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- Kerri Chandler at Ocean Drive Ibiza: continuing a legacy of artists completely devoted to their passion
His music is the very definition of 'timeless.' No one moves a crowd in a club quite like Kerri Chandler. His beats are an unparalleled power injection. His music conveys emotions in a unique way. And when the New Jersey maestro takes over the decks, everyone responds with equal energy and enthusiasm. His music transcends genres. His obsession with sound quality makes him a renowned perfectionist, meticulous in every detail of the clubs where he performs. This undoubtedly results in high-quality sets, infused with the authenticity and positive energy that characterizes his music.
Although he doesn't like to be pigeonholed, Chandler has carved out a prominent place in the history of house music, not only from the DJ booth or recording studio but also as an industry visionary. His record label, MadHouse Records, with over 25 years of success, has collaborated with current talents like Jamie Jones, Seth Troxler, and The Martinez Brothers.
As evidence of his excellence in the scene, his sets have been critically acclaimed on numerous occasions. Additionally, his residency at the iconic DC10 in Ibiza and his extensive schedule of performances around the world testify to his enthusiasm and talent as an electronic music artist. No matter whom you ask in this industry, they have nothing but praise for him.
In addition to the numerous awards and accolades he has received for his valuable contribution to music over the years, Kerri has graced the covers of magazines like Mixmag and DJ Magazine (both in the UK and the US) and has been featured in the prestigious Resident Advisor podcast series, "The Hour." In 2017, he left his mark on the renowned "DJ-Kicks" mix series with a highly personal and impeccable selection, creating a mix that felt like being in the same room as Kerri, listening to his favorite tracks. A delight for his fans.
Kerri Chandler is a music prodigy who emerged in a very different landscape than today's, where diversity and genre labeling took a back seat to the sensations and emotions that music evoked. And this is something that still prevails in him, his essence and his music.
He hails from East Orange, a true cultural melting pot where every corner hosted a unique music scene. Furthermore, Kerri Chandler grew up in a family of musicians, which left an indelible mark on him for the rest of his life. He was a kid who enjoyed and grew up immersing himself in funk rhythms, soul, passionate jazz improvisations, and syncopated hip-hop vibes. These influences were ingrained in him from an early age and have shaped an indelible footprint in his journey to this day, ensuring that his presence in the nightlife world remains intact, solidifying him as an essential figure in today's nightlife scene.
Chandler knows which buttons to push to take his audience on an authentic and unforgettable musical journey. He fully enjoys what he does, and that's why a constant smile adorns his face in each of his sets.
In his role as a producer, Chandler wields an equally deep and incomparable influence. From his early days in the recording studios at a young age, he has carved out a more than respectable path. From his debut in the 1990s to the present, his discography shines as a living testament to the evolution of house music.
With great affection, many know him as the 'Stevie Wonder of house music,' and it's not surprising. Over the years, he has brought countless songs and albums to life that withstand the test of time, exuding musicality and overflowing with personality in every sound.
His legacy, immortalized on labels like Atlantic, King Street Sounds, Nervous, and his own label, Madhouse, has nourished generations and music enthusiasts with a sound like no other. Kerri Chandler has not only been a house music legend over the years, but his distinctive quality lies in his exceptional ability to fuse tradition with innovation, creating fascinating and immersive sonic forms. In the contemporary electronic music landscape, his legacy not only endures but evolves.
Because of his history in Ibiza clubs and his connection with our Ocean Drive Ibiza hotel, he is one of the three DJs we wanted to pay tribute to in celebration of our 25th anniversary, as part of the 'Made of Music, Made of Moments' campaign, alongside John Digweed and Armin Van Buuren.
We had the opportunity to interview and chat with Kerri Chandler at Ocean Drive Ibiza, where he was staying as he was performing that same night at Club Chinois Ibiza, located near the hotel. For him, we are 'home.' The familiarity of our staff makes him feel like he's in his second home. There is no better compliment we could receive from him.
We started the conversation very spontaneously. Kerri doesn't need prompting to talk about music, his great passion, and when asked about his career, he confirms what is so evident in his sets: he always wanted to be a DJ. From a young age, he had it clear. "Music was always playing at home. We had records everywhere. All my cousins, aunts, and my entire family are DJs or somehow involved in the music world. Without looking for it, it's a kind of family business, and I got into it very early by spinning records and listening to all kinds of genres... music was all I knew from when I was a child."
Interestingly, as we've seen in other DJs passionate about music, he also doesn't like to pigeonhole himself into a specific genre. He believes that if it's good music, it should be played. And that's precisely what he does in his sessions.
During the conversation, we discussed the current house music scene in Ibiza. He thinks that many promoters only view the island from a simple economic performance perspective, a fashionable place where 'things happen,' but for him, it's different. He trusts his team completely to go to the right places to play. For him, coming to Ibiza is a complete experience where he feels he has the opportunity to meet other DJs, have new adventures, discover and study new genres that are popular on the island... that's where he keeps his focus. "Being a real DJ isn't about drinking champagne, having beautiful women around, and doing drugs. It's a lot of work, a lot of traveling, a lot of time alone... You have to be patient and you can't be vulnerable.
In a moment of nostalgia, we delved into his beginnings in Ibiza. His first time was at Es Paradis in the early '90s. "I think what impressed me most about the club was that I had never seen an outdoor space like that. That was my first encounter with Ibiza nightlife." Kerri is down-to-earth, speaks with a lot of humility and respect for his work. He knows that success requires many hours and effort. Perhaps because he has always had a clear goal as a DJ, having started so young in the business; "Treat everyone fairly, do business the right way... When someone says my name, I want them to smile and come back to me, I don't want them to run away. That's the worst way to be. You don't want to do that to people. Be the best version of yourself that you can be."
Kerri Chandler also has a suite named after him at our Ocean Drive Ibiza hotel, a room where our guests can stay and discover a personal touch he personally chose and gifted to us for our hotel's 25th birthday celebration. It's a very special item: one of his first music setups that he listened to countless records on and was musically enriched by for a significant part of his life. Will you be the next one to listen to a record in that room? Our hotel opens its doors to provide you with a truly special experience, not only through our dedicated suites but also through other areas, such as the Listening Corner, a space where, whether you're a guest or not, you can enjoy an extensive vinyl collection. Sit in a Gatsby-style armchair, order a great cocktail, and savor the musical wonders of history, either alone or in company. Who knows, maybe at this very moment, there's another future Kerri using our vinyl records and marveling at their organic sound through the headphones.
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