HOW IT ALL BEGAN
Ben Valley
Vanja Benazić, a.k.a. Ben Valley, is a dynamic house and progressive house DJ and producer. His journey into the world of music began early, as he studied guitar and piano in music school, cultivating a deep appreciation for music. His love for electronic music blossomed during his high school years, where he started experimenting with mixing and production. He began his DJ career at the age of seventeen, driven by the powerful allure of the electronic music scene.
Ben Valley realized his passion for electronic music after his first experience with a record player in the late 90’s and set his sights on becoming a DJ. His early influences include pioneers like Axwell, Fedde Le Grand, John Dahlbäck, and D.O.N.S., whose work inspired him to start producing his own music. In 2010, he teamed up with Mario Kovačić (a.k.a. Mario Amarillo), a well-known resident DJ at Aquarius in Zrće, to launch the project “D.R.A.M.A.” Together, they released multiple successful records on leading labels such as Vidisco, Exklusive Records, Kontor, and 1980 Records.
2010 was a pivotal year for Ben Valley, as it marked the release of his first record with Vidisco and the official start of his production career. The D.R.A.M.A. project garnered widespread attention within the electronic music community, solidifying his reputation as a rising star in the industry. The duo continued to release several tracks that gained international recognition.
In 2011, Ben Valley’s talent was further recognized when he won a prestigious remix contest for The Shapeshifters’ track “She Freaks.” His remix was released on the iconic Defected Records, a milestone that introduced him to a global audience and earned him accolades from some of the top names in electronic music.
Throughout his career, Ben Valley has performed alongside some of the biggest names in the electronic music scene, including Deniz Koyu, Tiesto, Erick Morillo, Axwell, Chuckie, Thomas Gold, Alesso, Fedde Le Grand, Sunnery James & Ryan Marciano, Norman Doray, Arno Cost, The Freemasons, Patric La Funk, and Eddie Thoneick. His electrifying performances have captivated audiences worldwide, showcasing his distinctive style and energetic sets that seamlessly blend house and progressive house elements.
In addition to his global recognition, Ben Valley has held residencies at several iconic venues, including the legendary cocktail bar Daylight, Umagination, and ATP Dance Arena in Umag. His residency work has made him a household name within the regional electronic music scene, and his presence at festivals and clubs continues to draw large crowds.
With each passing year, Ben Valley’s career has gained significant momentum, and he remains focused on pushing the boundaries of his craft. Known for his meticulous attention to detail, he consistently delivers high-energy, engaging sets that leave a lasting impression on his audience. His dedication to perfecting his sound, combined with his passion for music, ensures that Ben Valley’s influence in the house and progressive house genres will continue to grow in the years to come.