[Tropical]

In his zone from deep house to techno, Ben Annand pairs impeccably smooth mixing skills with a dynamic style that keeps the music moving, artfully playing with breakdowns and spending most of his time in the mix.

“For me, a great mix is the interplay of 2 unique pieces of music, creating something greater than the sum of the parts - and a great set weaves those mixes into a musical flow you can’t help but lose yourself in on the dance floor.”

Ben fell in love with dancing and electronic music culture in 1995, and learned to mix in 1996. Just 2 years later he became resident DJ at the famed Moontribe Gathering, and started his own production company, Tropical. The first half of his career was mostly focused on DJing abroad, with 13 trips to Moscow’s Propaganda club, frequent travel across Russia, Spain, and Mexico, an appearance at Wiggle at Fabric in London and two at the Labyrinth Festival in Japan.

In more recent years, Ben Annand became a top West Coast festival DJ, and played at 6 consecutive Lightning in a Bottle Festivals (CA, 2016-2023 + 2025). He has also appeared at 2017’s Oregon Eclipse (OR), Shambhala and Motion Notion (BC, Canada), and multiple times at Sunset Campout, Stilldream and Desert Hearts Festival (CA), Photosynthesis and Cascadia (WA), and Esthetic Evolution and Konnexion Festival (ID). In 2025 his favorite new parties were debuts in 2 states - Sacred Acre Festival in Alaska, and Camp Dayfunk in Wisconsin. Ben’s event, Tropical, is one of the most respected event brands on the West Coast, hosting over 100 events in California, Oregon, Washington, and 3 Hawaiian Islands. Incorporated in 2017 as Tropical Since 98, the event series has donated over $33,000 to nonprofit causes, and is also known for hosting zero-waste events in Hawaii, and being among the first events to present a gender-balanced DJ lineup (NYE 2020).

In 2025, Ben hosted a successful benefit for artists who lost their homes to the Palisades and Eaton Fires, and a dramatic Tropical 27-Year Anniversary Hot Tub Retreat on a picturesque mountain plateau. Ben’s also runs the fast-growing ‘Bridge to Paradise Music-Friendly Venue Booking,’ (B2P) connecting event organizers with spectacular, often brand-new event locations, and providing consulting as needed to both sides.

Never one to stand still, Ben starts 2026 with even more new roles: Social Media Manager for DJ Dan, Label Manager for InStereo Recordings, and Booking Agent for Listed Bookings.