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Interview: We Chat with Pukka Up Ibiza Resident DAYL


DAYL

The Pukka Up crew comes ashore on Wednesday, 23rd August, at Eden Ibiza for a huge club night. This event celebrates 20 years of Pukka Up as Ibiza’s original and longest-running boat party brand and the brand behind spectacular club nights worldwide. Pukka Up faves Lovely Laura and Ben Santiago line up, with respected Ibiza outfit Melon Bomb’s Scott Gray also taking to the decks. The original Pukka Up resident DJs, Ridney, Mark Robinson, and Dermot C B2B Scott Giles, make an emotional return alongside the current top Pukka Up resident DJs. Eden will be transformed into an immersive, fantasy wonderland with stunning decor - the towering stage, which takes the form of a 15ft tall futuristic human, is unlike anything seen on the island - all soaked in a euphoric soundtrack of house spanning the last 20 years. This will be a party worthy of this incredible 20-year milestone. The celebrations start the day before with a 20th-anniversary boat party on Tuesday 22nd August. For just €89, guests can board the blissed-out boat party and get entry to O Beach Ibiza and the massive 20 Years of Pukka Up event at Eden. Info and tickets at www.pukkaup.com.


As the sun sets on 20 years and Pukka Up sails into the future, those revellers lucky enough to be on the iconic boats on Tuesday, 22nd August, will become part of history as they mark two decades of Pukka Up with a three-hour sunset cruise featuring the biggest tunes, up-for-it crowds, and magical hands-in-the-air moments, partying with the Pukka Up family. There’s no better way to kick things off and get ready for the celebrations to follow at Eden.


To mark such a momentous occasion, we recently caught up with Pukka Up & WNDRLND resident DAYL for a chat about all things Ibiza, Music and more:


Hey DAYL, thanks for joining us. Can you start by giving us a brief insight into your earliest encounters with music and when you knew you wanted to pursue a path in the industry?


I knew from a young age I wanted to do something in music; I guess my issue was with being from a small town, there aren’t many opportunities, I spoke to a local DJ when I was 16, and he gave me an opportunity to come in and work as a light jockey in a local club in my city, from there I started doing the warm-up sets and went from there.


How has Ibiza played a part in your journey?


I would say that Ibiza has played the biggest part in my career; my sound developed massively when I moved over for my first season, I started to look at the whole thing in a completely different light, and it was so refreshing to meet people of similar mindsets.


You’re a regular with the guys at Pukka Up / WNDRLND. What can you tell us about your relationship with those events and how they have impacted you?


Yes, I have a massive relationship with the guys at Pukka Up / WNDRLND, and I owe the guys a lot. They gave me an opportunity and a platform to grow as an artist, which I’ll always be super grateful for.


Pukka Up Composite

What is your fondest memory of playing in Ibiza?


I’ve got a few fondest memories, to be honest, and it’s hard to pinpoint just one. Playing Amnesia for Together X Pukka Up is up there, but my stand-out memory would be playing the wild corner at Hi Ibiza; I’ve never witnessed an atmosphere like that before.


In particular, you’ve been a Pukka Up resident for several years. How has the brand grown since you joined, and what can you envision in its future?


The brand has grown massively, and it’s come in leaps and bounds. It’s been around for 20 years, which speaks for itself, and to see it now still the biggest boat party brand on the island is a testament to the team. What I love about Pukka Up is that they’ve completely torn up the idea of the typical “booze cruise” and more like a club on water; that’s been essential in the longevity of the party, I feel.


What’s your favourite Ibiza hidden gem?


I’m sure it’s not a hidden gem at all but I love Calle D’hort Beach for sunset; such a magical place!


You’ll be playing at Eden this summer. In recent years the venue has worked tirelessly to up their game. Where do you see it in the grand scheme of great clubs on the island, and what makes it so unique?


Eden has upped their game and is now in the same league as some of the biggest clubs on the island. The new renovations to the DJ booth and dropping it onto the dance floor has been a big factor in that the sound is always on point also.


Pukka Up Boat

What’s the best restaurant on the island?


My favourite restaurant has got to be Can Pilot, one of the nicest steaks you’ll have, the vibe is authentic, and unlike other places, they haven’t started charging silly prices.


You’re also an accomplished producer. What can you tell us about your studio life?


Studio life can be difficult in the summer as it’s pretty hectic and non-stop, but we try to cram as much in when I have a day off.


Lastly, what can we expect from DAYL over the rest of 2023?


You can expect to see more of the same; I pride myself on consistency. Each set, I try and give it my all, I always stay on top of my music and try my best not to get complacent, so if I can keep it at that and all the time learning and growing, then I’ll be happy.


Since Pukka Up first pushed the boat out 20 years ago, this ever-popular brand has hit some serious heights, running 1,600 events in Ibiza alone for over 800,000 guests. Pukka Up has become an integral part of the Ibiza experience for generations of clubbers providing the soundtrack and backdrop to the best memories of the White Isle. Over 20 years, the Pukka Up DJs have dropped nearly 4,000 DJ sets at sea. At the same time, Pukka Up has grown to throw infamous parties worldwide, including in the UK, Australia, Brazil, South Africa, India, Thailand, Germany, Greece, the USA, and many more, reaching well over a million party people.


Pukka Up 20th Anniversary Flyer

Any clubbers in Ibiza or on their way over should take advantage of this very special week of celebrations and join Pukka Up for the ultimate Balearic boat party and the official 20th-anniversary party at Eden, one of Ibiza’s most renowned clubs. It’s time to kick off the next chapter in the incredible Pukka Up story with an anniversary blowout they’ll be talking about for the next 20 years!


Pukka Up


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