Michael Bibi: 'DJs play some of their best sets at after parties'

Solid Grooves has taken over Thursdays at DC-10 this summer, bringing the likes of Butch, DJ W!ld, Lauren Lo Sung, Oliver Huntemann, Magda and Seth Troxler to their residency on the White Isle. Here, DJ Mag Ibiza speaks to Solid Grooves co-founder Michael Bibi about Solid Grooves at DC-10.

Can you tell us more about the Solid Grooves residency at DC-10 this summer?

“The Solid Grooves residency this summer is a special one for us as it’s our debut at DC-10, and it also marks the 10th year of the brand. The theme this year is an old-style motel; we want to transform the club every Thursday into a wild motel where you will ‘not be disturbed’. We have some great names on the line-up, with a mix of upcoming artists and established legends. We can’t wait to show DC-10 and the ravers what we have in store!”

How do you think the parties will be received at your new home?

“We’re confident they will be greatly received. DC-10 has always been a dream for us, and we believe it fits everything we’re about. We have been on the island for many years, and finally now we all have a chance to shine.”

Did you envisage any challenges in getting the night off the ground?

“Bringing an event to a new club always has its challenges and uncertainty at first. It’s about finding what fits the new space and ensuring everything is done to the highest possible standard. However, we have a great team behind us and believe we will continue to have another successful summer on the island.”

Do you feel that with your programming it will bring something back to Ibiza that it’s perhaps been missing?

“Our aim with the programming this year was to bring fresh, exciting new talent through and appeal to both the new Ibiza party goers and the OG heads. After two years of no real residencies on the island, we feel this is a beautiful chance to really come back stronger with a fresh start and some of that island magic.”

What were your first events in Ibiza like? What’s your favourite memory of the island?

“Our first events in Ibiza were unorganised and chaotic, but had amazing vibes. It’s great to look back on those times to see how far we’ve come. My favourite memory has to be the closing season after-party of 2019. The party almost didn’t happen due to plumbing issues at the villa, but we managed to fix it last minute and had an incredible afters with some of the most special vibes I’ve ever experienced at a party.”

Outside of the usual club events, how key are the secret sets at secret locations, after-parties and smaller daytime events to the island’s culture?

“The after-parties and secret events are alive and well, at the heart of the Ibiza scene. People love the spontaneity and exclusive side of them, and I believe artists get to play some of their best sets there as usually they can play for much longer, with no pressure to ‘smash it’. They can branch out more with their sound.”