CamelPhat's Grammy-nominated 'Cola' was also the sound of Ibiza this summer

Released on Defected back in June, CamelPhat's 'Cola' quickly became one of the defining tunes of Ibiza 2017. It didn’t matter whether you were partying at Pacha, Ushuaïa, Eden, Amnesia, or Sankeys, the fact that 'Cola' would be broadcasting three or four times a night across multiple venues was simply a given.

The key to the track's runaway success, however, isn’t entirely obvious. After all, 'Cola' isn't your typical sugary summer anthem. Elderbrook's hypnotic vocals are pensive rather than lush. The pads moody as opposed to ethereal. So why did 'Cola' take on a life of its own and become such a fizzing Balearic hit?

Well, push 'Cola' through a fat sound rig and the bouncing bass line really comes to the fore, unleashing plenty of trademark Ibiza vibes. The tune also swanks massive crossover appeal, with tech, tech-house and house music DJs like Solomun, MK, and Radio 1's Danny Howard all heavily supporting a release that wowed dancefloors as diverse as Pure Pacha, Paradise and ANTS. And last but not least, don't forget the unmistakable power of citing a global brand like Coca Cola in your lyrics, especially when you're launching a track to an international audience in Ibiza.

So all hail Dave Whelan and Mike Di Scala! If the groove lashed release of 'Hangin' Out With Charlie' on Relief alerted the wider scene to CamelPhat's undoubted production potential, 'Cola' proved beyond all reasonable doubt that the Scouse duo have a genuine knack for penning credible dancefloor hits.

Johnny Lee is Mixmag's Ibiza Correspondent