Interview Andy McKay, CEO and Founder Ibiza Rocks Group

Ibiza has been considered a benchmark for music. However, the world of the deejays and the electronic has been reigned in the most famous clubs of the island until Andy McKay (CEO and Founder of Ibiza Rocks Group) opened the main door to Rock & Roll.

Andy McKay was a young entrepreneur who started Manumission in Manchester, a successful concept, then moved to Ibiza with his wife, Dawn Hindle. They were the foundation upon which the empire of Ibiza Rocks would rise. The start of a new generation that would mark his own lifestyle. It was 2005 when the first chords of the electric guitar reduced to small bars, frequented by locals, passed to cover the walls with posters of the hottest names of the moment. San Antonio lived the rock revolution welcoming new airs from England. And with that, a new class of tourist who come to the island looking for sunsets overshadowed by multitudinous concerts.

It was a gamble that, after 9 years, has established itself becoming one of the most attractive offers for those visiting the island. The group never look back. In 2011 was born Ibiza Rocks House at Pikes where the legendary rock stars such as Freddie Mercury, George Michael or Grace Jones used to stay and celebrate their legendary parties.

Today, the firm has crossed the borders of the island conquering Mallorca and even landing in other countries such as the French Alps, their new winter adventure. Ibiza Rocks flag is raised!

Ibiza Rocks started nine years ago. In that short time the brand has live music events, a travel company, 3 hotels, 2 hostals, 2 bars and a fashion label. Which is the key to the success? What do you think makes Ibiza Rocks different from other hotels and parties?
Ibiza Rocks is more than numbers. It's an experience, a lifestyle. We think that the key to success is believing in what you are doing and so we do. We build our brand on attitude, atmosphere and authenticity and as our motto says, we are the sound of a new generation.

Was Manumission the beginning of Ibiza Rocks? How has the group evolved?
From arriving to Ibiza 20 years ago, we made up one half of the incredibly successful team behind Manumission, creating large-scale, the most talked about in the world. Challenging the status quo, we launched a youth Ibiza Rocks in 2005. In 2011, we took over iconic Ibizan institution Pikes – the hotel of choice for the rock ‘n’ roll elite of the 1980’s. Since then, the company never stopped growing, being pioneers and tastemakers of a new lifestyle concept.

What can we find in Ibiza Rocks this season? Any surprise you can advance?
We’re absolutely thrilled that Nas, a genuine hip-hop superstar, has joined our Ibiza Rocks schedule this summer. The genuine hip-hop legend will perform (9/07) his game-changing 1994 debut Illmatic in its entirety as part of the 20th anniversary celebrations of the seminal release.

It’s a really strong line up this year so far, we’re genuinely excited. Bands like Haim, Kaiser Chiefs, The Kooks or Bastille represent the heart of what we do. Moreover, we always work hard to recognise genuine talent early on and we’re proud to be bringing back Rudimental, John Newman and Clean Bandit as headliners and bringing new acts like Wolf Alice, Breton and Chloe Howl for debut slots. From last year’s standout set from CHIC feat. Nile Rodgers to The Specials and New Order, every year Rocks books a band that has shaped the music scene and influenced generations after them. Back by popular demand and taking to the famous Rocks stages in Ibiza is Madness.

IR will celebrate a party at Pacha every Monday this season. Which will be the thematic, deejays and atmosphere of these events?
It will be a party with more theatre and more fun! A spectacle with extravagant performances and special effects from the old school. Be the best godfathers of house music and a live show with theatrical and surreal performances and the best soundtrack.

For 20 weeks, Ibiza Rocks House at Pacha Ibiza from 26th May to 6th October. Pacha’s Funky Room will be renamed ‘Freddie’s’ with original Manumission resident Griff and Island favourite Antz at the helm. The main room will feature hugely influential original house pioneers such as Derrick Carter, Kenny Dope, Kevin Saunderson and DJ Pierre, alongside the best of the new breed of Djs and producers including Shadow Child, Claptone, Jesse Rose, The Magician and Jaymo & Andy George. Long standing Rocks resident Doorly will drive the nu skool element, whilst huge dance acts like Basement Jaxx and honorary members of the wider Rocks family 2manydjs and Groove Armada will burn down the house!

Do you have a profile of public determinated at IR?
Anyone with good vibes and the willing to have the time of their life!

What was the most important guest at Ibiza Rocks House?
Ibiza Rocks House could be defined as the playground to the rock’n’roll elite of the 80’s, hosting Freddie Mercury, George Michael, Grace Jones, Bon Jovi and Elton John to name a few, then being revamped by Ibiza Rocks in 2011 and becoming the home of all the bands and DJ’s playing Ibiza Rocks gigs, the House has become THE place to stay, play and party for those in the know. Couldn’t name just one….there’s been too many inspiring individuals through the doors!

How will be the opening this year?
The Opening Party will be on Wednesday 4th of June, with HAIM, three californian sisters, winners of BBC’s Sound of 2013. They have stolen the show at some of the biggest festivals around the world this year including an epic set on the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury. With their debut album ‘Days Are Gone’ (a favourite at Rocks HQ) generating monster sales, a UK No.1 and further propelling the sisters to global superstardom we cant wait to see them headline the Rocks Stage this June as we kick off another season in super hot style. Haim will be supported by hotly tipped band for 2014, Breton.

At present, the company has Ibiza Rocks and Mallorca Rocks are you planning to expand the brand to other cities or countries with events or tours?
This winter we successfully embarked on our first winter adventure, bringing a new and exciting holiday experience to one of Europe's best ski resorts, Meribel in the French Alps. With the hottest breakthrough live acts and electronic artists plus daily apres ski events hosted by the UK and Ibiza's top clubbing brands, street parties, pool parties, terrace parties, ice parties and much more. It was a big success and one we hope to expand upon.