DJ / Producer / Label owner / Radio Broadcaster

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I recently brought this back from hibernation to regain access to the tools, but the real catalyst was finding myself unexpectedly pulled back into the world of “the DJ”—a space that shaped many of my formative years. My dad was the first DJ I ever knew; he DJ’d on the side for 35 years to support our family.

At the time, Orange County lacked a real scene after Club Metropolis, aside from Josh Billings of Focus—who’s a legend. In wanting to bring a certain kind of music back to OC, and ideally support Josh by making the pie bigger rather than slicing it thinner, I partnered with an incredible guy—an ER surgeon, of all things—Boris M.D. We launched a night at the old Tentation by the airport, opening with none other than Armin van Buuren. That evolved into working with Dave Dean of Giant Club, one of my all-time favorite promoters in LA and San Diego, best known for his deep relationship with Avalon, where much of my dance-music journey really began.

The three of us went on what I believe was a six-year run, bouncing between venues but eventually settling at the venue formerly known as Sutra. We had some truly historic nights. I made lifelong DJ friends and played emote than I could imagine—not just in OC, but also LA, New Year’s Eve parties, and select underground spots, including the old Drai’s (literally underground): low ceilings, static lighting, sexy, debaucherous, and a party that didn’t end until 10 a.m. One of my favorite venues was Brussels, where Federico, Hernan, and crew threw a Saturday night that vibed so hard it remains one of the coolest parties I can remember.

That was my second life from about ages 26 to 33. Toward the end, both Boris and I grew tired of the direction things were heading and stepped away. For me, it was necessary. I’d been running Formula DRIFT—the international drifting body—since 2004, and its growth demanded my full attention. A weekly nightclub commitment, physically, emotionally, and promotionally, was no longer sustainable. I knew I had to be all-in on FD, without distractions.

Still, it’s a chapter of my life I never want to forget. From Avalon to The Larchmont, wild house parties, Drai’s, Giant NYE, flying to New York just to see Deep Dish and flying back the next day, WMC Yoshitoshi parties, opening for my all-time favorite DJs—Deep Dish, Sultan, Steve Lawler, Hernán Cattáneo and a particularly wild experience with “Oakie”, Paul Oakenfold—and late nights taking DJs back to their hotels (Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxx stands out as a particularly revealing experience of that lifestyle), it all culminated in a summer in Ibiza and back-to-back BPMs in Playa del Carmen. I knew then I’d always be in love with this scene, but I’m not a partier,.I just love the music and long-form story-telling, along with the general smile-centric and loving people. I love the, art-of-the-DJ concept. 

After attending SAE, I met someone who invited me to something called Burning Man. To this day, my memories of that experience are mostly fleeting and surreal.

Fast-forward: I’m married now, with a baby. A few weeks ago in Indianapolis, someone who knew I used to DJ asked me to play a company party. I initially said no, but quickly realized—why would I knowingly pass up an experience? I played the set, and I’m incredibly glad I did. It woke up a part of me that’s been hibernating since my last BPM in 2013. So I figured: let’s dust off the decks and see what happens—no expectations.

The idea is to maybe upload some old mixes I’ve had stored away, and possibly a few original tracks I’ve made over the years. I’m not a great producer like some of my friends—true salt-of-the-earth talents like Randy Seidman, Kristina Sky and two individuals who has been the deepest inspiration to me: Christian B and Trent Cantrelle, but it feels right to bring this chapter back into the light and in a way I guess I have a hard time letting go, even at 46.

Not sure, but I hope that’s ok.

Nickie Dienger is following