We're officially into the summer now.
The sun's beating down, festival season's underway and the entire world is descending on Ibiza for the endless raves and parties. If you're lucky enough to head down there this summer, there's a good chance you're going to find yourself at Ibiza Rocks at some point. The home of the pool party in Ibiza will host over 120 parties, featuring over 170 artists, this summer including Stormzy's monumental #MERKY Festival next week. If you know you're going to be heading there, get yourself in the mood with this jumping house mix from resident K1R3Y. Primarily known for his percussive-heavy house music selections, the MC and selector is one of the most sought-after names in UK dance music.
In his exclusive session for us below, you can also hear his love for hip-hop, UK garage, UK funky and bass music surging through his picks. So while you get on your pre-game, turn this one up loud and enjoy.
Tell us a bit about your selections in this mix.
These tracks are part of a vibes playlist that never fails to get people moving. Everybody from the toe-dippers to the bonafide day ravers cannot resist the energy in them.
What was the one track you absolutely had to include?
"Rhode House". It's like a track I can't leave home without. And my latest track, "Nodds", because it just sounds like summer!
Any tracks that narrowly missed the cut?
Nah, because I put this together without really spending too much time thinking about it. I'll get stuck with too much choice! And we've all been in that position before.
What's the first single or album you ever bought?
I remember it being some absolute cheese [laughs]. I think it was Eternal; they came through with some Mary J vibes on that single "So Good". I had it on tape, though, and it stopped playing because I played it so much.
What's the last physical record you bought?
I bought the last Pure Garage compilation as I was featured on it. Before that, I can't actually be sure, maybe Kanye's My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy.
What do you want to see happen musically over the next 12 months?
I really want to see UK funky make a big comeback, or in some form of hybrid that just gets people going. I remember the original rise of that genre and I'm still in love with it to this day. I hope the UK rappers embrace it and take it everywhere.
What trend or scene absolutely needs to die right now?
I want people to actually be at the party, be fully present. I'm not against social media, it has its plus points, but people seem to be watching through another lens instead of just absorbing the atmosphere and energy around them.
What's your involvement with Ibiza Rocks this year?
I'm returning as a core part of the residents team supporting DJ EZ, Rudimental, Craig David, Stormzy and Jax Jones. if I'm not playing the records, you can catch me on stage, mic-in-hand, ready to get the crowd hyped.
What can people expect from the shows this year?
The levels have gone up: the venue looks amazing and the line-ups are INCREDIBLE! This year feels like the first year that we're really open for business. We've been transitioning to this point, and we have something for everyone. Expect to have the best days of your life.
