Info on dj'ing at our camp

Thanks for your interest but our 2008 schedule is almost full.

For future reference, read on below.

We're posting this on our website so we can direct interested people to this entry and not have to send the same e mail over and over. Every year we get hit up from people all over the country and world to dj at our camp. We appreciate the interest sincerely, but only have slots for very few people outside our camp members / residents, friends who've helped us by playing at our fundraisers in the city, and international talent we've invited to come play....

As of December '07 our 2008 schedule is already pretty much full. Crazy huh? We think so too. We welcome other kinds of performers, see our contact info to get involved.

Essentially, if you're not able to support our efforts in a significant way (like being an international known dj willing to play a benefit for us), or someone that can offer us a notable gig exchange at your sound camp or local party scene elsewhere in the country or world, or a DJ we already have a strong relationship with, it's highly unlikely we can create a spot for you no matter how amazing of a DJ you are. We're sorry, that's just simply how it is.

The best way to get a slot at a sound camp at Burning Man is start your own, or join an existing one and work like the rest of us to build the camp. So if you want to consider joining our camp so you can DJ, that is possible in the future (though unlikely for 2008), info on that below.

Opulent Temple DJ's

There are 3 'types' of Opulent Temple dj's depending on what you're able to contribute based on your time.

~OT CORE: The OT Core are the djs who busted a ridiculous amount of ass in our 2007 effort that almost killed us. These guys gave their blood, sweat, tears, time, money, and a heroic effort in the hell that was Strike in white out conditions. For that and their on going commitment to keep the OT alive throughout the year they play 3 slots at BM '08. They are Syd Gris, Dutch, Vinkalmann, Cosmic Selector, Dex Stakker, and Drew Drop.

~OT OG: a dj who has camped with us at least one year, helps with either truck loading (pre-BM) or unloading (post BM), arrives by Sunday (start of week) at 3pm to help build the camp, plays a significant role in the summer of '08 projects (meaning you show up and work more than a couple times), plays a significant role in summer fundraisers (meaning you don't just show up and play, but instead take a leadership role without being asked to) and who stays until Strike is DONE on Monday (not Sunday night) will play 2 slots.

~OT DJ: a dj who has camped with us at least one year, has made notable contributions in the past, is physically camping with us, and meets basic camp member requirements of participation, including participating in Strike, can get one slot, -OR- a new member who kicks ass in a notable fashion. Returning members will have deference for quality of set times.

DJ's that can not help with Strike will rarely be able to be scheduled. If there are (very) special circumstances that prevent one from helping at Strike, we can discuss.

Due to the increased number of camp djs, and more importantly an increase in the number of those camp djs able and willing to put in significant amounts of time, we have had to raise the bar for everyone, even long standing members.

We realize this will not make certain members happy. We think knowing the history of how we ended up in this place, everyone has to understand, whether they agree or not with it, why this is fair. We welcome anyone who has the gusto to start their own camp and we can collaborate on resources.

Obviously as well, depsite all this we still have a certain musical vision for the Opulent Temple that is core to why it was started in the first place. (A hip hop DJ who busts ass for us will still not play!) That vision is a premium on variety night to night, with an emphasis on electro / house, progressive, breaks, and trance. It's no secret we're not huge on the all out banging psy-trance or drum n' bass, but obviously there's room for those making significant contributions - to a point. (We don't do reggae, dub, ragga, glitch, dubstep, grind, mash ups, happy hard core, commercial hip hop / dance music, etc. No disrespect, that's just not our thing. The range of past guests we've had pretty much speaks for itself.) On the other hand, there are also certain points in the week where we want to kick people's ass a little bit, and if that's not your sound then don't be miffed if you're not scheduled during those times. (in other words the occasion calls for big and you play minimal and deep.)

If you still have questions, please write Syd at opulenttemple . org