Scottish born DJ and producer Calvin Harris has joined David Guetta's ranks by hosting not just one Ibiza residency this year, but two. His residencies at both Ushuaïa and Pacha are now underway. As eager-eared clubbing interns, we went to scope out both opening dates.
The EDM king is reigning supreme over Ushuaïa for an exclusive six-date tenancy every Friday as well as five weekly appearances at Pacha on Tuesdays.
Not one to turn up to a party empty-handed, he brings with him a roster of fellow international icons of dance music. Get ready for it.
It all started with Ushuaïa on Friday 2 August followed by Pacha on Tuesday 6 August. Here's what went down...
Ushuaïa | Friday 2 August
Playing the beloved open-air venue back in 2015 in cohesion with BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend, the Scottish DJ and producer has now returned to take on the masses of EDM lovers by himself.
On opening night, Ushuaïa became home to one of the liveliest crowds we've seen all summer. Their bouncing, jumping and singing - together with The Night League's epic production - made the evening an all-round electrifying experience.
Offaiah led the afternoon into evening with some top tunes of his own, including Trouble, a summer anthem for sure. Check it out here, but beware: it may cause you to book a one-way flight straight to sunny Ibiza.
Next on the decks were UK house trio Disciples, ready for their turn to inflict some groovy soundwaves onto the poolside dance floor.
The DJ collective nicely fused together an array of some of their best known tracks including summer house anthem Daylight. Not a single soul could be found without his or her arms waving in the air for this one.
Some top picks of this year's most popular summer dance floor bangers made the cut as well, with S.A.M's Fury's Laughter being a notable hit with the crowd.
Tying up their set nicely - with a spin of favoured 2017 hit On My Mind followed by an exclusive live teaser of their upcoming single All Mine - these guys certainly know how to go out with a bang.
The much anticipated wait was almost over for this Calvin-hungry crowd. After moments of complete darkness, the towering stage shot up in dazzling lights and our party host revealed himself.
The beckoning call from the man himself asking "Ushuaïa can you hear me?" sent a wave of roars through the crowd who were now on another level of hype for the set that was about to unfold.
Not many DJs - or artists for that matter - have the same immense backlog of chart-topping hits and superstar collaborations as Calvin Harris does. The superstar could not but treat us to a trip down memory lane with the song selection.
We danced to a fair few samples of the album 18 Months which elevated him to worldwide stardom back in 2012. Tracks such as I Need Your Love, Sweet Nothing and personal nostalgic highlight We Found Love featuring Rihanna, were all lovingly chanted in unison by the audience.
With each banger that erupted from the speakers the explosive confetti cannons, sporadic laser beams and high-flying stage sparklers intensified as we indulged in the truly unique Ushuaïa experience.
For the last few tracks, the Scot led the unsuspecting crowd into techno territory. While not everyone seemed familiar with this side of Calvin, he can definitely keep a crowd on their toes.
Leaving Ushuaïa with our EDM levels well and truly topped up, we could only imagine what Calvin Harris and friends would have in store for us at the Pacha opening. Bring it on.
Pacha | Tuesday 6 August
One residency isn't quite enough for this industry heavy-weight so you can also find Calvin Harris behind the impeccable decks of Pacha every Tuesday until 3 September.
Only days before, we had witnessed the monumental power that Calvin Harris could hold over a festival-like crowd at Ushuaïa, but would he be able to transfer this electrifying party atmosphere to a more intimate club setting at Pacha? Well of course!
On our venture to Pacha for Calvin's second opening party, we were immediately stunned by the volume of party-goers who quickly filled out the venue, bringing with them a buzzing atmosphere.
After a boogie with opening act Generick and a tactical lounge in the roof-top terrace to re-energise, we were reunited with the man himself.
As expected Calvin kicked things off with some of his classics amongst others. This time we heard his 2014 hit Blame with John Newman.
After sampling several of his own tracks, Calvin threw us more recognisable tunes like Route 94's banger My Love. By now he had everyone singing along to the summer anthem.
With around 45 minutes left of the set, Calvin once again dabbled with the tech-house infusion that he teased the Ushuaïa crowd with on Friday.
Get a feel for the set with this remix of Greco and Rowetta's tune Be.
With the help of Boddika & Joy Orbison's Mercy (Boddikas VIP), his alternative selecting hotted up. The quirky techno beat of the song would not be out of place at some of the most popular techno parties on the island. The man sure knows how to prove his diversity.
Keeping the balance of vocal toplines and grand beat drops typical of EDM plus some pulsing techno beats, he offered a little something for everyone - ever the showman and crowd-pleaser that he is.
Carrying on the party into the early hours was fellow EDM mastermind Martin Solveig. The French DJ is no stranger to Pacha with a season-long residency headlining Saturday night fiesta Pure Pacha.
Keeping dancers in high spirits he kicked things off with Don Diablo's remix of the catchy pop tune Nothing Breaks Like a Heart from Mark Ronson and Miley Cyrus.
Also one for playing a nostalgic tracklist, Solveig took us back to 1998 with Fatboy Slim's Right Here, Right Now. Only this version had an updated twist from British DJ duo CamelPhat. Check it out.
Though both show-stopping, the two residences have unique offerings.
For the full festival experience, complete with breathtaking light displays and production, Ushuaïa is your go-to. The lengths The Night League will reach to deliver incredible shows are next to none.
If you're after the classic club encounter at the ultimate Ibiza iconic super-club, then the red cherries of Pacha should be your calling - equally as fun, equally as unforgettable.
In our opinion, if you're a proper fan, you should get your own double dose of Harris and his roster of dance music talent.
So get yourself down to party beyond the sunset at Ushuaïa on Fridays followed by a second helping on Tuesdays for your chance to party the night away at Pacha.
Tickets for both residencies are hot property with only a few exclusive dates at each venue. Make sure to act quickly if you want in on this EDM-fest.
Follow the links for your tickets to Calvin Harris at Ushuaïa and your tickets to Calvin Harris at Pacha.
Keep updated with line-ups, dates and tickets found on our party calendar.
WORDS | Hannah Starkie and Jo Dargie
