From sunsets to ten-hour sets and chill-out to techno in his Ibiza residencies, Danny O regularly plays alongside the likes of Fatboy Slim, Pete Tong, Groove Armada, Hot Since 82, Solomun and many more of the most highly regarded DJs in the world.

As Ibiza’s iconic Café Mambo closes for another year, we caught up with resident DJ Danny O to get his views on Mambo and all things Ibiza!

Hi Danny, how are you, how’s your summer been?

Better than ever thanks. This is my eleventh summer and it has been the best one so far.

You’re resident at the infamous Café Mambo, how’s Mambo’s season gone?

Every day offers something exciting at Mambo. This summer has been incredible with new pre-parties and guests joining us as well as the return of long time favourites such as Bob Sinclar, Hot Since 82 and Fatboy Slim. It seems as busy as ever and full of old friends!

Where else have you DJ’d around the island this summer?

My schedule is packed with Mambo related activities to be honest! I run Mambo Radio, play at the venue in Ibiza and for Mambo Tours worldwide. I played at Casa Maca, Hostal La Torre and Las Mimosas which are new venues run by the Mambo family and all outstanding in their own right. The rest of my time is spent making music so I’ve no energy to play many other places right now!

What kind of style have you been playing?

I play a wide range of styles and have always believed that to be a key creative factor in the art of DJing. A typical evening in Ibiza will begin with down-tempo lounge and some house classics before shifting into sunset mode. I’ve a huge catalogue of sunset music which I’m constantly adding to. It contains classical music, soul, jazz, blues and popular music from the 1950s to the present day, film scores from Hans Zimmer and Vangelis and so much more that will move you in the moment. After sunset we nearly always have guest DJs so I will begin to warm up for them in a style that accommodates their musical brand. You can hear my weekly sessions direct from Mambo on Mambo Radio’s free app and over at my Mixcloud – https://www.mixcloud.com/djdannyo1/

We enjoy seeing your tweets, and DJing alongside some of the world’s biggest DJs at Mambo. Do you have any particular favourites you’ve taken over the decks from?

Every DJ is different and some of them I’ve played with many times. I have a great rapport with Fatboy Slim, Bob Sinclar, Duke Dumont, Hot Since 82 and the CamelPhat guys. Too many to list and all special in their own way!

When did you first visit the island? Did you fall in love with it instantly?

In 2007. Yes, as I returned the following year to search for DJ work and never looked back.

What is it about Ibiza you love?

The feeling I have that stays with me most of the day. The lifestyle here is something else. Many people will tell you the island has a certain energy that leaves them feeling positive. 300 days of sunshine a year, happy people and beautiful beaches – ¿que mas?

What’s your favourite part of the island?

That depends on the time of year. October and November are amazing for exploring the North. I have many favourite places to go. At any time of year I will jump in the car and drive to a random beach. Salinas is perhaps a favourite because it’s a snapshot of Ibiza. A beautiful beach and all that summer brings with it.

What are some of your favourite Ibiza tunes of all time?

‘La Mezcla’ by Michel Cleis. NRK music catalogue and Buzzin’ Fly bring back good memories from the era when I started playing here.

What tracks have been getting the best reactions in your sets this summer?

Defected are providing endless winners this year and Mele’s tracks are fantastic. Erick Morillo has been making some great tracks again this year too. These work well.

Do you get a chance to check out other events outside of your work and if so, which parties have impressed you?

Dystopia at Ushuaia was cool. As was Black Coffee at Hi with Themba. Heart is probably my favourite club right now and the Thursday party with Behrouz.

How do you think Ibiza has evolved over the years?

Like everything it’s always developing. It’s still very hot and busy during summer but people are enjoying the island’s parties in a different way now. Music and venue restrictions are not all great but not all bad either. There is a shift toward afternoon and evening partying and less clubbing it seems. Policing, recycling policies, accommodation regulations and volume control certainly need to change and hopefully we can bring this about with a vote for a new government soon.

What are your plans going forward into the winter?

I’m planning a move to London as it’s time to focus on my new music projects and grow Mambo Radio. I will be playing in the UK and Dubai as well as some long overdue trips home to my beloved North East.

Check Danny online at;

www.djdannyo.co.uk

facebook.com/djdannyomusic

https://instagram.com/djdannyo1/

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