One name synonymous with Ibiza is that of Space resident Jonathan Ulysses and this year he celebrates his 10th year as resident at the island’s most popular venue. It was only right that ihouseu hooked up with the J man to find out the key to his success, how he plans to celebrate this milestone summer, and his views on Ibiza’s new opening laws.
So, how did you get in bed with Space all those years ago?
I had been on the island for a few years and worked for many of the clubs, but Space was the one club that I always wanted to work for. I harassed the manager at the time for bookings and after a few dates and letting them get to know my style – luckily, another DJ left the club. I replaced him but then had to fight for a slot with the other DJs.
I always tried to pride myself on the music that I played and was happy to play at any time, no matter how big or small the crowd would be. I did three of the compilations for them and watched the club grow over the years.
How do you plan to mark your anniversary this summer?
As I always have done - by getting behind the decks on the terrace and smashing the granny out of it!
10 years in Ibiza is quite an achievement! What’s been the secret to your success?
I believe the secret to my success if that I’ve always worked hard and done my best to make sure every set I play at Space is something that the people will take home with them and cherish and remember for years to come and in turn will always bring them back to the island.
What have you been up to since the closing party of Space back in October?
Since Space closing party in October, I’ve been fully booked out playing internationally and in the UK for clubs such as N-Pir in Stuttgart, Apartment 11, Munich, Space in Valencia, Theatro in Morocco, Chi in Dubai to name a few. I’ve been on the Space World Tour at Area Club, London, Sankey’s in Manchester, Byblos in Glasgow, played various Hat Club gigs, which is one of newest residencies, and Garlands in Liverpool – so rather busy!
I have recently mixed a compilation for In Bed With Space; it’s the 10th edition and will be released through Club Star on 6th June.
For more details check www.clubstar.net My second compilation is available exclusively to download through i-tunes and is called Ibiza Opening Party 2008. For more details you can check www.myspace.com/ummrecords.com and www.myspace.com/nukleuzrecords
Tell us one of your all time favourite ‘moments’ from over the years at the club?
One of my all time favourite moments at Space was watching Skin sing live with Jocelyn Brown. It was all unrehearsed. I remember Jay Kay from Jamiroquai dancing on the speakers and being told to get down by Pepe the owner.
How has Ibiza changed since you’ve been DJing there?
Ibiza has changed in many ways, with the whole download revolution, the internet, even mobile phones - the communication highway has really changed the way that DJ’s play their music and what equipment they use. Equipment from the likes of Pioneer have revolutionized the way that DJ’s play with CD’s, MP3s, and WAVs, and when I started in Ibiza none of this stuff was around.
How do you think the stricter new opening/closing time laws are going to effect things on the island?
There is a lot of negative press over the new opening hours, but everything has to change and it may end up being a good thing and find people making more time to discover the other side of Ibiza
What else do you get up to on the island other than DJing?
When I’m not DJing in Ibiza, I like to enjoy the island. I own a property in San Jose so I like to chill there with friends and have BBQ’s. I enjoy going to Sa Trinxa on Salinas to hear Jon Sa Trinxa play. I enjoy eating out in Ibiza Town and watching sunsets at Kuhmaras, Mambo’s and Café Del Mar.
What’s the strangest thing you’ve seen in a club?
The strangest thing I’ve seen in a club was a 95 year old man playing with a 19 year old Moroccan kid’s private parts, whilst an 80 year woman was nibbling the old man’s ear. They had a little pink poodle that kept messing on the floor – and that happened in Space many, many years ago!
Tell us an Ibiza secret?
An Ibiza secret is, with a little bit of savvy you can get in a lot of the big clubs for free – dress up like a cleaner, befriend a worker, carry the DJ’s record box where there’s a will, there’s a way!
Check out Jonathan’s brand spanking new website www.jonathanulysses.co.uk
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