Ben Weiner, also known as Benny Venom, is fast attaining a reputation as a respected and talented DJ in the San Francisco party scene. He is being booked at venues in San Francisco, Berkeley, Santa Cruz and San Jose.

 Electric dance music, known to be generally associated with the rave scene has been hugely popular since 1974 and continues to grow as one of the most influencing genres in today’s music culture. Weiner is a DJ and producer of electronic music, more specifically of electro house with a dubstep influence. 

The modification of his name to Benny Venom is due to his experience as a raver before he became a DJ. “In rave culture, there’s a tradition we have where everyone gets a rave name, or an alter ego of sorts.  My rave name is Venom, so it naturally transitioned over to become my stage name,” he said.

The pinnacle moment when he decided spinning was what he wanted to do was in 2009 at POP, an annual rave held at the Cow Palace in San Francisco hosted by Skills production company, owned by Jason Dyloot Sperling. He was absolutely stricken upon hearing his favorite and most influential DJ, Deadmau5. Afterwards, he had bought himself a set of tables and practiced persistently. 

 To better hone his skills and progress as a creative DJ, he took courses at the School of Audio Engineering in San Francisco.

His first debut as a DJ was at a show in Santa Cruz. Although an intimidate gathering, it was an exhilarating experience, he said. “To throw down a couple of tracks and have the crowd go nuts in front of you is one of the most glorifying moments ever,” he said.

Currently, Weiner is focusing on producing and editing his own tracks to make a name for himself. “It’s a very fun hobby, but if you want to take it to the next level you have to learn to produce your music,” he said.

About concerns of drug use prevalent in the rave scene, Weiner said, “There are always drugs associated in most of the music that you listen to regardless of the genre. Raving, I would say has the most drugs, it’s definitely more risqué, but there are a handful of people who go completely sober.” 

Weiner will be spinning at an event called Psymbiotek, a two day campout for an electric music and art festival held at the Lupin Lodge in Los Gatos, Nov. 6 and 7. Keep up to date on his fan page on http://www.bennyvenom.com