CDLN Resident Ryan Platts Talks Boat Party Adventures

It’s no secret that boat parties are one of the main attractions of Ibiza’s dance music scene. Among them, Cirque De La Nuit – also known as CDLN – is one of the biggest, brightest and most popular. The two-level boat, which can host up to 300 people at a time, is sailing almost every day, offering the most amazing entertainment and top-notch music to discerning and always up-for-it party lovers. It’s a four-hour adventure with superb line-ups, an all-inclusive bar and free bus service for those who need a transfer from San Antonio to Playa d’en Bossa, where the boat is sailing from.

The man behind the music that fuels the party vessel is DJ Ryan Platts. Based in Germany during the winter before returning to Ibiza for the summer, he is playing for CDLN on a regular basis. In addition to producing music, he is also running Casa, a house and techno brand from the UK which is going from strength to strength. Rounding off the busiest and the most colourful season of Cirque De La Nuit yet, we had a chance to discuss with Ryan the most outstanding moments of his artistic career, his most beloved places to relax in Ibiza and the hand-picked selection of his favourite tracks of 2016.

How long have you been part of the CDLN crew?
I’ve been the resident DJ for CDLN since the beginning, so that’s six years. I’ve seen a lot of change and the growth of boat parties has been amazing to be a part of.

Where else do you play?
This year I’ve played at guest spots here on the island: Ibiza Sonica, Zoo Project, Space and Sankeys. I run a brand called Casa in the UK with my business partner, so I have been playing at that every month as well. And I’m part of a team that runs the Land of Light Festival, which happens early summer in the UK. Casa held the Friday night slot and for its first year it was probably the best gig I’ve played in 2016. We’re now investing 70% more of everything into it, so next year will be quite impressive.

What do you love most about playing out at sea?
The feeling of freedom. Having a party out on the Mediterranean in the daytime is pretty special; being away from the VIP culture that’s flooding the island at the moment, with 300 people all gathered there for the same reason.

What makes CDLN stand out amongst the other boat parties?
I play House and Techno music, and CDLN is the only boat party that has a Void sound system, which is enough for any clubroom. They are extremely passionate about what is delivered to the clients, which I like a lot. When you’ve got 300 people dancing in unison, its simply spectacular. There are quite a few boat parties on the island now, but as far as I’m concerned, nothing comes close to CDLN.

What is your favourite moment when you’re out on the boat?
It’s just after the swim stop: the crowd is ready for round two, everyone is massively up for it and it goes off, every single day!

What are the challenges of playing out at sea?
It comes with its own collection of challenges for sure! Luckily I don’t get seasick, so that’s no problem, but there have been times when the boat has hit an unexpected wave, which feels like you are on a rollercoaster. That can be pretty scary and I’ve pressed buttons on the CDJ’s I’m not supposed to press when that’s happened! There are also times when the party is complete mayhem – I’ve got a towel that comes out and covers the equipment for those moments.

What has been your personal highlight during your time with CDLN?
There are many to be honest. In 2011, which was my first season, I played at a villa party on my birthday. Playing before H.O.S.H. and Solomun on the boat in 2012, and warming up for some Cocoon artists on a catamaran in 2014… The list goes on and on. This year I was playing in The Living Room at the Zoo Project, it was packed and amazing!

CDLN offers some amazing guest DJs too. What’s it like working alongside them?
As previously mentioned, we’ve had Solomun, H.O.S.H. and Cocoon artists, plus Miguel Campbell, Darius Syrossian, Claptone, Igor Marijuan, Finnebassen, DJ Sneak, Tini, Jon Rundell…lots and lots and lots. Usually I warm up for them, then I watch them like a hawk.

The 2016 season has been busier than ever. How has the summer been for you?
It’s been crazy busy, what with playing the CDLN boat parties every day as well as organising and playing at Casa each month, along with the festival – there has been no time for anything else and I love it! Now September has arrived there are fewer boats, which gives me time to get in the studio and make music.

When you’re not working, where do you like to party or relax in on the island?
I’m a massive fan of food and the places to eat here are immense. I go to Can Pilot for the best steak on the planet, Fish Shack for delicious seafood and Los Pasajeros in Marina Botafoch is a regular spot for me too. In my opinion Sankeys is the place to party when you’re not on a boat.

What are your favourite tracks this summer?
CAAL – Azidhous (came out last year but it’s been a bomb in all my sets this summer)
Nathan Barato – A Little Love
Metodi Hristov – Set About
Anything by Latmun, the man has got a massive career ahead of him
Adrian Hour – Like This
Max Chapman – Body Jack
Moji/Kydus – Boomtang