Closing Time For Martin Garrix

Martin Garrix fans have had two opportunities to catch their hero in Ibiza this summer as the talented artist took on Monday night in Hï Ibiza and Thursday in Ushuaia Ibiza. Not everyone can maintain two successful Ibiza residencies but that’s exactly what Martin Garrix has done. All roads lead to the famous outdoor venue as he gets set to bring his Ushuaia party to a close.

The tunnel of mirrors, with the trademark multiplication signs on the floor leaves us in no doubt where we are, although it makes for disorientating entry to the venue. The sun has set, the sky is a menacing deep blue as it edges towards black and the Ushuaia Ibiza lasers are already sweeping across the heads of a crowd that is not far off capacity. The open-air venue offers a vibrant atmosphere at the best of times, but it always has a little more of an edge when it comes to closing time. The last chance to see your favourite performers in the clubbing capital brings an extra energy from the crowd.

There’s a truly international flavour to the final party with Vintage Culture representing Brazil, Medasin out of Dallas US and Dutch DJ/ producers Justin Mylo and Estaw completing a strong and capable finale. By the time we made our way inside and found a vantage point, Medasin had handed over to Vintage Culture and the Brazilian was engrossed in taking the huge crowd up a notch or two, in preparation for the arrival of the headliner for the final time. Latin rhythms dominate aa huge percussions demands the crowd dances. The black sky offers the perfect background for the mesmerising production beaming down from the stage as anticipation levels peaked.

A huge white cross blazed on the LED screen that dwarfed the booth as Martin Garrix took his position for the final closing set. The outline of his figure immediately recognisable, prompting a thunderous response from inside the venue. Smoke bellowed across the first few rows and then drifted to the back of the outdoor theatre as he began a driving final journey. Thumping basslines underneath solid beats laid the foundation and hypnotising synths, ear crushing loops and the odd vocal boomed from the giant speakers as Ushuaïa Ibiza rocked to the sound of one of the world’s most exciting talents. It was a closing set that felt like we were going at breakneck speed, the breakdowns were needed to catch breath and there were explosions of confetti and fire punctuating proceedings. It was all over too quickly and, after thanking the crowd, Martin Garrix was gone and we joined the column filing out into the busy resort.