Hello loves! I’m still decompressing from what was the most epic (and most dusty) Burning Man ever! I’m still blown-away, with a huge grin on my desert-tanned face, by every awesome moment on the playa and great times spent with friends, new and old and some first-timers. I am so proud and grateful to be a part of the Opulent Temple family, it was our 10-year anniversary at Burning Man and we brought the heat (literally) to the 10:00 & Esplanade corner. This community of hard-working driven people, some of whom are my closest friends off-playa, work all year round planning, building and fundraising to offer this amazing gift to you on the playa and beyond. Our parties, frequented by thousands, had the best music, vibe and energy at Burning Man. The fire-effects coupled with multi-colored lasers created such a warm and stimulating ambience for your face-melting experience. Yup, we kicked ass this year and earned a welcome year off in 2013, but don’t fret, we will still be taking OT to the next level by upping our production and going to other festivals!
I felt so much love from all the other soundcamps and artcars that I too love and support this year. Before the burn, I posted my BM 2012 DJ schedule and realized I had taken on a bit too many gigs this year. Unfortunately, I had to miss a couple due to weather and scheduling (Really sorry Ooligan Alley and Camp Ego Trip, please forgive me, I will make it up to you!) but I rocked most of them and each one was a killer time. Thank you to Root Society, Osiris, Disorient, Janky Barge, The Dusty Rhino, Garage Mahal, G-Spot for having me on your stages and art cars! Some of my favorite people run these camps and I’m honored to be invited to share my art alongside them. One of my top highlights this year was playing on the main stage after The Crystal Method at Root Society Friday night; it was a coliseum with 275,000 LEDs on panels surrounding the dancefloor and booming sound, I was lucky enough to have some of it captured on video by VJ Kai, who engineered the visuals that included my logo. Watch the video on YouTube.
Nothing compares to playing at my homecamp, Opulent Temple, though. It’s so special for me to give all that I have in the booth and just feel all the stress melt away with every poof of fire. We wait all year long to blast the flamethrowers from the O-pod. Oh man, it’s such a rush and I can never get enough! I was really happy with the set I put together of banging, melodic, vocal and uplifting Electro House tracks that had the crowd smiling as much as I was on Thursday night! Watch the video on YouTube.
For even more playa fun, we had several breakbeat parties on the Janky Barge, Dusty Rhino and Osiris with my friends and international breakbeat superstars Keith Mackenzie and Deekline, a first-time burner. It was awesome for all of us to play together.
One of best parts of the Burning Man experience is exploring and checking out all the mind-blowing art and funny randomness everywhere you turn. My favorite piece this year was a massive surreal sunken pirate ship that was connected to a long pier. You could even go inside the pirate ship to find sea-worn relics, treasure maps, cannons.
It was extremely well done and I found myself returning there several times. The Temple was beautifully crafted this year by David Best, he designed the Temple a few years ago also. It was also really special to have my sister there for the first time and to share my world with her, it was like she jumped in a portal and ended up in my world for a few days! Although the conditions were harsh and things got stressful at times, this was the most epic and amazing burn for me. Musically, I am so inspired after my experience that I am working on a new mix that will have all my favorite tracks I played on the playa. Will I be back next year? It’s too soon to tell… I fantasize about spending the time and money on a phat luxury vacation in Bali but I might not be able to stay away 🙂 Click here to see my BM photo album and relive the burn through my eyes!
Now onto upcoming events! Tonight, if you’re in the East Bay and restless on hump day, come join me as I drop some bass at WOMP at the Metro Operahouse in Oakland with Frost Raven, Sychosis, DJ Elz and more.
Lastly, I have great news for all you burners missing the playa and having a difficult time adjusting to the real world. Opulent Temple is back in the mix this Saturday at our DUST OFF party featuring Hybrid Soundsystem, I love those guys! So if you’re in the San Francisco, come relive the magic we shared on the playa with us. The OT crew will all be there representing, hope to see you there!
All info on events are below, so much love and gratitude for your support…
Love,
ICONnie <3
Wednesday September 12, 2012
WOMP it Forward 4
Metro Operahouse
630 Third St, Oakland, CA
9pm-2am | 18+ w/full bar for 21+
$10 at door
RSVP on Facebook
AREA 1
9-10 MUNCH UMS
10-11 STARZ
11-12 SYCHOSIS
12-1 DJ ICON
1-Close ELZ
AREA 2
10-11 SELF DESTRUKT
11-12 CSHAY
12-1 FROST RAVEN
1-Close BITBYBIT
AREA 3
10-11 LOUD3R
11-12 SNEAKERS
12-1 BUDZAK
1-Close BUDDAHLEKTRO
Check out our Facebook page: http://facebook.com/WOMPWednesdays
Saturday September 16, 2012
Opulent Temple & Public Works present:
DUST-OFF w/ Hybrid Soundsystem
Public Works
161 Erie Street, San Francisco, CA
9pm-4am | 21+
Get tickets: http://ticketf.ly/OjyuHu
RSVP on Facebook
2 Room Bangin’ DJ Lineup with:
HYBRID SOUND SYSTEM (DJ Set)
Dutch (OT)
DJ ICON (OT)
Billy Cassazza (OT)
Dex Stakker (OT)
Peter Blick (Public Works)
DJ Brian Williams (OT)
Mike Butler (OT)
Visuals by ALLOFITNOW!
Check out our new website: http://opulenttemple.org