Ben Santiago and Lovely Laura brought their vibrant Ibiza party with them to London over the weekend.
The music duo and married couple – consisting of saxophone player, Lovely Laura, and DJ, Ben Santiago – performed at McQueen, London, to kick off everybody’s Easter celebrations on Saturday 20thApril.
The pair are equally established and have each built a fast-rising name for themselves performing at Hed Kandi, Ministry of Sound, Ocean Beach, Pacha, Ushuaïa, Amnesia, Glitterbox, Pikes …the list goes on.
As a duo, the house music power couple have performed private events for legendary A-list fashion & music brands including Tommy Hilfiger, MTV, Mercedes and Storm Models which is a testament to their success as a party duo.
Having performed numerous tour dates worldwide, they are all set for their upcoming global tour around the UK, Dubai, Ibiza Rocks and also, WE ARE FSTVL.
Not only did we get the chance to chat to the pair ahead of their performance, but we also got the chance to see them live in action at the only date to catch them in London, before summer 2019!
The night began with build-up performances from Stefan Lane, JR (UK), K-Mack, Junior, Adam Towey, Gian-Paul (Brooklyn Hustle NYC).
As soon as Santiago began his set, fans anticipated the high energy Laura was about to bring with the first saxophone vibration.
The pair made sure to put their cultural twist on major anthems such as:
Changes – Faul & Wad Ad & PNAU
Warriors – Too Many Zooz & KDA
Jubel – Klingande
Finally – Ce Ce Peniston
Intoxicated – Martin Solveig & GTA
This Girl – Kungs & Cookin’ On 3 Burners
Sweet Lovin’ (Re-Edit) – Sigala ft. Bryn Christopher
Show Me Love – Robin S
Fans were completely in-sync with the duo singing back every lyric to each song while having the ultimate house rave.
During saxophone-free parts of a track, Lovely Laura made sure to interact with fans, taking selfies and asking the necessary question to party-goers: “Who’s ready?”
The show finished with an encore topped off with a captivating saxophone solo from Laura – as well as throwing up some heart shapes to her supporters and husband behind the decks.
With a global tour ahead, Laura and Ben have a busy summer ahead of themselves with tour dates in the UK, Dubai, a residency at Ibiza Rocks and performing at iconic festival WE ARE FSTVL along with launching their Island Beach Club brand in August.
We got the chance to chat to the pair ahead of their show at McQueen’s where they talked all things Ibiza, their new Island Beach Brand – ‘La Casa’, and what we can expect from the couple in 2019!
Hey guys, so we know you’re a DJ, Ben and Laura you’re a saxophone player. For those who unfortunately don’t know you both, how would you describe yourselves and your music?
Straight up house music with Laura providing killer sax on top!
Apart from being husband and wife, did you have another reason to team up musically?
No not really, we fell in love first and then, of course, shared the same passion for music so naturally, we ended up jamming together which lead us to where we are now. It would seem music took over!
Ibiza is where you guys met but what’s it like to tour with your partner and be with them basically all the time?
A massive blessing. Most touring artists – if being brutally honest – will tell you what a lonely existence it is being on the road all the time. To travel with the one you love, doing what you love to do is one hell of a blessing to have!?
On the subject of touring, tell us about your upcoming global tour. How are the crowds at your shows?
We’re here, there, and everywhere! We’ve got Dubai coming up along with loads of UK and Irish cities during the build-up to the summer. All this before the season kicks off in Ibiza.
You have equally performed at some BIG venues including Ibiza. Where is your favourite place to put on a show?
We would have to say Ibiza. It’s the crowd that makes the party and the crowds in Ibiza are insane!
You have a show at London’s McQueen’s on Saturday. What can we expect?
The usual sax / house / high energy / soulful grooves!
Did you both have other aspirations growing up or was it always music?
We both loved music from a young age but neither of us took it up professionally until later. I always wanted to be an artist actually! [Laura]
Laura, when did you learn to play the saxophone? Can you play any other instruments?
I started learning the saxophone when I was about 18 but I had played piano and clarinet from an early age, so I had a great music foundation for when I started. I was also really fortunate to have been brought up in a very musical family so there was no escaping!
Do/did you guys face any difficulties getting into the industry?
Of course! Every single artist endures their fair share of rejection along the way, and to be completely honest it is something we are still experiencing to this day. You just have to keep going!
If you could say one thing to somebody trying to make it, what advice would you give?
Haha, see above! First and foremost, you need to love what you’re doing which is extremely important. You need to prepare yourself for the constant rejection and learn to never give up. It’s not easy but if you believe in yourself and work your arse off, the sky is the limit!?
You’re both launching your Island Beach Club brand later this year. How did it come about?
We wanted to start something fresh for this new venue in Mallorca, it made sense. New island, new venue, new brand! We also wanted to make it feel like our home welcome to everyone, hence the name La Casa ;)
Apart from that, what are your 2019 plans?
We’ve got our Ibiza Rocks residency which we are returning to for the summer, many festivals and best of all we’ve got a few releases lined up! Should be an exciting year!