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

Robot Heart is a collective of doers and dreamers, artists and entrepreneurs. Our home is in the desert dust of Burning Man, and the streets of New York City, Detroit, Bay Area and Hong Kong. Home is wherever the Heart is.

Robot Heart is a community and a family, and our events are an extension and celebration of that community, bound together by shared values of inclusion, giving, environmental responsibility and mutual respect.

Music is our first language, and our mission is to bring love and beats to the world. We work with and support artists, technologists and visionaries of all types in order to create incredible experiences and connected moments. To create love and beats, for you.

2001 Haw Creek Elementary School  DARE graduation class valedictorian.