Benn Hopkins was first introduced to dance music by his brother Scott Hopkins through sheer volume as he worked through his records for that night of spinning in the club, this was followed by his first dance party experience at the age of sixteen - Strawberry Fields. It was to be a turning point as Benn experienced the raw energy of dance culture in Brisbane during the mid nineties under the guidance of many of who would continue to guide him in different facets of the dance industry in the years ahead.
During 1997 Benn encountered a diverse range of music. At times hanging out at Super Deluxe and being exposed to the music of bands/acts such as Ash, Pulp, Beck, and Supergrass. Or alternatively on the dance music tip watching his brother spin the Living Room at The Tube, being front and center for Jeremy Healy at the Soho parties or experiencing BBE live is the start of a very long list. Therefore it is no fluke that Benn began working within the industry during the first year of being legally allowed in clubs. In 1999 Benn began working with Michael Watt at Viva nightclub on Barbarella's, a weekly event that profiled numerous international and interstate acts. Barbarella's had a diverse music policy that enabled Benn to work with artist such as Derrick May, Paul Daley and Groove Armada. As well as bring events such as Gatecrasher to Brisbane giving him a wide range of influences to draw on for his own personal sound, as well as stay informed on trends and gain insights into the industry from a number of angles.
It was also during this time that Benn would become firm friends with Jason Rouse a resident in the cocktail lounge at Viva, Jason Rouse was to influence and has continued to influence Benn’s musical taste since this time. Benn then began a new venture at the Port Office hotel in 2001 working with Les Kostaglu promoting the Spank nights with Rousey as residents, it was during this time that Benn started working with Les on larger festivals such as Vibes on a Summers Day (Byron Bay, Brisbane) profiling artist such as Miguel Migs, Tayo, Norman Jay, MJ Cole, Jamiroquai and Freq Nasty. By the end of 2002 Benn moved to Monastery Nightclub working with DJ’s such as Felix Da Housecat, Dexter and DJ Garth.
Away from the promotional side of things Benn had begun taking the basics his brother had shown him of the art of DJing and started to apply himself as the vinyl addiction grew. Now living with Mark Briais one of Brisbane's leading house DJ's who happened to work at Benn's favorite record store there was no escape. It was at a private party organized by the venue that Benn's intention to spin records outside of his bedroom became reality when Sharif Galal asked him to take over the party – Benn then proceeded to drop tunes on a Soul to Soul, Brand New Heavies and Incognito vibe. With that Benn was invited into the Groove Train on Triple J with Sharif and was to go on to guest program the Groove Train on several occasions.
Building upon this Benn started to change his focus away from promoting although always contributing in some form to DJing at a new Sunday afternoon spot at the newly opened GPO alongside Sharif Galal and Graham Don called Soul Sunday. With the constraints of the venue a continual battle Benn went on a six month sabbatical immersing in all types of music and refocusing on his sound. It was during this time that Benn came to be friends with Lee Jones an institution in house music and one of the main forces behind the Philadelphia scene, through the sharing of knowledge Lee was to play a major role in shaping Benn's musical outlook with his "it's all house music philosophy " forcing Benn outside the square in defining genres.
After arriving back to Brisbane and settling in Benn began spinning as a resident at the Press Club and doing random gigs. Since then he has been a resident of the Belgian Beer Cafe and Alhambra Lounge and is know for his house sets which encompass soul infused deep vocal house. Benn is also the driving force behind Sundae Brisbane a worldwide party that takes place in Philadelphia, Lyon, Montreal and Estr.De Maracaipe, he has played support for the likes of Andy Caldwell, Robert Owens, Jay-J, Groove Assassin, Random Soul, DJ Katch (Resin Dogs), Marques Wyatt and Nickodemus.
2008 has seen Benn tour the USA playing the Miami Music Conference alongside DJ’s such as Josh Wink, Rich Medina, Rob Paine and King Britt - following Miami Benn then went on to Philadelphia for an extended time furthering his knowledge on dance music from a global perspective. With spots at the top house music venues and dance festivals in Brisbane keeping him busy for the moment he is taking time out from travel but come March 2009 he is sure to be back in Miami playing alongside the cream of dance music yet again - representing Australia on the global stage.
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