EDGE Rewind: With New Dance Anthem and World Tour, Hunky DJ Ben Bakson Is On a Roll
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In the midst of his world tour, hunky DJ Ben Bakson (aka Ben Dingenskirchen) released the uplifting anthem "You Got Me," an original club track that features Aussie pop star OMEO. "The song is about leaving the past behind and moving towards a happier, freer self," Bakson explains. "It's about finding peace within and taking back your power." OMEO wrote the song and Ben Bakson produced its radio edit and original club remix. To support the single, Bakson is also releasing a dance package of "You Got Me" with additional remixes by Dan Slater, GSP, Mauro Mozart, Junyo, Orel Sabag, and Phil Romano. All are available on Apple Music, Spotify and all digital platforms.
"You Got Me," he continues, was written in response to the negative feedback he has received over the years. "I've had so many naysayers tell me I couldn't do this or I was too young to do that. I have gotten rid of them all. If there is one thing I've learned, it is how important it is to surround oneself with positive people that encourage you to go to the distance. Anything worth achieving is going to take blood, sweat, tears and a whole lot of optimism."
Bakson's journey becoming a world-class DJ began when he moved to Berlin from the small German town he grew up in. There he studied economics and took a job with a marketing firm, but soon realized music was his passion.
Bakson is currently on a world tour. He premiered "You Got Me" at his recent parties in Sao Paulo, San Francisco, Washington DC and NYC. He has upcoming dates in Orlando and Miami before heading overseas for dates in Latin America and Europe. For details on his tour, visit his website. "I can't wait to open my sets with 'You Got Me' because it's the best feeling in the world to see crowds enjoying music I have made."
EDGE spoke to Bakson recently about his love of music, his new song and if being so good-looking has helped or hindered his career.
EDGE: When did you realize you wanted to be a DJ?
Ben Bakson: Music was always important to me. Since I was a child, I always had some music playing. It doesn't matter if I'm cooking, at the gym, or with friends' music is always a part of my day. When I was 18, I moved to Berlin to study, and while there I started clubbing and exploring the music scene. I love to go out and I love to be with friends. It was while in Berlin, I realized I want to do more with music. So, I started creating my own sound and I felt that I actually had a good sense for music and how to create it.
EDGE: How would you describe your sound?
Ben Bakson: I think vocals are really important. I love to carry the emotions in the track. I need to have a focus with it. For me, it's really important that I have happy and uplifting music. I want to see the crowds being happy, exciting, and dancing.
EDGE: Is this influenced by your upbringing in Germany?
Ben Bakson: Not really. The music scene in Germany has a lot of techno music and I find techno music to be quite dark. That's why I don't really perform in Germany. I play there once a year. Since I travel a lot, my influence in music is the many different cultures that I have experienced.
EDGE: What do you enjoy most about DJing and producing?
Ben Bakson: I definitely love both. If you produce your own songs then the best part of being a DJ is you get to play your own songs, especially when you see that the crowd loves it. I also love when I am on the dance floor and the DJ plays one of my tracks. It is the best feeling in the world. I really love to create music that the crowd is going to love and make it something that gets them dancing.
EDGE: Favorite dance track right now.
Ben Bakson: Oh, that's difficult to say. Like everyone right now, I am really into Bad Bunny. His sound is amazing and will make for great remixes.
EDGE: What separates you from other DJs?
Ben Bakson: I think every DJ is unique in their own way. I like to be up close to the crowd. After my sets, you will always find me in the middle of the dance floor with everyone. I love to interact with my fans and take pictures with them. I think I'm a very approachable and a lot of DJ's that I have met are not. I really enjoy the moments that I get to spend with the crowd, because it shows that I really appreciate them and that they appreciate me as an artist.
EDGE: Does being a sexy DJ give you an advantage or is it a curse?
Ben Bakson: Both. In the beginning, it made it easier. It helps in promoting a show. Especially when people see a hot guy on the flyer. That can be a real advantage. People can also be very critical because you are good-looking. I needed to prove myself and show them that I can really DJ and produce great music. When you play a big festival, people don't even see you, so it doesn't really matter if you are good-looking. It's all about the music.
EDGE: What are you currently working on?
Ben Bakson: I am working on a remix of Bad Bunny 's song, "Titi Me Preguntó." I'm working with Omega. He is a very talented singer. I'm also working on making remixes of a bunch of other tracks. The work never stops. To stay relevant, you have to keep producing the sound.
EDGE: Our readers have to know — single or taken?
Ben Bakson: I'm single. I've been single for about a year now, which is the longest time in my life. I am actually really enjoying it. If the right one is there, I'm ready. I have my dog and that is all I need.
Watch DJ Ben Bakson perform a set:
Check out these pics from Bakson's IG:
For more information about Ben visit, www.djbenbakson.com