DJ, producer, artist and raconteur; Justin Robertson continues our Postcard From Pikes series recalling a particularly Balearic day and night spent soaking up the Pikes experience. Justin has also provided a playlist for your listening pleasure. A suitably eclectic mix of left-of-centre oddities, acoustic gems and unknown pleasures.
“There are a couple of guidelines worth considering when being asked to contribute your favourite stories of Pikes. Firstly, avoid scandal. No one wants to end up the subject of an expose in the tawdry gossip columns, so, under no circumstances mention the night you mistakenly entered the wrong room when returning from an acid house. Do not mention, who was involved, or speculate on how they managed to get in such a tangle. Secondly, do not mention any kind of psychedelic experimentation. This is a wholesome establishment, where people are simply excited by the joys of life and sleep very little due to the health giving properties of the sun. Do not mention the punch. It is however, safe to mention the fabulous experiences, the great friends I’ve made, and the wonderful warmth of the place. It is a magical spot, full of joy.
I do recall one evening that blended into a morning, it was a perfect distillation of the Pikes experience for me. Mark and Andy were playing a faultless selection of angular dance, off piste Balearic and dub sounds, it was bliss. The sun had been swallowed by the surrounding hills once again. The night moved inside. All manner of sound was being flung at the happy dancers; Italo disco, jacking house, techno, slow motion acid and post punk party starters. The atmosphere was celebratory, euphoric, beautiful. I retired to my bed. I managed to sleep. Result. On awakening, the sun lit up my room through the cracks of the shutters. The glorious glow brought with it the promise of another beautiful day. I leapt from my bed, full of the joyful memories from the night before. I flung open the shutters to welcome the day and let the sun’s rays warm my body. Only to be greeted by a large throng of revellers, for whom, the night was yet to finish. ‘Morning!’ they chorused politely.”
