Randy Seidman

A DJ touring on the undercard of Infected Mushroom leading up to Burning Man, his was a rare unscheduled feature set. And like several past unexpected Opulent Temple sets, this trance set was one of the most talked about all week. Watching him in the booth one could see that familiar emotional arc, like many in the past, as he came to understand and appreciate how special audiances out there are. But not as familiar was how seduced the crowd was for this set, walking a fine line at the edge of populist trance that left even the hardest-to-please stalwarts happily nodding along, and smile rate in a "packed house" of close to one hundred percent.

Christopher Lawrence

The gold standard of American trance is back, and in his usual BRC top form. Internationally-acclaimed DJs that really immerse themselves in Burning Man are generally inspired to take their game to a new level, and Lawrence does that in spades. Amidst a Wednesday lineup that elevated the night into the stratosphere, Lawrence still checks in with this, another fine entry in his canon of Opulent Temple mixes.

Brian Williams

Brian Williams brings a range of tech- and electro-house sub-genres to his Thursday night set, cresting in a pinnacle of big beat before slaloming back down through more crisp tech house, dirty four-on-the-floor electro, and bouncy-but-streetwise electro house. This recording is left in his wake, teeming with fresh tracks, couple of familiar numbers, and shining with far more polished than can usually be expected from DJs playing desert conditions that seem designed to spoil their sets.

Dulce Vita

With this prime time set leading into Ken Jordan's, Dulce Vita stows away one part of her signature sound (the dubstep) while cranking up the knob on another part (her characteristically gritty breakbeat and driving electro) to eleven. This is foot-tapping, knee-bumping, and occasionally headbanging material (if you can do so safely in your workplace or playspace). Resist the temptation to operate heavy machinery in rhythm to the music.

Ken Jordan of Crystal Method

In his seond year at Burning Man, Ken Jordan, in his Opulent Temple debut, delivers an extensive set of that signature complement of genres that we have come to associate with his duo act, The Crystal Method. He's definitely not afraid to get aggressive nor averse to call on sparkling (and often home-grown) remixes of well-known mainstream music seriously bent toward cool. This is a lively and memorable set that claims its place in the breakbeat annals of Opulent Temple.

DJ ICON

Straddling the gap between local San Francisco Opulent Temple DJ campmate and internationally known breakbeat and electro DJ/burgeoning producer of the same, Icon walks the fine line of bringing glitz heat to the sick beat, some down-home glamor. Checking in with this late-morning hour set that originates in trance-y breakbeat and tech-funk and then fills the tub with some mind-bending electro before coming clean with some joyous electro and electro house as the pre-dawn sun began to slowly light the sky.

Sneaky Bastard

The titular adjective of this disc jockey is quite well-matched with this techno/tech-house set that feels sneaky even in those selected tracks that pack a whollop wrapped in those surreptitious grooves. The set is constantly and steadily building, each track seemingly selected for its place in the tapestry. That effort yields a set that doesn't give in to the cheap thrill and consequently ends up being substantially more than the sum of its parts.

DJ Dan

DJ Dan, despite a multi-decade career can hardly be accused of playing the same old sound, and Burning Man in particular seems to catalyze new, sometimes subtle, changes each year. This year finds Dan leaning heavily from electro house toward the techno tip. An epic, classic-feeling, big-room set of rapidly-mixed tracks is the result, with more emphasis on rhythms (ranging from interestingly demure to drastically engaging) than ever.

Syd Gris

If there is a DJ that has the mantra "You can't go too big at Burning Man" etched into his skull, it's probably Opulent Temple founder Syd Gris. With Burning Man sets that he methodically sets aside gems and giants for throughout the year, it definitely shines some light on why he exerts his influence to ascertain that the camp never truly coasts on the accomplishments of the year before. This mix takes its place on the witness stand, giving further testimony to that mix of commitment and abandon by way of electro, breakbeat and that opulent dash of a little something extra.

Brian Peek

Techno, rolling electro house, and tech funk collide in this strikingly cohesive set from Opulent Temple resident Brian Peek. This set manages to lay out a cohesive sound, orbiting around that particular sound that is both very electronic and very groovy ("a broader take on tech funk" seems an apt description): a foot-tapping, sneer-inducing, booty-shaking combination from this understated OT standout.

Billy Seal & Vitamin Devo

Although the initial CD label credited solely Billy Seal of Opulent Temple, this set is actually a tag-team sunrise set featuring both Billy and visiting DJ Vitamin DJ of Robot Heart, the first available sunrise of that type since the infamous DJ Dan/Travis T sunrise tag set of 2007. This one dives into pristine deep end of the progressive house pool, and starts doing laps, pulling listeners along for the ride, whether their goggles are on or not.

JB Vries

Resident JB Vries checks in a sophormore-year mix that is a love letter to the progressive house genre that dominated Opulent Temple in its early years. A sprawling assortment, guided by intricate but steady progressive house rhythms, occasionally dallying with trance and Sasha-style psychadelic, he registers a just-after-sunrise tour of beauty.

Tek Freaks

Opulent Temple duo TekFreaks finds Cosmic Selector pitting wits with Jeff Taisch as they venture into their own combined brand of electro, tech funk and breakbeat, both in jockeyed tracks and their swelling pool of original creations. While each brings a little dash of something special, their booty-shaking designs are scarily aligned, freeing them up to attack a dance floor with ruthless efficiency.

Cheb Sabbah

It's almost impossible to hear the name Cheb i Sabbah without it being accompanied by the words "international" or "world music" muttered in the same breath. This mix does not break from the kind of universal appeal and depth that those terms would seem to imply. This mix strolls between delicate breaks, drum 'n' bass and tracks that evade simple classification, demonstrating a best-of-breed take on diversity which seems quite approprate for the venue.

Ali B

Description coming soon.

Tim Healey

Now performing DJ sets and creating new productions under his own name as a solo act (as opposed to performing as Coburn, which he comprises half of), Tim Healey consistently finds ways to surprise and delight with his own web of sonic creations and breakbeat/electro mixed tapestries. What you can be sure you will hear is a whole bunch of remixes you've never heard, ranging from wonky to sick to wrong, of mainstream rock and pop tracks that you *have* heard.

Billy Seal

Opulent Temple's resident expert on all things deep house, goes even deeper with this set, integrating a beautiful framework of progressive house around those cherished deep house selections. It serves the set brilliantly, adding to the energy uplift from those deep house gems.

Syd Gris

While many DJs can claim to be multi-genre, very few can bridge the gap between the underground electro/house/breakbeat world and intelligent, yet arena-pleasing trance. Syd returns to his roots for his Thursday night set, turning in a rolling journey through thumpingly beautiful trance and progressive house, tying it up nicely with a hint of his other more electro persona, which would emerge in the following Saturday set.

Atum

In contrast to his Monday set, Atum's gloves come off as dives into what he does best, blazingly fast, wickedly dark psytrance. You can practically taste the dust coming off of the desert dance floor with feet moving that fast on it. This is searingly fast collection of mind-benders from Opulent Temple's psytrance stalwart.

Billy Casazza

A devotee and producer of progressive house and electro house, Billy turns in a set that draws a vivid picture of the bridge that spans the gap between those two genres; at once illustrating how close they are, while highlighting their differences with aplomb. Beautiful and engrossing from start to finish.

Atimatik

Atimatik plays his Thursday night set with a characteristic "Take No Prisoners" attitude, turning in an unrelenting set of banging', crowd-pleasing electro, electro-house, and breakbeat. Well laid-out set design with precise cues, this is a tight set that bobs, weaves and then turns on a dime in new directions.

Jeff Taisch

In his solo set (see also his set as part of TekFreaks), Jeff Taisch delivers a stylized mix of gritty electo, nu-rave and a large dose of vocal tech funk (including some classic tracks reworked by himself and TekFreaks). There's a lot of great music here that you can't hear anywhere else.

Jamie Lin

Jamie not only clocked in with this solid set of house goodies, but she did so while mentoring a nine-year-old DJ-in-the-making who had asked to sit in with an Opulent Temple DJ to watch them work. Vocal-driven tracks, rife with catchy riffs abound in this Friday night set, which served as the initial shot across the bow on one of OT's biggest nights.

Drew Drop

Opulent Temple veteran Drew Drop delivered a hopping Friday night set chock full of seriously souped-up deep house, driving tech funk and slamming electro house, while never abandoning his consistent thread of funky flourish.

DJ Dan

The master of electro house returns to Opulent Temple, turning in another big set of electro house that demonstrates again that he can rock a house like nobody. As developed as Dan is as a producer, and as trained as his eye has become for talent to bring to his record label (InStereo Recordings), his DJing has not suffered from it. This set brings is a full-on peak-hour tour-de-force. Your office chair might require a seat-belt if you're planning on listening to this one.

Christopher Lawrence

When you absolutely, positively need to have your brain turned inside-out overnight, then international headliner and friend to Opulent Temple Christopher Lawrence. Not only does he help us fundraise year-after-year, but this set is another shining example of a DJ who knows that they should bring their A-plus game to Burning Man.

Dutch

Opulent Temple vet and Burning Man-mainstay Dutch checks in with some pre-dawn hijinks from the wee hours as Friday night gave way to Saturday morning. You can almost *feel* yourself getting smarter listening to this eclectic-yet-engaging collection of tweaky, groovy techno.

Dex Stakker

Dex recorded this exact song-for-song reconstruction just returned from the Dust. "I'd never heard anyone play a big progressive breakbeat sunrise set. Most of these songs were hand-culled over the last three years, and a couple I rediscovered while playing four hours straight through Tuesday's sunrise at a different camp. This is a set that I want every person to hear, and in the best 'light' possible. (Pun intended)

Meat Katie & Elite Force

While Thursday night dominated the week, it would be hard to deny Meat Katie vs. Elite Force their claim to the coup-de-gras for Opulent Temple. As writing partners, they produced a string of some of the all-time classics of breakbeat (as well as writing on their own), before going dormant as a team for a while. Apparently roused by the prospect of their first Burning Man, they check in with a smoldering set of techno-cum-breakbeat that includes an incredible number of their own tracks reworked, remixed, and edited specifically for playa play!

Cosmic Selector

Immediately after Meat Katie and Elite Force provided that magnificent feast, Cosmic Selector stepped in to not only to provide dessert, but also to clear the table, do the dishes and take out the trash. Cosmic played a set that genuinely conjures the usual suspects of hyperbolic superlatives: blistering, thunderous, dirty, slamming. Cosmic Selector left it all on the floor with this one.

Dopamine

Description coming soon

Syd Gris

Of his 3 sets at Opulent Temple this past year, the Tuesday night set can be considered the quintessential Syd action. Opening with an intro from Syd, then Shahid Buttar doing an awesome spoken word piece that captures why we do what we do, to have that moment, to spread that truth. Then the music: It's a range of housey tech funk, into dirtier techno and indie flavored disco punk. A who's who of some of Syd's favorite producers : Blende, Miles Dyson, Lee Coombs, Uberzone, Justice, Rogue Element, Dylan Rhymes, Alex Metric, with a great seldom heard mash-up of Freeland's 'Hate' with Bassbin Twins' 'Dogs'. A great synopsis of of the sound of Syd and Opulent Temple itself.

Billy Seal

Haunting chords and bittersweet melodies, this arrangement is emotional. A 50 minute exercise in many forms of four on the floor, the set starts off deeply progressive and finishes mainstream electro. Producers from all around the globe featured, with special attention given to Johan Vermulen. You will find a heavy dose of this Dutchman's progressive and electro tunes at the heart of the mix. The technically sound arrangement and agreeable transitions are notable. Ethnic samplings throughout, with intent to provide the listener with a global sense of sacred dance. This is a highly enjoyable mix from start to finish and unlike any set heard @ Opulent Temple before it's time.

The Scumfrog

The ONLY headliner DJ to boast 5 years of playing for Opulent Temple @ Burning Man, Scumfrog's infectious dark house beats have kept us grooving for a quite while now. This set features elements of deep bass, tribal, acid, progressive, and epic melodies. He closes the set with his infamously grooving electro remix of "Take Me Home" - a tune that has become a mantra theme for Burners all over the world. This is a solid mix, not to be missed!

Vinkalmann

Matt has been a resident DJ with Opulent Temple for over 5 years. His Burning Man set featured here is a powerful set of progressive house, with a sharp addition of serious electro edge and distinct vocals that cut through the night. Dylan Rhymes himself called it one of the musical highlights of the week. That is no small compliment.

Ali B

In true Burning Man fashion, Ali B kicks off with a politically charged message "Time For the Revolution" to build up momentum backed by techno-tastic beats. His set encompasses a truly diverse range of electronic genres, from techno to breaks to electro to blips and beeps and back to breaks, taking us on a very twisted trip. His presence behind the decks is super-charged and full of energy.

"Yep, Burning Man is one of a kind," nods Ali. "The desert is like a big blank canvas or the white walls of a gallery and for one week a year it gets filled to the brim with all sorts of crazy stuff - moving and stationary artwork, music, crazy vehicles, bikes, costumes and lots of fire." Ali B, founder of Air Recordings, definitely adds a big splash of modern edge with his colorful brand of raw funk.

Dylan Rhymes

The co-founder of LOT 49, one of the more popular labels represented at our San Francisco events, Dylan Rhymes has laid down a serious lesson in the ways of the tech-funk sound that is gradually taking over the world - and our hearts. Surprising twists and turns, bouncing electro, and driving tech-funk sounds comprise Dylan Rhymes set. Trippy noises and rock vocals complement his dark and dirty thumping beats. His last track is the among the first times the playa heard "Aaran San Ozlow Nyzz" (I Wanna Rock With You). If this isn't a track that is meant to be played at Opulent Temple @ Burning Man, we don't know what is. Check it out and listen for yourself !

Lee Coombs

Solid as a rock, Lee Coombs is one to be counted on to consistently lay down a crowd pleasing set full of his original tunes and remixes that will soon be packed in every reputable jock's gig bag during the year to follow. In the DJ Mag article featuring Opulent Temple, Lee boasts "That DJ booth is one of the greatest places to DJ in the world. I've played a huge range of clubs and festivals over the years but this is truly original. Where else would you have a giant metal pod with massive flame-throwers on the top that the DJ controls? There's nothing quite like letting off a huge flame as one of your favourite records kicks in... Awesome is the only word to describe it."

Beyond simply awesome, Lee's super-charged tech funk and electro set of seamless mixes is representative of a quintessential night at Opulent Temple.

Cosmic Selector

Giving you everything you didn't know you always needed, Cosmic always delivers it proper at Opulent Temple and this set is a perfect example of the unrelenting electricity he is capable of creating on the dance floor. One of the most diverse of the year, this mix kicks off with high-energy electrotech sound, serving up a hefty dose of dark funk, but not without tons of fascinating detours, lazer drops, twisted panning effects, and mesmerizing vocal samples. Transitioning into bouncy electro beats, Cosmic Selector builds up several times over the hour and lets the crowd breathe from time to time, but not for long, before dropping another serious bass line. With seamless mixes, featuring elements of filtered tech-funk, a super killer Metallica remix, and one entertaining female vocal sample that invites "Fly your rocket in my socket", have no doubt that his set will keep you fully engaged for the entire duration.

Carl Cox

Were you there Friday night when he played this past summer at OT? WOW. One of, if not the greatest night we've ever had the pleasure to host. Legendary. Nearly two hours of electric, magnetic, pure techno and tech house beats. Twisted, dark, dirty, and driving - with a little bit of a tribal twist. Everything we love. We were lucky enough to win his heart - and support for Opulent Temple. "The Opulent Temple guys are a great bunch of people and the way they create the Opulent Temple is amazing. I want to do whatever I can to help them. Music is art and it's important that is recognised." Listen to the epic set by Carl Cox, that went down in Burning Man history as Opulent Temple's biggest night ever. 2-Disc Set: $12 donation

Christopher Lawrence

Previously ranked as #4 in the world by DJ Mag, this trance DJ represents the genre proper at Opulent Temple, with 14 tracks of melodies, progressions, and driving tech sounds that kept thousands of people in a state of dancing frenzy following Carl Cox.

He is the undisputed biggest name in American trance, and has developed his own hard hitting sound that keeps him trotting the globe in high demand. At times deep, at times dark, at times hard bounce - this trance set covers a wide range of emotions communicated through music.

Dutch

This set from Dutch showcases over an hour and fifteen minutes of music, starting with a progressive tech trance transition into smooth techno beats, featuring complex moments that are both simultaneously dark and uplifting. The trip doesn't stop there. You can practically feel the excitement growing as the mix introduces a frenetic electro bassline and intense melodies that brings the energy even higher and people up off their feet. With a ridiculous amount of talent, on and off the decks, Dutch has been a Burning Man favorite for over a dozen years and his simpatico with the dance floor at Opulent Temple is nothing to be taken for granted.

Stoptime 341 DVD

Over an hour and a half, this VIDEO DVD features the highlights of the Opulent Temple experience and other key moments from Burning Man. Footage includes the Burning of the Man, Belly Dance performance, White Party, Deep End, of live visuals, live performance, and live shots from the DJ booth. If you missed Burning Man or just want to relive some of the best moments, this DVD is sure to bring you back to the playa.

Stoptime 341 is a highly respected video production company that encompasses the full range of production needs, from shooting and editing, to live video mixing, and multimedia collaboration. They are best previously known for their work touring with TIESTO and we are lucky enough to have them as part of the Opulent family.

Syd Gris

This set is known as 'Syd's Bamboo Angst' as it was the evening following the final break down of the Bamboo Synergy Dome Syd had worked all summer on. (A rope got caught under a tire during lifting and snapped a piece of the structure, dooming the whole project). The music matches the mood - dark, dirty, and at times a bit aggressive. Think Meat Katie, Lutzenkirchen, the Rogue Element, Hyper, Miles Dyson, Blende, etc. Nothing fluffy here, this is an intense set of dirty electro, house and breaks.

Ali B

The UK based taste-maker Ali B takes us through a signature nu skool funky breaks and related sub-sounds set, making stops at glitch, dubstep and throwing his own classic rock samples, high octane monster tracks, funky vocals and a live MC on the mic. If you love your breaks, you need to hear this cross section as Ali B rocks it.

Lee Coombs

Lee has been coming to Burning Man for years now, and he is among the best at creating a true 'playa set.' Future music and retro tech funk, with spacey acid sound scapes and a seamless juxtaposition of house, breaks, electro, and back again. It's dirty, pretty, funky, big, subtle, with lots of acid! The man keeps a solid groove going like few in the business, this set has something for everyone.

Dex Stakker

SF-based Opulent Temple resident Dex Stakker delivers a mix blending cutting edge electro, electro house, and breaks tracks from both of his prime-time sets on Tuesday and Wednesday PLUS a special bonus 2-track Opulent Temple opening ceremonies intro from his Monday night O.T. opening set. What this set lacks in subtlety, it more than makes up for in lack of subtlety.

DJ Dan

The West Coast house legend delivers a quintessential yet dirty dust fueled Dan set. Solid house groove, but infused with big basslines, electro funk, and a range of both diva-esque and uplifting vocals. The mixing is perfect and allows the epicenter of juice in each track to explode in the next so you just can't stop moving. An all in all a phat electro house set of big tracks that will appeal to a number of genre heads.

Dylan Rhymes

One half (along with Meat Katie) behind the leading edge of tech funk on Lot 49 Records, Dylan Rhymes, in his first playa appearance brings his dirtiest, funkiest, sickest tracks. A veteran producer who's produced monster tracks in many a genre, he brings the naughty house, bassy breaks, fucked up glitchy shit, all out bangers, but all united in dirty fun. Infectious.

Tim Healey

Tim Healey, one half of the production duo Coburn. This UK based producer is known for his somehow dangerous feeling electro house with indy leaning vocals and always forward thinking sound vocabulary. He did not disappoint. This was one of the most original, and twisted, sets of the week. It was during this set we had the most people ask us, who the fuck is this? The tracks are naughty, edgey, contagious, and at times downright sick! Big squashing bass comes out of lilting melodies, and most of the music is tracks you've not heard before, or possibly will anywhere else.

Paul Oakenfold

This set Oakey put together for the Opulent Temple will surprise you. Not much in the way of traditional big trance, this mix finds it groove in techy hooks and a lower end beat interspersed with Oakey's knack for beautiful celestial voices and accessible melodies. No cheese here, you'll hear a little of everything in a fresh set that might remind you why Paul is deservedly still one of the biggest names and influences in the global scene.

Bunny from Rabbit in the Moon

Known for their classic techno tribal trance shows, front man Bunny does a ripping dj set taking us through some big time party electro, classic remixes, techno and tech trance, and even some big breaks. His own vocals and interactions with the crowd are interspersed thoughout the set. His mixing across these genres is impressive and spot on and you'll find yourself immersed in the sound scapes at times for a true back to the playa transporting. The set sounds fresh and different though you might recognize some of the tracks, the programming from one place to the next makes the whole set have it's own unique cohesion.

Syd Gris

Syd has always approached his playa sets wanting to showcase his range among the many worlds he walks in the SF dance music scene (as well as his short attention span), and this set is no different. Always wanting to make a statement, the set opens with a spoken word piece from the movie 'Waking Life' right into the Dubfire remix of 'Stop the Revolution'. He then makes stops at big powerful electro, driving and uplifting progressive, tech funk break beat, and into big time progressive trance with peaks made for a flame throwing dj booth. Ending with the hauntingly beautiful 'Chase the Rabbit', the listener will definitely have that 'I've been on a musical journey' feeling that a thought out, well programmed set can leave you with. If Tuesday's set was angst, this set was redemption.

J-Sin

Jason got on the decks and told us who was daddy, in this next set portraying his own approach at creating a musical collage with a myriad of sounds, including progressive, electro, and psy, with a few surprise elements for your sensory delight.

DJ Dan & Travis Sunrise Set

The instantly legendary spontaneous sunrise set that was the talk of the playa, and by far the set of the week. When Gabriel & Dresden didn't show up for their sunrise (they ended up not being able to make it to BM, which we didn't know at the time), Dan happened to be hanging out with his buddy Travis. Dutch invited him to step in and playa history was made. Freed from any pre-conception of place, time, or what to play, Dan leads a ridiculously fun and sexy set of house, techy trance, and playa laced techno. Fun and naughty and dirty tracks you'll want to sing along with while you blush, this set simply fucking rocks.

Christopher Lawrence

The biggest name in American trance, at his first Burning Man, brings it to us just how it should be on a Saturday night. Driving trance, big and beautiful melodies, new takes on classic re-mixes, big tracks made for the desert, and into a more pretty yet sinister psy influenced progressive trance to keep the pace intense but still accessible.

Dutch

This set begins where Christopher Lawrence left off Saturday night, jumping in both feet first with a massive bass line driven tracks. His progressive trance selection and mixing will corrupt you, giving spine tingling chills of delight when each track breaks across the dance floor. Definitely a set you'll want to keep on your pod or in your car. When your finished listening, you'll realize your at your destination and have been there for quite some time.

Sentient

San Francisco's top psychedelic trance DJ once again welcomed the sunrise to Opulent Temple on Sunday morning this year. After last year's legendary after-Burn morning set with friend Atum, Sentient went solo this year, showcasing a selection of the newest, cutting edge psytrance, and guiding the crowd down to the slower BPMs of his last tracks. The tracks in this set bring their own unique energy to the dancefloor, whether it was driving, groovy, fierce, psychedelic, funky or melodic. But they all shared one quality, which was that they drove the dancefloor wild.