The Best Ibiza Parties of the Year in Pictures
Brit snapper Louis Nesbitt is clubland’s most in-demand photographer and has risen through the ranks over the past two years to become a star in his own right. We caught up with Louis after a mammoth closing season to get the lowdown on all the Ibiza highlights.
MB: Can you name the best party of the summer?
LN: You’ll get me into trouble answering this one. Has to be Solid Grooves as there was an energy in the air that I doubt I’ll ever experience again. Everyone came out to play for Michael, spirits were high and there were so many familiar faces in the club. What a night.
Equally Circoloco’s ‘The Day After’ was an amazing night, we were given the night off to enjoy ourselves unexpectedly. It was nice to get on the dance floor without a camera for a change, of course I still had a point and shoot just in case.
MB: And which was the best set you heard?
LN: This is tough to answer as I rarely get to experience full set when working as we usually bounce between the rooms and backstage. Gerd Janson at Circoloco closing was incredible from what I got to hear. Max Dean opening the garden for Solid Grooves was also a special one, so good to see him flourish this year, well deserved. Obviously, Bibi’s set is also worth a mention due to the weight it carries alone!
Can’t say where but I got to see Mihai Pol play back-to-back with Prichindel and that was something else. Ibiza meets sun waves, truly magical. Let’s go with that for the underground heads.
MB: Did you have a favourite tune of the season?
LN: My personal taste is somewhat ‘dated’ maybe but before I give my opinion, I’d like to shout out Azzad and Josh Baker because they’ve been cooking some serious heat over the past year and deserve some recognition. Fantastic Man is also sitting on a weapon which Chris Stüssy kindly introduced me to.
Skepta’s new tribute to Amy is of course causing a stir. Tom Nolan’s Yellow Bricks has also been rippling across most dance floors this summer.
But I have to give it to Anotr - Relax My Eyes. How can you not? These boys are so pure and so, so talented, to see them in their position now is so joyous. I can’t wait to see what they do next.
MB: What there a standout summer moment for you?
LN: I mean I think this goes without saying but Michael Bibi’s return at DC-10. That’s history, it didn’t feel real at times and the energy in the garden will probably never be matched. I was honoured to be there; it still gives me goosebumps thinking about it.
Before the season started, I’d had the idea that this might happen, a ‘what if’ moment if you like, unbelievable that it did. Thoughts to Michael - thank you again for everything.
MB: Can you pick a best afterparty?
LN: Damn, I’m struggling to remember at this point. Solid Grooves was probably the one where I had the most fun, the energy was just different following on from DC-10.
They were all amazing in their own ways, it’s so nice to see everyone let their hair down after the season. Everyone works so hard in this industry and it’s not all fun and games as some would assume. That’s why the energy at these parties is so magical, it’s a much-needed release.
I need to shout out the Miami boys Miguelle and Tons for coming to Ibiza in the last few weeks and dominating the afters. Think they made a great impression in their short time here!
MB: Is there one memorable photo that defined the season?
LN: Has to be the shot of Michael turning back to me, big smile on his face and headphones outstretched. To see him so in his groove and to still have that connection with him that I knew to expect that moment and to actually capture it. Again, it’s history, this will probably be one of my most iconic images and it’s now on a billboard by the airport.
