Sardinia’s Costa Smeralda doesn’t exactly struggle for visual appeal, but if there is one spot that commands the sunset terrace with total authority, it’s Phi Beach. Built into the rugged rocks of Forte Cappellini in Baja Sardinia, it has long evolved past the point of being a mere outdoor high-end club. It’s essentially the epicentre for the electronic music elite.
If you are spending your July on the island, we’ve pinpointed ten nights throughout the month we think you should definitely attend. Scroll down and choose your night (or nights!).
4th July – Phi Beach pres. Eric Prydz & Demaya
Opening the month’s heavy hitters is the Swedish DJ and producer Eric Prydz, who needs very little introduction, famously avoiding the generic club formula in favour of long-arc sets that travel between various different pseudonyms. This time under his own progressive house and pop name, he’s joined by Demaya, whose darker, afro house cuts are the ideal primer as the sun dips below the Tyrrhenian Sea.
10th July – Phi Beach pres. Mind Against
The Fognini brothers have spent the last decade perfecting a very specific feel for emotional techno. Bringing Mind Against to Phi Beach is somewhat of a homecoming, and their heavy drops and IDM selections are practically built for the outdoor stone terrace.
11th July – Phi Beach pres. Themba
Themba is one of the primary leaders of the modern Afro-house movement, and his approach to the decks is purely rhythmic. Pouring pure flavour onto the decks, his sets are rooted deeply in live percussion, ancestral vocals, and heavy, driving basslines. If you want a night with the latter, Themba is doing the honours.
17th July – Phi Beach pres. Mita Gami
For something a little more left-of-centre, Mita Gami arrives in the middle of the month to shake up the coastal predictability. The producer is pushing house music to its absolute caps, assembling live electronic music orchestras on one side and turning dancefloors upside down from the booth with a blend of indie-dance, psychedelic disco, and quirky house.
21st July – Phi Beach pres. Maz
Tuesday nights on the coast can occasionally feel like a bit of a placeholder, but Maz ensures that’s not the case here. The Brazilian star has become a staple of the global melodic house scene, bringing the sunny organic energy of Rio straight to Porto Cervo. His sets are remarkably fluid, taking percussive grooves with uplifting, melodic hooks that’ll get you straight in the mood.
25th July – Phi Beach pres. Black Coffee
Let’s be honest: Black Coffee at Phi Beach is a rite of passage. Almost exactly a year since his last appearance, the global icon officially marks his return to the venue. Expect the Grammy-winning pioneer to step up once again with the deeply spiritual Afro-house and Afro-tech selections that keep him firmly on the industry podium. While his yearly pilgrimage is entirely expected, missing it is simply out of the question.
27th July – Phi Beach pres. WhoMadeWho
The organic house front-runners will be taking over not only the decks but the entire stage with their signature hybrid setup. For this date, expect their usual blend of live vocals, synthesisers, and driving energy. Few people possess the rare ability to seamlessly combine the energy of house and techno with the sensibilities of indie rock like WhoMadeWho, and they’re bringing it straight to the Sardinian coast.
28th July – Phi Beach pres. Shimza
One of South Africa’s brightest shining talents steps up to the decks. Shimza is easily roaming around the most technically gifted DJs on the circuit right now, by playing with loops, cue points, and heavy layering. He’ll be displaying that technical prowess by taking the classic Afro-house sound and giving it a more driving tech-house edge on the beach.
30th July – Phi Beach pres. Claptone, Diego San Diego
As the month draws to a close, the enigmatic Claptone brings his deep house music to the rocks. Say what you want about the golden mask, but the man knows exactly how to direct a terrace. Supported by Diego San Diego, this one’s yours if you like heavy bass, vocal samples and a little bit of mystical mystery.
31st July – Phi Beach pres. Loco Dice
Officially closing out July is Loco Dice, at the event organised in collaboration with Palm Tree Sardinia. Anyone familiar with Dice knows he doesn’t do subtle. He plays chunky, bass-heavy, hip-hop house and techno that will get anyone dancing until the final song. What better way to say farewell to July this year?
That’s your July sorted, then. Hit the full calendar to see who else is soundtracking the sunset, and lock your tickets in early. There’s plenty more to see!
