This summer’s Pride season has been the busiest of Ben Bakson’s career. It started in Sao Paulo where he performed for over 5000 partygoers at Komplexo Tempo, the city’s new mega club. Then it was off to Toronto Pride where Bakson kicked off the weekend’s celebrations. The next night, he was in San Francisco, headlining the Heat party. Then it was off to New York City to spin Planet Pride, followed by Denver to close out their Pride weekend festivities. “It has been intense but also an incredible experience,” Ben Bakson says from his Miami home. “Every event has been filled with such positive energy. I love to soak it all in and can’t wait for my show in San Diego!”
He arrives Saturday, July 16 to headline San Diego Pride’s Coronation Ball.
What do you love most about Pride?
That everyone celebrates together! The LGBTQ community is divided into so many different, smaller subsets but at this time of year, we all come together as one.
Are you excited to return to San Diego?
I am so very excited! I have only performed San Diego one time before. I absolutely love the city. The weather is just perfect, everything is beautiful and clean, and the people are incredibly nice. I love how the city is bustling but not overpacked. The last time I played, I stayed only one night and didn’t have the chance to see enough of the city. This time around, I plan to stay a bit longer so I can get to know more places.
Tell us about your latest single,” You Got Me”.
It’s a beautiful track about toxic people who drown other people’s energy. You know the type. I produced the song with an incredible singer, OMEO.
“Ain‘t Moving On” was also about toxic relationships! Is that intentional?
(Laughing) No, it’s not a life-imitating-art kind of thing. Believe it or not, I have actually had pretty great relationships and I still get along with all my exes. I think I have a good radar when it comes to guys. I can sense if their intentions are up to no good.
Would you consider grouping all of your singles together as an album?
Definitely! I plan to release an album when I have the right original tracks together.
Is your heart in playing dance records or producing them?
I love both! I love to perform in front of crowds, but I also love to be in a studio and create fresh music. Both are exciting and a pure adrenaline rush. I think today’s DJs need to be able to produce. That’s what gives them their signature sound and makes them stand out from the crowd of other DJs.
Are you close friends with other DJs?
Dan Slater is my best friend in the scene. We love to play back-to-back sessions together. We did it last week in New York and before that, in Pensacola. What is cool is that we never prepare our sets together. It’s always spontaneous between us, which I think is the secret for the unique and very magical connection we share.
Who is one DJ that you have mad respect for?
Offer Nissim. I love his sound and can’t wait to be back in Tel Aviv and experience him live.
Of all your accomplishments, what you most proud of?
My home and my beloved dog Macho are my most prized possessions.
Final Pride message to fans?
Thank you all, from the bottom of my heart, for all the support and love. See you on the dancefloor!
Visit djbenbakson.com
