Addicted To Ibiza Speaks With Amanda O’Riordan
Having provided the vocals behind the huge dance smashes ‘It’s my turn’ and ‘Can’t keep me silent’ by Angelic, Amanda has delivered silky tonsils on tracks by dance producers and DJs from all over Europe, including Ireland’s Paul Webster, Finland’s Alex Kunai and Russian wonder kid Arty.
Alongside husband Judge Jules, Amanda’s Ibiza ‘Judgement Sundays’ night has spanned twelve wildly successful summer seasons, with Amanda acting as VIP host and foil to husband Jules’ work behind the decks, as she performs on-stage every week throughout the mad Ibizan Summers.
Amanda takes time out her busy schedule to talk to Addicted To Ibiza.
What brought you to Ibiza in the first place?
I had never been to Ibiza before I met Jules. He took me there in 1996. At that time he was playing at all the major clubs there . Amnesia, Pacha, Space and Privilege. We would just do a lot of tiny trips over in the summer and stay in hotels. We started going out of season as it’s so beautiful which is why we decided to buy a villa there.
Over the years what’s been your personal / professional highlight of your involvement with the island?
Personally. both our children were conceived in Ibiza! Professionally, I shot two of my videos on the island and performed many of my tracks, new and old on stage every Sunday at Eden in San Antonio. I have spent some of the best nights of my life in Ibiza, and days! Having travelled the world extensively with Jules, I can honestly say there is nowhere else on Earth like Ibiza.
What does Ibiza have that other similar destinations don’t have to make it so special?
Ibiza has a spirit and aura that I just don’t feel anywhere else. It has everything. From beautiful beaches and forests to amazing restaurants, bars and of course nightclubs. But I love the fact that it attracts an amazing mix of people and I feel so in the middle of everything when I’m there. It’s also home to me.
What’s the strangest thing that you’ve seen or been involved in during your Ibiza life?
The strangest thing I have ever seen in Ibiza is probably just the crazy antics of holidaymakers there. People have a sense of invincibility and having no inhibitions. From sex shows on stage at Manumission to the Flower Power Hippy festival. I have seen some memorable sights in my time.
What advice would you give to someone visiting the island for the first time?
What advise would I give to an Ibiza virgin? Bring plenty of cash! Ibiza is not cheap! Do your homework and find out where it’s all happening. Try not to overload in the first couple of days and try and experience some of the tranquillity the Island has to offer that is often overlooked on your first trip. Don’t get in trouble with the police and as with all holiday destinations, wear sunscreen and don’t lose your passport.
How has the place changed since you first got involved with Ibiza?
Ibiza has changed loads since I first came here. The roads have all modernized, as has the airport. Iconic rustic bars and hotels have been replaced by very splendid and grand hotels and restaurants which cater to people straight off their yachts or over from the South of France. It can be a little OTT. I preferred it as it used to be. Just, basic, rustic and beautiful. But change can be good I suppose.
If you could change one thing about the island, what would it be and why?
The only thing I think I would change about the Island is perhaps seeing more places opened during the Winter months. Ibiza tends to shut down. I wish there were more direct flights from London too.
Where would you recommended someone to visit – beach, hotel, bar, club, etc – in Ibiza?
Cala Jondal and the Blue Marlin for lunch are very glamorous. Most of Playa den Bossa is pretty lively if that’s your thing. For peace and tranquillity I would head north to Portinax and San Miguel. Stay at Hotel Hacienda. Visit the Hippy Market in Punta Arabi. Have a romantic dinner at Las Dos Lunas or a mahoosive lunch at Can Pilot both in San Rafael. And of course a night out at Pacha is a must. Don’t forget shopping in the Old Town at night is brilliant.
What is your Ibiza guilty pleasure?
My Ibiza guilty pleasure is probably being as carefree as possible and not behaving my age or myself at all!
What do you think the future holds for Ibiza?
We’ve just heard that BA are now flying direct to Ibiza from Heathrow this Summer as well as the London City flights in the winter. I think this brings a whole new crowd of people to Ibiza. People with money to spend and this can only mean that Ibiza continues to modernize and become even more glamorous.
How would you sum up Ibiza in just 10 words?
Ibiza in 10 words: Beautiful, Delicious, Tranquillity, Picturesque, Bohemian, Sexy, Mayhem, Debauchery, Exciting, Heavenly!
Born in West London. She grew up in Twickenham. Studied Art and Design at West Thames College and went on to be a graphic Designer and Art Director, directing fashion shoots around the world. Amanda met Jules on a ‘blind date’ set up by mutual dates – that was a Japanese dinner at Benehana, Swiss Cottage and they married two years later in Camden.
They live in Highgate, North London with their son Jake and daughter Phoebe. They have owned a house in Ibiza for 13 years and spend every summer there with family and friends.
Judgement Sundays continues at Eden, San Antonio.
Amanda is now back at University studying for a degree in Health Studies. She continues to record music – with the label Ispirato and plans to present a TV program with the label later this year about Ibiza and the club scene.
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