Promoter spotlight: Neil Evans
Promoting underground dance music events is as tough as it can be challenging. The scene moves at an electrifying pace and there has never been more competition to stand out from the crowd. To do all this at the very pinnacle on the world renowned party island that is Ibiza is to add extra layers of intensity and complexity. But that’s exactly what Neil Evans has done, and done for several years now as the Director of Music at Amnesia and sister venue Cova Santa.
Evans has helped to define the sound of both leading venues and ensure they remain right at the forefront of the scene. After a busy winter working up his magic, the season is about to kick off in spectacular fashion once more. "The global pressures of the last few years haven't eased up" he says. "There is still plenty of financial insecurity with many economies already on the cusp of, if not deep in, recession. But we believe in what we offer at Amnesia and this season looks set to be busier than ever, so we must be doing something right. "
Of course, the key to any successful club or event is the music. Evans says that the thrill of always hunting down the best in the game across a wide range of genres is one of the best bits of his job. "I'm always listening to mixes, checking playlists, hunting down new music, scanning events all over the world and generally keeping my ear to the ground to spot new trends and pick out who I think is most deserving of a platform at Amnesia."
As the world's most iconic club, there is a great weight of expectation on Evans to deliver, and he thrives on that pressure and on offering a coherent but eclectic mix of events throughout the week. "We've got something for all music loves from Monday through Sunday," he says. "From the underground nights like Paradise and Metamorfosi to the more commercial Mondays with Amnesia Presents, the diverse HE.SHE.THEY which is an international and inclusive brand which hosts the Main Room on Tuesdays, then the colourful Elrow which seems to attract everyone, and the reggaeton and Latin sounds of Bresh on Thursdays, we’re proud of having programmed such a great mix."
For the last few years, one of the most popular nights on the island has been Pyramid which is promoted in house and has or will welcome the likes of Ricardo Villalobos, East End Dubs, Amelia Lens, Charlotte de Witte, Richie Hawtin and hundreds more. "Because it has grown so popular, this year Pyramid will be in the Main Room as well as the Terrace." says Evans. "It's our chance to show what the club can do on its own as well as what we can do when working with the brands that take care of the other nights of the week. It's a party with a bit of a festival feel and a focus on fresh UK sounds."
Also new for this year will be a UKG-inspired Club Room on Monday nights that will reflect one of the most exciting and resurgent sounds in the underground of the last few years. It will be fronted by Sammy Virji and Interplanetary Criminal, alongside legends including DJ EZ and Todd Edwards amongst many more, and offers something clubbers can’t get anywhere else, thereby ensuring Amnesia stays out in font.
Many of the world's biggest names have played Amnesia over the years. In terms of sheer enjoyment of the parties but also the professional pride in booking them Evan cites two as his standout favourites. "The Chemical Brothers and then Seth Troxler and Luciano back to back last year was unreal. They make all the late nights and early mornings and dealing with agents worth it."
Amnesia's focus will always be on the most forward thinking line-ups. It doesn't specially cater to VIPs in terms of the music and parties it hosts, but anyone who enjoys the finer side of partying will always be welcome to enjoy the club’s private VIP rooms and food and cocktail areas. "Ibiza as a whole is getting busier and busier," says Evans. "We've reduced our drinks prices to pre-Covid levels in order to try and ensure that our dancers get the best bang for their buck and now I just can't wait to get the doors open and roll out the programme we've worked so hard on."
After months of negotiation with agents, managing costs and cooking up line-ups that are both innovative yet appealing, diverse yet coherent, it is now time for Evans to let the music speak for itself.
Amnesia Opening Party is this weekend Saturday May 11th
