Burning Man

All my sets

159 Final Final

Robot Heart Sunrise 2024

The “FreeBurn” was so needed! To celebrate life - we needed to reflect, dance, laugh, cry, and let go - in the place we call home. 

I was a bit nervous playing music this year - I had not DJ'd on the bus for four years after parking myself on “a bench” because of hearing issues. So when I found out I was going to play a small “opening of the bus” set I was stoked to get reacquainted before my scheduled Friday sunrise set. I started with my favorite chill track at the moment. The rest were selected because they gave me a dusty vibe, and I wanted to hear them on the bus system. Some were given to me by close friends - So it was a dusty family affair of sorts. The last track of that set has the vocal “Fade out again” - those lyrics gave me the idea to fade the set into my sunrise set. It was unplanned that these two sets would live together. Or even work together - I only planned my bus opening track and my sunrise moment. 

This leads me to my sunrise set. Where to begin? - how to honor Geo - celebrate the sun - tip my hat to the night - take the crowd on a bit of a journey - share sounds that speak to me - spread some love. I knew I wanted to have a special moment for Geo, but it did not hit me until I was on the plane headed out west. It was sunset and the sun was hitting my eyes through the plane window - and that was the moment it clicked. I was lucky to have WiFi on the pane and searched on all our group chats for a sound bite of Geo that would make sense with the track I had in mind. It took me a few hours, but I found a video with one. It was perfect - very subtle and very Geo. I did a quick edit in Ableton and thought WOW indeed. Big thank you to Brian Cid for taking the edit to the next level and to Jean for delivering the track to me before my set. 

We designed a Geo tattoo this year - I placed one on each forearm - facing opposite directions a few hours before I was to play. Energy in, energy out - That was my “mantra” for my set. I could feel so much love around me, in front of me, and above me in the heart - then the Drone show appeared and blew my mind. Thank you Studio Drift for the beautifully concepted and executed tribute.  

It was hard to judge the sun this year -  as there was so much smoke, but in the end, all was perfect. Feeling all the emotions, I just looked directly at the sun and had a little chat with Geo, expressed gratitude and shed some tears of my own. 

One of my favorite all time sunrise Djs was to play after me - it was surreal. Looking back now, I can see Lee Burridge showing up at sunset and surprising us all was part of Geo’s doing. Geo always called me Dilly Dill. So to have a DillLeeDill morning still has me smiling. Ironically this was the ten year mark where Lee and I first truly connected on the bus with a random morning 5 hour b2b set that started our friendship :) 

Lee had to leave early and there was only going to be an hour left till we were originally scheduled to close the morning. We had asked Holmar if he wanted to play the next day after Diplo (so he could have a long set) and I would just go back on after Lee. Somehow this one hour turned into almost three hours. And I was playing music from folders that were dusty themselves. This set is a whole other story!

Thank you for listening! And to my dusty family and friends from that sunrise/morning thank you I’m still in awe ✨☀️

To the dreamers and doers who put in the extra effort to make this year happen on and off the playa and to my Robot Heart family for the continued love and support - THANK YOU ❤️

I feel blessed to have been able to express myself musically on our magical bus after such a long break. Let’s see what’s next.

PSA - wear earplugs my friends! 

Much love, 
Dill, aka "Dusty Pickle"

JOHN DILL SOCIALS
https://www.soundcloud.com/johndill
https://www.instagram.com/sliceofdill
https://www.facebook.com/sliceofdill
https://www.sliceofdill.com

Photo Credits:  Christian Lamb, John Dill

John Dill - Robot Heart - Free Burn 2021

I created this mix from tunes that I played over and over while making images for my art show : In Search of Sight - Chapter 1 - "beautiful…" 

“Waves are crashing, sun is transforming and all of a sudden hundreds of black dots filled the sky. That was the moment my retina decided it was going to let loose. It was quite beautiful and poetic…" 

This mix is dedicated to that moment in time and the friends who helped me bring chapter 1 - "beautiful…" to life. much love , dill

http://www.insearchofsight.com


In Search of Sight - Chapter 1 - "Beautiful…"

This was my 10th proper Burn (not including the super special Free Burn.) I was on playa for 14 days total. Participating in the build, the magic and tear down. The dust and the heat were intense, creating the perfect storm for remembering the extremes of Black Rock City. But even with all of nature's surprises the “show” still pushed forward and ultimately we all had the adventures we needed.

I was fortunate to have a romantic adventure partner whom I was falling for deeply. We had met 4 months prior and both knew the playa could possibly shift or solidify our foundation. After a reflective Tuesday night, I found myself at the temple during Wednesday’s sunset and thought “I want her to show up here.” Behold my beating heart - 15 min later she came around the corner smiling and said “hello.” We embraced and gazed deeply into each other’s eyes. At that moment I knew I was all in… The playa adventures to follow were the sweetest of sweet!

During my burn night set, she sat on my booth monitor as I played from the heart. We shared tender moments as some lyrics hit home for us. I chose music that reminded me of life, love and dust. My hopes were it would do the same for others. Two of my favorite memories were when I played a track with the lyrics “falling for you” and the man fell. And the track that followed - I’ll let you figure out why ;)

This musical journey is a mix of tunes found by me and gifted by friends.
Special thanks to Justin, RY X, Illich, Rocky, Opal and Dio for bringing these tracks into my life. This set is a bit different than what I’m used to playing, but in the end, it encapsulates how I felt.  

And to my camp, Robot Heart: What we continue to create in the dust is pure love & beats. Our old double-decker with one of the best sound systems in the world has so much soul. I am grateful for all our efforts to make it happen year after year. Thank you to all the dusty friends in front of the bus that bring the spice!  

And to that special human that said hello to me 7 months ago (May 13th) on the dance floor. Meesh you 💕

XO,
Dill aka "Dusty Pickle"

JOHN DILL SOCIALS
soundcloud.com/johndill
instagram.com/sliceofdill
facebook.com/sliceofdill
www.sliceofdill.com

Photography Credit:
Matthias Rueby
instagram.com/matthiasrueby

John Dill - Robot Heart - Burning Man 2022

“On sacred Colombian territory we entered a challenging and rewarding adventure that will help us deconstruct limiting beliefs to access and ignite our authentic self.” (Re-treated)

It was night time and the full-ish moon was smiling down as the river flowed and all the creatures made their distinct sounds. A fire warmed our bodies as music feed our souls. 

Inspired by the human experience that unfolded in a beautiful container surrounded by Mother Nature. This set was a celebration of the journey’s ending … or was it the just beginning ;) I was in a complete flow state, I knew two tracks I wanted to start with and two towards the end. Tunes were pulled from many different pockets of my collection.

On the property was an amazing labyrinth. Our journey and realizations through it weaved their way into this set. I later googled life and labyrinth and found this:  

“Our life path can be viewed as a labyrinth guiding us to deeper meaning and fulfillment. Walking a labyrinth takes us through numerous twists and turns that symbolize the ebb and flow of life. Like the design of a labyrinth, what looks like an end point in life can also be a beginning point.” (link below)

I’m now obsessed with labyrinths!!! Thus the title of this release.

Special thanks to the Re-treated family 001 - “Class” of Feb 2023 - Santa Marta - Colombia! Your love and energy brought this set to life. Eternally grateful to each of you!  

Let’s keep dancing together ❤️💪


//
https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/the-meaningful-life/202111/life-and-the-labyrinth-meaning

//
✨✨✨
https://youtu.be/6gjOumeZdeA

Life as a Labyrinth - Santa Marta - Colombia - Feb 9 2023

Music Selection and DJ'd for:
Tunji Data "SMALL, MEDIUM, LARGE" COLLECTION

Tunji Data fashion show (21 min)

It was one for the books! Flooded with up’s and downs. 

This was the oldest man in the history of Burning Man I believe; with extra days on the Playa we all got a little wiser.  It was wonderful to see people come together and weather the storms. 

Big thanks to my Robot Heart camp for making this after the rain party happen. Much love to everyone who came out to celebrate with us.  

This set is dedicated to everyone who made to the dust and to the ones who rocked the mud. 

XO, 
Dill

soundcloud.com/johndill
instagram.com/sliceofdill
www.sliceofdill.com

Photo: John Dill (from a Saturday afternoon walk through the city)

John Dill - Robot Heart - Burning Man 2023

music selection / mix for http://www.ilovebinetti.com/ Fashion Show Feb 14, 2010

Diego Binetti Fashion Show Mix

A fairytale themed evening in the woods in Northern California, amidst an open minded group of creatives. 

We enjoyed the opportunity to explore musically beyond some of the normal dance floor and venue constraints.

T.S. Eliot leads us off with a excerpted reading from the Dry Salvages... and off on our adventure we go.

//


Sense When is a creative trust, formed between John Dill and Justin Shaffer to explore the intersections of time and space via music, art, and deliberate experiences.

We make art, and curate and support like minded artists.

//

WE BEGIN OUR JOURNEY HERE WITH
001

https://soundcloud.com/johndill
https://soundcloud.com/shafferj

https://www.sensewhen.com

001 / John Dill b2b Justin Shaffer - TTITW - June 2023

Robot Heart Fare Forward Central Park NYC April 30th & May 1st 2022
Get tickets at: link.dice.fm/FFSoundCloud

www.fareforward.com
instagram.com/robotheartfoundation
www.robotheart.org
www.robotheartfoundation.org

"This burn night slot on the bus is a magic one, emotions are running high as we lead those around us down a path that tugs at the heart and pokes at the mind.
Thank you for listening .. xo"


John Dill - www.soundcloud.com/johndill


Photo Credit: John Dill

Swamy and John Dill - Burn Night - Robot Heart - Burning Man 2014

One year ago today, October 29, 2023, we said our final goodbye to 159. A building that is dear to our hearts and the birth site of the Robot Heart community. We gathered there to celebrate life, love and beats. 

Closing set, 11AM to .......!

I played many closing sets within those walls, but this “final final” hit differently. I poured my heart into the music, weaving through pockets of tunes that felt just right for that moment—to honor Geo, the space, the neighborhood, and our dusty roots. 

Big thanks to Benji for making this celebration happen and to all the family and friends who brought the Halloween heat! 

The red door is etched in my soul, and seeing it on the playa this year was truly special. (Thank you, Zach C., for taking the lead.) 

- xoxo Dill 
https://soundcloud.com/johndill

Cover Photo: John Dill (@sliceofdill)
Street Art by Gui Machado and Dill - Fall 2022

Tracks listed in IG post graphics: www.instagram.com/p/DBt3VEOvCBV/?i…MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

John Dill - Robot Heart - 159 Final Final Halloween Afterparty - NYC 2023

A mix that is meant to tease, laced with vocals that builds slow.. are we home yet?
Hope you enjoy.. much love, j

Dusty Pickle Part 4: Through the Door and on the Floor. OUT SOON.
Slightly more banging and twisted ;)

Dusty Pickle: Teasing You All The Way Home

Listen to the set and see full the film on Robot Heart YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zoyt5dT0kI0&t=4s

This set wouldn’t exist without the dusty souls who participated in Curiouser & Curiouser, bringing their creative energy in full force.

Thank you to Burning Man, Robot Heart, and all the camps, artists, musicians, and creators who continue to shape and inspire the vibrance of the playa.

Each burn is its own journey—for me, this one was extra-dimensional. 🗝️✨

xo DILL
🙏❤️🙏

Social Links
https://linktr.ee/sliceofdill?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=f846edbd-6ce9-48b2-b5e0-7e3d21389918

Cover photo:  Christian Lamb

John Dill - Robot Heart - Burning Man 2024

Remembering Demba

I made this mix a few years back just in case it was needed to bridge two music acts as the 2nd set up a live show. I never released it publicly for some reason. Today I found out that Demba Nabét (1972-2018) passed on June 1st. I met Demba in 2016 on a MaiTai adventure in Cabarete. He was a ball of energy, always animated and spitting out lyrics that would make people and himself crack a smile. One night when I was DJing, he did a small performance over one of his tracks. Also rocking some lit dance moves. Later that night we exchanged some music. I used two of his original tracks on this mix.  Thank you Demba, you have a fantastic soul, May it soar even higher!! See you again one day amigo.

1. Good Old Days (Original Mix) 
2. Yugen (Original Mix)
3 Demba - Yalla_Limited
4. Demba -Yeah Mix V5 Mix
5. Tramway (Original mix)
6. My Room (Original mix)
7. Papersand
8. Never Leave You (Original Mix)
9. Winter Garden (Original Mix)
10. Ghosts (Monkey Safari Remix)

DILL BRIDGE MIX (Remembering Demba)

Since I am not playing any sets this Halloween season, as I’ve benched myself again till I can figure out how to make my ears happy and tinnitus calm. I've decided to release this 1.5 hour slice of a 6.5 hour set. Some of my favorite good vibe tunes at the time - old and new - well all old now ;) This mix is from 4 years ago. Halloween afterparty at 159. I was rocking a wig the whole night and morning... by the weeeeeeeeeeee hours, it looked legit from all the sweat and shenanigans. It was one of those flow state sets where tracks were just melting into each other and choosing each other… lots of love in the air and smiles all around.  Thus the name of the mix - AphroDILLiac, my nickname from the party. Hope you enjoy this little flashback..xo Dill

Aphrodilliac - Halloween 159 AfterParty - Sunday October 27 2013

good old days... my mixing has improved a bit ;)

eclectic sounds - 2001 vinyl mix

dillicious - 2003 vinyl mix

This demo is inspired by my morning/day sets at Burning Man 2010 with my Robot Heart family and at Funky Town.

Dusty Pickle: Morning Bump

This demo is inspired by my tag team burn set with swamy at Burning Man 2010 on the Bot w/ my Robot Heart family... one track is a track that lee played on the bot... loved it.

Dusty Pickle: Midnight Juice

so it was a rainy afternoon in Singapore, I'm in bed listening to some of my favorite chill tracks - old, newish and in between.  at one point thunder and beats dominate the air..  I stopped the music to record the storm on my ipad and enjoy natures rhythms!  

Later I decided to go back and make a short mix ...   since I cannot use my usual set up because of my eye / recovery situation I decided to give traktor on my ipad a go..  so keep that in mind as u listen.. its my first iPad traktor mix, no editing.. one strait go at it.  it reminded me of making a mix back in the day. 

Hope you enjoy , I only had a few chilled out beats on my ipad .. they helped keep me company thru my bed recovery!  thank you all for the love and support... xo

p.s.  photo taken from my bed that afternoon.

Rainy Afternoon Dillight (Recovery mix)

Short bio...
John Dill is a seasoned DJ who has held residencies at legendary house havens for more than two decades. He is widely acclaimed for his dynamic and eclectic sets, as well as his exceptional talent in understanding the audience and selecting the perfect track from his extensive collection of tunes. Raised in Puerto Rico and now residing in New York, Dill has been a longtime burner and traveler, leading to a diverse range of cultural influences that have helped shape his musical style. In addition to his passion for music, Dill is also a skilled graphic designer, photographer, and illustrator, making him a multifaceted and innovative artist.  

Residencies:
13-year residency Robot Heart (2010-present)
7-year weekly residency at Le souk Sundays (NYC) (2002-2009)


The Journey…



(2022-Present) - I'm back in the game... baby... but with a newfound respect for my ears and not playing too many gigs. xo   

(9.2021) After a 4-year break from the bus…
I tested my ears w/ 4 sets at the Free Burn. 
for Geo! <3 <3 <3 

(9.2017-9.2021) 
Burning Man (2017) I played an epic sunrise set with Swamy on top of the bus. It was magic and the perfect ending to my old ways of playing. I'm still searching for a new way to express music. Stay tuned!

After 20 years of music selecting I am on the bench from playing gigs. I am giving my ears a bit of time to hopefully settle down. I developed screaming tinnitus two years ago (winter of 2016) and have played less than a handful of sets since. The recovery from a set is about two months and while I'm playing the best way to describe the feeling is "sound penetrates my ears like a probing alien." - Me - (2016)

 Bio from the Good old days (till 2016)

John Dill is an internationally renowned DJ who began his career with residencies at legendary house havens like Le Souk Sunday Sessions and Sullivan Room. He immediately emerged as one of the most beloved personas in NYC nightlife and has been on an upward trajectory ever since. He fine tuned his signature sound in Ibiza back in 2000 and quickly gained a cult like following in underground venues throughout North America, the Caribbean and Asia.  

Known for his magical ability to read the crowd and select the perfect track from his eclectic record collection, John Dill’s sound is unmistakable. Whether one of his deep, soulful gems dropped into a party or a mind-bending surprise at one of his acclaimed marathon sets at Burning Man, the sound of Dill on the decks makes any venue a destination.  

A long time resident at Robot Heart, Dill has shared the decks with luminaries like Lee Burridge, NU, Marques Wyatt, Mark Farina, Derrick Carter, Tom Middleton and Oceanus Orientalis to name a few.  

In recent years, Dill has expanded beyond the underground house music scene to include more prominent venues with broader appeal. He’s a regular fixture on Richard Branson’s Necker Island thanks to Mai Tai, where he once had Sir Richard dancing on a couch. He's also a favorite on the festival circuit where he inspires love from audiences at Desert Hearts, Wonderfruit and the more cutting edge crowd at Further Future.

John Dill

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