Ben Evans - Tribes Festival
In a powerful fusion of legacy and future, Melbourne will witness a once-in-a-generation celebration as the iconic Two Tribes Festival marks its 25th anniversary with a special reunion event that will coincide with the launch of a brand new era: Tribes Festival 2025. Taking place on Melbourne Cup Eve, “25 Years Deep: The Underground Never Dies” promises an electrifying night of music featuring an all-star lineup of both international and local electronic music heavyweights across three massive stages. We caught up with Australian DJ Ben Evans to talk all things Tribes and find out what fans can expect from his set at this history making event.
You have been announced as one of the Artists to perform at the Tribes Festival, happening in Melbourne this November, are you excited to be a part of this new era of the original Two Tribes Festival
So excited to be invited this year to join Mark and the amazing team behind the event,
It was so wonderful to hear plans that the reunion was coming up, and I was invited to play a part in rekindling the festivals flames. Two Tribes has been so impactful along my journey right from the very beginning, creating moments I'll never forget, both as a musician and a dancefloor enthusiast – circling back to when I heard Warp Brothers on stage at one of the early events, after just wrapping up a shift I was doing in the food vans surrounding Melbourne Park – being on that dancefloor, surrounded by incredible people all connected and free, I knew, there and then, that this environment would completely captivate me and draw me in fully.
Will this be your first time performing at a festival of this size and scale? What are you anticipating?
I have been very fortunate over my career to have played to dancefloors of all sizes, from small intimate clubs to packed out main stages at some of the biggest and best Australian and international festivals. No matter if there is one person dancing or thousands, it’s a privilege and always a pleasure.
I am anticipating a great fusion of generations, both older and younger, celebrating together and creating lifelong connection. Just like we had when we attended Two Tribes in the past.
“We are ‘music-lifers’ and will always attribute sounds with feelings as long as we live”
How do you prepare yourself for a massive event like Tribes? Do you have different preparations to when you’re just doing a club or concert set?
My process is generally evolving over time, and can change slightly before each performance, no matter the size and scale of the event, my preparations, both mindfully, energetically and technically, are always crucial part of feeling ready, confident and present for my performance. Its holistic, and energy plays a lead role. It’s a feeling, and I am tapping into it. Preparing for it, giving life to it. That’s the intention anyway.
Depending what kind of event and performance I'll be playing, I bring my own unique style, energy and sound to the event, respectfully aligning with the nature of the event, the time I am playing and the artists I am supporting and sharing the stage with.
A big part of my pre-event preparation has been on going ever since that fire started in me with the love for great music, always listening to as many of my favourite songs and ear marking them to a feeling, a moment, an emotion, an event, to be played right at moment when that moment is intended. I just draw from these extensive lists I’ve built, I never play a predetermined set, I generally capture a range of tracks that I believe fit the vibe I am, going for, with all other music on standby and ready for any shifts and changes.
I never stop listening to new music, I am excited by new trends, whats around the next corner, what hasn’t been done yet, and new and exciting technology and experiences. I am energised by powerful tracks and performers, and those who push the boundaries, I always love catching up with other artists on the lineup, seeing and hearing what they're pushing, presenting, creating and playing currently helps me understand how I fit into the design of it all. We are ‘music-lifers’ and will always attribute sounds with feelings as long as we live, it's exciting and keeps my cup full and adventure in this industry long!
What can fans expect from your upcoming performances at the Tribes Festival?
I have been asked to play a classic trance set for this year's event, which is exciting, as it is my all-time favourite music to dance to, listen to and enjoy loudly! To be tasked with playing a collection of music seminal to the era that two tribes thrived will be an absolute honour! Expect some monsters from the early days on Albums and dancefloors like Gatecrasher, Slinky, Ministry, Frantic, Cream, GodsKitchen… and TWO TRIBES!
“I could list them all, but I’ll see what you, the best people, are wanting when we are together again at Tribes. ”
What's the one song that you always slip into a set for a festival event?
For a classics set, unmistakably it going to be an absolute monster from the legendary tech trance maestro, Marco V, with his anthem, Godd. However, if there's a good pace on the bpms, Legend B - Lost in Love and Liquid Child - Diving Faces, or even Tomcraft - Loneliness are all prime-time weapons. I could list them all, but I'll see what you, the best people, are wanting when we are together again at Tribes.
It might even have to be a Prodigy banger, cause everyone who was there for that set at Melbourne Park, knows what I'm talking about!
Apart from your own, who's set are you most looking forward to seeing at Tribes?
Literally everyone’s set! Most excited to hear Ferry and Markus play again, having supported many of their tours in Australia over the years it's always a privilege and a core memory to hear the masters of the sounds I love, serve up an absolute masterclass for us all. Long ago when I saw Ferry play for the first time, I was such a fanboy, standing in the front row holding all my Ferry Corsten and system f records and a sharpie making sure the legend could sign my records before he finished his set. I've still got every one of them :) I might have to bring my Markus collection and my sharpie again this time! Those cold harbour records were the ultimate vibes.
“Ferry and Psytrance would be a winning formula the world isn’t quite ready for yet, or maybe they are!? ”
If you could collaborate with any artist off the extensive line-up, who would it be and why?
FERRY ALL DAY, ALL NIGHT. Only because I must choose one.
His sound has always been ahead of its time, his productions are so crisp, provoking and emotive, he is a fundamental part of what made me fall in love with trance music. I adore all kinds of music, so collaboration helps me gain a deeper insight into the why and the how of my favourite people and producers, I want to know more about the person than the technique, that's where the gold is. The connection, the love, the source of it all, is more valuable than anything. Pair those experiences with my own interests, passions and projects and all this wonderful new knowledge and creation flows through again. Also, Ferry and Psytrance would be a winning formula the world isn’t quite ready for yet, or maybe they are!?
What are the best and worst parts of being on a multi artist bill? Do egos ever get in the way, or does it just add to the party?
First and foremost, it's never about the DJ, it's always about the dancefloor. Period. The greats know this and are famous for it. The rest tend to run their course, burn brightly but not for too long. There's a rule I live by written eloquently below, not by me, but it's the truth.
"DJ's, Lock in. Every set you play, is bigger than you, It's a chance to lift spirits and give people a safe space away from the madness of the world.
When you step behind the decks, you're not just playing music, you're creating community. Leave the ego at the door. GIVE THEM EVERYTHING!"
Regarding your question, there are no worst parts of being on a multi artist lineup at all, only best parts. It's important for audiences to have a great cross section of sound, experiences and performances to help shape the vibe, foster love and inclusion, connection and togetherness, forge musical interests and add colour to the adventure, it's always pivotal to have access to new and exciting music and also a platform for emerging talent to share their skills and hone their own craft.
I think it's so important in this industry to be polite, humble, genuine and completely real. Noone likes a phoney and a faker, be yourself, everyone else is taken.
“Every performance is an opportunity to reach new audiences, meet new people and cultivate a stronger community.”
Do you find that festivals like Tribes present you to a new fan base?
Every performance is an opportunity to reach new audiences, meet new people and cultivate a stronger community. I love how MJ is fusing the old with the new and engaging on a past and future retrospective, bringing new and emerging talent to existing and established artists, Not only does this open the doorway for each group to coexist and form bonds, it also offers a great experience to bridge the two groups together and build a community, as well as a launchpad and foundation for the Tribes festival to grow and thrive.
What’s the one essential you HAVE to take with you to a festival event?
A great attitude and a box of absolute monsters! Oh, and headphones. Also, my chosen family, man. ❤️ it’s always about you.
Who in your touring entourage or team deserves a shout out but never gets one? And what is it they do that keeps your world turning?
My family and my friends, who I shout out often and loudly, they are my world, the reason I can do this and the source of love and confidence I can draw on always.
“The weekend has landed. 25,000 steps minimum or you’re not trying. ”
Do you have a message for anyone heading to Tribes?
The weekend has landed. 25,000 steps minimum or you're not trying.
Dance like nobody's watching
Put your phone away, be present and contribute give everything to the dancefloor and the vibe will dance around you.
Enter with a heart full of love, it will reward you ten-fold. Be open to new experiences, connection, people and always create a safe space so that all of the above can happen freely.
I can't wait to see you xxx
Interview by Michelle Symes
September 2025
