DJ Ben Bakson is wrapping up his worldwide tour, promoting “Ain`t Moving On,” his high-energy club track about being swept up in an inescapable crush. “Relationships can be all-consuming,” says the DJ from Sao Paulo where he appears regularly. “Even when we know someone is unavailable or not the best fit for us, it can be hard to quell the intense feelings.” He premiered “Ain`t Moving On” in Australia at Sydney’s Mardi Gras and Chile when he headlined Santiago’s big Candyland XLSIOR event. “Ain`t Moving On” follows “Sound of Love,” Ben’s smash dancefloor anthem that features the vocals of Caddy (of the German pop group, Banaroo). The new single pairs Caddy with Duncan James, the former lead singer of the British boyband, Blue. “Ain`t Moving On” is being distributed independently and is available on Apple Music, Spotify and all digital platforms, along with its remixes by Dan Slater, Nina Flowers, Phil Romano, Lucas Franco, Eversend and Aurel Dev.
Ben’s music style is commercial with hard, emotional, and energetic beats. Vocals are important to him as he believes that they are the soul of every song.
In addition to his original compositions, he is noted for re-working famous songs from the 80s and 90s, as he did recently with Cutting Crew’s “(I Just) Died in your Arms”. “It’s fun to recreate past hits with fresh vocalists and modern, driving melodies,” he explains.
“Ultimately, I want to see smiles on all the faces in my crowd,” he continues. “I want people to feel hope, love and confidence when on my dance floor. Music is the most powerful instrument in the world. It changes everything.”
As he just released his next single “You Got Me” we thought it a perfect time to sit down with Ben for this exclusive Hotspots interview:
When did you realize you wanted to be a DJ?
I always had a big passion for music, but around 6 years ago is when I realized I wanted to be a DJ. At some point I wanted to influence the music I was listening to in clubs, so I decided to get into it. I practiced for a long time, probably hundreds of hours as a hobby, and then my career took off very fast without putting any pressure on it.
Where are you from? and what brought you to South Florida?
I’m from Germany. I grew up in South Germany, but I lived almost everywhere in Germany. In Berlin I studied Economics and Law. I moved to Miami during the pandemic as I always loved Miami and the weather.
What was your first residency, and how did that feel?
I was very lucky as Excelsior Festival in Mykonos was my first residency. I knew the owner, and he saw me playing a few times and believed in me. He definitely took a chance on me. This year, I will be headlining the main event.
What separates you from other DJs?
I think I have my own sound signature. I think the most important thing is when you hear a DJ, you know who it is.
What are some memorable moments from the DJ booth?
One of the most memorable was Excelsior 2019 when I headlined the sold-out beach party. When the sun was going down it was so magical. Another happened in Sao Paulo where I DJ’d in Temple, a massive new club, on its first day open. The owner came to me to hug me in the middle of my set and the whole dance floor started applauding. This was an amazing moment in my career.
Other than DJing, what do you like to do for fun?
I love to be with my Dog, and I love to be with close friends. I am very picky with people I spend my time with, but I do have some wonderful friends. I also like to go to movies, work out at the gym and walk on the beach. To me, the little things are important.
Describe yourself in three words?
Dedicated, fun, and loving.
When you are touring what do you miss the most from Miami?
My dog, but he stays at an amazing dog hotel where I get videos sent to me 2 to 3 times a day.
Where did “Ain’t Movin On” come from…What inspired you to write it?
I worked together with 2 amazing singers who are famous in Europe. The inspiration for the song was when I am really in love with someone its really hard to let go and that’s what the song talks about.
Tell me about your next Song “You Got Me?”
Omeo from Australia is the singer. When we met in Australia, we totally connected, and we said we had to work together. When he showed me the lyrics, I fell in love with it. It’s a bit more serious. Its about toxic people who lie to you.
How does your production of “You Got Me” compare with other songs you have done?
I love clean uplifting sounds, so I think all my songs are energetic, but the message in “You Got Me” is much more powerful. So far, it’s my favorite song. I am really in love with this song.
Have you premiered the track on your dancefloor?
I did. I played it in Sao Paulo this past weekend and the weekend before in Washington DC at Echo Stage.
What was the reaction?
In both places the reaction was amazing.
What does the future hold for you?
My strategy is to evolve my sound more and more. I see the straight and gay environments growing together in the party world. I want to create a sound that works for everybody.
For more information on DJ Ben Bakson, go to Ben_Bakson.
