Ibiza sax explainedWhat isIbiza sax?

Live saxophone played over house, dance and chart tracks: the sound of the Balearic terraces, brought to your venue.

By Paul Martyn ·

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The short answer

What is Ibiza sax?

Ibiza sax is live saxophone played over house, dance and chart tracks. It is the sound of the Balearic terraces, brought to your venue. The tracks keep the room moving and the sax plays the melodies and hooks over the top, live, as it happens.

At PM Sax! that is me, Paul Martyn. I DJ house and dance anthems and play the saxophone over the top, and I move through the crowd at the moments that matter. It is one performer, so there is no hand-over between acts and no gap in the music.

Paul Martyn playing alto saxophone at an outdoor summer party, with pink and orange paper lanterns behind him
The sound

What does it sound like?

It depends on the moment. Early in the day it is chilled: background sax for drinks or the wedding breakfast. In the evening it turns into a peak-time party set, with the sax played over the dancefloor.

The songs are ones your guests know. Familiar tracks get reworked in house style, so everyone recognises them and nobody has to be a dance music fan to enjoy it.

Songs in my sets include Save Me, Fireball, This Girl, Freed From Desire, Levels, 21 Reasons, Titanium, Pink Pony Club, Mr Saxobeat and Infinity.

Paul Martyn playing saxophone under a marquee while guests stand talking with drinks
The name

Why is it called Ibiza sax?

The name comes from the White Isle, where live sax over house and dance music is part of the sunset and club scene.

Who is playing?

I have played more than 2,500 events across the UK and abroad. I have been a self-taught musician since I was 14, and I also play drums and piano and sing, because I love live performance. I have worked as a session player and have recorded at Abbey Road.

On the day

How does it work at a wedding or party?

Most couples use it in a few set moments:

  • Drinks reception or wedding breakfast: a chilled sax set while guests arrive and eat.
  • A surprise entrance: I walk in through the guests mid-track as the first dance ends.
  • First dance into the party: your song with live sax, flowing straight into the first floor-filler.
  • The evening party: a peak-time Ibiza set with live sax on the dancefloor.
  • A poolside sundowner, for destination weddings.
Paul Martyn playing live sax among dancing guests in summer outfits in a wooden barn venue
Before you book

Common questions

Can we choose the music?

Yes. Every booking includes a music consultation where you tell me your must-plays and no-plays.

Can you work alongside our DJ?

Yes. If your venue has a resident DJ, I can play live sax over their set. Ask when you enquire.

Paul Martyn with his saxophone beside a DJ controller, adjusting his sunglasses

Do you bring your own sound and lighting?

Yes. Every full-evening booking includes a professional PA, DJ setup and dancefloor lighting, sized to your room.

How far ahead should we book?

Popular dates, especially summer Saturdays, book 12 months or more ahead. Weekdays and winter dates are often available at shorter notice. I play across the UK from Nottingham, and abroad, including destination weddings in Ibiza and Mallorca.

Packages

What does it cost?

Party Packagefrom £1,195Two hours of live Ibiza sax and DJ: the peak-time party set, with a full sound system and lighting.
Evening Plusfrom £1,895Background music for drinks or the wedding breakfast, a one-hour early-evening sax set, then a 1.5-hour party set with DJ.
All-Day Weddingfrom £2,995Ceremony through to the evening party: chilled sax, DJ sets and live sax on the dancefloor, with full production all day.

Prices are a guide. Your quote is confirmed once your date and venue are checked. Live vocals can be added to any package.

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