From Amsterdam, Sunnery James & Ryan Marciano met in 2006 in the clothing store where Sunnery worked, and where Ryan applied for an internship. While working together they noticed a lot of similar interests, and started working on some music together. From that moment on the two never stopped doing what they love most and they’ve created a big name for themselves since then. Now, excited about their music as ever, the duo will be starting their residency at Hï Ibiza June 20th. If on the island, be sure to check them out there, as well as have a listen to their latest track, “Savages,” with Bruno Martini and featuring Mayra embedded below.

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SunCity Paradise: Focusing in on Ibiza, what really stands out and makes it special to you? Where would you send a first-time visitor to get a real sense of the island?

Sunnery James: The parties! Ibiza has the best parties. We come back for work every year and we just love the island. The people are always really nice, and there is a really good vibe on the Island.

Ryan Marciano: So, I think a first-time visitor should come see our show at Hï on [every] Wednesday [during the summer]!

© Rob van Praag

SCP: Describe your first experience on the island. When was it? Was it sensory overload taking it all in? Or, did you just feel right at home?

SJ: My first time on Ibiza was back in 2003. I was invited by a promoter I knew to do a last-minute show on the island. When I started, there were about nine people in the club, so it wasn’t really a big deal. But, the DJ who played after me didn’t really have the right vibe, so the promoter asked me to take over. The venue was sold out by that time, so that was one of the best experiences of my life!

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RM: I couldn’t come that year, because the promoter didn’t have enough money to bring me. So, my first time performing on the island was his second time.

SJ: For us, Ibiza feels like coming home. You know exactly where to go for the best restaurants, where to go if you just want to chill out and which party to go to.

RM: We always like to stay as long as possible.

SCP: Bringing it back a bit, what was your first real exposure to music? How did you both get inspired to create your own and eventually pursue it as a career?

SJ: Ryan and I worked together and always liked to go out together in Amsterdam. At some point we had been to every party there was in Amsterdam and wanted to host our own parties, but we didn’t make a lot of money and the DJ’s were too expensive. That’s when we decided to start DJing ourselves, so we wouldn’t have to pay for the DJ. It really came from a passion for music and a lot of luck, as well.

SCP: You are now going to be residents at Hï Ibiza, the newest club on the island, starting June 20th. As a club that’s tabbed as being built specifically with the clubber in mind, how do you foresee the facility taking club-going to the next level? Describe your excitement to take the decks there.

SJ: We are so excited! We love Hï. Clubbing there is next level, they even have a dj booth in the bathroom! They also have teepees as greenrooms in their garden.

© James Stringer

RM: Yeah, and the people working there are also really nice! We feel right at home there.

SJ: So, I think the show is going to be great. You can expect the real “Sexy By Nature” sound! It’s going to be a party filled with energetic and funky sounds!

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SCP: Listening to music is essential when traveling, what radio station would you suggest people tune into when on Ibiza?

SJ: I like listening to Ibiza Global Radio.

RM: Agreed.

SCP: When you really want to get a minute to yourself, where do you head to on the island?

SJ: Honestly, if I really want some peace and quiet I just stay in my hotel room alone.

RM: Yeah, or at one of the secret, hidden beaches where no tourists go.

SCP: How about the food in Ibiza? What are some of the best eateries you would suggest visitors to hit while there?

RM: My favorite place is IZAKAYA! The food there is amazing. Last summer we went there every Wednesday before the show, that’s how much we love it.

© James Stringer

SJ: Yeah, IZAKAYA is great. I also really like Macao in Santa Gertrudis. It’s an really good Italian restaurant and also a really good place to take your kids.

SCP: When you’re relaxing on a beach, or just having some downtime, are you listening to dance music? Or, do you like to switch up the tunes? If so, to what?

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SJ: Not always. Of course, you are always looking for new tracks you can play in your set, but I also like to listen to different music styles. I’m a huge fan of Kanye West!

RM: Yeah, dance music equals partying and work for us, so it’s good to listen to different music sometimes and to relax. I also like listening to hip-hop and R&B.

SCP: Lastly, what else is coming up over the next couple of months that you’d like to highlight?

SJ: We have so many exciting gigs coming up this summer! We have several appearances at Tomorrowland, on both weekends, including our own Sexy By Nature stage. We host our own Sexy By Nature stage at other big festivals, like Mysteryland, Parookavile and Creamfields too.

RM: Yeah, that’s going to be great!

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For more on Sunnery James & Ryan Marciano visit their website: