So groovy, thanks Ben! 🙏🎶💓🕉️

You played this deep at 7:00am!?!!  You are a savage kimono wearing man, and I like that!

Damn Ben, this second part 🔥🔥🔥🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽

Track List

1	Pion - Septembar (Ilias Katelanos Remix)	
2	Spencer Parker - I Love Nobody Else (David Labeij Remix)	
3	Davide Squillace, Guti - The Other Side Of Hustler 
4	Mauro Picotto, Riccardo Ferri - Bespoke (Julien Chaptal Remix)	
5	Mladen Tomic - Happiness 	
6	Oliver Lieb, Every - Feelin' (Summer (Brendon Collins) Remix)		
7	Dirt Crew - Sweeter
8	Okain, Hector - Tacos & Frogs
9	Daniel Poli & Rico Casazza - Soul Dance	
10	Gion - You (Harold Heath Remix)	
11	Tigerskin, Till Von Sein - 7477 featuring Till von Sein	
12	Carlo Gambino - Makes You Want Me (Al Bradley's 3am Deep Remix)		
13	The Messenger - From the Soul
14	Mihai Popoviciu, Toygun - Closer
15	Mia Wallace, My Boy Elroy - I Can Show You This (Julien Sandre Remix)	
16	Peter Corvaia - Wreck It
17	Marko Nastic - Meaning (Giuseppe Cennamo Night Mix)		
18	Marc DePulse - Westbalkon (Alex Q Remix Instrumental)	
19	Richard Empire - The Void (Sami Wentz Remix)		
20	Johan Ilves, Migova - Masquerade (Sebastian Davidson Remix)		
21	Hans Thalau - 005.1 
22	Sick Live - I Like That (DJ Haze Fuktup Dub)		
23	Javier Orduna, Inigo Oruezabal - Scent of a Woman (Gion in the Future Remix)		
24	Aga - Dark Skies
25	James Barnsley - Super Swinging Sounds (Andrade Remix)		
26	Dan Curtin - Its What You Wanted (Digital Exclusive)		
27	Flavio Folco - Documentary (Gery Otis Remix)		
28	Highest Sound Levels - Stars Flames During The Apocalypse (Rmx)		
29	Patrick Bateman - Club Queen (Billy Johnston & Gennaro Mastrantonio Remix)		
30	Luna City Express - Nut Talk
31	Jamie Anderson, Louis Osbourne - Electric Voodoo (Jamie Anderson Drums Mix)		
33	Moti Brothers - After Room		
34	C.e.l.l.u, Mad_Us	- Beginning
35	Ethyl, Huxley - Reflexions (Aybee Mix)		
36	Nivek Tsoy - Denied 	
37	Helly Larson - Walk Along 
38	Tigerskin - Miles High	
39	Jens Bond - The Faith
40	Peter Corvaia - Evening Influence		
41	Frank Donner, Matthias Naasner - Dream Come True (Rainer Weichold & Matt Keyl Remix)	
42	Skitish - Red Rose		
43	Einmusik - Jabloko 	
44	Ludwig Coenen - Frontline
45	Tanzmann & Stefanik - Basic Needs
46	Milton Jackson, Sei A - Jinzou (Manuel Tur Remix)		
47	Earth Dueley - More Like Everyone Than Anyone
48	Miro Pajic - Demon Kiss (Duky's Condemned Remix)		
49	Duky, Loquace - Sweet Temptations
50	Matt Star - Keep On Groovin (Mark Henning Remix)
51	Little Fritter - Fifteenth Avenue Funk
52	Nima Gorji - Music is culture	
53	Edmund - Inside Of My Head	

Live from the spectacular Desert Hearts 1 Year Anniversary at La Jolla Indian Reservation in Southern California, this set weaves deep house and tech house over 3 hours plus from 9pm to a little past midnight on the closing night of the festival.

It was an honor to play such an amazing event!  Thanks to the Desert Hearts crew - Kristoff, Mikey Lion, Lee Reynolds, Matt (Marbs), David (Porkchop), Ryan (Deep Jesus), and what must have been 100+ volunteers to make the party all that it was.  I don't think I've ever seen so much art at an event, super impressive feel and vibe around all the art pieces and deco elements present.  Everyone was buzzing about it.  Such excellent organization and signage everywhere, it was really a sight to behold.  Many people were shocked by the high level of production at this event and the only reason I wasn't is that I have been to the 2 prior Desert Hearts events and also collaborated twice with the crew as "Tropical Hearts" - so... I had a feeling about this one :)  My expectations were high, and were still exceeded...

Last I want to thank the DH crew for letting me extend my set in Treavor's absence (his flight from Canada was cancelled) rather than filling in with someone not on the lineup.  I am biased of course but I believe you made the right call :)

* Photo by Piak Boonlert

Ben Annand Live at Desert Hearts One Year Anniversary, November 10, 2013

Tremulant wandering throughout deep space. Scans pulse beating lush sounds from local pulsar. Mega waves of radio interference. Scanning. Something making some serious groove here. We have detected... PLANEMO! Every episode we hop aboard our spaceship and search the galaxy to discover fresh and exciting sounds for the people of earth...

This past November the stars collided to bring together Pelehon and GriffinGrrl on the decks. The atmosphere created was truly magical as these two ladies were connected by their love for deep and luscious sounds, but had not yet shared a dance floor. This set the stage for a beautiful night of musical storytelling. The energy in the room felt too infectious not to share, and since we weren’t recording, we decided to record and release our sets together for Planemo.

For the first hour tune in to the rhythms of GriffinGrrl. GriffinGrrl has been a fiery catalyst for creative collaborations since the 90s LA rave scene. With talents spanning from DJ, radio host, club co-founder, to current residencies held with Uniting Souls and LOST, GriffinGrrls magnetic energy continues to fuel countless amazing experiences. 

The second hour is curated by Pelehon, a Tremulant resident who began weaving stories through sound 3 years ago. Pelehon enjoys layering melodies and rhythms to provide a soundtrack to get lost in… believing that through music we can express and hear what speaks beyonds words.

Hop aboard, tune in, and enjoy.

Tremulant Presents Planemo Featuring GriffinGrrl & Pelehon

My Full Moon 29-Year Story  

Alright alright I’ve got a new set for you and it’s part two of the infamous Moontribe 29-year kimono set that I previously may have made some waves about but hey, Tropical is my party, waves and kimonos for the win!

Why am I posting part two first?  A few reasons, some background first.  This set had many challenges. I made a great playlist for it from my entire collection, did everything except export to usb, and then my logic board failed the next day.  Bye bye playlist!

So I rebuilt, as we do.  But with limited time my rebuild was limited to the last year of music, as well as some brand new music.  On top of that, I had convinced myself that my sets at Teleport and Moontribe were at exactly the same time - 10pm to midnight.  I think I told like 30 people this too :)  And of course I made my playlists - even the old one that disappeared - based on the 10-12 time frame

Sunday morning I look at the directions email and my set is listed at 6:00-8:30pm.  I thought it had maybe been changed on me then checked my message thread and I’ve just totally made up the 10-12 thing :) 

Point is that close to summer solstice 6:00-8:30 is a daytime set into sunrise while 10-12 is night-time ascending energy - they are drastically different energetically.  

So I made another new fricken 29-Year playlist based on my music of the past year, daytime into sunset.  I decided both ahead of time and on the dance floor that this Moontribe needed some trippy desert house music so that was the first hour.  

I’m releasing this second half first, because it’s a little more along the lines that I had intended my set to be, and more diverse musically as it ranges from minimal to techno to tribal to broken beat and a bit progressive.  It’s the more unique half and more distinct from what I already have posted on Soundcloud too.

I will release the first half next Thursday, and then they will also flow together in correct order fro my Tracks section :)

Thank you Rithers for the lovely mastering job!  

I think I’ll be back at Full Moon in August, not 100% sure though - here is what I can officially announce is coming up:

July 22 Stone Junction Bar, Garberville, CA 
July 24 Eudream Campout, Oakridge, OR
August 5 Dubtribe, Garth and Ben Annand, Los Angeles, CA
August 10 Dance Klassique, San Diego, CA 
August 19/20 United Undivided, Denver, CO
August 22 Space Taco Tuesdays, Pomona, CA 
August 26/27 Utopia Festival, Salem, OR

Ben Annand - Moontribe 29-Year - June 2022 Part 2

Audio Angel x GriffinGrrl welcome you to The Unveiling – a multidimensional experience of heartbreak, upheaval and awakening. Step forward with us as this story continues to evolve…  

Gratitude to these artists & labels -- and big love to our crews & collaborators who have traveled by our side over the years.

1~ Subwave, Bop - Take It Off - Hospital 
2~ Skeptical - Desire feat. Collette Warren - Soul:R
3~ Technimatic - True Believer - Shogun Audio
4~ Marcus Intalex - Step Forward - Soul:R
5~ Break - Excuses - Outlook
6~ Netsky - Iron Heart (Nu:Logic Remix) - Hospital
7~ Nu:Logic - Strut feat. Other Echoes (S.P.Y Remix) - Hospital
8~ Alibi - Catalyst - V
9~ Black Barrel, Ill Truth - Make It Funky - Dispatch
10~ Total Science - Nosher (The Sauce Remix) - CIA
11~ Urbandawn - Come Together feat. Tyson Kelly - Hospital
12~ Jimmy, Taurus Riley - Pull Up Selector (Nu:Logic Remix) - Hospital
13~ Bou - Wine Ya B - Critical Music
14~ Traimatize - Stereo Yout - Biological Beats
15~ MA2 - Hearing is Believing (Serum Remix) - Formation
16~ DJ Die, Dismantle - Harder They Come feat. Reddders - Gutterfunk
17~ Dapz & Papa G - Give A Little - Serial Killaz
18~ Blu Mar Ten, Anile - Lyssakses - Medschool
19~ Serum, Paul T & Edward Oberon - Moon In Your Eyes - V

Cover art by Seth Grym
Master by Gene Lee

GriffinGrrl x Audio Angel - The Unveiling

One of my most emotional mixes, this set was recorded Live at Subtract open Air party just outside of LA (Valley) in an absolutely chaotic time for me.  Two days after my only lover of 16 years and wife of 12 told me she didn’t love me anymore and I went to LA with my daughter to process it.  It was also my first time back in LA since moving from there in 2019, and first time seeing/staying with my family since the pandemic.  Unsurprisingly I had trouble keeping myself together in these circumstances.

So suffice to say there are a lot of feelings in this set.  It would have actually been yet moodier but there was a hiccup on start time at this party that changed my set (2nd in order and rt before Doc Martin)  from early-ish to peak.  But it is still an emotional journey, at least for me :) 

It's my break-up set, and those can be powerful.  I'll never forget DJ Heather's at Tropical 2-Year Anniversary in LA in 2000.  It was raw and full of feels and one of my favorites, but I didn't get approval to release, I think it was too personal.

I like to play with the mix of dark and light generally - being a positive person and eternal optimist I overall lean towards light.  This set of course a unique moment in time for me.  It starts more moody and breaks through into the light, also reflecting a transition from more techy opener Bellhop to housier Doc Martin, and a balance of hosts Subtract and Sublevel.  Yeah, I think about all these things :)

It felt so good to be in LA at the party, seeing friends I hadn’t seen in years, feeling supported and loved!  In a euphoric moment towards the end I actually caught air behind the decks - not too often my feet leave the ground back there the way I mix, but Armando Kroma thankfully caught this on camera.  It was the hopeful part of summer 2021 for events and everyone was feeling it -  soon after Delta variant kinda wiped things out again.  

So why didn’t I release this set earlier?   I actually tried.  I had it mastered by Brian Saitzyk, but tbh for about 10 minutes in the middle my attention to my levels was poor in all the emotion and excitement and I pushed the pioneer mixer a bit so there’s a bit of crunchiness that can’t really be mastered out.  

So then I re-recorded it.  I don’t like to do this, I like the way I mix live better, as well as for the live set really to be the live set.  But sound quality is a factor so I did the re-record.  But then never released it.  I also was planning to push the set so the Delta V perhaps another reason I paused on set release...

Maybe too much time just went by.  Maybe it was too emotional for me as turmoil in my life continued.  Things worsened in my marriage, poly definitely did not work, dating after 15 years and a pandemic neither easy nor the focus I really wanted.  I made a lot of progress getting my groove back and enjoying my life in 2022 until my mom became ill very suddenly June 2022 and passed in September. 

Anyway here we are, I am releasing things, moving on in my life and starting to feel my fire again.  

As such I am releasing this set!   This is the original live version lightly mastered for overall levels by Brian Saitzyk.   If the audio quality is compromised some for emotion that’s an accurate reflection of my state anyway, and it’s really just a little fuzzy in a small part of the set anyway.  So, live and raw it is!  

Big thanks to Anton for bringing me, Brian Saitzyk for mastering, Mikey B for commiserating with me, Doc Martin and Andrew Bellhop for playing great sets before and after me, and all my friends for uplifting me (literally this time!), and Armando for catching that moment I broke through into pure joy <3

Ben Annand Live in LA at Subtract/Sublevel Open Air with Doc Martin - July 31, 2021

PLEASE JOIN US FOR LIB 20 YEAR ON SALE NOW at libestival.com.
Many thanks to @Rithma for the beautiful mastering job! 

Lightning in a Botttle 2022 was my first big festival after the pandemic and it was HUGE - more than 30,000 people.  I played Thursday night and there were only 3 stages going and already 18,000 people there.  This set was played on the Junkyard stage to I don't know maybe 1500-2000 people - a secondary stage became pretty main, and the mains of course were nuts at this fest.

I knew exactly where was going with this set, coming out of the pandemic with pure unbridled euphoric house vibe on the edge of underground and mainstream.  People were freaking out, it was so so so lovely there I can't even tell ya ♡♡♡  

Incredible experience and before I go any further let me thank Jesse and Dede Flemming for throwing the whole shebang, and Patricio for curating the Junkyard stage formerly known as Favela Bar.

DJing is an art, or it should be.  I'm not just transitioning tracks, I am almost always playing with tracks together with very short gaps in between. I spend far more time in the mix of two tracks than out.  

DJing is also a performance, particularly at a festival, and to be honest I'm way more natural musically than as a performer.  I think the most important thing is how a mix sounds listening back - lots of the more 'showy' sets I can't get through live let alone listen to later.

BUT PERFORMANCE IS STILL IMPORTANT!  People want to see the DJ having fun, and that's not always natural for me.  

LIB has been a great confidence builder for me, my sets have steadily improved and my DJ energy even more :)  It's become home for me and I have a really nice following there after 5 years straight.

Much credit to the amazing sounding DJ booth provided by Todd Anisman of ChinoSound - who became Tropical's sound guru right after the first tome I played in 2016 - I felt my groove and put on at least a decent show along with a really nice house set.  

MUCH LOVE TO THE ARTISTS FOR THE TRACKS I WOVE TOGETHER - I hope you also listen and enjoy my art ♡♡♡  
Credit where credit's due, and bite my style all you want, it's super flattering and more importantly gives exposure to artists who likely get less than they deserve.  

Special shout out to Kevin McKay who I've been following since 90s Glasgow Underground - always one if my fave vinyl labels - for the peak moment in the middle of this set when the crowd absolutely exploded for 'Move Your Body'.  

And another to Christian Burkhardt for appearing the most in my track list - I guess you know who my favorite producer is lately :).
 
But really, really, all these tracks and artists are super great, please look up and support  

Track List LIB 2022:   Artist - Track (remixer)

1 - Mosta - Paeonia (Lauhaus Remix) 

2 - Milos Pesovic - Don’t Scream

3 - Lauhaus, Maria Franca - Physical

4 - Giorgio Moroder - Our Love (Christian Burkhardt Rmx)

5 - James Dexter, Artslaves - Play On

6 - Chris Wood, Meat, Christian Burkhardt, BMW - Music

7 - Jorjick Croes, Kenny Kelly - Alma & Cuerpo (Shawn Jackson Rmx)

8 - Chris Wood, Meat, Christian Burkhardt, BMW - Super Sync

9 - Christian Burkhardt - In Today’s World

10 - LouLou Players - She Calls (Extended Mix)

11 - Chris Di Perri - For You Homie

12 - Milos Pesovic, Greck B - Head (Saul Antolín Remix)

13 - Alan Fitzpatrick, Reset Robot - Phantom

14 - Adelphi Music Factory -  My People (Love Can Live Forever - (Mark Broom 4am Dub (Extended))

15 - Kevin McKay - Move Your Body (Elevation) (Kevin's Extended ViP)

16 - Christian Burkhardt - Enough

17 - Gerd - 12 Minutes She Danced With an Alien (Jaris Voorn Ruff Mix)

18 - Cristian Merino - Peace, Freedom

19 - Dennis Quin - Are Fundamental

20 - MANT - Subconscious (James Dexter Rmx)

21 - Rob Pearson - Better (Rob Pearson Rmx)

22 - Riggs - Sleight of Hand

Ben Annand Live at LIB 2022 Junkyard Stage

This is my set from aboard the Dirty Goat Road House art car. This year we herded 3 horned art cars deep in the desert to witness the sunrise. My set spans from melodic to minimal house, but all of it selected for this special moment. I'm super grateful to my Dirty Goat Roadhouse fam for having me play and a special thanks to the Decotoro and Kuker art cars for linking up with us.

Sunrise - Burning Man 2022

Here's my set from the 25th annual edition of the Friends and Family Summer Campout. I rerecorded it as there were a couple mixing glitches in the live version - nothing too heinous, but also nothing I wanted to hear every time I listen to this set in the future. So, made it right for posterity!  =) Sound-wise, this set has a slightly different sound palette for me and even has just a touch of a psy tech towards the end - a nod to Khromata who was following me, and also just some new sounds coming out of producers I've loved for years. So, dig those big, belching, growly synths! As always, massive thanks to everyone that made and makes FnF happen. Raving aint easy, and it remains so amazing that we're still here. Rock on!

Ethan - FnF Summer Campout 2023 - Redux

Excited to release my set from LIB 20-Year Anniversary!  Every LIB experience for me seems to top the last.  

This year was special as I hosted Camp Tropical for the first time and had my daughter, Cerise, there for the first time since 2019.  And it was LIB's 20th year, and a brilliant one!

Huge thank you to the Flemming Brothers - Jesse, Dede and Josh and team for producing the Fest, to Patricio Motta for producing the Junkyard Stage I played on, and to Todd Anisman for the ChinoSound!

I always put a lot of effort into my LIB sets, and this year no exception but with the extra challenge of extra responsibility x 2 - organizing a Tropical group camp, and caring for my daughter, who made a few visits to the DJ booth during this set as well.

Honestly I did feel a little less focused that normal up there and wasn't sure how I was going to feel about my set when I got the recording.  I'm a harsh self-critic but I actually love this mix as much as any of the 6 others I've played at this lovely fest :)

Many thanks to the brilliantly talented producers whose tracks I mixed - here is the complete listing, tagged, so you can check their work <3

1. @Undo	 - Aliens Go Home
	
2. @Matthias-tanzmann, @francisco-allendes - Disco Mike
	
3. @Ddigglerofficial - Sunset

4. @Le_bigz (Big Al) - Smiling in the Sand (@tim-barnett-5 [Tim Tonal] Remix)
	
5  @A_los_martires (Cienfuegos) - Around You (@col-lawton-d90 Dub Remix)

6. @Okain - Locked

7. @Mihai-popoviciu-1 - Emotion

8. @Dinyadalonzo - Can't You See (@jameshopkinsuk Remix)

9. @kevinmckay, Notelle, Eppers - On My Own (@Joe-vanditti & Kevin McKay Extended Remix)

10  @Tuccillo - It's Not Over
 
11. @Francisdesimone - Efdies (@Kevinmckay Extended Remix)

12. @Djqmusic, @Finnmccorry - Speedy Gs

13  @Ralphsession  - Rize (@homeroespinosa Remix)

14. @Petebandit-f2f - Computer's Creativity

15. @Milos-pesovic - Pam Pam (@Juan-dragster-viveros Remix)

16. @Format-b-2, @Royrosenfeld - Human Dynamo 

17. @Paulcpaolomartini (Paul C, Paolo Martini) - Modulator

I definitely play with a certain aesthetic at LIB, which is to honor the crossing of the underground and mainstream in my own way.  I describe this set as banging and uplifting, with carefully chosen vocals.  I mean a festival is a celebration, and this just year 2 out of the pandemic I'm definitely favoring uplifting over dark.  

Ok, I do favor that generally, but same time I am processing some darkness over the past 2 years as I've experienced huge losses.  Last year's LIB I was processing the recent demise of my marriage, while this year I was processing the loss of my mom last September.

Recently in our West Coast underground music community we have lost some very special people and there's been a lot of sadness over that, especially this past week.  

One of the very best tools for processing loss is of course music and dance - I hope this set brings you light and joy in these challenging times <3

Please give this set a listen, a like, and a repost if the spirit moves you. Your comments are always welcomed, and usually answered <3

Ben Annand Live at LIB Festival 20-Year - May 26, 2023

Introducing: GOLDEN RATIO.  This is the enigmatic audio magic that happens when 'Dulce Vita' comes into musical collaboration with 'Exoendo', on stage and behind the decks. 

This debut mix is based on a DJ duo performance at Burning Man 2016, serving up a refreshingly vast array of emotional tech house, deep house, and tribal house - filling the listener with all the satisfying spaciousness of proper sound that one could really hope for.  Slightly dark but with loads of groove, this sacred offering is our spiritual sound of a new era. 

Take a listen - but first get grounded, sink into your roots and connect down into the earth. You might need the anchor... GOLDEN RATIO will guide your first dance to the moon.
---
Follow Dulce Vita on soundcloud @dulcevitadj
---
That feeling when it's all music and no chatter. Ditch the voiceovers and enjoy high-resolution podcasts from your favorite Opulent Temple DJs, by contributing on a small monthly basis to our newest fundraiser. Check www.patreon.com/opulenttemple

Opulent Temple Podcast

Opulent Temple Podcast #102 - Dulce Vita & Exoendo - Golden Ratio

Lushpod #39 was recorded live at the Knupp Gallery in Los Angeles, and was inspired by the bohemian glass that was showcased that evening.  LP39 is based on some new year's interstellar traveling - meant to fully honor some of our favorite artists that were taken away from us in late 2016. This mix features tracks from SOHN, George Michael, Charles J, Gorje Hewek, Mousse T, Majical Cloudz, LTJ Bukem, and Four Tet.

Lushpod

Lushpod #39 - Little Miracles Crashing Into Oblivion

I hope you enjoy my music and how I mix it.
For bookings contact benannand@gmail.com // gunita@listedbookings.com

Upcoming Confirmed Dates

Oct 7 - Infinite Energy (Tesla Coil Show and Dance Party) San Diego at 
Encore
Oct 20 Gorg-O-Mish Afterhours, Vancouver BC Canada
Oct 21 - Spooky Forest, Darrington, WA
Oct 27 - Howl 20-Year Anniversary, Portland, OR
Nov 3 - Tropical Tour Sacramento, CA
Nov 12 - Secret Sauce Sundays, Eugene, OR
Nov 25 - Tropical 25 Year Anniversary, LA, CA
Dec 31 - Tropical NYE 2024 - Elevated House Party in the Hills of LA
Biography:

In his zone from deep house to techno, Ben Annand pairs impeccably smooth mixing skills with a dynamic style that keeps the music moving, artfully playing with breakdowns and spending most of his time in the mix.

“For me, a great mix is the interplay of 2 unique pieces of music, creating something greater than the sum of the parts - and a great set weaves those mixes into a musical flow you can’t help but lose yourself in on the dance floor.”

Ben fell in love with dancing and rave culture in 1995, and learned to mix in 1996. Just 2 years later he became resident dj at the famed Moontribe Gathering, and started his own production company, Tropical. The first half of his career was mostly focused on DJing abroad, with 13 trips to Moscow’s Propaganda club, travel across Russia, Spain, and Mexico, an appearance at Wiggle at Fabric in London and two at the Labyrinth Festival in Japan.  

In more recent years, Ben Annand became a top West Coast festival DJ, and recently played a standout set at his 5th consecutive Lightning in a Bottle (CA). He has also appeared at Sunset Campout and Desert Hearts (CA), Oregon Eclipse (OR), Photosynthesis and Cascadia (WA), Shambhala and Motion Notion (BC, Canada).

As organizer of Tropical, he's donated over $32,000 to charity, hosted zero-waste events in Hawaii, and presented gender-balanced dj lineups.

Whatever his project,, Ben Annand is always contributing, and always thinking outside the box.

Ben Annand - Moontribe 29-Year - June 2022 Part 2

Ben Annand

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