-ups the Netherlands has ever seen...

Hed Kandi DJs:
DJ Krystal Roxx
Steven Quarré

Plus Live:
The Drum Warrior


Fancy being a VIP at this event?? You and 9 of your friends could be winning the ultimate VIP experience...
Travel First class to destination chic with your 9 best friends for some special Hed Kandi treatment*:

-          10x Hed Kandi – Circus Balearica tickets

-          Welcome by the Heavenly Hed Kandi hostesses

-          Hed Kandi goodies

-          Entrance to the exclusive artist deck in front of the DJ for the ultimate party view!

All you need to do is answer the question below...

In what year did Hed Kandi first bring Circus Balearica to Ibiza?

a) 2009
b) 2008
c) 2010
d) 2011

To enter simply comment on this article in the section below. The competition closes on Monday 26th March, the winner will be notified that week!

Good luck! xx

*Please note: The prize does not include flights.

Want to work for Team Kandi this summer??

Prepare yourself for the most spectacular Saturdays on the White Isle as Hed Kandi returns to Es Paradis on June 2nd for a 17 week season of parties celebrating a decade of decadence in Ibiza.  

We've become a true Balearic establishment with ten years of the most unforgettable and exhilarating residencies in Ibiza. This year at Es Paradis, we're planning to celebrate our anniversary with our biggest season yet!

We're are looking for passionate, forward thinking and innovative individuals with a hard working approach to join our Ibiza Sales/PR Team to promote the biggest party in Ibiza for the 2012 summer season!

Interviews will take place in Ibiza in May, so if you think you’ve got what it takes, please send your CV and a recent photo to ibizacrew@hedkandi.com

We look forward to partying with you in Ibiza this year! xx

Welcome to Frankfurt!

Episode 2 of our Hed Kandi World Tour comes direct from one of our hottest, most twisted global residencies - Cocoon Club, Frankfurt. DJ Carl Hanaghan and Percussionist Dean Oram AKA the Drum Warrior, take to the floor to rock the Cocoon crowd with the dark sounds of Twisted Disco!

Take a tour around the beautiful German city, grab a sneak peak in the delectable Hotel Roomers and marvel at the architecture of one of the world's most innovative, forward-thinking and down right incredible clubs - Cocoon!








To join us for our next party at Cocoon - Click Here

We're off to catch a flight...see you for Episode 3! xx

Welcome to The Hed Kandi World Tour!

A delectable journey around the globe on Kandi Airways; stopping at all our favourite, most exotic global dancefloors along the way! We'll be sending out our finest Kandi DJs to show you around their favourite international dancefloors, with a sneak preview behind the scenes of their luxurious jet-set lifestyle!

So with that in mind...welcome to Episode 1! Join the beautiful DJ KrystalRoxx as she shows us around the alpine paradise that is Verbier, Switzerland. Breathe in the fresh mountain air, soak up the views and slalom your way down the slopes in time to make our Winter Chill party at the one and only Casbah at Hotel Farinet...

We'll be carving up the slopes and the dancefloor of Casbah until March 31st 2012, so make sure you come join us!

Click here to visit Hotel Farinet

We're off to catch a flight...see you for Episode 2! xx

Say Hello to Plastic Plates aka Felix Bloxsom. We caught up with the man to discuss his incredible remix of Mark Ronson & The Business International's 'Record Collection' as featured on our brand new compilation Winter Chill. Find out where the name comes from, where he likes to spend his birthday and also why sleeping should be a career choice!


1.                  Tell us about Plastic Plates?

Plastic Plates is an alias I use for my disco productions and djing. Originally a friend of mine and I did a few dj gigs together and called ourselves that for fun. I put out a remix for the Midnight Juggernauts under PP and my friend left for NY and took a day job so PP has kind of stuck.

2.                    Where did the name originate from?

It’s a not so serious vinyl/records reference

3.                   Tell us about your live sets, are you mainly a DJ who plays other peoples music or do you incorporate your productions into your sets?

I DJ a healthy mix of mine, my friends and total strangers music

4.                   What other artists inspire you and why?

Most of my inspiration comes from my musical friends around the world. Its great to see them working hard and we all share ideas.

5.                   You remix of Mark Ronson’s ‘Record Collection’ features on our new Winter Chill release,  How did you get to remix this record?

Gildas from Kitsune contacted me about remixing the song for the release on his label.

6.                   What are you looking forward to most in 2012?

Being busy! And not knowing what,s around the corner, hopefully good things.

7.                    When all the partying is over, how do you like to chill out?

Sleeping is one of my natural talents; I wish I could make a career out of it, I'd be a wealthy man.

8.                   What has been your best winter experience and where?

Probably spending my birthday in the Swiss Alps; snowboarding, eating and having fun in one of the most beautiful parts of the world.
 
5 Quick Fire Questions
 
1.       Top Track on your iPod at the moment?
Todd Terje - Inspector Norse

2.        Favourite Winter Activity?
Snowboarding

3.      If you weren’t in the music industry and had to choose one of the following career paths, which would your follow and  why? .................Ice cream taster, Santa Clause, Pro Ice Skater
Santa Klaus, I love happy kids!

4.       Would you prefer to travel in a snowmobile or a dog sled if you lived in the mountains?
Dog sled for sure, I've fallen off a snowmobile with a nutcase friend of mine driving...

5.       If you could only take 3 things in a backpack with you to the Antarctic, what would you take?
Glühwein, Glühwein and Glühwein

Click here to buy Winter Chill!

Listen to the Winter Chill podcast...

That's right Kandies...there's only one Max Cooper! And take it from us, one is all you need to help make an incredible record. We managed to track him down and force him to hand over the secrets behind his breathtaking remix of Hiatus' 'Third' as featured on our latest release Winter Chill. Not only that, but we also managed to quiz him on all things life; from his typical day-to-day routine through to the social-neccessity of parsnips...we proudly present to you, Max Cooper.


1.       Tell us about Max Cooper and where it all began?

It's a can of worms. Did I begin when I was conceived or at some hard to define point when I first had a certain level of brain function? I don't want to offend anyone here. I'll just stick to the beginning of the music making thing, but I can't bring myself to talk about my first record and early days in Belfast, so I'll just provide the fictitious DJ fairytale story that seemed to have happened to everyone in the 90’s – I was at this massive 20,000 people festival stage waiting to see Carl Oakenfold (the biggest DJ of the time), and he didn’t turn up. Someone shouted “oi you there, with the bag of records, get on here quick because there’s no one else to play!” I smashed it even though I’d only ever used a belt drive turntable before, and within a week’s time I was touring the world in a private jet with 10 Swedish supermodels…

2.       Walk us through a typical day in your life?

Get up late (I'm completely not a morning person), work all day in the studio between short eating breaks, work all night in the studio and go to bed sometime the next morning with ringing in my ears (beware the tinnitus!).

3.       Do you prefer remixing or producing records?

I think there's a deeper satisfaction in creating your own record from scratch, but remixes can be more fun on a pure enjoyment level when you have some amazing parts to work with - you basically just get to cut out part of the initial ideas phase which can sometimes be laborious, and jump straight to the fun part where you want to dance around in the studio with a slight paranoia in the back of your mind that someone might be able to see you.

4.       What equipment do you use when you are remixing/producing tracks?

I use Genelec 8040 monitors, some controllers (midi keyboard, Akai APC40 and Kapture and Lemur apps for iPad from Liine), a focusrite audio interface and then just lots of software (no analogue gear for me) - Ableton live plus it's synths, mainly operator, NI stuff like Absynth, Reaktor, Guitar Rig, Razor and Massive, Synthogy Grands, Ableton's orchestral strings, Synplant, and Max for Live.

5.       Describe your remix of ‘Hiatus – Third’ on the new Hed Kandi Winter Chill Album

This track was a good example of how inspiration is key to good remixing for me. I was at the last ever Firefly at the Garvey in Nottingham last year,  an 11 year running techno night in the city which myself and a lot of my friends had been involved in over the years. For the event some of us rented a country house nearby to make the most of the last regular weekend in the city, and at the afterparty I put on a modern classical mix a friend (JamBon) had given me at a gig in Dublin. The original Hiatus track came on and it really grabbed me, I couldn't get it out of my head for the next couple of days, until I finally realised that it sounded very much like something by a another friend of mine. I did a quick search and discovered that it was indeed by my friend Hiatus, so I immediately got in touch asking for the parts, and stayed up for the next two days making the remix in almost a single extended sitting - I think when I'm so into a track like, catching the inspiration just at the right time, it's much easier to see what to do with a remix, and the whole process seems to flow much better. Also the original melodic parts were so strong I didn't want to change them much, all I wanted to do was try and enhance the feel and add some of my own flavour, which is always a much easier remix job than doing something where you have to change the original drastically. So I changed the structure, added a strings section midway, my drums, effects and processing, and it was almost there.  

6.       What’s been your proudest moment in your music career?

I think it was probably when I first got signed to Traum back at the end of 2008. I had been struggling for so long to learn to produce and to make my tracks of a good enough standard, and that was when I finally achieved my goal of getting good enough technically, and finding a strong label I could express myself on. From that point on I knew I could make it all work if I just put the effort in, but before then it was always a maybe.

7.       What’s in the diary for you in 2012?

I've got a US/Canada tour starting this week, then back home to work on an album, lots of great looking dates and some awesome festivals booked in for the summer which I get in trouble for talking about before they release their official lineups. I've also just finished my next EP for Traum to go out in spring, plus I have my collaboration with Michael Nyman coming soon.

8.       When all the partying is over, How do you like to chill out?

I come home and hang out with my housemates, eat good food, good wine, good craic.

9.       What is one piece of advice you would give to someone starting out the industry?

It's very easy to have your efforts lead astray in unfruitful directions by other people’s agendas, especially early on, so I find it best to work towards clearly defined goals, and put your efforts into things with tangible measures of progress if possible.

5 Quick Fire Questions

1.       Top Track on your iPod at the moment?
Vaetxh – List of lists

2.       Favourite winter activity?
Snowboarding

3.       If you weren’t in the music industry and had to choose one of the following career paths, which would you follow and why? Penguin Carer, Professional snowboard manufacturer, Elf in Santa’s workshop?
The Elf gig would be the one as it’s the biggest mystery, who knows what goes on in the grotto when eyes are looking elsewhere for most of the year.

4.       What would be in your winter survival kit?
Parsnips

5.       What is something most people don’t know about you?
I write parsnips when I can’t think of a funny or interesting answer.


Listen to the Winter Chill Mini-Mix now!



Got your copy of Winter Chill yet??

Click Here to Listen/Buy the CD

Another year draws to a close as another festive season blissfully melts away. Last year, here at Kandi HQ, we celebrated the festive season in style. Spreading the cheer throughout the Kandi Land from Monday 12th until Friday 23rd December we decided to give away a whole range of incredible prizes every day for 12 days!

To help us celebrate this beautiful occasion we acquired the help of some of our good friends. We couldn’t have done such a great campaign without them so we’d like to take a moment to say a huge Hed Kandi thank you to everyone that supported us and got involved!


Traktor
The King of DJ software. What a privilege it was to have these guys provide one of their incredible products for the 12 Days of Kandi. Day 6, a hectic Saturday, saw the turn of Traktor Kontrol S2 as our prize. A Traktor product needs no introduction…watch the video below, this says it all.



To check out what else the guys at Traktor are up to…
Join them on Facebook
Visit their Site





Eylure
These glamorous girls have been at the top of the eyelash world for a while now and to be able to provide 5 lucky people with a set of their gorgeous lashes was a festive dream come true! Combined with a set of beautiful nails to match your dazzling look and of course the complimentary Kandi tunes!   




Join the girls on Facebook




Models Own
You can’t go to a party unless you’ve visited the girls at Models Own first. Without their incredible bespoke nail varnishes, you’re simply just not ready for the night! 5 lucky winners swooped a set of their Gliterring Collection along with some Hed Kandi tunes.



Click here to view the entire range
Say Hi to Models Own on Facebook




Miss Selfridge
Leading the way on the High Street, these fashionistas KNOW style. Giving one lucky winner the chance to win a collection of their gorgeous Winter accessories, they pulled out all the stops and delivered a beautifully wrapped parcel of pure glamour!



Click here to visit Miss Selfridge
Join the Fashion Army on Facebook





Crystal Rocked
Last but by no means least…our festive friends at Crystal Rocked provided us with a Limited Edition prize to end all prizes! Day 11 saw the chance for one very, very lucky Kandi fan to win a Swarovski-encrusted iPhone case!! With only one of these ever made, it is the ultimate in truly accessing the fabulous!



View the entire range from Crystal Rocked
Stay up to date on the world of Crystals on Facebook!



We’d also like to say a huge thank you to everyone that entered the 12 Days of Kandi. The competition had an incredible response and A LOT of festive cheer was consumed! We can’t wait to do it again next year!

Happy New Year from everyone at Team Kandi xx

OFFICIAL COMPETITION RULES
HED KANDI PRESENT “HED KANDI DEEP HOUSE DJ MIX COMPETITION” COMPETITION

These “Official Competition Rules” govern your participation in the Ministry of Sound Recordings Limited trading as HED KANDI (“HK”) “Hed Kandi Deep House DJ Mix Competition” (the “Competition”).  Participation in the Competition by uploading your own deep house mix on your personal SoundCloud.com profile page (as per the instructions below) constitutes your full and unconditional agreement to and acceptance of these Official Competition Rules. It is important that you read and understand them.

1.   Who Is Eligible?
The competition is open in the UK and Eire only. Only persons who are at least eighteen (18) years old are eligible to enter the Competition. Any person who is an employee of HK or an immediate family member of an employee of HK or any other person who is directly connected with HK, being any advertising promotion agency or supplier of prizes for the Competition, shall be ineligible to enter.

2. How To Enter.
(a) HK are offering you the chance to play an exclusive thirty (30) minutes DJ set at the HK event to take place on 8 June 2013 at 1 Marylebone, London, United Kingdom (the “Event”).  To enter the Competition go on the following websites: www.hedkandi.com or http://bit.ly/HKDeepHouseDJ (the “Competition Pages”) and follow the directions to enter between 12:00 pm. GMT on April 10, 2013, and 23:59 pm GMT May 10,2013 (the “Closing Date”).  You are responsible for all internet and all other costs incurred by you in submitting your entry to the Competition.
 (b) In order to participate in the Competition, you must:
- upload on your Soundcloud profile page a deep house mix of minimum thirty (30) minutes (the “Entry”) and tag HK on such Entry. Entries must be the authors’ original work and not previously published. You will retain copyright in your Entry.
- have a background of playing live in venues;
- be able to mix seamlessly using either vinyls or CDs (Serato or Tracktor are allowed only without using the sync’d beat locking – no iPods, iPads or Midi mixers allowed).
- if chosen to be the Winner, as defined below, be available to:
    - attend at your own expenses at the Ministry of Sound Club in London on dates to be agreed with the HK representatives, to be subject to HK’s judges vetting process to test your live DJ skills; and
    - be available to attend at the Event.
(c) You may enter the Competition only once. By entering, you agree to be bound by the decisions of the judges appointed at HK’s discretion. HK shall not take any responsibility for any entries which are illegible, misdirected, lost for technical or other reasons or received after the Closing Date.  

3.  Your Warranties:
You warrant that:
(a) you have the right to enter into this agreement and you are 18 years old or above;
(b) you confirm that HK shall have the right to use your name and likeness in connection with the promotion of the Competition.
(c) you shall fully and effectually indemnify HK in respect of any breach of your warranties, obligations or representations made herein together with HK’s reasonable legal costs;

 4. Judging; Prizes.
(a) After the Closing Date closes, HK or its representatives will pick one (1) Winner at their own discretion (the “Winner”).
(b) Prize:
-    The chance to play a thirty (30) minutes opening DJ sets at the Event;
-    VIP access and treatment for refreshments at the Event;
-    Train travel to/from London by train to attend the Event;
-    Accommodation in London for the night of the Event.

(the “Prize(s)”)

(c)   The Winner will be selected during the week commencing on the 9 May 2013. HK (or its representatives’) decision shall be final and binding in all regards and no correspondence shall be entered into.
(d) The Winner will be notified via email no later than 16 May 2013. If a Winner cannot be contacted within ten (10) calendar days of first notification attempt, or in the event that the original Winner transpires to have breached these Official Competition Rules, HK may select an alternative Winner. The name of Winner will be available on request.
(e) It is a condition of the Winner being entitled to the Prize(s) that the HK judges will consider his DJ skills sufficient to play a live set at the Event.
(f) Prize(s) are non-transferable. HK does not make any warranty about the Prize(s) and there are no substitutions or cash redemptions for the Prize(s). HK further reserves the right to substitute the Prize(s) at any time.
(g) If, for reasons beyond the control of HK (including, but not limited to, tampering or computer virus infection or rights issues), the Competition is not capable of running as originally planned, HK at their sole discretion, reserve the right to cancel or modify the Competition, without liability. If a sufficient number of eligible entries (as determined by HK in its sole discretion) are not received by the Closing Date, HK reserves the right not to award any or all the Prizes.  All taxes levied on any Prize awarded in the Competition (including, but not limited to, income taxes) are the sole responsibility of the Winner. All entrants agree to comply fully with each provision in these Official Competition Rules.  Any person attempting to defraud or in any way tamper with this Competition and any person who does not comply with these Official Competition Rules, will be ineligible for any Prize and may be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. No cash alternative to the Prize(s) is available to the Winner. If the Winner of the Prize(s) cannot be traced after reasonable efforts having been made by HK then HK may dispose of the Prize(s) as it thinks fit without any liability to the Winner for having done so.

5. Your Release of HK from Any and All Liability.
HK shall not be liable for losses or injuries of any kind resulting from: (i) acceptance/possession and/or use/misuse of Prize(s)/loss or damage to Prize(s) during delivery to the Winner, (ii) participation in the Competition, (iii) individual, joint or collective technical malfunctions of the telephone network and/or transmission line, internet connections, computer equipment, hardware and/or software, or (iv) any delay or distortion of an entry resulting from data transmissions that are garbled, incomplete, misdirected, lost, mutilated, delayed, corrupted, mechanically duplicated, illegible or otherwise not in compliance with these Official Competition Rules. HK shall not be liable for damage to your computer (including, without limitation, any server failure or lost, delayed or corrupted data or other malfunction) due, either directly or indirectly, to your participation in the Competition or downloading of information in connection with the Competition. HK reserves the right to modify or cancel the Competition in the event that any portion of any website used to administer any aspect of the Competition becomes technically corrupted (v) the Winner shall be solely responsible for having a document valid for travel and any necessary visas and vaccinations. (vi) the Winner shall be solely responsible for their own travel insurance. (vii) the Winner may be required to provide a valid ID prior to using all or part of the Prize(s) (viii) the Winner shall be solely responsible for his travel and accommodation expenses to attend the rehearsal at the Ministry of Sound Club in London.

6. Law
These terms and conditions are governed by English law and the parties submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.

7. How to Get More Information.
For the name of the Winner, please visit the Competition Pages. Copies of these Official Competition Rules may be obtained by sending an e-mail to info@hedkandi.com.  Requests for Official Competition Rules must be received by November 13, 2011.
Questions regarding the Competition can be directed by email to: info@hedkandi.com.

Ladies and Gentlemen, prepare to lavish yourselves at the most extravagant, most fabulous and most outrageous New Year’s celebrations of your lives!! Hed Kandi presents Glamourazzi!!

We invite all our extended Kandi family to live life in the fab lane and strut your stuff down the red carpet into a night of sheer hedonism and controversy.

Give the gossip pages the story of the year as you make your entrance to the flashes of the paparazzi into the ultimate VIP parties to be seen at for 2012.

Our live entertainment will cause scandal, our DJs will kiss and tell, our decor will make the headlines and our dancers will tantalise and tease.

You have been handpicked for the Hed Kandi guest lists around the world so don’t forget to RSVP whether it’s our hot and happening Brighton Bar, our Spanish super parties at the ME Hotels in either Madrid or Barcelona or tearing up the floor at the W Hotel in Hong Kong.

Please see all the listings below....choose your party now!

Hed Kandi NYE 2012:

Spain

ME Hotel, Barcelona - Get Tickets now to our NYE Extravaganza!

Watch the video!



ME Hotel, Madrid - More details

UK

Hed Kandi Bar, Brighton - Click for tickets!
Hed Kandi Bar, Clapham - More details
Gatecrasher, Nottingham - More details
Gatecrasher, Leeds - More details to follow :)
Gatecrasher, Watford
Club 195, Epping - More details
Sanuk, Blackpool - More details
Reform, Liverpool
Thompsons, Belfast - Visit the website
Suju, Swindon - Visit the website


Brazil

Pacha, Florianopolis - More details
Brand, Guaraja - More details to follow :)

China

W Hotel, Hong Kong - Visit the website

Singapore

Altitude, Singapore - Visit the website

Canada

Ginger 62, Vancouver - Visit the website

El Salvador

Costa Del Sol, El Salvador

Azerbaijan

Club Hezz, Baku

Australia

Cruise, Sydney



More parties to be added very soon!

Click here to view the countdown to NYE 2012

So here we go...Introducing to you The Top 10! Check out the DJs, listen to their tracks, tell us what you think. We couldn't be happier with the talent that has come through in this competition and we'd really like to give a huge congratulations to everyone that took part!

Hed Kandi says: Nathan really went to town to ensure that he could incorporate the sample into today’s main room and festival sound. The breakdown reminds us of this years season in Ibiza, happy smiling faces and when it kicks back in you know the crowd are going to be jumping! Massive congratulations to Nathan on winning this years competition, I’m sure we’ll be seeing plenty more from him in 2012.

How they made the record: To make this record I selected a sample called ‘old days’, a piano riff from the sample pack. Using Logic Pro 9, I felt that I could use this riff as the basis of the record and produce a solid beat to fit with the infectious sound of the piano riff. I also added some smooth strings, a lead synth along with plenty of FX to build up a track with a main room sound that will work in clubs across the world.

Click here to learn more about Nathan Cozetto!

  Tejl feat. Kicki - Oh

Hed Kandi says: Tejl came in a close second because we really loved the way that they cut up the samples along with adding a hypnotic vocal hook that I’m sure we’ll be singing along too for a little while yet.

How they made the record: For this track I've used quite a lot of samples from the Sample Magic - Hed Kandi Disco House Samples package. All the high hats, percussion and snares is from the collection alongside all the effect sounds. The main "riff" is a mixture of different music loops from the sample package, I processed them a bit, re-sampled some of the parts to make the sound more dirty and gritty. The bass sound is made with the TB 303 software clone from the wonderful Swedish Audio Realism company, I've always been into the TB 303 machine and it is great for fat bass lines and with this TB 303 clone you get super sound right out of the box. The vocal is sung by Kicki who I've been working with a couple of times, the vocal was actually from another track, but it fits the sound of the track very well, so I kept it.

Click here for more on Tejl!

  Souljackerz - Can't Get Enough

Hed Kandi says: Souljackerz aka Stuart & Matt deliver a very good traditional rendition of the Hed Kandi Disco Heaven sound, another entry with an infectious vocal, we’re digging this.

How they made the record: We used Ableton Live 8 Suite and FTP to swap files across the 200 miles between us. Starting with the groove, we used single hits from the Hed Kandi sample pack mixed with our own drum sounds. On top of this we over-layered then filtered the rhodes and synth from the sample pack with subtle reverb and panning. The sax was recorded live and chopped in Ableton, while the 'cerrone' bass (also from the HK pack) sat perfectly under our vocal. Finally we added bass-licks, vocal chops, live keys, FX and lots of automation to make it shine- and ended up with a delicious slice of disco-house.

Hear more from Souljackerz!

  Adam A - Wait For The Sunshine

Hed Kandi says: Disco for the sunshine, we can hear this one as we’re soaking up some rays on the beach! This is screaming out for a laidback vocal.

How they made the record: I Started Auditioning the samples from Sample Magic & Hed Kandi present Disco House pro-audio loops and samples collection. It was hard to pick a Sample to use as they were all good. I didn't want to pick a full music sample as I wanted to be more creative and add my touch to it and make it in to my own. I picked the samples: Hk_syn125_dirtychord and Hk_gtr125_melopick. I used Logic Pro 8 For the production. I went for more of a funky Piano style record with a progressive analog synth lead with acoustic style bass.

Say hello to Adam A!

  S69 feat. Stevie Becks - Take Us Dancing

Hed Kandi says: There must be something in the water, the Swede’s are everywhere and this entry from S69 got our attention with its haunting vocal yet distinctively damn right funky groove. This is a really solid production.

How they made the record: We got the vocal from the amazing singer-songwriter Stevie Becks quite a while ago and had been trying out loads of different ideas back and forth and when we saw that Hed Kandi were throwing a competition with the release of the Sample Magic collection we just had to have a go at doing a Disco House record. It all started with the bassline which is the funky core of the record and then it was built from there. Samples used were a funky guitar riff (hipicky) that went right in there grooving with the bass and a rhodes loop (rhodenpad) that gave some nice backing to the piano and the synth playing the chords. Further a drum loop (bassis_top), loads of drum one-shots and FX from the collection was used. The record was produced in Propellerheads Reason which we think is a great creative environment to work in.

Check out more from S69!

  Tom Rider - Elle

Hed Kandi says: Tight production and really well mixed, hat’s off to Tom, this one has been on stuck on repeat for a little while!

How they made the record: I'm little bit of tired of "the supersaw synth trend at the moment“ sound, so when I heard new Hed Kandi´s Sample Pack, I was very happy for this classic collection of loops. I have some favorite samples from this pack, but the  hk_mus125_copyrght  sample brought me a lot of memories of time when I started playing this kind of music in the clubs. For this reason I try to produce the track in a classic way, no extra mighty effects, wild cuts etc.. I added some additional sounds and background vocals to bring more nostalgia in the track. Sincerely I would prefer the full vocal version, but its hard to find some new "house diva”, especially in non-english speaking country. I´m big fan and a user of Steinberg´s Cubase, which, despite some flaws, always do a great job. New compressors LA-2A and 1176 LN from IK Multimedia must not miss on every my record now, and of course with NI Komplete you are always safe ;-)

Find out more about Tom Rider!

  Lets Press Go feat. Cazza - Work It Out

Hed Kandi says: We’re a massive a fan of disco and this one takes it to the club utilizing a funky as hell bassline along with an uplifting vocal line.

How they made the record: We started out by picking the samples we liked from the Hed Kandi/Sample Magic pack, - however making them work together due to the different keys was a real challenge and narrowed down our selection. We use Apple Logic Pro for EVERYTHING, and once we got the samples in the same key we chopped up the two bass samples and used bits from both. The guitars eventually got the same treatment as we tried to get different "loop parts" to gel together by only playing part of the original sample. The two "Drum loops" gave us the main groove without causing the top end to be messy and enabled us to mute one and create an A/B change. The kick drum had a slight EQ cut at 200hz to make it a bit "softer" which also made it sit better with the bass. We already had the vocal recorded (Work It Out) and only later realised that we had used a sample from the library called WORKIT - (hk_mus125_workit3_Fm) Suddenly it all made sense!

Let's Press Go!

  DJ Steven Uttridge & Chris Lavish feat. RJay - Mrs. So & So

Hed Kandi says: A very good production, a driving house track that uses an infectious sample that will keep the dance-floor moving and that’s not forgetting the vocal for them to sing along too as well!

How they made the record: The vocals were recorded with original lyrics to add more feel to the track to captivate the sample. The sample was twisted up using ohmicide plug-in , the sample loop was edited and re-shuffled in the main part of the track but the full loop was opened up in the break.  Software used: Logic Pro 9 and Hed Kandi sample loop used: "Music Goes On" in the bonus loop - music loop file.

Listen to more from these boys!

  Terry Lex & Annie Sollange - Love Potion

Hed Kandi says: Some great laidback soulful Beach House vibes coming straight out of Bern in Switzerland.

How they made the record: Terry just used a Single Kickdrum (hk_kick_woody), Single Snare (hk_snare_funka) and Single Hat (hk_hat_nicehat) from Hed Kandi's Sample CD as a part to build the Drumgroove. All Keys and other Intruments were played and recorded with Hardware Racks (Yamaha TX802, Korg Triton, Moog, Roland D550 and Korg TG77). Lyrics and Vocals by Annie Sollange. Mixed ITB with Cubase and Mastered @ Push On Music Studio, Switzerland.

Say Hello to Terry Lex!

  Colin Sales & S.U.Z.Y - All About The Love

Hed Kandi says: Glasgow’s Colin Sales hooks up with vocalist S.U.Z.Y to deliver a cool early door’s production.

How they made the record: When I saw there was a Hed Kandi producer competition I jumped at chance to enter!  The first thing I did after I bought the Sample Magic pack, was listen to the musical parts.  I fell in love with the very first sample (called 'Backtime'), and I knew no matter how the others sounded, I had to use this one! I built the track around the sample using Song Acid Pro, and I added in a tiny little synth sound using Logic Pro on my Mac (I'm still a novice with Logic lol!).  Once this was done I sent the track to S.U.Z.Y who has worked wonders with the vocal! I'm very pleased with the result and hope everyone likes it! Turn it up!

Click here for more on Colin Sales!



So there we have it...the top 10 tracks from the Hed Kandi & Sample Magic Producer Competition. Please take your time to listen to the tracks, comment on each one and let us know what you think! We'd like to say a huge thank you to Sample Magic for supporting this project and helping to create an incredible sample collection. We're really proud of the product and the music that has been created using it! Thank you to all who participated, we'll definitely be watching for your names in 2012!

Kandi Love xx

When someone comes along with the ability to beautifully blend the French and Chicago house scene...the music world usually stands up and takes notice. Well this is no exception. We first had the pleasure of working with Ghosts Of Venice (GoV) on his incredible collaboration with Ridney and The Phantom's Revenge for the track 'Looking For You'. We knew back then that there was raw talent behind the composition and the production, so with that in mind we handed over the reins of Disc 3 on Hed Kandi Classics. GoV made it his own and majestically reworked some Kandi classics with the help of some well-known friends of his! We managed to grab 5 minutes with the man to ask him about his background, his influences and just where does that name come from??

1.       How would you explain the Ghosts of Venice sound?

I just mash together everything I listened to growing up. My parents were really into Soul music and as a young boy I was really into House music. I guess it all evolved from there!

2.       Where did the name derive from?

There are a few stories about where the name comes from. It actually came from an in-flight magazine I read whilst on the way home from Ibiza. I took the name from the headline and it stuck

3.       Who/what artists are your inspiration?

I take a lot of inspiration from my friends, they'll send me music and I'll think to myself "this is great; I need to step my game up". I also take a lot of inspiration from 90's house producers from the French Filter and Chicago house scene.

4.       How did you get involved with the new Hed Kandi Classics project?

I'd been working with Carl Hanaghan (Hed Kandi A&R Manager) on some projects and he came to me with this idea a few months ago. It seemed like a lot of work but it really came together in the end. I couldn't be prouder of how it all turned out!

5.       What was your highlight of ADE?

The highlight of every ADE is seeing friends from around the world that I never get chance to see and geeking out about music. I also got the chance to play at Supperclub, which is an amazing place, the parties are always really great fun.

6.       Do you have any upcoming shows or projects?

Mostly just working on remixes and originals. I also just started up a record label with a friend called 'Stripped & Chewed', so look out for it!

7.       What do you enjoy most about DJ’ing and producing?

Being able to play and make music I love on a daily basis, getting to travel, meeting new people. It’s great!


Quick Fire Q's

1.       What is the top track on your iPod at the moment?

Fantastic Man - Look This Way

2.       What super power would you have?

I think the ability to stop time would really good

3.       If you weren't in the music industry and could choose any career, what would it be?

International Man of Mystery

4.       Favourite type of Kandi?

Every kind of course!

5. Celebrity tag team death match, who do you have your odds on ... Daft Punk vs Justice?

Daft Punk! Robots beat Humans every time!

A huge Hed Kandi thanks to GoV for the interview. Reworking some all time Kandi classics, you can catch our main man doing his thing on Hed Kandi Classics Disc 3!

Click here to Listen / Buy Hed Kandi Classics Vol. II 

To celebrate the opening of the brand new Hed Kandi Bar in Brighton we sent a competition winner, Ryan Walsh, down to the launch to document his experience...

"On my way down the famous hill of West Street you couldn’t help but be drawn to the new glow emanating from the seafront. That phosphorescent beam was of course the brand new offering from the world of Hed Kandi Bars! Brighton’s very own disco ball haven has taken up residence on the final stretches of West Street, nestled around some of the hottest spots in the town. The first thing that strikes you as you stroll up to the bar is the bright, vibrant, infectious lifestyle surrounding the place. Beaming with the famous Hed Kandi pinks and blues, it’s safe to say the bar has most definitely raised the stakes when it comes to a glamorous night out on the cool shores of Brighton.

As you enter you’re greeted by everything you expect when it comes to Hed Kandi…two stunning girls! A very pleasant entrance is followed by 2 minutes of open-mouthed gazing, although judging by the size of the place this was probably closer to 3 or 4 minutes! The space is huge and the fabulous world of Hed Kandi even manages to spread itself across two floors in this bar! From cool, quirky wall fittings providing ever-changing atmospheric lighting to the famous Hed Kandi Bar collages that adorn the walls of not only the VIP booths but the incredibly decorated toilets (trust me, they’re well worth a look…although you’ll have to take a girl/guy’s word for it?). It’s not all about the walls though; the ceiling at the bar has hundreds of disco balls hanging from it! Disco balls on such an industrial scale makes for an incredible lighting effect and really ups the ante on the glamour ratings! Definitely an eye-rubbing moment when you first see these!

The drinks were delightful, the cocktail menu was vast and diverse with my favourite being the Destroy The Disco (good album too!). Of course the music was spot on, DJ Eibhlin and Stephanie Jay were right on the money with their eclectic mix of dance classics and modern-day floorfillers. The mood of the bar really feels at home in Brighton, it’s great to see a different offering for the local clubbers, one surely to enhance any night out in Brighton. I say any night out because I’ve recently discovered the schedule for the bar and it’s already rammed every week! From incredible student parties to a darker, dubstep night all the way through to the main reason we’re all coming to this venue…the classic Hed Kandi night out!

All in all, well worth a visit, beautiful venue with an atmosphere that’s second to none. Already planning my next visit…just need to decide to go Back To Love on a Wednesday or maybe some Pure Kandi on a Saturday..?? Ah what the heck…I’ll do both."

Thanks to Ryan for his amazing review, we really appreciate everyone who came down for the Grand Opening, it was an incredible night and we can't wait for many more parties like that along the way!

To view all the photos from the evening, click here!

Kandi Love xx



The time has FINALLY come!!!

Hed Kandi fans make your way to Brighton this weekend for the official opening of our Brand New Hed Kandi Brighton Bar.

Saturday 5^th November is the official Grand Opening!

Following the success of our Clapham and Ibiza bar, the Brighton bar will be the ultimate hang out running a mix of eclectic, alternative, house fusion and mashed up events every night of the week. Saturday night is your chance to glam up and enjoy the classic sounds of Hed Kandi’s uplifting, good time house beats whilst sipping on one of our delicious bespoke cocktails.

Known for its cool crowds, premier night-life and carefree, fashionable attitude, Brighton is the next party stop destination for Hed Kandi, where alternative and street chic can unite.

To make sure you're fully prepared for the Grand Opening, take a look at this gorgeous sneak preview...



You can also keep up to date with all the latest progress over on our Facebook page! Get live updates, upcoming drinks deals, a full schedule of what's on and even a few pics of some sexy Kandi girl builders!

So lock this Saturday 5^th November in your diary for the exciting opening night of the Brand New Hed Kandi Bar in Brighton.

To reserve your table head to our Bars section now!

See you on the dancefloor! xx

Meet Sam Cannon and Greg Myers...the DJs behind our latest release World Series: Barcleona. With Greg on CD1 and Sam laying down CD2, we decided to finally get these two in the same room and find out just what gets these boys going! A huge Hed Kandi thank you to both of you for your time and the incredible CD you've created!!


In 5 words describe your mix on CD2 of World Series: Barcelona

SAM:     Deep, techy, funky, bad ass!
GREG:   Sexy, Twisting, Sunshine, Glitz and Glam

How long have you been DJ’ing for Hed Kandi and can you tell us more about your clubbing experience in Barcelona?

GREG:   This is my 4^th Year as a Dj at Team Kandi, Starting from my residency at super club Space with Hedkandi in Ibiza, to playing to the world’s biggest dance floors. My experience of Barcelona is definitely up there with the best clubbing cities i’ve played in, from big balearic clubs, to the underground intimate venues!! Either way, you’re always guaranteed an amazing night.

You’ve been an established DJ on the Hed Kandi roster for quite some time now, but who do you think will be the 2012 breakthrough DJ from Hed Kandi?

SAM:     Tough one as I don't want to give anyone a big head! Stu Ojelay has been getting some fantastic reports and is also on the money with his productions. Krystal Roxx has also been amazing for us this year. We also have a few tricks up our sleeve for 2012 so watch this space.

If the choice was yours, what destination city would be the next World Series stop off or release and why?

GREG:   Would have to be Vancouver in Canada for me!! I Love their summer parties, the city and most of all the clubbers over there.

SAM:     We have covered so many great cities, is there anywhere left?! Las Vegas would be amazing to do. A weekend in sin city is always appealing. 

What do you enjoy most about DJ’ing at Hed Kandi events and what is your favourite Hed Kandi party from any destination across the globe?

GREG:   Most of all would be seeing people enjoy their night and seeing their response to the parties we put on at Hedkandi, it’s not just about the music, it’s also the whole experience from getting to the club, to that last hands in the air track at the end of the night!!! That’s when i enjoy my job the most!!!!!!! Vancouver is my best destination, I just love the hospitality over there, the vibe and they love our Hedkandi parties, their summer boat parties are definitely up there with the best for me. It’s a tough one though, as we do some amazing parties across the globe.

What big plans does Hed Kandi have on the horizon?

SAM:     New Year’s Eve is the next big one for us. We have done some amazing parties in London at the O2 in previous years. This year due to pre-demand for World Series: Barcelona, we are planning a big one in Barcelona where we want to invite all our international fans to come and party with us in this fantastic city. Keep your eye on hedkandi.com and facebook.com/hedkandi for more info. We now have our own bars opening up over the UK, along with a fantastic audio range of headphones. We also have some great plans for artists next year, as well as our continued domination of worldwide events so everyone across the world can have 'A Taste Of Kandi'.

Where will you be DJ'ing for New Years Eve this year, what plans have Hed Kandi got in store?

SAM:     Aside from Barcelona we will also be in Madrid, Hong Kong, Brazil, Poland and Germany, to name a few, as well as our UK residencies. I am not sure where I will be yet, somewhere hot hopefully!

What piece of advice would you give to upcoming DJs/producers?

GREG:   Just keep your head down, stick to your own vibe and never stop learning and watching others! And most of all, never stop smiling and enjoying what you do. The sky’s the limit and why stop at the stars!!!!!

Quick Fire Questions

1.              What is the top track on your iPod at the moment?

SAM:     Good night (DP Cash Mix) - Ewan Rill
GREG:   It’s an album by a New Zealand band called Avalanche City! Nice for the drive home from gigs

2.            Who is your favourite Superhero and what superpower would you steal from them?

SAM:     Invisible man. Need I say more ;)
GREG:   Buzz Lightyear. . . .As I’ve heard it’s a nickname of mine at Hed Kandi HQ!!!!!!!

3.            If you weren’t in the music industry and had to choose one of the following career paths, which would you follow and why? Ice Cream Taster, Dentist, Crocodile Wrangler

SAM:     Crocodile Wrangler! Just to see people's reactions when I told them what I did!

If you weren’t in the music industry and had to choose one of the following career paths, which would you follow and why? Laughter Therapist, Arctic Explorer, Playstation Game Tester

GREG:   Arctic explorer, as I could sledge every day and chase penguins!!!!

4.            What’s your favourite type of Kandi?

SAM:     Cola cubes

GREG:   Would have to be Disco and Kandi Classics!!!!!!!!!

5.            Celebrity Tag Team Death Match, Waifs & Stray vs Jamie Jones & Lee Foss, who is your money on? 

SAM:     Jamie and Lee definitely. Jamie would kill me if I said otherwise!

5.            Celebrity Tag Team Death Match, DJ Chus & David Penn vs Rober Gaez & David Herrero, who is your money on? 
GREG:   Would have to be DJ Chus and David Penn, as there beats are just a little bit BIGGER and heavy weight!!!


You can order your very own copy of World Series: Barcelona - right here!

1.       Your track, Will I (Discover Love) a collaboration with DJ Chus, is a firm Hed Kandi favourite on our dancefloors across the globe, we are also loving the remix you guys did of Copyright Feat. Imaani - Story Of My Life, any new release for us to keep a look out for in the near future?

Well, so many projects for the coming months, with Chus and Abel Ramos as Iberican League we are planning to release two tracks called "Get Up" and "Loveground", I am also doing the new Deux single with Toni Bass, and I am doing a track with Lisa Millet, and a collaboration with ATFC on a new track...

2.       If you could change anything in the past 10 years of your music career, what would it be and why?

I don´t wanna change anything, things happen for a reason and they just become part of our lives. I am very lucky doing my profession and everything that I've lived is just a way of learning. 

3.       What piece of DJ equipment in your studio would you recommend a must have for starters?

Good computer, that´s enough to start.

4.       What is your ultimate end of the night track to play when you DJ? 

Deux "Sun Rising Up" (One of the thousand mixes...)

5.       What is your favourite clubbing spot in Barcelona?

Athletic Disco Club parties are great with Toni Bass.

6.       When on tour, what are the top 3 essentials you pack in your suitcase? 

Laptop, pendrive and headphones.

7.       You have been cementing your name and talents as a favourite Hed Kandi DJ over the past few years, what Hed Kandi compilation have you enjoyed working on most and why?

Not any special, maybe all. I remember the first Hed Kandi compilations, I was buying every release and I really wanted to be on any of them one day, after the years I am so proud to be in numerous Hed Kandi compilations. 

 Quick Fire Questions

1.       What is the top track on your iPod at the moment?
Normally is the last production I am working on, now the new Deux single that will be released soon.

2.       Who is your favourite superhero?
My father

3.       If you weren’t in the music industry and had to choose one of the following career paths, which would you follow and why? Bounty Hunter, IMAX Screen cleaner, Golf Ball Diver...
What kind of a question is this?? 

4.       What’s your favourite type of Kandi?
Chupachups

5.       As you come from Spain, Celebrity Death Match, Fabregas vs Kaka, who's your money on?

 Kaka because he is from Real Madrid but Fabregas is a great player.


Thanks David :) If you'd like to catch his latest work then head to the shop page right now where you can get yourself a copy of World Series: Barcelona!

Hed Kandi and Sample Magic combine to bring you the first Hed Kandi present Disco House pro-audio loops and  samples collection.  To celebrate this, together we are  running a producer competition that will see the winning entry released on one of Hed Kandi's forthcoming  compilations, amongst many other prizes.

Hed Kandi is the leading vocal house music brand, releasing over 12 compilations and throwing over 1,500 parties  worldwide each year. This is the perfect opportunity for house music producers and DJs to take their music to the next level.

To enter the competition, simply produce one full-length disco-house recording using at least one sample from this collection in a prominent role. Additional samples that you own the licence to, as well as original recorded vocals and/or instrumentation, may also be used. Entries that feature an original vocal line are particularly welcome: who knows, you might have the next Hed Kandi anthem - like Put 'Em High or Fade.  

The sample pack can be purchased from Sample Magic - Click Here


Prize

- The winning track will be released on the forthcoming  Hed Kandi Taste of Winter 2011 compilation.
- The winners will receive their own limited edition framed award disc.
- Hed Kandi hamper full of the latest Hed Kandi compilation albums, a pair of the new Hed Kandi headphone range amongst various other Hed Kandi merchandise.
- Plus £500 worth of Sample Magic prizes, including 10 DVD sample collections,  a copy of Sample Magic’s ‘Secrets of House Music Production’ and a copy of Paul White’s ‘The Producers Manual’. 

How To Enter

Purchase and download the Hed Kandi presents Disco House pro-audio loops and sample collection. Produce your record and then submit direct to the A&R team at Hed Kandi. 

To submit your remix entry - CLICK HERE

Each entry must be tagged with the following credits: 
Artist Name – Title of Track (Your Full Name & Email Address)  

Please only submit a master WAV or AIFF file.  (*MP3, MP4, WMA or other files will not be accepted*) 

Hed Kandi will also accept entries on CD / DVD sent to the  following address: 

Hed Kandi
FAO Carl, A&R Department 1
03 Gaunt Street
London
SE1 6DP 

Competition closes 5:30pm GMT 07.11.2011. 
The winner will be announced 14.11.2011. 

Rules 
The submitted entry must feature one or more samples from Hed Kandi presents Disco House in a prominent role in the track. Additional samples that you own the licence to, as well as original recorded vocals and/or instrumentation, may also be used. 

Terms & Conditions

OFFICIAL COMPETITION RULES

HED KANDI & SAMPLE MAGIC PRESENT DISCO HOUSE PRODUCER COMPETITION

These “Official Competition Rules” govern your participation in the Ministry of Sound Recordings Limited trading as HED KANDI (“HK”) “Disco House Producer Competition” (the “Competition”).  Participation in the Competition by submitting your track (as per the instructions below) constitutes your full and unconditional agreement to and acceptance of these Official Competition Rules. It is important that you read and understand them.

1.   Who Is Eligible?

The competition is open worldwide. Only persons who are at least fifteen (15) years old are eligible to enter the Competition.  If you are under 18 years old, you must obtain the consent of your parent/legal guardian prior to entering the Competition and you shall provide us with your parent/legal guardian’s email address or telephone number so that HK can confirm the same.  Any person who is an employee of HK or an immediate family member of an employee of HK or any other person who is directly connected with HK, being any advertising promotion agency or supplier of prizes for the Competition, shall be ineligible to enter. 

2. How To Enter.

(a) HK are offering you the chance to produce your disco house track including at least one of the samples included in the the Hed Kandi presents Disco House pro-audio loops and sample pack (the “Sample Pack”).  To enter the Competition and create the track go to one of the following websites: http://www.samplemagic.com / http://www.hedkandi.com or see the leaflet inserted in the Sample Pack (the “Competition Pages”) and follow the directions to enter between 5:00 pm. GMT on October 17, 2011, and 5:30pm GMT November 14, 2011 (the “Closing Date”).  You are responsible for all recording, editing, studio, mixing, internet and all other costs incurred by you in submitting your entry to the Competition.

 (b) In order to participate in the Competition, you must first purchase the Sample Pack from one of the following websites: http://www.samplemagic.com / http://www.hedkandi.com / http://www.beatport.com as indicated from the Competition Pages.  You may then create a  disco house track (“Your Track ”) by using at least one of the samples provided to you in the Sample Pack, and/or  adding other original elements and other elements which you have express permission to use and assign in accordance with paragraph 3 of these Official Competition Rules. IF YOU USE CONTENT THAT YOU ARE NOT AUTHORIZED TO USE, YOUR ENTRY WILL AUTOMATICALLY BE DISQUALIFIED.

(c) To enter Your Track in the Competition, click on the following link http://dev.hedkandi.com/mshk/HedKandiUploader/ and upload.

Each entry shall be tagged with the following credits:

artist name – title of track – your full name – your email address - your parents/guardian email address (if you are a minor)

Your track must be submitted as Wav or AIF file (MP3, MP4 or other files type will not be accepted) or you can send a CD/DVD to Hed Kandi – FAO Carl – A&R Department, 103 Gaunt Street, SE1 6DP.

(d) For the purposes of these Official Competition Rules, all the content of the Sample Pack or portions thereof, shall be defined as “HK Content”, and the elements added by you shall be referred to herein as the “Submission Materials”. 

(e) You may enter the Competition only once. By entering, you agree to be bound by the decisions of the judges appointed at HK’s discretion. HK shall not take any responsibility for any entries which are illegible, misdirected, lost for technical or other reasons or received after the closing date.  

3. Our Right to Use Your Track and Information about You

You warrant that:

(a) you have not prior to the Closing Date licensed or otherwise allowed Your Track to be exploited in any format anywhere in the World and that you shall not enter into any agreement for the exploitation of Your Track until 30 days after the Closing Date.

(b) save for any HK Content:

(i) Your Track shall not violate or infringe upon any common law or statutory right of any third party including, without limitation, contractual rights, copyrights and rights of privacy, or publicity;

(ii) Your Track is not be defamatory or obscene;

(iii) you have the right to enter into this agreement (and if you are under 18, your parent or legal guardian consents to you entering into this agreement);

(iv) you will not include other samples, save for the HK Content, (whether of musical and/or literary works and/or sounds) in Your Track unless you have express written consent from the owner of the sample to do so;

(v) that all musical and/or literary works (if any) written, owned or controlled in whole or in part (and if in part to the extent of the part only) by you or any party engaged by you or in which you have an interest and which are embodied on Your Track are licensed to HK on statutory, or (if none) the standard, terms for each territory;

(vi) you have the written consent, release and/or permission of each and every participant in the Submission Material to participate in the Competition as contemplated by these Official Competition Rules;

(c) you shall fully and effectually indemnify HK in respect of any breach of your warranties, obligations or representations made herein together with HK’s reasonable legal costs;

(d) If your track will be selected to be the Winner Track (as defined below) you will exclusively licence to us the Winner Track on the terms specified in clause 4 below, or you will be disqualified from the Competition.

 4. Judging; Prizes.

(a) After the Closing Date closes, HK or its representatives will pick one (1) Winner track at their own discretion. (the “Winner Track”).

(b) Prizes:

• The Winner Track will be released on the forthcoming Hed Kandi Taste of Winter 2011 compilation;
• a limited edition framed award disc of the Hed Kandi Taste of Winter 2011 including the Winner Track;
• an Hed Kandi hamper full of the latest Hed Kandi compilation albums;
• a pair of the new Hed Kandi headphone range amongst various other Hed Kandi merchandise;
• 10 DVD collections of samples courtesy of Sample Magic;
• A copy of Sample Magic’s ‘Secrets of House Music Production’ book;
• A copy of Paul White’s ‘The Producers Manual’ book.

 (c)   The Winner Track will be selected on the 17 November 2011(the “Closing Date”).  HK (or its representatives’) decision shall be final and binding in all regards and no correspondence shall be entered into.

(d) The producer of the Winner Track (the “Winner”) will be notified via email. If a Winner cannot be contacted within ten (10) calendar days of first notification attempt, or in the event that the original Winner transpires to have breached these Official Competition Rules, HK may select an alternative Winner. The name of Winner will be available on request. 

 (e) Prizes are non-transferable. HK does not make any warranty about the prize and there are no substitutions or cash redemptions for the prize. HK further reserves the right to substitute prizes at any time.

 (f) If, for reasons beyond the control of HK (including, but not limited to, tampering or computer virus infection or rights issues), the Competition is not capable of running as originally planned, HK at their sole discretion, reserve the right to cancel or modify the Competition, without liability. If a sufficient number of eligible entries (as determined by HK in its sole discretion) are not received by the Closing Date, HK reserves the right not to award any or all prizes.  All taxes levied on any prize awarded in the Competition (including, but not limited to, income taxes) are the sole responsibility of the Winner. All entrants agree to comply fully with each provision in these Official Competition Rules.  Any person attempting to defraud or in any way tamper with this Competition and any person who does not comply with these Official Competition Rules, will be ineligible for any prize and may be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. No cash alternative to prizes is available to the Winner. If the Winner of the prize cannot be traced after reasonable efforts having been made by HK then HK may dispose of the prize as it thinks fit without any liability to the winner for having done so.

(g) the Winner hereby agrees that the entire copyright in the Winner Track and all other rights of every kind (including without limitation so-called rental and lending rights) shall be exclusively licensed to HK from the date of submission absolutely throughout the World for the full period of copyright and all renewals and extensions thereof and thereafter (in so far as possible) in perpetuity free of any claim by you or any third party. You further confirm that HK shall be the sole and exclusive licensee of  the Winner Track and you shall have no copyright interest or in the records produced therefrom and HK shall be entitled to exploit the Winner Track throughout the World without further payment to you. IF YOU ARE UNDER 18 YEARS OLD YOU WARRANT THAT YOUR PARENT OR LEGAL GUARDIAN HAS CONSENTED TO YOU LICENSING YOUR RIGHTS IN THE WINNER TRACK TO HK AS SET OUT IN THESE OFFICIAL COMPETITION RULES.

(h) You hereby grant to HK all consents including those under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 or any statutory modification thereof to enable HK to make the fullest use of  the Winner  Track in all and any media throughout the World (but for the avoidance of doubt HK shall not be obliged to make any use of the Winner  Track.

(i) You confirm that HK shall have the right to use your name, professional name, likeness and approved biography in connection with the Winner Track.

5. Your Release of HK from Any and All Liability.

HK shall not be liable for losses or injuries of any kind resulting from: (i) acceptance/possession and/or use/misuse of prize(s)/loss or damage to prize(s) during delivery to the Winner, (ii) participation in the Competition, (iii) individual, joint or collective technical malfunctions of the telephone network and/or transmission line, internet connections, computer equipment, hardware and/or software, or (iv) any delay or distortion of an entry resulting from data transmissions that are garbled, incomplete, misdirected, lost, mutilated, delayed, corrupted, mechanically duplicated, illegible or otherwise not in compliance with these Official Competition Rules. HK shall not be liable for damage to your computer (including, without limitation, any server failure or lost, delayed or corrupted data or other malfunction) due, either directly or indirectly, to your participation in the Competition or downloading of information in connection with the Competition. HK reserves the right to modify or cancel the Competition in the event that any portion of any website used to administer any aspect of the Competition becomes technically corrupted.

6. Law

These terms and conditions are governed by English law and the parties submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.

7. How to Get More Information.

For the name of the Winner, please visit the Competition Page. Copies of these Official Competition Rules may be obtained by sending an e-mail to info@hedkandi.com.  Requests for Official Competition Rules must be received by November 13, 2011.

Questions regarding the Competition can be directed by email to: info@hedkandi.com.

Show us your Kandi! - Hed Kandi Memorabilia Competition

Pssst .. Calling all die hard Hed Kandi fans! We have a Hed Kandi project that needs your help.

Team Kandi are on the hunt for unique and original Hed Kandi memento’s you may have collected over the years, including images of any Hed Kandi artwork, magazine adverts, event flyers, event posters and tickets you can find/own. 

All you need to do is simply take a snapshot of your collectibles and email  hedkandicompetition@hedkandi.com (include ‘HK Collectibles’ in the subject line) by the 31^st October 2011  to stand a chance to win some great Hed Kandi Prizes.

1^st Prize (One winner)

-          A 40cm x 40cm Jason Brooks Artwork Canvas

-          Guest list for you and 4 friends to a Hed Kandi event in your area.

-          Box of Hed Kandi CD’s to enjoy

2^nd Prize (Two winners)

-          Guest list for you and 4 friends to closest Hed Kandi event near you

-          New Barcelona World Series Album

3^rd Prize (Five winners)

-          A copy of the brand new World Series: Barcelona albums to share Hed Kandi sounds with your friends

Terms and Conditions

1.       To enter a competition you must be:
(a) 18 years old or over at the time of entry
(b) Can be located anywhere in the world

2.       Competitions are not open to employees (or members of their immediate families) of any subsidiary of Hed Kandi

3.       No purchase necessary.

4.       Unlimited entry.

5.       Sending an e-mail is not proof that we have received your entry. No responsibility can be accepted for entries that are lost or delayed, or which are not received for any reason.

6.       The winner will be selected by Hed Kandi

7.       The closing date for the competition is 31^st October 2011

8.       The winner will be notified by e-mail or via their social media accounts. The judges’ decision will be final, and no correspondence will be entered into.

9.       The prize will not be transferable to another person.

10.   No part of a prize is exchangeable for cash or any other prize.

11.   If an advertised prize is not available, we reserve the right to offer an alternative prize of equal or greater value.

12.   This competition is being run by Hed Kandi of 103 Gaunt Street London SE1 6DP

13.   Please read our Privacy Policy which tells you how we use any personal information we may collect about you by entering a competition.

14.   Hed Kandi reserves the right to amend these rules at any time and may also create rules which will apply to a specific competition only. If we do this we will publish the amended competition rules and/or specific competition rules on the relevant competition page.

15.   Travel and accommodation is not included in the prize

We caught up with the one and only Patrick Hagenaar to discuss his new single on Hed Kandi Records 'L.O.V.E. (You Give The)'...

Who is Patrick Hagenaar, where are you from and what do you do?

I’m a Dutch DJ/Producer based in London –so basically I make music that I play all around the world.

Your record, ‘L.O.V.E. (You Give The)’ has recently been released On Hed Kandi Records. What was the inspiration behind the track?   

I like to make different styles of house music and after doing a couple of disco bits (like ‘Double Kross’ on Hed Kandi) I really wanted to make a feel good anthem, influenced by the French sound, so initially I came up with the instrumental and afterwards found the vocal bit, which ended up being a great match together!

Is ‘L.O.V.E. (You Give The)’ your main production sound or do you also produce other genres of this thing we call house music?

It’s a mixture of stuff as I play quite a range of house music as well, so this reflected in my production. I like making big room tracks, but also really enjoy producing tracks with a nice bounce/groove that gets the dancefloor going.

We know you're not just a producer and that you love to spin some records around the world, what’s the best party you’ve ever played at and why?

My recent gig in Seoul, South Korea is definitely up there – I was just so impressed with how knowledgeable the crowd was and how open they were to new sounds – everything I played just really felt right and just ended up playing well over my assigned time!

Apart from ‘L.O.V.E. (You Give The), what essential battle weapons do you have ready to play in your sets?

I’ve recently done some cool mash ups of tracks like Avicii, Clashback etc. plus finished some new tracks (‘Boob control’ & ‘Everytime We Touch’) that generally seem to hit the spot. All these will be released in the next couple of months, so watch this space.

If there was an opportunity for you to work with any artist (dead or alive) in the music industry, who would it be and why?

Oooh, very difficult question, i can't think of anyone...Sorry!

Remixing Vs. original compositions. Which is your favourite?

I’ll have to go with original composition. It’s always fun to completely redo an existing track and give your own spin to it, but there is nothing more fulfilling to compose a track from scratch and see other people enjoying it whilst you play it out.

Who do you think is really producing great music at the moment and who is your tip for stardom in 2012?
Perhaps a bit of an obvious choice. There are two guys that really rock it at the moment –Nicky Romero and Hardwell – they both have a great sound and will shoot up to the premier league in no time.

What was the first record you ever bought?
Probably a Dutch Techno compilation back in 1989 called 'Turn up the Bass 8'.

Have you got any exciting plans for the rest of the year and beyond?

Tour wise – this year I’ll be hitting – South Africa, Holland, Latvia, Australia, Dubai, Oman, Russia and South America.

Production wise – I want to take my production to the next level quantity wise – expect much more to come on labels like Hed Kandi, Stealth, EMI, Big Beat, Nervous and my others.

Quick Fire Questions

What is the top track on your iPod at the moment?  

Baskerville – Devil’s Town

Where do you see yourself in 20 years time? 

Dj-ing House at weddings!

If you weren’t in the music industry and had to choose one of the following career paths, which would you follow and why? F1 driver, actor or a food taster?  

Food taster – preferably ice cream – I can eat ice cream all day – besides I always try to convince people that I’m related to the Haagen-dazs family (used to be my nickname when I used to work in a record shop).

What’s your favourite type of Kandi?

Dutch liquorice

If you could get two people in the ring for a celebrity death match, who would you choose?

Mike Tyson vs Hitler

You can download Patrick's track right here: http://www.beatport.com/release/l-o-v-e-you-give-the/652550

One of the pinnacle events of the music calendar is once again just around the corner. As the eyes of the clubbing world turn their focus to Amsterdam; for 4 days in October this vibrant, alternative city becomes a safe-haven for all things house music.

No music festival would be complete without a taste of Kandi. Once again, we're back in the Netherlands to dish out a dose of glamorous, funky, disco house. Join us on Saturday 22nd October for what promises to be one of the hottest parties to land in Amsterdam this year!

We want you to party with us, and of course, we want you to be well looked after! So simply answer this question below to be entered into the prize draw to win a VIP package for Hed Kandi @ ADE 2011!

Can you tell us which superstar DJ will be joining the Hed Kandi team at Ocean Diva?

a) Aeroplane
b) Patrick Hagenaar
c) Laidback Luke
d) Gramophonedzie

To enter simply comment in the box below with your answer. The winner will be announced on the 12th October via Facebook so please check your Facebook page to see if you're the lucky person winning this...

- 2x tickets for Hed Kandi @ Ocean Diva ADE 2011

- Dinner for two at one of the hottest spots in Amsterdam: Sowieso (http://www.sowieso-amsterdam.nl/)

- A design room in Dutch design hotel Artemis; including a welcome drink and breakfast:  http://www.artemisamsterdam.com/hed-kandi-ade-special

- A Hed Kandi Goody Bag - including the latest Hed Kandi releases, merchandise and audio accessories

Get your answer in now and it could be you! Good luck, see you on the ADE dancefloor!

Team Kandi xx

Please note: This prize does not include flights

On Saturday 1st October, Hed Kandi is landing in bonnie Scotland yet again! Destination Glasgow, we'll be rocking this gorgeous city at the one and only Arches!

Of course...like every other night out...we want YOU to be there! Our dancefloor is not complete until you arrive, so make sure you enter this competition to be in with a chance of winning a pair of tickets to the event plus your very own Hed Kandi goody bag!

All you need to do to be in with a chance of joining us is simply answer the following question in the comments section below...

At which famous nightclub in Ibiza do Hed Kandi host their Disco's Revenge parties?

a) Eden
b) Amnesia
c) Es Paradis
d) Space

Leave your answer below in the comments section and it could be you receiving 2 free tickets to the event plus a Hed Kandi goody bag full of Kandi treats just for you!

9 runners-up will also receive 2 free tickets each to Hed Kandi @ The Arches, so make sure you get everyone you know to get their answers in, you might get the whole gang on the guestlist!

The winners will be announced on Friday 30th September by Cat Ure from Colours Music via Facebook so please remember to check your Facebook and the comments section of this blog to see if your answer has won!

Good luck! Like the picture says...see YOU on the dancefloor! xx

Hed Kandi are heading up to Manchester for a hedonistic weekend away!

And like all good parties...we want you to come with us!

This Saturday 10th September we'll be taking up the decks at the one and only Venus Club. To make sure we celebrate the weekend in style we're offering an incredible VIP experience! All you need to do to be in with a chance of joining us on Saturday is simply answer the following question in the comments section below...

Which Hed Kandi DJ will be playing at Venus on Saturday?

a) Carl Hanaghan
b) Sam Cannon
c) Andy Norman
d) Ali Wilkinson

Leave your answer below and it could be you winning our VIP prize...

- Free entry for you and 3 friends
- 2 free drinks each
- 30 mins up in the DJ booth, rocking out with the Hed Kandi DJ

The winner will be announced at Midday on Saturday before the gig. You will be contacted via Facebook so please ensure you check your inbox...it could be you!

Good Luck! See you on the dancefloor...

OFFICIAL COMPETITION RULES
12 DAYS OF HED KANDI COMPETITION

These “Official Competition Rules” govern your participation in the Ministry of Sound Recordings Limited trading as HED KANDI (“HK”) “HED KANDI CREAMFIELDS COMPETITION” (the “Competition”).  Participation in the Competition by submitting your name and email address (as per the instructions below) constitutes your full and unconditional agreement to and acceptance of these Official Competition Rules. It is important that you read and understand them.

1.   Who Is Eligible?
The competition is open to residents in the UK and Eire. Only persons who are at least eighteen (18) years old are eligible to enter the Competition. Any person who is an employee of HK or an immediate family member of an employee of HK or any other person who is directly connected with HK, being any advertising promotion agency or supplier of the Prize (as defined below) for the Competition, shall be ineligible to enter.

2. How To Enter
(a) To enter the Competition go to the following website: http://www.hedkandi.com/news/post/102/win-tickets-to-creamfields and follow the directions to enter. The Competition is open between 14:00 pm GMT on 17 August 2012, and 11:59 pm GMT on 19 August 2012 (the “Competition Term”). You are responsible for all internet and all other costs incurred by you in submitting your entry to the Competition.

(b) In order to participate in the Competition you must follow the instructions and answer the question (the “Competition Question”) provided on the Competition Page (the “Entry”).

(c) Each Entry shall include your full name, telephone number, postal address, and a valid email address. You shall also provide the full name and surname of the person to whom you will give one of the two tickets forming the Prize (the “Guest(s)”). For the avoidance of doubt the Guests shall be at least eighteen (18) years old.

 (d) You may enter the Competition only once. By entering, you agree to be bound by HK’s selection process which will be a random draw as described below. HK shall not take any responsibility for any entries which are illegible, misdirected, lost for technical or other reasons or received after the Competition Term.

(e) By submitting your email address, you also agree to receive the latest Ministry of Sound Group news, offers and competitions by email. Your personal details will be used in accordance with the HK Privacy Policy which can be found at http://www.hedkandi.com/Privacy.aspx.

3. Information about You
You warrant that:
(a) you meet the entry requirements for the competition;

(b) you confirm that HK shall have the right to use your name and likeness in connection with the Entry and the promotion of the Competition; and

(c) you shall fully and effectually indemnify HK in respect of any breach of your warranties, obligations or representations made herein together with HK’s reasonable legal costs.

4. Prize
(a) After the Closing Date, HK or its representatives will drawn 2 Winners at random from all the participants who entered an Entry with the correct answer to the Competition Question (the “Winner(s)”).
(b) Prize for each Winner:
A pair of VIP tickets to Creamfield festival 2012 which will take place in Walton, England on the 24th, 25th  and 26th of August 2012 (the “Prize”).

(c) The Winners will be selected on the 20 August 2012 .  HK (or its representatives’) decision shall be final and binding in all regards and no correspondence shall be entered into.

(d) The Winners will be notified via email. If a Winner cannot be contacted within twenty-four (24) hours of first notification attempt, or in the event that an original Winner transpires to have breached these Official Competition Rules, HK may draw at random an alternative Winner from the participants who entered an Entry with the correct answer to the Competition Question. The name of the Winners will be available on request.

 (e) the Prize is non-transferable. HK does not make any warranty about the Prize and there are no substitutions or cash redemptions for the Prize. HK further reserves the right to substitute the Prize at any time to a value it deems appropriate.

 (f) if, for reasons beyond the control of HK (including, but not limited to, tampering or computer virus infection or rights issues), the Competition is not capable of running as originally planned, HK at their sole discretion, reserve the right to cancel or modify the Competition, without liability. If a sufficient number of eligible entries (as determined by HK in its sole discretion) are not received by the Closing Date, HK reserves the right not to award the Prize. All taxes levied on the Prize awarded in the Competition (including, but not limited to, income taxes) are the sole responsibility of the Winners. All entrants agree to comply fully with each provision in these Official Competition Rules.  Any person attempting to defraud or in any way tamper with this Competition and any person who does not comply with these Official Competition Rules, will be ineligible for the Prize and may be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. No cash alternative to the Prize is available to the Winners. If the Winners of the Prize cannot be traced after reasonable efforts having been made by HK then HK may dispose of the Prize as it thinks fit without any liability to the Winners for having done so.

5. Your Release of HK from Any and All Liability.
HK shall not be liable for losses or injuries of any kind resulting from: (i) acceptance/possession and/or use/misuse of the Prize/loss or damage to the Prize during delivery to the Winners, (ii) participation in the Competition, (iii) individual, joint or collective technical malfunctions of the telephone network and/or transmission line, internet connections, computer equipment, hardware and/or software, or (iv) any delay or distortion of an entry resulting from data transmissions that are garbled, incomplete, misdirected, lost, mutilated, delayed, corrupted, mechanically duplicated, illegible or otherwise not in compliance with these Official Competition Rules. HK shall not be liable for damage to your computer (including, without limitation, any server failure or lost, delayed or corrupted data or other malfunction) due, either directly or indirectly, to your participation in the Competition or downloading of information in connection with the Competition. HK reserves the right to modify or cancel the Competition in the event that any portion of any website used to administer any aspect of the Competition becomes technically corrupted. (v) the Winners and the Guests shall be solely responsible for the following: a) their transport to and from the Creamfield festival; b) their accommodation or equipment for camping at the Creamfield festival’s camping space; c) their food and drinks; d) their travel insurance; e) their ability to provide a valid ID proving that they are aged eighteen (18) or above.

6. Law
These terms and conditions are governed by English law and the parties submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.

7. How to Get More Information.
For the names of the Winners, please visit the Competition Page. Copies of these Official Competition Rules may be obtained by sending an e-mail to info@hedkandi.com. Questions regarding the Competition can be directed by email to: info@hedkandi.com.

Are you looking Hed Kandi hot this summer??

Welcome to our brand new summer 2011 merchandise competition, where we’ll be sending out hundreds of prizes for anyone who shows us a picture of themselves sporting one of our very own Hed Kandi garments!

All you need to do is upload a photo of yourself wearing one of our t-shirts, holding one of our bags or grooving away with one of our pairs of headphones! Once you’ve tagged Hed Kandi so we can see your beautiful pose, we’ll not only send you a CD for your troubles but also enter you in the competition to win the top prize of...

-          1 x Disco Heaven CD

-          1 x Hed Kandi headphones

-          1 x Hed Kandi Artwork canvas of your choice (Canvas will be size Medium: 40cm x40cm),

-          VIP Guestlist for you and 3 friends to a HK event in your area.

This incredible prize will be going to the person who tags us in the best photo. So make sure you’re pulling the craziest dance move with your sexiest mates in front of the most amazing background!

The competition closes on 26^th September 2011 and all entries must be uploaded to our official Hed Kandi social network pages on Facebook or Twitter. Alternatively, you can email your picture to pickme@hedkandi.com.

Terms and Conditions do apply, please see below for further details.

Get snapping guys! Good Luck J xx


Terms & Conditions

1. To enter a competition you must be:
(a) 18 years old or over at the time of entry.

2. Competitions are not open to employees (or members of their immediate families) of any subsidiary of Hed Kandi

3. No purchase necessary.

4. Only one entry per person.

5. Sending an e-mail is not proof that we have received your entry. No responsibility can be accepted for entries that are lost or delayed, or which are not received for any reason.

6. The winner will be selected by Hed Kandi

7. The closing date for the competition is 26/09/2011

8. The winner will be notified by e-mail or via their social media accounts. The judges’ decision will be final, and no correspondence will be entered into.

9. The panel of judges for each competition will be comprised of members of the marketing team of a relevant department of Ministry Of Sound. Hed Kandi

10. The prize will not be transferable to another person.

11. No part of a prize is exchangeable for cash or any other prize.

13. If an advertised prize is not available, we reserve the right to offer an alternative prize of equal or greater value.

14. Incorrectly completed entries will be disqualified.

15. This competition is being run by Hed Kandi of 103 Gaunt Street London SE1 6DP

16. Please read our Privacy Policy which tells you how we use any personal information we may collect about you by entering a competition.

17. Hed Kandi reserves the right to amend these rules at any time and may also create rules which will apply to a specific competition only. If we do this we will publish the amended competition rules and/or specific competition rules on the relevant competition page.

18. Travel and accommodation is not included in the prize

What an amazing summer Hed Kandi is having on the White Isle! Nine weeks into our
season and the Saturday night parties at Es Paradis are simply rocking!

It’s not all about our fabulous flagship parties at Es Paradis though...thanks to our friends from Nissan, we have been cruising around the island every day in the brand new Nissan Juke taking in the sights and sounds of this incredible location!

This week we have been chilling out to the max and took a tour of some of Ibiza’s hottest beaches. We found ourselves extremely horizontal at Cala Conta for some blissful sun bathing and with the fabulous views of the islands dotted around the coastline and beautiful turquoise waters, one can easily see why this is one of the best beaches on the island.

As any Ibiza-goer knows...it’s not a trip to Ibiza unless you’ve witnessed the perfect Ibizican sun sets, and keeping this in mind, we wanted to treated the Juke to a mind-blowing sunset and decided to head to a chilled out bar called Kumharas. There’s nothing better than sitting back, chilling out and watching the sun go down. As the temperatures cool and the light begins to fade, you can’t help but get excited for the night to come, in particular our Saturday night “Disco’s Revenge” party at Es Paradis.

Last weekend’s event saw Hed Kandi headline DJs Sam Cannon and Stephanie Jay rocking the decks and the one and only Lovely Laura on Sax and Dean Oram on percussion entertaining the masses on the dancefloor below. By the time Sunday morning rolled out at Es Paradis A.K.A Casa Kandi the only thing left to do was get back to the nearest beach! Thank heavens for the Juke...we headed to Bora Bora for some well-deserved rest and relaxation. This really is the life...but don’t take our word for it, come join Hed Kandi on the dancefloor rand see for yourself!

My week in Ibiza!
 
I don't keep a diary, nor do I normally log my activities, but upon reflection this week has been great and so yet again, I find myself giving thanks once again for the wonderful life that I've somehow fallen into. We've managed to keep busy doing great things and it's been completely stress-free. Yesterday five of us headed down to Cala Salada. For those of you that don't know Cala Salada, it is arguably the clearest water in Ibiza!

To get to the beach, you have to climb over a series of rocks, but mid-journey we had to turn back and go to another beach because we had a pregnant woman in tow who was struggling with the rough terrain! This was not before some cliff jumping into that turquoise water, so it wasn't a wasted visit! We arrived at Cala Gracioneta to find a packed beach, so we went around the corner to the next beach, Cala Gracio. Third time lucky and out new spot was well worth the wait. Some other members of team Kandi joined us and it was great to spend the day on the beach all of us, honestly feeling like one big happy family.
 
Night falls and we headed off to the port of Ibiza town for some pizza. For me, it was goats' cheese & spinach pizza washed down with a nice cold beer. Killer combination - yum yum...!!
 
Saturday is always the big day and so for me, it was off to Ibiza Rocks Hotel to play the Hed Kandi pre-party to all the eager young holiday makers. It's a pool party in the middle of the afternoon and is always such good fun seeing everybody having the time of their lives in the Ibizan sunshine. Back home for some food and rest before we do it all again, but this time it's the big one at Es Paradis. Yet again, it was another great crowd and a truly remarkable evening of hands in the air, literally all singing, all dancing!!

 

And then comes Sunday; God decided this was to be 'the day of rest' and who am I to argue?!! We've got an old friend over at the moment who we hadn't managed to catch up with yet, so we took him up to Sa Talaia, which is the highest point in Ibiza. From the top of the mountain, you have a 360 degree view of the island and it is truly breath-taking. We stayed up there for a good while and then watched the sun set together before headed to our favourite restaurant in Ibiza, Sa Soca. This place is the REAL Ibiza. Family run, with the Mum out the back in the kitchen making the finest home cooked food you could ever imagine. Good food, good company and one or two bottles of red wine and that's another perfect week in Ibiza wrapped up nicely.



Thank you Ibiza, you are amazing...
 
Ben Santiago (Hed Kandi Ibiza Resident DJ)

Welcome to “Inside Trax”. This is the story of the Hed Kandi lifestyle in Ibiza, as told by our glamorous events team and their sexy new machine…the gorgeous Nissan Juke! For the entire summer season we’ll be driving our new baby around the island taking snaps and jotting down experiences for you all to see. Giving you a whirlwind tour of what it’s like to be on the island for the whole season, from the sights to the sounds, all the way to the bright blue sea! Each week we’ll upload our blog and photos to keep you in the Kandi loop ;) Enjoy the first installment! xx



Hed Kandi DJ Sam Cannon arrives at Ibiza Airport to be driven in the Nissan Juke to the Hed Kandi apartment.

Temperatures in Ibiza soared over the weekend as the Balearic sunshine reached a peak of 35 degrees; holiday makers and residents across the island headed to the beaches and took full advantage of having a refreshing dip in the cool Mediterranean sea.  Also heading to the beaches were the fabulous Hed Kandi entertainers who made their way around the island in the stylish Nissan Juke to promote Hed Kandi’s Saturday night event at the legendary Es Paradis.


The Hed Kandi PR girls arrive in to San Antonio outside Es Paradis ready for a day’s work.

Saturday’s Hed Kandi event saw the beautiful DJ Sam Cooke, Hed Kandi aficionado DJ Sam Cannon and Ibiza resident DJ Ben Santiago doing their magic on the decks, whilst live performances from The Lovely Laura on sax and Dean Oram on percussion ensured it would be a night to remember as the Kandi fans partied into the early hours of Sunday morning.  Hed Kandi’s Saturday night events have also seen an amazing array of celebrities come through the Es Paradis doors including Sarah Harding, Colleen Rooney, Denise Van Outen and Ollie Barkley confirming that Ibiza has definitely become one of the top holiday destination for 2011 and Hed Kandi the night to be seen at!

Hed Kandi @ Es Paradis, HK entertainers performing to the crowd.

Stay tuned for the next edition of Hed Kandi and Nissan Juke's "Inside Trax"!

Here at Hed Kandi we're lucky enough to have a line-up of incredible DJs. Wherever you turn there is exceptional talent waiting to blow you away with a performance, a production or even just their personality! This man is no exception to the rule, in fact, he created the rule! He's just released his remix of Moony's 'I Don't Know Why', along with help from his partner in crime Morris Mavado, on Hed Kandi Records. Introducing...Steven Quarré.


Hi Steven, for the people that are just getting involved in the Hed Kandi scene, who is Steven Quarré, where are you from and how did you get involved in the industry?

Steven Quarré is a DJ/Producer from the Netherlands. I’m 28 years old and just love everything about music! I’ve listened to electronic music all my life but the moment I bought record players and a mixer was when it all started for me. From then on I started playing in clubs and parties and started to produce. Nowadays I travel around the world playing my music. It’s the best thing there is!!

Your remix of Moony ‘I Don’t Know Why’ with Morris Mavado has recently been released On Hed Kandi Records. How did you end up working with Morris and what was the inspiration behind the remix?

We met each other on a forum about music and producing and from there on we started making music, first more soulful and beach house but nowadays it’s more Bigroom stuff. Re the inspiration for the Moony remix: The inspiration was Brazil! I have been there 3 times now (in total 15 gigs) and this Moony track is still massive there. From all the remixes there are from this track there wasn’t really one which fits in my dj sets. So we tried to make one. And I think it worked out well!!

What’s the best party you’ve ever played at and why?

That would either be Space Ibiza, Piso 30 Bogota or Paka in Poland...and that’s just because the people went crazy! It’s all about the response of the crowd. It doesn’t matter how the club looks or if the people are yellow, blue or purple. I just love when people are having a good time with the music that i’m playing!

Recently you’ve been spinning records for Hed Kandi in Brazil! How did the Brazilian public respond to your set?

I think they really liked it to be honest. Well I hope they really liked it ;-) Brazilian people are a joy to play for. They are really responsive and from the moment they enter the club they start dancing. I always get a lot of reactions on my twitter and facebook from the Brazilian people so that’s a good sign!

Apart from your record bag...what essentials can you never travel without?

My Macbook. Travelling means a lot of waiting and my computer helps to make this as joyful as possible. I can make music on it, watch a movie, play games, surf the Internet. It makes travelling so much easier!

If there was an opportunity for you to work with any artist (dead or alive) in the music industry, who would it be and why?

Coldplay or Beyonce should be cool but house music wise it would be Axwell. He’s a genius!

Remixing Vs. original compositions. Which is your favourite?

I do like both. Creating something from scratch is amazing. Certainly when the track is finished and you can play it out. But making a remix around a vocal is cool to. It’s great to see you can make a total different track than the original.

Who do you think is really producing great music at the moment and who is your tip for stardom in 2011?

There are a few cool producers out there. Actually to many to name… I hope all of the guys who work hard for it get the credits they deserve!

What was the first record you ever bought?

Not sure, but probably something like Technotronics – pump up the jam…

Have you any exciting plans for 2011?

Release some cool productions and getting my twitter (www.twitter.com/stevenquarre ) to 100k followers… ;-)

Quick Fire Questions

What is the top track on your iPod at the moment?
Avicii’s essential mix.

Where do you see yourselves in 20 years time?
Still in the music industry. Maybe as a DJ, Producer, A&R or something but definitely something to do with music!

If you weren’t in the music industry and had to choose one of the following career paths, which would you follow and why? F1 driver, actor or a food taster?
Food taster. Definitely. I just love food!

What’s your favourite type of Kandi?
Something sweet…………

If you could get two people in the ring for a celebrity death match, who would you choose?
I don’t like a death match. Just make Love to each other!!!

Click Here to Listen / Buy - Moony - I Don't Know Why (Steven Quarré & Morris Mavado Remix)

This Saturday Steven will be gracing the decks at the one and only Es Paradis for Hed Kandi's Ibiza 2011 parties 'Disco's Revenge'. For full details and to purchase tickets, click here!

See you on the dancefloor...we'll bring Steven! xx

Trying to find the words to describe a night out in Ibiza is hard. Trying to put words to a Hed Kandi night in Ibiza is simply impossible.

One word that does come easily though, when i start to think back to Saturday 4^th June, is mesmerising. Visually stunning, the production levels for Disco’s Revenge are second to none, and i mean none! Where else on this glorious island can you dance next to a giant Studio 54 style roller skate or gaze at a saxophonist blasting out a high note whilst lay on a huge glittering moon!? Trust me, none of this is fabricated, i told you it was mesmerising!

The combination of Hed Kandi and Es Paradis is truly a match made in heaven. The hedonistic, decadent lifestyle of the Hed Kandi partygoer finds more than a safe haven in the opulent, almost palatial Es Paradis. It provides the perfect backdrop for a night filled with good times, big smiles, and a lot of tired arms...from having them constantly pointing towards the sky in moments of pure revelry and delight (trust me there are a lot of these moments!)

My review has been brilliantly named, if i may say so myself, a view from Paradis. However, upon reflection, it’s not the view that takes centre stage for me. The Hed Kandi dancers literally took centre stage and to be fair that really was a view from paradise! But as ever with a Hed Kandi party, you can’t help but notice the feeling you get when you’re there. Almost indescribable, one of pure satisfaction and happiness, as if the night could truly last forever! Yes that sounds cliché and would probably be better as an Usher lyric but it is truly a magical experience.

Being on that dancefloor for the opening party was more than just a tick in the box for me, it was life-changing and happiness gaining, a moment that wholeheartedly deserves its place in the scrapbook of your Ibiza experience. If you do one thing when you visit the White Isle this summer, make sure it involves a sunset and a trip to Es Paradis...i guarantee you’ll enjoy the view.

To get your place on the Hed Kandi dancefloor booked...head to the Ibiza ticket section now!

xx

Oh yeah! - just havin' a lil groove in the street! I don't even know where to start over my amazing new piece of candy, fantastic headphones from a new audio range by Hed Kandi, but I'll go with the most important thing to me - colour. Wowza these are just perfect. I don't know about you, but I can never find a product that's simply a colourful, no frills, slickly designed object, but here is a prime example of the kind of thing I mean.

Excellent colour choices and no excess rubbish! (Oh and it 'happens' to match my iPod :P)

Then there's the sound quality. There's really no point investing in headphones if you're still going to annoy those poor co-passengers on the tube, enduring your leaky beats. Yes they're escape-proof and I guarantee you'll hear instruments/parts of the songs you didn't know existed! I've been wanting headphones for soo long now but none were ever quite right.

I have to give a huge thanks to Hed Kandi for sending me these - they are absolutely perfect, and bloomin' hell, only £20! I love them and I'm completely unashamed to say it!



To view the entire range of Hed Kandi Headphones please click here

A huge Hed Kandi thank you to Lucy for her kind words! Don't forget to visit Lucy's blog 'Snippets of Shiny Thoughts' for all things shiny of course :)

xx

Access the ultimate Balearic lifestyle with this brand new Ibiza Hed Kandi App!

Get all the information you need for the White Isle with our exclusive guide to Hed Kandi’s second home.  We have provided you with the ultimate insight into all things glamorous on the island, from the hottest clubs to the perfect dinner, we've got it all covered for you.

Hed Kandi Remix Competition

If that wasn't enough you can also create your very own bespoke remixes on our music remix tool! Chop and change your favourite Hed Kandi tracks and when you feel like you've finally become a superstar DJ, share them with your friends on Facebook. If you think your remix has really got what it takes to blow the minds of the Ibiza crowd then upload it to the Hed Kandi Facebook page and enter it into our Remix Competition! 

Submit your best remix to be in with a chance of winning...

- 2 x VIP Tickets to Hed Kandi @ Es Paradis, Ibiza + A pair of Hed Kandi Headphones!
- Our 3 Runners-up will also receive a copy of Hed Kandi's latest summer compilation, Beach House 2011.

Then to complete your Hed Kandi experience listen to one of our On Demand radio shows updated weekly, browse our blog, galleries, videos, events and keep up-to-date with our Facebook and Twitter feeds all whilst lying on the beach!

You can also purchase your ticket for the world famous Saturday Hed Kandi nights at Es Paradis without all the pesky paperwork that will just get soaked whilst you swim.

Available to download now for free from iTunes and The App Store.

Features

FREE Hed Kandi track to start remixing straight away!
Remix tracks using a simple non-technical interface
Save your remixes and share via Facebook
Listen to friends remixes from within the app
Listen to x4 On Demand Hed Kandi radio shows updated weekly!

Browse our blog, Facebook and Twitter and leave comments all from within the App!
Check out the latest Hed Kandi album artwork and pics for our fabulous events
Browse, preview and download Hed Kandi music and buy mobile tickets to our

Content

The app is supplied with x1 FREE track from HedKandi – EXCLUSIVE to this App! Other content from top artists is available from within the storefront within the app. New content from major and independent record labels will be made available every week so check back often to see what’s new, or sign up to our mailing list from within the App.


Access the FABULOUS with the new HED KANDI App!

Languages: English

Requirements: Compatible with iPhone and iPod Touch

Requires iPhone 3.0 Software Update

Click here to download the App now!

When it gets to that point in the day, nothing is more essential than that all important downtime. We’ve taken to the streets of the White Isle to find out where it is people most like to get themselves truly horizontal. From the perfect hotels to the picturesque beaches, we’ve scoured the island to bring to you a magical concoction of some of Ibiza’s finest traditional spots along with some Hed Kandi hidden gems! (Sssshhh...They’re just for you though)

Don't forget, we've also created a special guide for 2011 on Ibiza Clubs and Bars & Restaurants!

Talamanca
A long, curved beach borders the bay Cala Talamanca with the little resort Talamanca. The soft sand shelves gently into clear waters making it excellent for safe bathing. A wooden boardwalk runs the length of the beach, passing over into a lovely promenade on the left end of the bay, easily connecting you to either end. You'll find a very good choice of bars and restaurants along its length. Some are open the whole year round and so Talamanca is very popular in the winter months for walks around the bay and lunches in the warm winter sun. All of the hotels overlooking the beach here have stunning views of the old town of Ibiza, especially when lit at night.

Las Salinas
Named after the salt lakes in the south of Ibiza, the beach at Las Salinas is the southern most tip of the island and the most popular with celebrities...especially footballers! The very long, wide crescent of pale sandy beach is bordered by pine woods. The water is crystal clear with super breakers that appear on windy days, perfect for body-surfing. Good for adventure walks as the surrounding terrain is Ibiza's Wildlife Conservation Area. During the summer months, Las Salinas is the 'in' beach not only for the wealthy and the beautiful people, but also for the party scene. The bikini fashions tend to reveal more than they cover-up, and the sun-worshippers here are more than a match for the Baywatch beauties. The rather exclusive bars play summer music throughout the day, and will serve cocktails right to your sun bed! The atmosphere and the beautiful beach more than make up for the generous prices. Towards the end of the bay, nudists, families, hippies and party kings and queens dance and chill-out to the groovy sounds all day long. Pure summer feeling...no wonder it's such a popular beach!

Cala D’Hort
A small, beloved beach with a fantastic view of the mysterious island of Es Vedra, which lies only several hundred meters from the shore. The beach itself is sandy to one side, more pebbly to the other, and in summer is extremely popular. There are three excellent beach restaurants (one renowned for its fresh fish). Two are on the beach whilst the third, Es Boldado, is accessed from the road to the beach from Sant Josep (signposted). Or, if you’re brave, you can scramble over the rocks and fishermen huts to the wooden staircase that takes you up to this popular restaurant. 10 minutes drive from either Sant Josep or Cala Vadella.

Es Cavellet & El Chiringuito
Arguably the favourite beach amongst the locals is Es Cavellet. It’s just before the infamous Salinas Beach. The restaurant situated just off the beach is ‘El Chiringuito’ and is fast becoming the next Ibizan hot spot due to its great menu which consists of a fusion of Mediterranean (French/ Italian/ Spanish cuisine ) and it’s fabulously picturesque beach with white sand and rolling waves. Rolling dunes and a very broad sandy beach are perfect for beach strolls in the off season. In the summer months with club music and cocktails, the party feeling continues here the whole day long. Smooth and sophisticated and a definite day out not to be missed. 10 minutes drive from Playa d’en Bossa or Ibiza Town.

Ibiza Rocks Hotel
The Ibiza Rocks Hotel sits right in the heart of San Antonio just 300m from the famous Sunset Strip which makes it the ideal location for a Hed Kandi pre-party destination! This 24-hour rock’n’roll hotel has been hailed as one of the hot-spots on the White Isle so be sure to catch your favourite Hed Kandi DJs in action every Saturday for our well-known sunset pool parties and the perfect start to your evening. The cost of the accommodation at the hotel varies depending on your taste. Small rooms are available at very reasonable prices or there are rooftop penthouses for the more affluent. It’s packed with facilities and things to do including 2 outdoor pools, 4 bars including the Electric and Lobby Bars, wood-fired Classic Italian Pizza Restaurant, Ibiza Rocks Shop selling an amazing range of Ibiza Rocks merchandise and an onsite supermarket, you’ll never have to leave if you don’t want to!

Calle Cervantes, 27
07820 San Antonio
ibizarocks.com

Es Vive
Es Vive embodies Ibiza's famous twin qualities of relaxation and excitement. The art deco Architecture is easy on the eye and so to are the denizens of the funky pool area. In a word, it's cool.. What other hotel has its own CD?? If drinking is your thing you'll be pleased to note there is 24 hour service - the Experience Bar is open from 8pm until dawn and the Breakfast Bar caters to those lounging around the pool area. To tempt your tastebuds there is a full menu available consisting of light Mediterranean fare incorporating asian influences, plus a couple of classic English dishes.

C/ Carlos Roman Ferrer 8
07800 - Ibiza
hotelesvive.com


Lay by the pool, stretch out on the beach, either way make sure you stay horizontal and soak up those rays! Once bronzed, remove yourself from the beach grab yourself a drink and something to eat and prepare yourself for the main event...Click here to read our guide to Ibiza Clubs and Bars & Restaurants!

Over the years here at Kandi HQ, we’ve spent many hours debating our favourite Ibiza bars and restaurants. With so much incredible choice, it’s no wonder we’ve taken 11 years to finally put together our shortlist of the best places to chill out and indulge. On top of the perfect places to eat and drink, we’ve also included our favourite places to catch an essential Ibiza pre-party! Read on to get your ‘schedule’ sorted!

Don't forget, we've also got our Ibiza 2011 guides for Clubs and Hotels & Beaches!

Hed Kandi Bar
Our brand new Ibiza Hed Kandi bar is the latest addition to the emerging Uptown San Antonio strip near the landmark Egg roundabout. By day, the bar is the perfect chill out spot to catch laidback Balearic beats and visit our boutique selling all the latest Hed Kandi music, merchandise and tickets to our flagship Saturday extravaganza at Es Paradis. By night, it's a glamorous party bar with our world famous DJs creating one of the best atmospheres on the island, playing the hottest tracks that will define your summer . Join us every night for the ultimate jet set experience and live life in the fab lane at the Hed Kandi Bar, Ibiza.

Hed Kandi Pre-Party - Every Saturday 9pm - 1am

Avenida Dr. Fleming,
San Antonio,
07820
(next to the egg roundabout)
hedkandi.com/bars/ibiza

Ibiza Rocks Bar
Situated on the golden sands of San Antonio and a mere 100 meters from the famous super-club Es Paradis, making this the ideal location for your Saturday Hed Kandi pre-party action! By day the bar boasts shaded beach side dining, where you can enjoy food from the new dinner menu and for those just looking to kick start the evening, why not sip on one of the sublime Ibiza Rocks cocktails whilst relaxing in the renowned terraced lounge. By night it features an outdoor DJ booth, super cool fluro neon dance floor and a VIP terrace overlooking San Antonio Bay. It is the perfect place to warm up for a legendary night ahead!

Hed Kandi Pre-Party - Every Saturday 9pm - 1am

Dr Flemings, 6,
07820 San Antonio
ibizarocks.com

Café Savannah (as pictured above)
Sister bar to the renowned Café Mambo, Savannah has in recent years become a prominent feature of the world famous sunset strip and plays host to one of Hed Kandi’s pre-parties in 2010. This alluring oasis of serenity and calm during the day is complimented with chill out tunes spun by the resident DJs that reflect a true feeling of summer and it is an ideal base to embark on a night out, alternatively this chill out zone hosts a breathe easy space with slightly shaded daybeds ready for you to lay back and back in the later afternoon sunshine. Simply ease off for a while and enjoy the sheer indulgence that is Savannah at daytime. Savannah has a modern menu which has something for everyone. From brunch to salads, baguettes, pastas and grills and also brags a stunning sunset terrace from which to enjoy your cocktails or champagne sangria. Savannah also has the best deal on tickets to the superclubs and often provides free transport to get you there.

Savannah Sunset Pre-Party - Every Saturday 8pm - 11pm

Carrer del General Balanzat 38
San Antonio
savannahibiza.com

KM5
Located about 5.5 kilometres along the road from Ibiza heading towards Sant Josep, KM5 is easy to miss if you’re not looking for it! This beautiful luxurious Bedouin style oasis nestled in serene hills with its enchanting garden is a total Balearic experience not to be missed. Arabic-style tapestry tents, sofas, candles and colourful pillows sprawled across this exquisite backdrop is superlative for the perfect lounging pleasure. This restaurant, bar and lounge garden is one of the best bars on the island! A deservedly popular hotspot. A great restaurant that definitely needs pre-booking! Located about 5km outside Ibiza Town on the Sant Josep road, near the KM5 marker.

Carretera Eivissa-sant Josep, KM 5.6
07817 Sant Josep de SA Talaia
km5-lounge.com

Ushuaia
Located out the back of Hotel Fiesta Club Don Toni, 100m past Space at the end of the resort, Ushuaia (pronounced oosh-wire) arrived in 2009, after relocating from the venue that Sands now occupies. The 2009 version came equipped with Maison de L’Elephant interior design and as you enter via a private winding path guarded by totem poles, passing through exotic palm-fi lled gardens, dotted with alluring day beds, candelabras and elephant statues. Crossing a quaint and tiny bridge completes this pilgrimage to paradise… and that’s when the magic truly begins. A mouth-watering menu encompassing the fi nest cuts of meat, freshest fish and salads just right for a hot summer’s day in Ibiza. The beds to lounge on aren’t so much a cliché as a must-do and there is also a small shop selling designer fashions, private garden areas including a juice bar and of course, the ubiquitous massage facilities. After dark, Ushuaia becomes a grown-up playground of pleasure, hosting intimate and exclusive events with the who’s who of international spinning the soundtrack until 2am, while guests indulge in seaside sushi, gourmet barbecues and luxe cocktails on the sand. All you need to do is get your name on that guest list…

Carretera Playa d’en Bossa,
(in front of Hotel Fiesta Don Toni, on the beach)
07820 Sant Josep
ushuaiaibiza.com

La Cava
There are ample amounts of great tapas restaurants in Ibiza, but in our opinion, the best tapas restaurant is La Cava in Ibiza town. This pristine restaurant and cocktail bar boasts a wide selection of mouthwatering cocktails to set the tone and mood for the classic night out in Ibiza town! La Cava is probably the best value for money restaurant we’ve found, yet the experience is one to remember.

Paseo vara de Rey, 4
07800
lacavaibiza.com

Villa Mercedes
Located in one of the island’s oldest houses, Villa Mercedes is an oasis of style and sophistication in the brash and brazen town that is San Antonio. Originally built in 1904, the restaurant in Ibiza opened in 1999 and since then has been steadily growing in popularity amongst an international crowd of diners. The décor is reminiscent of a colonial palace at the turn of the century - lavish furnishings, candle-lit tables and seductive lighting make for a romantic and relaxed atmosphere. The impressive white façade with the modern touch of electric blue windowsills is an eye-catching site – even more so when lit up at night. Offering a brand new menu with many more vegetarian, organic and Asian fusion dishes to tempt taste buds! Choose from the terrace with fantastic views of the harbour and San Antonio Bay, the intimate upstairs restaurant or the bistro on the ground level. The Villa Mercedes restaurant experience isn’t complete without sampling one of the imaginative cocktails such as the super refreshing Mangaca, made with Cachaça, soda water, fresh mint, sugar cane and mango. Music is just as important for one of the best restaurants in Ibiza, Villa Mercedes as it is for sister bars Café Mambo and Savannah.

villamercedesibiza.com

L’Elephant
All over the island are a great many places which bring something special and unique to those who know where to look. Known for the most amazing views of Ibiza Town and situated next to the church of San Rafael, L’Elephant offers French cuisine at its finest and this most exclusive of Ibiza restaurants couldn’t be better located to highlight the great contrasts in design which characterize much of the island’s architecture. Choose to dine in the air-conditioned dining room or one of the two beautiful outside terraces, mixing with the rich and famous, top models and stars that frequent L’Elephant for its laid back atmosphere and the very finest food. At midnight, the VIP terrace sheds its convivial air of being an exclusive meeting place and becomes a lively bar, replete with DJs. Whether visiting to sample the delights of the inspired menu, take a twirl on the VIP terrace before heading into town, or simply to sample a bit of everything and indulge all of your senses. The perfect treat for the Hed Kandi WAGs or HABs (Husbands and Boyfriends).

Plaza Iglesia, San Rafael
elephant-ibiza.com

Plastik
The influential Plastik has established itself as one of the ‘must visit’ bars for those who expect a little extra from their Ibiza experience. Plastik helped pioneer the rejuvenation of San Antonio’s ever improving reputation and it has led to the plush bar attracting a glamorous, celebrity-filled crowd. Located by the egg roundabout on Avenida Dr. Fleming.

plastikibiza.com

Sa Capella
Sa Capella provides a stunning alternative to the usual dining experience as you are nestled in the peaceful hills just outside San Antonio and is one of Ibiza’s most divine dining experiences - quite literally. Housed in a 400-year-old monastery chapel (which legend holds to be haunted) its cool stone arches and candlelit tables provide a magical setting. Modern décor (with the cream leather chairs being complimented with gothic artefacts) fittingly completes this imaginative location. Equally as impressive is the restaurant’s charming terraced garden, an ideal setting for that after dinner coffee or local Ibizenco liqueur! As for the food, Sa Capella specialises in local Mediterranean dishes that are typical of the island. At the end of each meal, every table is presented with a bottle of Sa Capella’s very own homemade hierbas, to sit and indulge until eventually ready to retire. Sa Capella is where locals rub shoulders with famous visitors and blissful tourists as they relax beneath the stars - truly heaven-sent summertime delight.

Carretera de Santa Inés Km 1.2
San Antonio 07840

Blue Marlin
Sprinkled with seaside restaurants and many a luxurious watercraft, Ibiza’s captivating Cala Jondal plays host to Blue Marlin - the super sexy queen of Ibiza’s beach clubs. A haven for sun-seeking enthusiasts with a taste for scrumptious food, refreshing drinks and funky chilled tunes, it’s like a giant outdoor living room with sofa service to boot. Peppered with low leather couches, delicious day beds, Alice in Wonderland oversized armchairs and chunky rustic tables, the outdoor deck is where Ibiza’s “It” crowd and international jet-setters prop up swanky white bars and feast on selections from Mediterranean menus. Step on down to the sandy terrace (be sure to reserve your bed in advance) and bathe beneath Ibiza’s rays alongside bronzed up celebs and mere mortals alike. There is a full restaurant, inside space for the dark hours, where the party will rock on till 4am, often with island residents playing and Sundays have become well known for Paco Fernandez and his amazing live guitar sessions here. With exceptional service by beautiful people for beautiful people, Blue Marlin is the ultimate beach-day-out.

Cala Jondal
bluemarlinibiza.com

El Rincón de Pepe
Hidden in the back streets of San Antonio in the pedestrian area just off the ‘square of the fountains’, El Rincón de Pepe boasts a wide variety of Spanish tapas. The perfect little restaurant to have a quick snack or a dinner with friends, El Rincón has been local favourite for decades. The cosmopolitan crowd lets you meet like-minded people from all corners of the world, but as international as the clientele may be, the cuisine is strictly local with a menu of delicious Spanish specialities that hasn’t changed for years. After a hard day on the beach(!), drop by and quench your thirst at a paveside table, watch the early evening bustle and try grab the last ounce of the sun's energy before a night out on the town.

6 San Mateo St, San Antonio
rincondepepe.net

Kama Sushi
On the infamous Sunset Strip of San Antonio, alongside the ever-popular bars of Café Mambo and Café del Mar, sits a bar with a difference. The name gives it away; Kama Sushi is of course a sushi bar, and a great alternative to the standard formula used by so many sunset venues. It accommodates a far more relaxed atmosphere than some of its neighbours and certainly offers the most exotic menu in the area. Serving food from early evening until late into the night, Kama Sushi covers all the bases and hence attracts a large and assorted clientele. A special sunset menu provides the perfect accompaniment to an evening drink with a fantastic taster plate, other reasonably-priced deals feature the happy-hour-style Sushi & Sangria and the more substantial and especially romantic Sushi & Champagne. Kama Sushi do offer a couple of options for non-sushi fans, one of which is the spectacularly flavoursome Tokyo burger. Leave some room for dessert, and go with the much loved Tempura Banana, unanimously recommended by the waitressing staff. With such a diverse menu, KamaSushi can suit as a pre-party snack or an evening out in itself.

Sunset Strip, San Antonio Bay
kamasushiibiza.com

Café Mambo
Situated on the same strip as Café del Mar, Mambo offers front row seats to a catwalk of beautiful party people. Home to many of the coolest pre-club parties, this café offers free sets from the most illustrious local and internationalDJ names plus live sessions all summer long. The original small Ibizincan and derelict house has become a prevailing force in the dance music industry. With international DJs of the calibre of Pete Tong, Roger Sanchez, Paul Oakenfold and Frankie Knuckles playing regular sets, not to mention regular appearances by Groove Armada, Faithless, BodyRockers and Dannii Minogue (to name a few). Café Mambo is all about the time you spend with the people you enjoy as you wait for the sun to fall and for the moon to take its spot in the sky. It is also more often than not the first bar Team Kandi heads to on its arrival in Ibiza as we watch the perfect sunset!

Calle Vaya de Rey 40, San Antonio
cafemamboibiza.com

Café del Mar
Famous the world over for a series of chill out albums released annually since 1994, Café del Mar makes every sunset a unique experience. The idea is a simple one, you sit by the shores of the bay of Calo des Moro in San Antonio and admire the stunning sunsets to a backdrop of ambient and eclectic music provided by the DJ in the bar. The simplicity of the event and the pleasure one takes in the perfect combination of scenery, beautiful weather and the wonderfully chilled music, make every sunset a special one. Even now, after 10 years on the island, the name on everybody’s lips is still Café del Mar. There have since been many imitators, but only one true Café del Mar...

Avda. Juan Carlos 1, San Antonio
cafédelmarmusic.com

Café Sidney
Surrounded by multi-million pound yachts and offering fantastic views across the harbour to D’alt Villa, the old fortress, Café Sidney is the perfect place to sit back and relax whilst enjoying a beer in the afternoon or one of their legendary breakfasts to set you for the day. The restaurant is a permanent fixture on the island scene all year round. Serving a wide range of dishes including traditional breakfasts from a large variety of countries and a superb salad menu the restaurant caters for all tastes. Café Sidney has a relaxing and friendly atmosphere with plenty of seating room on the large sun terrace as you indulge in a classic Vodka Lemon and take in this stunning and at times surreal location.

Puerto Marina Botafoch
cafesidney.com

Aura
It takes most bars, clubs and restaurants a long time to establish themselves in Ibiza, that is if they are not shut down as soon as they open! Aura burst on to the scene in 2005 and has set a new benchmark on the night life circuit; a full menu of entertainment throughout the night, starting from a relaxing drink early evening to dancing the night away till the early hours, with a little food thrown in between. May 2010 sees the re-launch of Aura as a garden restaurant with an open air terrace with cocktail bar & private dining areas all designed by world renowned landscape designer James Holderness. In addition to the main areas ‘Aura’ has a large barn space which has been converted into a gallery and made available for island artists to display their work. We recommend that you either sink into luxurious circular beds inside, cushion-clad booths under the stars on the globe-lit terrace, or choose a stool by the bar with a perfect view of the dancefloor – this stunning countryside sanctuary is the place where anything can happen and everything just might…

Carretera de Sant Joan, KM 13.5
07812 Sant Llorenc
auraibiza.com

Bambuddha Grove
Set amongst lush bamboos and statuesque Buddhas, Bambuddha Grove is an exotic bird amongst the restaurants of Ibiza. As you stroll beneath a luscious canopy of bamboo, past watchful stone statues eyes and make your way around the grand estate you’ll discover flushes of Ibiza luxe and an über cool crowd amidst ancient sexual artefacts and sultry, sumptuous furnishings. Situated five minutes from Santa Eulalia on the San Juan Road, this Balinese inspired Ibizan restaurant offers a delicious trademarked MediterrAsian menu (Asian culinary delights fused with the Med’s finest). In the legendary Siam Bar signature cocktails such as Bamboozles, Karmapirinhas or Shivalingas are slurped to the sounds of the resident DJs. The several outdoor oriental sanctuaries are perfect for balmy summer evenings and for those with a taste for the exclusive, the Moonlight Bedroom Privee is divinely VIP. Be sure to check out the gob-smacking and erotically inspired Khajuraho Lounge too.

Ctra. San Juan, KM 8, 5, Santa Eulalia
bambuddha.com

Base Bar
Situated on the hottest part of the hot strip in Ibiza Town, Base Bar is the place to be if you are part of the music and club industry. Situated next to Rock Bar, this is a friendly bar and the place to be if you want to spot some celebrities around. From DJs to VIPs, you are bound to see a famous face here any night of the week. The Base Bar, is one of the most popular drinking dens for Hed Kandi aficionados in Ibiza Town and an intrinsic part of the scene. There’s a rigid night-out timetable: eat around 10:30pm, bar at 12:30am and club at 2:30am. Last but definitely not least, enjoy a Caiprinha or two whilst listening to great music supplied by the resident DJs and surprise guests to get you in the mood for the long night ahead. To get you in the mood you’ll often hear great music in the familiar style of the Base Bar, Es Vive and Beach House compilations (released on Hed Kandi) coming from the decks each night...

Ibiza Old Town, Calle Cipriano
Garijo 16 07800
sunsetbar.co.uk


Now you've got your sunset planned, let's make sure you've got yourself a bed, both on the beach and in the hotel! Click Here to read our guide to Ibiza Hotels & Beaches! Don't forget the main event either...check out our guide to the Ibiza Clubs xx

In this blog we’ll be taking you through all of our favourite clubs on the White Isle compiled by our own special team of Ibiza experts...the Hed Kandi DJs. From the minimal to the magnificent, from the hectic to the hedonistic, we’ve delved deep into our 11 years experience to bring to you the definitive list of places not to be missed.

Don't forget, we've also got our Ibiza 2011 guides for Bars & Restaurants and Hotels & Beaches!

Es Paradis (as pictured above) 
Es Paradis is instantly recognisable by its iconic pyramid structure and is widely regarded as the most beautiful club in the Mediterranean. It is also the oldest club on the San Antonio waterfront and second only in longevity to Pacha in Ibiza’s history. Es Paradis is rooted in the birth of the Ibizican clubbing experience and this summer sees Hed Kandi return to its Disco roots with Disco's Revenge taking over Es Paradis every week for the coveted Saturday night slot. The music policy is wonderfully varied with Hed Kandi representing the finest in beautifully uplifting house music for the discerning clubber. Expect nothing short of spectacular as Hed Kandi take over this glowing venue and lead a hedonistic clubbing revolution with Disco's Revenge.

Salvador Espriu, 2 San Antonio
esparadis.com

Amnesia
Half way between Ibiza Town and San Antonio on the main road sits Amnesia, a club that has been an integral part of Ibizican nightlife since it was first opened in 1976 as a discotheque. The music policy is both diverse and forward thinking. Expect the finest techno and trance every night of the week with parties from Cocoon, Armin van Buuren and Cream. Amnesia was once an open air venue but with new restrictions this has given way to a new enclosed space boasting one of the most revered sound systems on the White Isle.

San Antonio Road
Km.5, San Rafael
amnesia.es

Space
Space is best known for its revered terrace and the all day parties it plays host to on Sundays. The brand ‘We Love’ is known throughout Ibiza and attracts the finest talent from around the globe week on week. The music policy is both forward thinking and diverse, you can be transported from the Balearic grooves of the Sunset Terrace to the most avant-garde techno you will here on the Island in a matter of minutes and the concept venue will truly take your breath away! Countless rooms, bars, chill zones and more Funktion One speakers across the numerous dancefloors then you will find in their factory!

Playa d’en Bossa s/n 07817
Sant Josep de Sa Talaia
spaceibiza.com

Pacha
The once quiet area of Ibiza Town that Pacha occupies is now a hive of activity and tourism, developing at astounding speed since it fi rst opened in 1973. Now surrounded by bars, apartments, a casino and El Hotel which Pacha made their own in 2003 the iconic twin cherry logo has blessed Ibiza Town as one of the most discerning party locations in Ibiza. Upfront global house music is the order of the day with Defected In The House, Release Yourself, Subliminal Sessions, F**k Me I’m Famous and Renaissance all taking residency here. Not the cheapest venue on the island, but a visit to Ibiza would not be complete without a night at this iconic clubbing venue.

Avda 8 de Agosto, Ibiza Town
pacha.com

Eden
Eden is situated directly on the waterfront of San Antonio, just opposite the Harbour and is in a perfect location for attracting town based tourists looking to continue after the bars of San An. Last year Pete Tong made a landmark move to Eden with his party, ‘Wonderland’ and achieved massive success thus adding to the vibrancy and richness of San Antonio. Check out Eden for other nights including Judge Jules’ long standing Sunday gig, Judgement Sundays and the revered Electric Sex party!

Calle Salvador Espriu,
San Antonio, 07820
edenibiza.com

Privilege
Privilege is steeped in an eventful history. The venue known as Club Rafael was bought in 1978 and became the legend known as Ku. The fate of open air clubbing on the island was then sealed in 1990 with the addition of a roof, a structure which was to collapse only a year later in a storm. Ku was rebuilt and became the legendary Privilege, the name it goes by today. Privilege became home to one of the most famous nights ever to grace Ibiza, Manumission, and fittingly now plays host to one of the most famous DJs in the world, Tiësto.

Calle de Ibiza, 0703698 L’Alfàs Del Pi
privilegeibiza.com

The Zoo Project
Feeding time at the Zoo! This is one of the most unlikely clubbing spaces on the island. Situated out of San An near Benimussa, from the 90s onwards, it was commandeered by Club 18-30 who held many of excursions here, a free-for-all daytime club event basically. Then a few years ago, the Zoo Project turned up and have made their Saturday afternoon/evening parties one of the must-do events on the summer calendar. Utilising the uniqueness of the location to its maximum, as well as feeding the ongoing minimal beast, the Zoo Project's other big draw is that it offers outdoor and daytime clubbing, a particular attraction given the increasingly draconian laws governing the clubbing timetable. So whilst super cool labels like Freak n Chic and many of the Circo Loco supporting cast and have provided the compositions, the venue itself has provided an extraordinary clubbing space fit for a wild atmosphere. This is perhaps no better emphasised than by the 'Seal Pit' arena where banks of fancy dressed disco kids have a rave up around, well, a Seal Pit!

zooproject.com


Now you know where to get your groove on, head to our guide to Bars & Restaurants to plan out your all important meal times! Plus don't forget to secure yourself a bed! Read about our guide to Hotels & Beaches here! xx

It took me a while to peel myself from the sun lounger and write this review for all you lovely Kandi kids. I don't want to seem lazy, just rarely does the sun grace us with her presence in England, particularly to coincide with a gorgeous new album release. I must confess I have been a little tearful at the absence of some laid-back Kandi grooves, but here we are!

Serve Chilled, I have missed you! Where have you been?? Judging by this track-list… you must have some stories to tell. So if like me, the sound of the ocean and the birds in the sky just aren’t enough, slip on your headphones and join me on this musical journey, wont you?

Disc one opens with a dollop of downtempo genius. Maya Jane Coles is hot property in house music; it’s the perfect selection for this release, just beautiful. Grimelock's Dubstep-Lounge is hazy with post-apocalyptic ambience. Plinky plonky geisha melodies of Syknro’s Open Arms and Commix - Japanese Electronics, contribute to this Eton Mess of spiritual vibes, and jangly pianos, Konichiwa! Anoraak are my favourite new, French pop band. Above your head is (what I imagine) to be the soundtrack to an intergalactic soiree, on some distant moon. Chris B presents a new Balearic track and artist, the rippling percussion and poignant vocal are magical, a new poolside classic for sure! Butch - For Her Smile, is a scoop of acoustic love, projecting reflections of water and melting ice cream. Hercules & Love Affair’s rendition of the Sterling Void classic, It’s Alright, is breathtaking.  They’re most definitely the hottest name on any festival line-up this summer. I’m lucky enough to be seeing them perform at the IMS closing party in Ibiza in a few weeks, so this is a nice warm-up. The euphoric qualities of Andrew Bayer’s Distractions, teamed with Tycho’s, Balearic Coastal Brake, are both maximal and imaginative interpretations of chill...simply breathtaking!

The critically acclaimed, Simian Mobile Disco produced, Goodnight Good Morning by Beth Ditto; makes for a ballsy and sumptuous start to Disc Two.  The kick-drum, reggae and gospel choir of Aeroplane - We Can’t Fly, sends shivers down my spine, a total choon I’m sure you will agree! I’m captivated by the rhythm of High Wire from The KDMS. Make sure you check out the accompanying, Booty-Barbarella video on YouTube, hilarious stuff! Roll over, the Nu-Disco-pop of Shine A Light and chugging, disco sensibilities of Mario Basanov - Do You Remember, are about to smooth over you like suncream. Enough beat to keep your toe tapping, and your body firmly anchored to the grass. Crazy P’s beautifully executed, stabbing piano rework of Love The Way, is one of their strongest productions to date and my pick of the whole compilation. Closing on a sedated and altogether melancholic note, with tracks from Wolfram and the psychedelic LSD by Moguai… to the Hippy market’s on Es Caná, we go!

In 2011, Serve chilled returns with impact, evolving from the cocoon. No longer just the slinky sibling of Beach House, but a Technicolor butterfly of sound.

Hed Kandi once again, carves out a timeless new sub-genre, of eclectic beats. The last word in summer soundtracks! Just try not to get too comfortable, it’s your turn to grab the ice!

Disco D

Click Here to Listen / Buy Serve Chilled: Electronic Summer

Sun, Sea, Sand and the Sexy Sounds of Hed Kandi!

For two lucky winners we're offering the opportunity to join us at our Hed Kandi party @ ME Cancun on Saturday 28th May. Everything about this prize is covered in our special VIP glitter paint! From the moment you arrive to the disappointing sight of you leaving, you'll be given non-stop celebrity treatment. 

The very lucky winners will receive (wait for it...):

- 2 x flight credit worth $2,000*
- 3 x All Inclusive night's stay at ME Cancun for 2
- 2 x VIP tickets for Hed Kandi @ The Beach Club ME including VIP bed service
- 2 x Transfer to and from the Airport   

Sound appealing? Enter now by answering this simple question and it could be you lying on the beach soaking up the sun, listening to the blissful beats of Hed Kandi!

Click Here to Enter

Good Luck!

Xx

(Competition closes 09/05/11)

*For any flight cost incurred above the $2000 flight credit, winners will be liable for the excess amount.

Dan features on Hed Kandi's latest compilation Back To Disco. Click here to Listen / Buy

For any Hed Kandi fans out there who haven’t had the pleasure of hearing your work yet, who is Dan Clare, where are you from and how long have you been doing this for?

I have only been making music under the name Dan Clare for the past year. I had been producing for roughly 5 years before this, but I decided to considerably switch up my style, and with this came the name change! I bagged my first release, 'Dirty Touch' alongside an artist called Varski, in May '10 on Noiseporn Records. Since then, the support for my music has increased tenfold. Chances are you've heard one of my remixes on the Radio or in the Club!

Your remix of Candi Staton’s ‘Young Hearts Run Free’ and Stacy Lattisaw’s ‘Jump To The Beat’ features on the latest Hed Kandi compilation ‘Back To Disco’. What role has disco played on your music career and who are the artists that have influenced you the most?

Disco and House music really do go hand in hand. I like artists such as the SOS band, from the funk side of Disco too, the more Classic disco artists such as Donna Summer and The Trammps. I guess the most obvious influence Disco has had on my music is that I love people to dance when they hear it. This recent return of Disco in its various forms is refreshing!   

Your remix certainly has us jumping to the beat! What was the inspiration behind your modern take on these disco classics?

I love stripping a remix down to its bare original for a minute or so and let it breathe before I throw in my take on it. The choppy style I employ on the drops is something that has worked well for me recently in my productions. It seems to be doing ok, so I thought I’d see what the Hed Kandi fans made of it!

People are probably more aware of the work you’ve done with tracks from Duffy, Adele and Cee-lo Green, but what genres of music do you like working with the most?

If I’m to choose the song I remix I like it to have a lot of Soul. I then take it, chop it up beyond recognition and delicately place it back together. Kind of like a puzzle I suppose! 

Did you start in the industry by DJ’ing and then turn to production or was it the other way around?

I was at University, turned the tender age of 18 and got my first gig at a club soon after. I had done basic production before that, but it seems that the more serious my DJing got, the more serious my productions got. I studied a Sound Engineering degree so much of my time there was also spent shaping my skills as an engineer and producer.  

What’s the best party you’ve ever played at and why?

I love the student crowd. Some of my favourite gigs have been to huge student crowds who are there for a good time without the attitude. My best party was probably one of my first experiences DJing to a big room. I played several tracks in the main room at Gatecrasher Nottingham when I was relatively new to DJing and it spurred me on to work harder and inspired me to delve more into the production side of things.

If there was an opportunity for you to work with any artist (dead or alive) in the music industry, who would it be and why?

In terms of vocalists it would have to be the great Stevie Wonder. The man has so much soul! In terms of House music, Amanda Wilson (The Freemasons) seems to have the ability to churn out hits; I would love to work on a track with her.  A lot of my other artists on my wish list are from Hip hop backgrounds, from producers such as the Neptunes, artists like the Roots, to the UKs very own Kano.

Following the success of your collaboration with Varski on the Swedish House Mafia track ‘One’ – Are there any further plans to collaborate with more artists or do you prefer bringing your own thing?

Yeah I have been doing tracks with Varski for a long time now. We have a good connection musically and tend to throw ideas back and forth until there right. We’re still working on material now and will be bringing out various tracks in the future. I will be bringing out two songs in the near future with a producer called 'R3WIRE'. We have a quirky track called 'Mink, Schmink' doing the rounds now and a track with a massive sound to it that were looking for a home for. Think Swedish House Mafia... on steroids! 

Remixing vs. original compositions. Which is your favourite?

I love to remix others tracks, but I hate having my originals remixed by others. It’s a strange situation; hopefully I’ll get over it soon! I think that I'm more creative when I Remix, however nothing can beat an original that you can call entirely your own work. 

Name your top 3 pieces of equipment / software plug-ins in your studio. On that matter, do you prefer in the box, out the box or a combination for your production?

It has to be a combination in my opinion. Even if it’s just a case of Mastering using outboard equipment. Saying that, Hardware can be expensive when you compare it to an 'In the box' home studio. Currently a lot of my production is 'In the box', within Logic. Some soft-synths I’m favouring recently are Korg M1, Sylenth1 and Massive. I'll then make sure it’s mixed and mastered using outboard compressors and the like, helps to find that balance of digital and analogue. 

Who do you think is really producing great music at the moment and who is your tip for stardom in 2011?

I would look out for my fellow up and coming remixers, guys like Liam Keegan and Ben Corker (Funk3d). There’s a guy from the states too called Mord Fustang, very talented.

Have you got any exciting plans for 2011?

Lots! Many releases and exciting plans in the next few months!
 
Quick questions

What was the last track played on your iPod?
The new master of my track with R3WIRE - 'Mink, Schmink!' Go have a sneaky listen on your favourite Video search engine!
 
Where do you see yourself in 20 years time?
Hopefully somewhere with some shiny sales plaques on my walls.

If you weren’t in the music industry and had to choose one of the following career paths, which would you follow and why? Professional Footballer, a Wine Expert or a Taxi Driver? 
Professional Footballer... Childhood dream!

Apple or Blackberry? 
Apple hands down.

So you’ve bought the Hed Kandi CD and you’re ready to groove down the street following wherever those funky beats take you. Wait! Before you step out make sure you’re looking right! Complete your fabulous look with the brand new Hed Kandi Audio and iPhone Accessories range.

Designed to suit the fashion forward, glamorous and trendy consumer, the range features a wide selection of products. From the Kandies in-earphones, which look good enough to eat and come in unique sweetie packaging, to the over-ear, superlight and hair-friendly Disco Heavens available in four eye catching colours. There is also a plethora of other over-ear designs each with a distinct look and feel and bespoke iPhone/iPhone 4 sleeves.

To complement the Jet-Set lifestyle of the hedonistic, summer customer Hed Kandi have also developed the clever GlitterBall and Pearl Drop speaker which lets you take your latest house tunes with you wherever you are in the world.

Hed Kandi Audio and iPhone Accessories range will be available from April 20th.

Watch this space, more info coming soon...

The bags are packed, the ticket is bought and the plane is taxiing down the runway. Today’s destination, the beautiful sandy beaches of Australia. The fabulous Hed Kandi returns to the land down under to deliver a hand-picked collection of the finest big room sounds from our global dancefloors. Welcome to Sydney Live 2011

The long awaited return to the vivacious, iconic Sydney, this edition of our ever popular “Live Series” brings with it a whole host of Kandi favourites all selected from our very own delicious repertoire. This unique and uplifting album features tracks that define the party-going, hedonistic lifestyle of one of the globe’s most famous beach destinations. Hed Kandi: Sydney Live 2011 has a plethora of massive club hits from the hottest artists and producers, these include Michael Canitrӧt, Niels Van Gogh, DNA, Glitterarti, Alistair Albrecht and more...

Making sure these floorfillers are heard all over the country, Hed Kandi will be bringing our jet set party lifestyle to Austalia with an array of fabulous events planned from Sydney to Perth and everything in between.

See you on the dancefloor!

Creating iconic hairstyles for the world's most famous faces represents the pinnacle of the hairdressing profession. It's the domain of an elite band who can command daily fees that outstrip a regular stylist's average yearly wage.

There are more than a quarter of a million salon stylists in the UK. This new ten-part series on E4 sees many of the country's top high street hairstylists compete in a cut-throat competition to be crowned the Great British Hairdresser by James Brown.

Stylist to the stars Brown will be joined by Jo Elvin, the Editor of Glamour Magazine, as they whittle away the contestants through a series of fashion-based weekly challenges. Model Abbey Clancy co-presents and is with contestants every step of the way across each hour-long episode as they battle it out to win the dream assignment - styling the hair of an A-list star for the cover of Glamour Magazine!

Last year the Great British Hairdresser’s contestants faced one of their toughest competitions yet where they joined the team of hairdressers at the stunning Es Paradis to style the infamous Hed Kandi dancer’s hair. Not only were they judged on the aesthetics of the style but also whether it held up after the six hours of dancing, lights, heat and sweat these girls endure on a typical Hed Kandi night.

Tune in on Monday April 4th on E4 to watch Hed Kandi show the contestants what stressful hairdressing means!

Click Here to Listen / Buy Hed Kandi: Back To Disco

For any Hed Kandi fans out there who haven’t had the pleasure of hearing your work yet, who is Jay Santi, where are you from and how long have you been in the music industry for?

I am from Amsterdam in The Netherlands and have been DJ-ing for about 10 years now. Besides that I have been working in the music industry for quite some time now. I have been working for a major record label as a promoter and product manager for some years and nowadays I am working as a music director for a national radio station here in Holland. Music is my passion and it’s a nice combination with my DJ/Producer work.

Your remix of Candi Staton’s ‘When You Wake Up Tomorrow’ is featured on Hed Kandi’s latest compilation Back To Disco. What attracted you to this track and what inspired you to take it in the direction you did?

Yes, I am very happy that it ended up being on the album. I really like old disco songs so remixing one of them is always a fun thing to do. Candi Station has a great voice and the original song has such a nice vibe/feeling to it that I loved reworking that song. I tried to keep the original vibe of the song intact on my 2011 remix.

Are you a big fan of disco? Which artists have been particularly influential on your work?

Absolutely, like said I just love old disco tracks.  I don’t know why but the happy feeling, the grooves, the horns, funky basslines... just love them. I don’t really have one artist that has an influence on my work... I just listen to a LOT of music all the time, from pop, rock, urban to disco, house and techno, I get influences from everywhere!

If you had to collaborate with a disco artist from the past, who would you most like to get in the studio with?

Ooh that’s a tough one, I mean, there are SO many good artists and songs from that time...from the obvious ones like the  guys from Chic, EWF, Giorgio Moroder etc to the less well known who made some great “one hit wonders” so I really couldn’t pick just one.

Why is remixing so important for your industry, and where do you think we would be without it?

A remix can take a track to another direction. Someone’s interpretation of a track can be suprisingly different.  As the taste of the audience differs as well I think it’s always nice to have a good package of solid remixes of a track to suit different tastes.

Which 3 clubs do you believe people should experience at least once in their lifetime?

That’s hard! We have some in Amsterdam but they come and go, and really depends on what night you go. But let’s say it this way...Visit the Ibiza nightlife, the Amsterdam nightlife and Las Vegas before you die and you won’t be disappointed!

Name your top 3 pieces of equipment / software plug-ins in your studio. On that matter, do you prefer in the box, out the box or a combination for your production?

I do all my mixing in the box, a few of my favourites at the moment are The Glue Compressor, The Psp vintage warmer and the Vengeance Nexus is also in everything I do. It has great soundbanks and I don’t want to spend hours and hours creating a synth sound so I have Genelec speakers for monitoring and Ableton Live is my favourite DAW.

Apart from yourself, who can you see having a big 2011?

“Big” also depends on the scene... but some producers I really like at the moment and I think are doing very well  are Ramon Tapia, Wehba,  Jay Lumen , Joris Voorn .. there are so many!

What does 2011 hold in store for Jay Santi?

Well , right now  I am working on some new productions. I really want to take my work to the next level this year. Get more and more educated on making rock solid good tracks. So that’s my main focus right now. If you make great productions and remixes you can get your name out there and get those nice DJ gigs. If you take your work to the next level I think the dj gigs will also go that next stage. It seems like everybody is a dj nowadays so you have to do more than just playing the right music for the right audience.  So besides my weekly mix for the radioshow  and my dj gigs you will mainly find me in my studio as much as I can ... practising and working hard!

If you had to explain your music style to someone in 5 words, what would you say?

At the moment that would be…Positive, Uplifting House  and TechHouse

Quick Questions

What is the top track on your iPod at the moment?
That differs from day to day really!! It can be an old steely dan classic or some new tracks I just bought on beatport... but Haji & Emanuel – Weekend (Marco Lys Remix) and Stefano Noferini – Kids are two of my most played now.

Xbox or Playstation?
I used to have a playstation 2, wanted to buy a 3 but I simply do not have time for it as I spend every free minute on my music, DJing  etc

If you weren’t in the music industry and had to choose one of the following career paths, which would you follow and why? Food Critic, Pole Dancer or an Architect?
I would be an architect who has a second life as soon as the sun goes down  and get on that pole LOL!  No for real...any of those sound horrible to me to be honest.

Where is your next holiday destination?
Ibiza for sure!!! I have been there so many times and it never lets me down.

Hed Kandi: Back To Disco is available now! Click here to Listen / Buy

It’s hard to comprehend why Disco was such a dirty word? Before the strings and orchestras were swapped for synthesisers and drum machines in the 80's; stripping it of its maximal nature and classical influences! This heavenly genre, almost single-handedly, laid the foundations for nightlife as we know it today.  More glamour, excess and hazy memories, than you could throw at a well worn pair of high heels and a pot of smoke coloured glitter.  Often imitated yet hardly ever equalled! 

After recuperating for a few years, Back To Love returns with a massive facelift (the stitches are hardly noticeable). Delving into the vaults, Hed Kandi present their retrospective of Disco music. Past, Future and beautifully familiar and I can’t wait to tell you all about it! 

CD one is the original lineup, the crème de la crème of mirrorball glint, that spawned a whole universe of dance music, and some of the biggest Kandi tunes today!  Sister sledge ease us in gently with the buttery, romantic vocals and rippling snare, a stark contrast to the hands-up! rework by Audio Jacker on CD three.  My forbidden lover has influenced Kandi tracks such as Booty Luv’s Shine and hot new single Mr. Devil!  The supremo diva persuasion continues on, with two of my fave tracks from The Pointer Sisters and Chaka Khan; the sample from ‘Fate’ was used on, Stardust - Music Sounds Better With You, an absolute Choon I’m sure you would agree.  Things trip onto a more masculine balance, with Brick’s Living from the mind and the epic Bom Bom Bom of Groovin You by Harvey Mason. Patrice Rushen - Haven’t you heard needs no introduction, it instantly has me shimmying round the bedroom, fulfilling its destiny as a thoroughbred, Back To Love anthem!  As is Rare Pleasure - Let me down easy.  This is one of those disks that you never want to end! 

CD two is a hot-footed, classic-house mix. All those little audible nibbles, coated with memories; Bob Sinclar’s I feel for you embodies the true essence of Disco-house.  Solitaire - You’ve got the love always makes me think of the drive to Kandi events back in 2005, volume cranked right-up on the car speakers. The uplifting tinkling keys of Class A’s Streetlife are pure vintage house gold!  If you can’t find a track (or three) on here, that hasn’t rocked your world in some back-room, main-room or bedroom at some point, I'll be gob smacked!  It’s the perfect companion mix. 

CD three is a supersonic lineup, of exclusive remixes and surprises. Pulled fresh from the dance-floor at Studio 54 and restructured for the modern day.  A brand new Doug Willis track kicks this final excursion off, with lashings of percussion and horns!  Crazibiza samples Madison Avenue’s, Don’t call me baby and Alex Party - My Lips, a real groover!  New favorite guest producer Mr. Vasovski manages to Out-Anthem, Phreek’s Weekend with this Jacking new lick!  Goody Goody - It looks like love, gets a rework by Bordeauxx. Keeping strings and flute intact, it maintains all the charm of the original, and fits it to a classic Disco Heaven backbone!   Each track is picking up pace (and gloss) fast, these beats just won’t quit!!  Audio Jacker infiltrates, Kleer - tonight’s the night and Sister Sledge - I’m thinking of you.  My picks of the whole compilation and super dance-floor friendly!  So much effort has been put into the production of this mix; I’m truly thrilled to have this as part of my collection.  Disco house really is back, I hear you rejoice! Be prepared to slip on that little shimmery jumpsuit and rustle up some mojito’s, post haste!  

This is Hed Kandi doing what they are very best at!  Back to Disco touches every edge of the Disco rainbow, presenting it in a beautifully palatable form.  But the real pot of gold is the final mix!  I can’t wait to throw some shapes at some Kandi nights and hear these bad-boy’s pumping out on the main floor, under the mirror-balls and top notch production.  Bring on the long nights and block rocking beats!! 

Disco D

Click Here to Listen / Buy World Series: Miami

Hi Chris, for the people that are just getting involved in the scene, who is Chris Lake, where are you from and how did you get involved in the industry?

Hello newcomers! I’m a UK/USA based DJ/producer, not necessarily in that order. I got into the music scene when I was a kid, dabbling with all sorts and never left it alone. I enjoyed local residencies at a young age, and loved f#@k*ng around with beats. By the time I was 20, I’d put my own interpretations on Leftfields ‘Phat Planet’, Eurythmics ‘Sweet Dreams’ and the Prodigy’s ‘Climbatize’… all of which were accepted and played by people I saw as my mentors. And then ‘Changes’ happened. 

Your track ‘Cross The Line’ with Marco Lys appears on our new World Series Miami album. How did you end up working with Marco and what was the inspiration behind the track?

Marco and I have been working together now for… well, at least two years. He lets me take the riffs and he takes the rhythms. I don’t quite know why, but we really gel in the studio. Most of the time we’re throwing stuff over Skype, but we do spend a lot of time in each other’s studios too. Not so bad when he’s based in a lovely part of Italy.

What’s the best party you’ve ever played at and why?

That’s literally impossible to answer! I’m lucky enough to spend a lot of time touring, so take your pick of city or state/county and I’ll give you some details! Brazil, USA, Canada, back home smashing it at Sankeys or Ministry. It’s all amazing and I feel very fortunate to be this busy.

If there was an opportunity for you to work with any artist (dead or alive) in the music industry, who would it be and why?

I’d like a session with the Chemical Brothers. That would be something special. 


Remixing Vs. original compositions. Which is your favourite?

Originals every time! I like what remixes can do for a release package, and sometimes you do come across some damn fine bootlegs, but what do I prefer to work on – originals 100%.


Name your top 3 pieces of equipment / software plug-ins in your studio. On that matter, do you prefer in the box, out the box or a combination for your production?

I do mostly in the box now as I'm always on the road, so it means I can be working on tracks while I'm on the plane etc.  It's a great way of working for me now, and laptops are so powerful, I don't feel like I'm short of power. 3 essential pieces of software for me are Ableton Live, as I think it's the most creative software for creating dance tracks, because any ideas I have I can very quickly create within the software, compared to programs like Logic and Cubase. I also love the Cytomic Glue bus compressor, which is pretty much essential to me, along with any plug in by Native Instruments or Arturia. 

Who do you think is really producing great music at the moment and who is your tip for stardom in 2011?

That's tough to say. I love what Prok and Fitch are doing, and they're always giving me tracks that make up a big part of my set. I think they'll have a good year

What was the first record you ever bought?

No idea to be honest. Probably something really crappy and embarrassing though.

Have you any exciting plans for 2011?

2011? So much has already happened, I couldn’t be more excited. My label Rising is totally sorted with a great team and through some hard graft in 2010, things have really shaped up. My latest release Secrets in the Dark was released in mid Feb on the label and was really well received. Tongy got on it, and the tracks made some waves on the hype machine too, so it’s good to know the masses are enjoying your music, in and out of the clubs. As for the rest of the year, I’ve kind of semi-moved to LA now – so lots of US/Canada tours and South America too. Back in Europe I’m looking at another series of dates at Cream Ibiza and no doubt some other UK sessions. Love that time of year over there.

Quick Fire Questions

What is the top track on your iPod at the moment?
A new track I’m working on with Nelski called Colours

Where do you see yourselves in 20 years time?
Hah! I joke with my business partner at Rising Digital about this. Hopefully, sat on a boat off the coast of some island wondering whether to pour another drink or go for a dive with the dolphins. Basically, sorted.

If you weren’t in the music industry and had to choose one of the following career paths, which would you follow and why? F1 driver, actor or a food taster?
F1 driver. Definitely.

What’s your favourite Kandi?
Toblerone.

If you could get two people in the ring for a celebrity death match, who would you choose?
I'd like a royal rumble with people like 50 cent, Lady Gaga, and anyone that's used that bullshit auto tune voice thing in their records. Urgh!

Every once in a while a track comes along that makes you remember why you got into this thing we call house music. The track in question is “In My Head”, an infectious song which complemented by a slick peak time Twisted Disco backing.

Rebecca Knight features on vocal duties and it’s not the first time we’ve heard this distinctive voice. Rebecca has previously worked with one half of DNA, D-Malice, on the Defected Records release “Poison” that went on to pick up huge DJ support and performed extremely well within the Beatport charts.

Dutch talent's East & Young deliver a massive remix that is set to buzz in Miami and lead the party well into the Summer! We also have a remix courtesy of Dean Rigg with his production partner Christian Hoff who add a fantastic World Series vibe to the record whilst D-Malice delivers a mix for the heads, pure deep house vibes here.

Soundcloud: DNA feat. Rebecca Knight - In My Head by hedkandipromo

Available to download from Beatport

You’ve been involved with Hed Kandi for a number of years. For our newer Kandi fans, who is StoneBridge, how did you come up with the alias, where are you from and how did you become involved with Hed Kandi?

I’m Swedish and my name is Sten which is Stone in English. In my early career, I did these DJ mixing tools called bridges and seeing the two words together on a piece of paper did it. I met Mark Doyle in the early 2000’s and he licensed a lot of my remixes for Hed Kandi and in 2002 when I had become a resident DJ for Hed Kandi, he asked me if I wanted to make an artist album. The rest is history as they say.

The Dean Rigg and Christian Hoff Remix of ‘Rescue Me’ with Chris Kaeser feat Anita Kelsey, appears on our new World Series Miami album. How did you end up working with Chris and Anita? What was the inspiration for the track?

I played a track of his and charted it all over. He contacted me and wanted to meet in Miami. We got on really well and started to swap mixes and releases for our respective labels. Last summer I went to France to do our first collaboration together. I had the vocal and felt I wanted a totally fresh of between classic house and club so we messed around and compromised a lot as we have different sounds. All of a sudden it was just there. We have done three more projects since and we will probably do many more.

Did you start in the industry by DJ’ing and then turn to production or was it the other way around?

I actually started as a guitar player and then moved on to keyboards. In 1983 I discovered DJ’ing and in the beginning I brought a massive keyboard to some gigs (didn’t work that well admittedly) and by 1986 I started a production company called SweMix with five fellow DJs and that’s when I started remixing and producing.

What’s the best party you’ve ever played at and why?

I think Womb in Tokyo or M2 in Seoul are the best two as Asian crowds can be incredibly into the music and they do research before the events so they are well ready up on the latest tracks and classics. The first season at El Divino with Hed Kandi was also legendary and people came there to have the best night of their lives – amazing season.

If there was an opportunity for you to work with any artist (dead or alive) in the music industry, who would it be and why?

Believe it or not, but I have always wanted to work with Crystal Waters and it just happened last week when she was in Stockholm. We ended up recording seven songs and collaborating with Rasmus Faber.

Remixing vs original compositions. Which is your favourite?

I need both to function properly. With production, you can do pretty much whatever you feel like without limitation whereas a remix is challenging because you have a song to work with and turn into something. You can’t change the core, but have to work around it and it’s a great feeling when you nail it.

Name your top 3 pieces of equipment / software plug-ins in your studio. On that matter, do you prefer in the box, out the box or a combination for your production?

I come from the massive board and 24 track tape days and samplers with 2 seconds sample time, then the Atari and gradually things moved into the box. I was quite early and have mixed in the box since 1997. I have always kept some synths and outboard gear as they have their unique sound that can’t be emulated. I would say Logic, my Mackie HR824 speakers and at the moment, the Sylenth1 soft synth.

Who do you think is really producing great music at the moment and who is your tip for stardom in 2011?

I think Laidback Luke has the right balance between attitude and hooks. I’d say the Russians will get a lot of praise this year, so many talented producers coming up over there.

What was the first record you ever bought?

I think it was a 7” single of Rolling Stones ‘Tumbling Dice’

Have you got any exciting plans for 2011?

I’m working really hard with my label now and developing new talent, have big plans for the future with my crew. I will also do a lot more collaborations this year.

Quick Fire Questions

What is the top track on your iPod at the moment?
I’ve listened to the new Jamiroquai album a lot recently

Where do you see yourself in 20 years time?
I will be a producer and writer, probably managing talent I’ve discovered.

If you weren’t in the music industry and had to choose one of the following career paths, which would you follow and why? F1 driver, actor or a food taster?
Good question. I have a marketing diploma even though I never really used it, but it’s likely I would have done something creative in that field.

What’s your favourite Kandi?
Twisted Disco

If you could get two people in the ring for a celebrity death match, who would you choose?
Obama and Bush, hahaha – what a riot!

Firstly, for all the Kandi fans out there who are coming into contact with your music for the first time, who is Redroche, where are you from and how did you come up with the alias?

Redroche consists of two brothers named Antoine and Gio. Music is our life and we love what we do. We are a Canadian Duo with a Greek background and were born in Kingston, Ontario which is also the same town Bryan Adams was born in and 15mins away from Avril Lavigne’s home town of Napanee. Redroche also owns the Eyezcream Recordings imprint and most Hed Kandi fans would know us by our first Hed Kandi release called “Love Has Gone” which featured H-Boogie on vocals. H-boogie is Estelle’s baby sister for anyone that doesn’t know her. The Redroche alias was created by adding two distinct features. The first feature is that since we are Canadian our flag is comprised of two colours, “Red” and white, so that explains the “Red” in Redroche. Lastly, we were influenced by the French filtered house music of the 90’s and were big fans of Rock music so we chose the name “Rock”. Rock in french is spelled “Roche”, so we put it together and voila, “Redroche” was formed and it is pronounced as “Redrock”.


‘Make Your Move’ is a hot track and a true Hed Kandi anthem, what was your inspiration behind the track?

Inspiration comes at weird times and when you least expect it. One late night while on the computer just searching for music and going through hundreds of disco tracks we stumbled on a great track by the Pointer Sisters. It quickly caught our attention and we listened to it all night and created a great loop from it. At the time we were starting our new label and were working with Dave Armstrong, so we tossed it over to him and worked on it and created Eyezcream’s first release named “Make Your Move”. It was an instant hit around the world and with many labels on board it received gold status. Almost ten years later, our inspiration to bring it back with a Redroche twist is that we feel the timing is right and that our sound really brings it back to life. The remix package is amazing with Olav Basoski, Tristan Garner, Antoine Clamaran, Dean Coleman and trio Bartosz Brenes, Timofey & Nick Mentes who provide incredible takes on this classic. We love disco and we feel the timing for this type of music is coming back strong and we wanted to start off 2011 on the right foot.

If there was an opportunity for you to work with any artist (dead or alive) in the music industry, who would it be and why?

This is such a hard question to answer but here we go. If we were to choose one person it would obviously be the King himself Michael Jackson. To explain why would be ridiculous but being in the studio one-on-one, up close and personal with the King of pop and hearing him sing live with us only in the room would be incredibly magical.
Anything you would produce would sound incredible and loved by millions, can it get any better? Plus, our moon walk would improve drastically!

Remixing Vs. original compositions. Which is your favorite?

Remixes are fun as it’s our interpretation of the original track with the parts we are given to remix with and you can do whatever you like and try new things with limited pressure. Nevertheless, there is nothing more satisfying then calling something your own, but this is where pressure exists.

With music production software taking the forefront in many ‘bedroom producers’ studios would you say hardware is a thing of the past or is a combination of both the best solution? Secondly what equipment do you have floating about in your studio?

It all depends on how much money you are willing to invest and what sound you are trying to reach. Most bedroom producers find it extremely expensive to purchase such equipment and even trying to sync everything together can be time consuming for most. We use the Virus TI desktop, RME soundcard, UAD-1 DSP card and a few other goodies.

What can we expect from you in 2011?

This year is going to be a busy year. We are remixing quite a lot and have many new originals coming out and some great collaborations with other artists and some serious vocalists. We’ll be at Miami for ‘WMC/Ultra’ week and playing at the Hed Kandi/Nikki Beach party on the 27th March. International tours are in the works as well and we plan on tearing up the clubs!

What other artists do you see having a bright future in the industry?

There are so many now that are doing some great singles and impossible to just mention one.


Quick Fire Questions

What is the top track on your iPod at the moment? Olav Basoski – New Day. We did a remix of this on Defected Records and it will be coming out soon. It’s large!

Where do you see yourself in 20 years time? In the studio creating more beats, we aren’t going anywhere for a long time.

Celebrity Death Match! Bryan Adams Vs. Deadmau5. Who’s your money on? Bryan Adams, he’s from our home town so you got to support.

If you weren’t in the music industry and had to choose one of the following career paths, which would you follow and why? Gio would be a graphic designer, Antoine would be in finance. It’s just what we have always done and would continue down that road.

Professional surfer, witch doctor or F1 driver? F1 driver, it doesn’t get any cooler!

What’s your favorite Kandi? The one that delivers funky ass beats – Hed Kandi.


Check out the Rodroche website by Clicking Here

This weekend sees us landing in Thailand for a fabulous weekend on our Asian global dancefloors.

For all the Kandi fans in Thailand, be sure to catch us @ Q Bar, Bankok on the 11th February 2011 and Seduction, Phuket 12th February 2011

Resident Hed Kandi DJ, Andy Warburton will be gracing the decks and catch Pete Grogan on Percussion for the evening.

For more information: -

Click Here to visit the Q Bar website
Click Here to visit the Seduction website

See you on the dance floor!

A new year and a bright new star is born. Hed Kandi charge into the future with a brand new sonic adventure to usher us into 2011. It goes by the name of Twisted disco. A solid favorite on the Kandi roster. I’m thrilled to have this shiny new copy land in my mailbox just in time for me to start breaking my resolutions and intoxicating myself at the local discotheque. Jason Brooks has really outdone himself this time, what an amazing cover! The Tron-Esque influence is bang on the money, and as I dig a little deeper than this glossy neon facade, I’m about to find out that you should never judge a mix by her cover, however gorgeous she may be!

CD one catches you on a high, opening with Eric Prydz - The Reason with its big room, atmospheric breathy vocals. It’s the ‘Pjanoo’ for 2011 with a haze of warmth to it.  Next up is Deadmau5 and Wolfgang Gärtner - Animal rights. Its wonky, glitchy sensibilities really get between your teeth. How fantastic is it when you hear two of your favorite producers come together and merge sounds like this?  Miami 2 Ibiza was one of the ‘It’ tracks of 2010, this instrumental version is of a higher grade, pre-commercial pop vocals and a welcome addition to the package.  Thomas Gold’s rippling snare drum versus 8 bit video game track, Marsch Marsch is insatiable! You really begin to see how this concept comes together. Picking up pace fast and the bottled up sax and absorbent rhythm of Joey Negro’s ‘Sax my bitch up’; Soulful/Tech vibe of Stonebridge and Anita Kelsey’s ‘rescue me!’ offer a glimpse into the afterhours, alter ego of what would otherwise be, familiar, funky territory. One thing I would like to draw on is how nice this feels as a mix, with many harder tracks these days having a big build up and a scantily clad drop, this new mixed edition pulls things much tighter giving a much more ear friendly experience. A total winner for house parties!  A few cheeky Piano stabs coat Alex Armez’s - After the world, a hedonistic shade of fun.  My absolute pick of this disk is the stunning rework of ‘Alright’ by Red Carpet, a firm favorite for any clubber. This immediately transports me back to the White Isle and onto a boat, sun setting over Es Vedra, with some of the maddest, friendliest party people. Its moments like this that make me understand why we love this music. The stunning ‘Wake Up’ by Adam K and Naan draws this portion to a close on a Trancey and slightly more somber note. I’m keeping this one on replay, in the hopes it will magically be June and the sun will be licking me a shade Balaeric.

CD two is the temperamental counterpart to its more upbeat vocal sibling. This is the realm where squeaks and bleeps are adorned like accessories and the beats are as kinky as a stomp from a pair of Louboutins. The chicest girl in dub teamed with the coolest Swede, make for a chilling electronic track to end all others on ‘Perfect Stranger’. ‘You’re going to want me’ by Tiga is something of a twisted classic and this bouncy new lick by remix outfit ‘Hey Today!’ show that the sky really is the limit with production values of this caliber. The spanking new Daddy’s Groove rework of ‘You & I’ is the eye of this electronic storm. The mega life affirming vocals lure you to a false sense of security, before dropping into minimal beats, a real Jekyl & Hyde of a tune. The floor-destroying sample from Ego clash was taken from techno royalty Felix Da Housecat’s ‘Silver Screen Shower Scene’ and originates even further back, on the kitsch 80’s track ‘Passion’ by The Flirts. Checkout the YouTube video for some hilarious pouting action and a smattering of glitter. Almost at our final destination, hitting a crescendo to drive us to the edge of nothingness, with Thomas Gold’s ‘AGORA’, then riding out on a high with German duo Digitalism’s masterpiece ‘Blitz’!,  a highly polished, emotional piece of electronica with a Gallic twist; Move over Daft Punk.

The dark yet highly polished content that lies between these two disks is surely a celebration of how far we have come in the most technologically important era of our generation. The artist collaborations are superb, merging many corners of the electronic scene to perfection. I’m favoring the new mixed format much more than I ever imagined. It went down an absolute treat at my house party last weekend, leaving myself and guests fully absorbed into the matrix, well into the early hours.  Question is, how will I find my way home again?

Disco D

My first ever visit to North Africa was courtesy of Hed Kandi at the legendary Pacha night club in Sharm El Sheikh. After a Christmas and New Year spent battling through street glaciers in Moscow and snow blizzards in Moldova, not to mention being stranded in Cologne for 3 days due to crazy snow in the UK, I was really looking forward to some sunshine, even just for a few hours!

Stepping off that plane in Sharm that evening, I was understandably a little disappointed at the somewhat cool temperature. Trust me, to arrive during the only cold snap! However, I was easily distracted by the camels being rode along the freeway towards the beach and the shiny, shiny neon lights of Sharm. My fabulous guide also pointed out all the British necessities as we walked towards the club; KFC, Pizza Hut, TGI Fridays etc. Sorted!

I arrived at the venue and found out the hotel was attached to the club - Great, I could crawl home if required! It also meant I got to listen to the warm up DJ's set while I got ready from the comfort of my room! I walked down to the enormous open air dance floor just after midnight to get settled in and the crowd was already full steam ahead.

There is nothing more satisfying as a DJ than playing to a dedicated crowd and at Pacha, they were A+.  They danced and danced to every tune; new, old, big, underground to the very last track of the night. The night was given an extra fuel injection by the incredible Ben 'The Sax Man' Barnett as he played with the kind of energy you only see during an FA Cup Final. Half an hour before close, at that point when most clubs are losing momentum, it was a real pleasure to see everyone from the sparkler crowd up in VIP to the dedicated dancers in front of the DJ booth going nuts to Martin Solveig's 'Hello'. These kids had stamina!!

I cannot wait to go back in the summer peak season, because if this is what Sharm has to offer at the beginning of January, then July will probably be the best gig of my life - watch this space!

Firstly, for all the Kandi fans out there who are getting in contact with your music for the first time, who is Michael Canitrot and where does he come from?

Hi there Hed Kandi! I am a French DJ & Producer based in Paris. My musical profile is primarily clubbing but I am also involved in fashion and cinema. I am also the originator of “So, Happy in Paris?”, one of the most famous house parties, not only in France but worldwide! I tend to DJ around 100 international “So Happy in Paris?” parties a year.

‘You and I’ is released through Hed Kandi on March 7th, what was the inspiration for the track?

I wanted to create a mix between emotions and energy, the song is beautiful, the lyrics are positive and the chorus is so powerful. It feels like a wave on crashing on you!!!

You are friends with some of the best European DJs such as Bob Sinclar, Martin Solveig and Norman Doray, who would you say is your biggest musical influence?

To be honest I'm more influenced by bands like Earth, Wind and Fire, Radiohead or Nirvana, they are my musical background. A mixture of Soul, Funk and Disco mixed with Pop and Rock. Also, at the beginning of my career, I was extremely fascinated by the most famous French Robots, The Daft Punk. They are living legends for all the French DJ's!!

One of your side passions is fashion... You always look so stylish! Are you purely a follower of Parisian fashion or are there any English designers you follow? Also, who would be your dream designer to DJ a fashion show for?

I like Stella McCartney, she is definitively a perfect, sexy and a trendy women. She communicates in a different way. I also love the pictures with Natalia Vodianova and the Dalmatian.

If there was an opportunity for you to work with any artist (dead or alive) in the music industry, who would it be and why?

Without any doubt Marvin Gaye, the most emotional voice in musical history!

Remixing vs original compositions... which is your favorite?

I prefer to create something new, for me the most important thing is to produce a song not just a track!

With music production software taking the forefront in many ‘bedroom producers’ studios would you say hardware is a thing of the past or is a combination of both the best solution? Secondly what equipment do you have floating about in your studio?

I like all the hardware stuff. A good synth at home is important, it creates an atmosphere. My favorite one is the Virus TI from Access. However, a young producer can start off only with software and a good computer with logic or live.

In my studio I have a Mac Pro with Logic 9, Genelec 1031A for the speakers, a Virus TI, a Korg M3, A digitally controlled analog Fatso JR and a Manley Massive Passive EQ.

You are also notorious in Paris for throwing incredible parties under the name ‘So, Happy in Paris?’ which have just celebrated their tenth birthday, what is your most memorable party and why?

The 10th Anniversary of 'So, Happy in Paris ?' on the top of the iconic Eiffel Tower. Amazing party on the top of Paris, absolutely magical, you have to check out this YouTube video.

Quick Fire Questions:

1. What is the top track on your iPod at the moment?

N.E.R.D - Hypnotize U

2. Where do you see yourself in 20 years time? 



I don't want to know!

3. Celebrity Death Match! Bob Sinclar vs David Guetta...who’s your money on?



Hard to say, I like them both. But I'll never forget that David has given me the chance to start my own party at his club "Les Bains Douches" and all the precious advice he gave me at the start of my career.

4. If you weren't in the music industry and had to choose one of the following career paths, which would you follow and why? Professional surfer, Witch doctor or F1 driver?



F1 Driver, to live fast as you can!

5. What’s your favorite Kandi (sweet)?

Crocodiles from Haribo.

It would take only the chicest of DJs to be able to pull off the crème de la crème of Parisian gigs and play the first ever set on the Eiffel Tower. Thankfully Hed Kandi has its very own Parisian fashionista, spinner extraordinaire Michael Canitrot to fill the job and I was lucky enough to be invited to ‘So Happy in Paris?’ ten year anniversary party on top of one of the world’s most recognizable monuments.

Michael was his usual charming self with nothing but thanks for the crowd of people including legends such as Ron Carroll, Norman Doray, Bob Sinclair, Martin Solveig, DJ Yellow and MC Adrian who have always been massive supporters of his monthly nights at Queens club in Paris. The ‘So Happy in Paris?’ parties can only be described as soirees enjoyed by beautiful people in stunning settings, such as the Eiffel Tower, with a refined electric and festive sound mixing house, electro pop and modern disco. The fact that these parties are still as strong as ever a decade down the line is purely down to Michael’s innate understanding of the marriage of style and sound.

The man of the evening, Michael Canitrot, took to the stage and treated the party to an exclusive airing of his new track, ‘You and I’, which from the reaction I saw is going to be a floor filler of a tune. He then handed the decks over to Ron Carroll who alongside MC Adrian finished off a memorable night with a bunch of liquored up party animals stumbling around the bottom of the Eiffel Tower, a sight I don’t think seen very often, if at all!

Michael is the latest addition to the Hed Kandi artist roster and his brand new single You and I will be released in the upcoming months, so watch this space!

Michael Canitrot - You and I

DJ Slider - Mr Devil (Hed Kandi)

New signing on Hed Kandi that follows traditional the disco values of the brand but with the shuffley contemporary drums and rolling bass that are the lifeblood of the underground house scene at the moment.  

It Goes: "......and I just can’t help it"

Listen to it when: You are most definitely getting your groove on

How I found it: We signed it to Hed Kandi

Dennis Ferrer - The Red Room (Obektivity)

The incredible Dennis Ferrer follows up his summer smash "Hey Hey" with another sultry underground vocal this time with The Red Room. With his trademark percussive congas underlying a vocal led dark deep groove with winding arpeggio, Dennis delivers...... yet again.

It Goes: "Welcome To the Red Room Honey"

Listen to it when: You’re getting your head down at Back 2 Basics

How I found it: Anything this House Master produces..... I’m on it

John Jones Ft. Myss Word - Be Together "The Str8jackets Medicated Rub" (Hed Kandi)

I could be accused of a little bit of a shameless plug here, seeing as its my track, but....... this new remix from the Str8jackets has transformed it into a blissful beach-house style track that I’m absolutely over the moon with. The bass chords and arrangement that they have used adds a higher level of emotion to the track.  

It Goes: "......we should be togetherrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!!!!!!!"

Listen to it when: On the beach or in the motor

How I found it: Its MINE!!!!!

Brotherly - Breathe "Shur-I-Can Dub" (Dark Energy Records)

This is without doubt my personal track of the year and has been on constant play on my iPod. Shur-I-Can delivers a trademark deep and emotional mix which captivates your soul. This kind of production is pretty much why I love house music..... Raw, and simply incredible.  

It Goes: "Breathe"

Listen to it when: At every single opportunity

How I found it: I heard CJ MacIntosh play it at a gig we were on in at Dex in Brixton

Jay Z - Big Pimpin (Roc-a-fella / Def Jam)

In 2001, I bought the Jay Z - MTV Unplugged album recorded in Times Square, New York and have only just recently transferred it onto my iPod. This is the standout track from this amazing performance, backed up by The Roots Band. The Guy is a genius and one of my musical heroes.... enough said.

It Goes: "Big Pimpin spending G's.........."

Listen To it when: When you need a serious hip hop fix

How I found it: I remember watching the live performance on MTV

Florence & The Machine - Girl with One Eye (Island)

This was the last album that I can say truly blew me away. Her vocal delivery is outstanding and every track on this album jumps out at you with pure explosion. This is my favourite track and the only cover version on the record. It will give you shivers as it kicks in after the break.

It Goes: “I said, hey, girl with one eye, get your filthy fingers, out of my pie"

Listen to it when: It’s turned up loud..... it will knock you into next week!

How I found it: My Girlfriend bought me the album for my birthday

HK John Jones Shuffle Blog by Hed Kandi

The day could have got off to a better start!  After waking up with an extremely sore head from a few too many Sambuca's the night before, it became apparent that my phone and wallet were nowhere to be seen in the ever-so-hazy hotel room.  Panic kicks in! Knowing my previous history for misplacing most of my personal items, I start turning the hotel room upside down.  "I can't have lost both of them!" 
 
Turns out I was not as useless as I first thought.  I found my phone wrapped up in a pillowcase and after a frantic phone call to Dean Oram to see if my wallet was in the back of his car, I realize that maybe I should remember to put my wallet back in my pocket when paying at a McDonalds Drive-Thru at 4am in the morning.  Next stop, Heathrow!

After an extremely long round trip via Dean's, a shuttle bus from the long stay car park, a few dealings with the usual grumpy BA staff and a 2 hour flight, we finally arrive in Budapest.  Hyped at the thought of playing at a new residency and buzzing from everything I'd heard about this fairy tail city. The usual confusion occurs with our hosts who meet us at the airport. We manage to battle through conversations with our distinct language barrier and soon all is eventually arranged and before we know it, I am back at the hotel and poor Tom, our tour manager, is up a ladder somewhere hanging décor. I sit back, headphones on, and put together the rough outline for the set tonight. 

We are met later again by our hosts who treat us to a Donner Kebab.  Yup, all the way to Budapest for a Donner!  We were kind of hoping to sample some Hungarian Cuisine, but sadly it was not to be.  As we arrive at the venue, DPU, the warm up DJ is playing some quality deep house, a real nice change to your usual hero DJ who is belting out bangers from the start of the night.  This guy knew his stuff and had the crowd bubbling nicely.  My set is from 2-4am, and Chris B takes to the drums just before and the crowd are in loving it, hands in the air!  I have to say, the 2 hours I played were close to playing at Es Paradis in Ibiza over the summer.  Great venue, amazing crowd, fantastic responses and beautiful people!  The staff were all very friendly and I knew we must have been doing a good job when the manager informed me he wanted to book Hed Kandi monthly next year.  Get in! 

Nearly every track I played got a great reaction, but if I had to name a few of the big hitters of the night they would be Roger Sanchez "2Gether" (DJ Chus Mix) and Steve Angelo vs Faithless "Knas vs Insomnia".  Massive!

So its now Sunday at 3pm, and again we are nursing sore heads and discussing why we even fooled ourselves into thinking we were going to get any sight-seeing done.  This was partially the fault of the DJ that came on after me, as his tune selection was unreal and he kept us in the club, right up to the bitter end.  We will put the blame on him for now anyway!

My flying visit to Zurich for Hed Kandi was short but sweet. I arrived to a sick Merc limo and immediately felt my inner diva (usually kept well buried) being gently coaxed to the surface. I just about managed to resist putting on dark shades as I glided into my car and fanned myself with an air of nonchalance.

I arrived at my hotel, dumped my bags and went off to explore the city.  I felt like I was in a Hansel & Gretel fairy tale. Gingerbread buildings everywhere that seemed strangely juxtaposed with the Ed Hardy wearing youth of the city.  Yes, Ed had literally vomited on this beautiful city.  Everywhere there were rhinestone clad baseball caps and fake tattoo tops which just jarred a little against the cookie cutter back drop.

I decided to embrace the sparkle and threw on my Balmain-esque Top Shop bodycon blue sequin dress (with epic shoulders btw) and skipped (not really) across the road to the venue (Jade Club) where the heady crowd were already full steam ahead. The champagne and vodka were flowing (fortunately down people's throats, not on the floor) and the resident DJ had his adoring crowd right in the palm of his hand.

Lovely crowd, lovely venue, lovely promoter, lovely vodka (err!), lovely DJ booth.  All in all I'd be lying if I said it wasn't a lovely night. Song of the night was definitely Alex Gaudino/Nari's remix of Nirvana's epic 'Smells Like Teen Spirit' - nothing like seeing the beautiful yoof head banging and messing up their perfect quiffs to some heavy guitar riffs mid house set.

Was so happily vodka'd up at the end that I nearly accepted the invitation to carry on partying in the afterhours clubs till 8am until I remembered I had a killer cold and an early flight.  So I went to bed like a good girl but not before attempting some dodgy MySpace style mirror photos until I realized I was no longer a 13 year old girl and stopped like the sensible adult that I am.

So adieu Zurich, or is it tschüss? I never quite did work out if it's French or German they speak there...(I have since learned that it's both and also a strange hybrid of the two...)

After waving goodbye to our Hed Kandi Ibiza season I decided to stay in Ibiza for a week in order to see off some of the other Ibizican club nights and soak up some more of the island.

First up was We Love closing party at Space. The line up was promising with sets from Zabelia, Hot Chip, Alfredo and Clive Henry to name a few. The venue however was jam packed and being part of a large group it was difficult to integrate into the main room without being knocked around by the thousand-some of excited ‘Space-cadets’ who had come to enjoy this epic event.

For this reason we stayed around the Red Room where the vibe was a little more laid back and the comforts of the upstairs terrace were at hand, occasionally heading downstairs in smaller groups to catch the end of a set. This worked for me and the whole thing was lot more sociable. Or maybe I’m getting old!

We headed back to a beach bar near Bora Bora for the afterparty where we caught some sun and Caipirinhas before setting off to a friend’s villa party where a few of the Space guest DJs where also playing by the pool. Day turned into night and after the sun went down we listened to everything from nineties guilty pleasures to, unless I’m imagining it, the Pink Panther theme tune! It was about leaving your ego at the door, jumping in the pool and having a good time. And that we did.

Later in the day, Pacha’s resident Sarah Main appeared, inviting us to join her ‘paint party’ that she was having next door. Curiosity got the better of me and we ended up at her place looking at a fresh work of art that she’d just created on her living room floor! We got involved grabbing handfuls of paint and throwing it at canvases under her masterful direction! She later told me that the recent canvases she had created in this way were going up for exhibition at an event later that week, several of which would be sold for charity. Who would have thought something so fun (and messy) could also be channelled towards a good cause. Fair play to Sarah!
After recharging our batteries the next day with a visit to Sands for some amazing food and a obligatory fix of Heirbas, the next closing party was Fuse @ Delanos. Fuse has went from strength to strength in London with it’s free Sunday parties playing host to some of house and techno’s finest talents. Their closing party out in Ibiza was a great mix of music, playing Harddrive’s Deep Inside when we got there and a slick and soulful Henrik Schwarz remix by the time we left.

I was all partied out by this point so the rest of the trip was about relaxation and exploration! On recommendation from a friend, we visited El Ayoun restaurant. The recommendation was a good one. The Moroccan decor is stunning as is the food (although Sands still wins hands down in this area!) and the belly-dancers are as refreshing as the Strawberry Daiquris. After dinner comes the music and this is a great place to relax with friends for a low-key tasteful dinner outing.
The next day we decided on the spur of the moment to jump on a boat to Formentera off the back of a shopping trip in Ibiza town. Boats leave from the Marina every half hour and the trip takes roughly twenty five minutes. We headed straight upstairs to the open deck for some sun-bathing with a Spanish flag flying brazenly against a cloudless blue sky.

I’d never been to Formentera, only heard the many reports from friends that all agreed on the same points; picture postcard beaches, crystal turquoise waters, amazing freshly caught seafood and a laidback atmosphere to rival the Caribbean. We weren’t disappointed. After hiring cycles for the day we headed through a wildlife reserve towards a part of the coast we had randomly selected from a GPS map of the island. It looked secluded and the off-the-beaten track approach seemed like fun. The random choice paid off with the path leading us to Playa Es Pujols, a secluded beach with a crab shack restaurant piping out fresh seafood and old Mississippi blues music while a handful of sun-seekers lay baking in the mid day sun.

The perfect end to an Ibizican closing party break and a permanent addition to any future trips to the White Isle I should make.

Roll on Ibiza 2011!

No Balenciaga but biblical rain for Hed Kandi Villa Della Rose Riccione, Italy

Italy Italy Italy. You beauty you! A country where when life gives you lemons you can make lemon meringue pie. We arrived at a dripping wet Bologna with ominous clouds still skulking around in the distance. Not usually an issue , except the venue was the beautiful amphitheatre-esque Villa Delle Rose in Riccione...which is outside. With the venue pretty much soaked through but high hopes it would dry out in time for the Hed Kandi event, off we went to the hotel (me rethinking my wardrobe, and Phil Faversham rethinking how much sleep he could get before we had to play). At midnight we got the call from the tour manager that another storm had decided to sit it's ass down right on the club and we were to wait for further instructions. While we sat in our hotels perfecting our hair flicks the Italians worked their magic... The result was a magnificent 2 nights in one superclub extravaganza. With the brother club Peter Pan down the road hosting legendary Sebastian Ingrosso for the night what better crowd to combine with?! So with that said the crowd herded on to Peter Pan, we headed over to join in the melee. Fueled up on pizza (how stereotypical of us) and coffee we arrived at 2am to a crazy slightly damp crowd of pretty boys and girls all with fabulous hair and fabulous tans. The thing with Italians, is a girl could walk in with no make-up, a pair of flip flops and something from Banana Republic (yes that bland!) and they'd look straight out of a magazine. They did after all invent the Vespa.

We finished to a jubilant and happy crowd at 6am when the sky had turned a pretty pink. With our new found Italian swagger we declared the night a success with rain being no match for the mighty Hed Kandi. We skipped off to find more adventures in our dreams and all lived happily ever after.

To summarise

How many times I heard the word Ciao - 73
How many girls with glorious curly manes - 24
How many metrosexual men - 682
How many requests for the Waka Waka - 1 (response "Oh behave!")
How many face licks I received (obviously the younger Italian way of saying Ciao) - 3
How many people crammed into the DJ booth at any one time - 9 (cosy!)
How many items were consumed with the words "Cip e Chop" on the wrapper - 1/2
How many hosepipes were required - 1

Cheerz - Take It (To The Limit) [Hed Kandi]



Sounds like an old Armand Van Helden record. Real feel good disco house reminiscent of the late nineties (when it was good!). Unashamedly smiley, one for the sunshine!

It goes: “Take Me To The Limit!”
Listen to it when: You’ve got the roof down!
How I found it:  We signed it to Hed Kandi!

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Azari & III - Reckless with your Love - Tensnake Remix [Permanent Vacation]

Proper future disco from Azari & III, a track with real crossover. Tensnake on the remix is the feather in the cap. The 90’s rave breakdown is genius.

It goes: "Reckless with your love..Fearless with your life!"
How I found it:  Found this on a blog and been looking forward to its official release
Listen to it when: Your on your way to a house party. Preferably In a shell suit.

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Breakbot & Irfane - Baby I'm Yours - Aeroplane Remix [Ed Banger Records]

Fantastic hook on this 80's synth-a-delic monster. Not sure if this remixed before or after Aeroplane split but either way it's tongue in cheek rollerdisco meets east london geek chic. Love it.

It goes: "Listen Baby.. Your wish is my command".
How I found it:  I found the original when putting together our Ibiza album. When I heard Aeroplane had mixed it, it went straight on the ipod.
Listen to it when: Dancing around your living room.

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Anthony & The Camp - What I Like [Warner Music]



The original version of Tensnake's Coma Cat. Produced by Jellybean Benitez of Madonna fame and with backing vocals from Jocelyn Brown and Seidah Garret.

It goes: "dum dum-de-dum dum dum .. de de de de der-de-de"
How I found it:  I knew I had heard the riff from Coma Cat before so I done some digging and found this on google. The wonders of modern technology!
Listen to it when: Your feeling nostalgic.

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Art Department - Without You [Crosstown Rebels]



Something for those with deeper sensibilities. Dark, moody, almost gothic vocals from Kenny Glasgow but with a funk-laced head nod bassline that drives this nicely.

It goes: "I just caaaan't!"
How I found it:  Was Jamie Jones’ opening record at his gig at Plastic People a few months ago. Heard it about three times at We Love @ Ministry too!
Listen to it when: Your eyes are closed and you’re nodding your head.

We continue to roll in the Summer of 2010 in North America, taking over the US's hottest summer destinations.  After a smashing performance in the East Coast's premier Summer destination, the Hampton, we find ourselves jet setting across country to the West Coast for our first event in Los Angeles for Labor day weekend. 

This Sunday, Drai's Hollywood's fabulous pool will host the world's most glamorous music and lifestyle party.  Drai's is Hollywood's newest and hottest club located in the newly built W Hollywood.  As a famous nightclub owner and film producer, one thing Victor Drai knows is entertainment and since its grand opening, Drai's Hollywood has been the essential LA hotspot, playing host to major celebrities and style-hounds alike.  The pool patio at Drai's resembles a penthouse roof garden, with rows of flat-topped cabanas perfect for lounging in the Summer Sun.

Join residents Mikey Gallagher & Frankie M on Sunday September 5th from Noon-7pm, as Hed Kandi brings the sounds of Summer to Los Angeles for the first time!

Returning to Ibiza had been highlighted in my diary in large capital letters, underlined complete with exclamation marks since the last time I played out there with Phil Faversham in June for our opening party.

I arrived on Friday afternoon after playing at another of our summer season island residencies and decided to go straight for Sushi. Pacha Restaurant is particularly good for this in Ibiza town and looking around the old town brought back fond memories of the location. It was, of course, the site for El Divino - the magical port-side nightspot for which many remember some of the best Hed Kandi parties. Pacha too, held some great moments for me which came flooding back as we pulled up outside in the car. It was about two years to the date since I had been in there last, an encounter which saw Luke Neville and I checking out Pete Tong’s new night at the time, Wonderland.  We visited the mysterious Es Vedra for the first time and oddly, talked about rare-groove records with Will.I.Am. That particular season had been our final at El Divino and while I miss the great view overlooking the water and the unique charisma of the place, Hed Kandi has risen onwards and upwards with a season at Space and now to our very own adventure playground, Es Paradis, which is without a doubt the most suited venue for our parties in Europe.

Our event the next night was a roadblock and I knew from the buzz in the air at the pre-parties that we were going to have a great night. Our Ibiza resident Ben Santiago played a particularly fantastic and Balearic warm up set finishing with Tensnake’s Coma Cat, which I still find myself humming over and over. Luke and I played until 6.30am with a live performance from Tara McDonald which brought down the house and exclusive remixes, edits from the Swedish House boys that Luke Neville had got hold of specifically for the gig. Some great musicianship from Pav on Percussion and The Lovely Laura on Sax saw the vibe in the club raise to new heights every time they graced their instruments.  I even managed to drop in a few bars of Prince’s 1999 in between a mix which I had decided on early that day after hearing it on the radio in the car! The night was rife with shining lights and smiling faces right through to the end where we sent the crowd off home to the sound of a different ‘1999’, this time of the Cassius variety.

The next day saw us head to Space with a line-up bursting with cutting edge talent; James Zabelia, Heidi, Joris Voorn, Alfredo and Hed Kandi’s Ian C on Percussion to name a few. I spent a lot of the night up in the Red Room where a friend was playing along with the Wolf & Lamb boys and Soul Clap. It was back to back Deep House littered with disco and funk edits, one of the most eclectic sets I’ve heard in a while moving from Sol Grasso’s edit of Hall & Oates ‘I Can’t Go For That’ to Art Department’s ‘I Just Cant’. Think Disc Three of our recent Beach House CD and you’ll get the idea!

After Space we hit Bora Bora beach to watch the sun go down with friends and then it was off to bed to get some sleep before the Villa Party we were attending on Monday which turned out to be the icing on the cake of a fantastic weekend. The villa was home to Pacha resident Sarah Main but a close friend of mine was living there too, so we headed up there after a hearty breakfast and found the party was in full swing. Decks had been set up by the infinity pool overlooking the sea and the huge terrace garden was overflowing with greenery being out in the Balearic woodlands of Ibiza. Numerous DJs including Eli from Soulclap, Guy Gerber and few of the 'We Love' guys were there taking their turn to spin and as it approached mid-afternoon, out came the soul and funk edits. The whole thing was reminiscent of a modern day Club Tropicana music video, minus Wham and the dancing sombrero-wearing barman! Landing back in the UK the following day, I found it difficult to re-adjust back into work mode with so many tracks, moments and new friends taking up my thoughts. Luckily our World Series album was in production, meaning I had a chance to get some of the new music I‘d picked up on the island out of my head and onto our albums.

I’ll be back out to Ibiza in September after our UK festival season is done.

Let’s just hope there’s another villa party!

Hasta Luego!

*Photography by Marc De Groot*

Welcome to the Hed Kandi 100 Challenge!

To celebrate our 100th release, Beach House, we here at Hed Kandi HQ have decided to tap into our extensive music back catalogue and create the ultimate Hed Kandi aficionado challenge.  100 Songs celebrating our 100 greatest dancefloor moments in this uber cool 13 minute mini-mix, designed to test your music knowledge. We dare you step up to the dancefloor and take up this challenge!

Clue: Finding it a bit tricky? Here is a little clue...the music being played in the video directly relates to the album packshot being displayed at the same time.  

Prizes:

First prize - One winner will have a choice to select one of the following prizes:

Option A -  Receive 100 guestlist places for you and your friends to attend any Hed Kandi events of your choice across the globe!

*Please note: All guestlist places need to be used before the end of 30th December 2011. Only 10 guestlist places per event are allowed (excludes any premium Hed Kandi events and New Years Eve events)*

Option B –  Receive a limited edition back catalogue bundle consisting of over 50 Hed Kandi back catalogue CDs.  

Second Prize: Three Winners
Each second prize winner will receive a limited edition back catalogue bundle consisting of over 25 Hed Kandi back catalogue CDs.  

Third prize: Five Winners
Each third prize winner will receive a Hed Kandi artwork canvas (40cm x 40cm) of their choice.

Rules:
1. Simply name as many of the 100 songs that you can and email your answers to competitions@hedkandi.com
2. Answers should be in the following format:
Song Number - Artist Name – Song Name (You do not have to supply the remix name)
3. First person to submit all 100 answers or the person to identify the most correct answers by the closing date of the competition is the winner.
4. Closing date for this competition is the 30th November 2010
Sounds simple doesn’t it? Well, see you in the mix!

After a year of intense planning, The Hed Kandi Glitterball was finally unveiled at indigo2 at The O2 on New years Eve in London as a unique architectural, visual, multimedia experience. This awesome structure measuring 6 metres in diameter was conceptualised at HK HQ along with The Pixel Addicts, a London-based collective specialising in multimedia and interactive installations as well as 3D visual mapping.

The huge structure houses the DJ booth in its innards, whilst it was externally transformed into a spherical canvas in a display of cutting edge projection technology. The combination of 3D graphics mixed with realtime video and special effects awed clubbers lucky enough to see the grand unveiling.

The Glitterball wowed crowds at the London premiere and the The Heinekken Music Hall, Amsterdam, in front of 6,000 party people on March 6th 2010.

Team Kandi are currently pursuing exciting new opportunities for this amazing concept! We will keep you posted (as always) when the next revolutionary Glitterball event dates are announced.

See you on the dancefloor!