A self-described “equator chaser”, Oliver Benz [above, with wife Sasha] grew up in the small surfer town of Noosa, Australia where playing instruments and being in the ocean was a family essential.  During his teenage years, acting & modeling became a staple gig, but the real passion came from rocking out with a few indie bands while living on the shores of Bondi Beach, followed by a move into the NY fashion/DJ world, including a summer residency at the Surf Lodge in Montauk where he summers with his stunning wife Sasha and their caramel colored mastiff, Brooklyn [above].  KDHamptons asks Oli to share some his highlights from Summer 2015, below:

Oliver Benz: I’ve been in NY a solid 5 years, and the Hamptons has been an essential key to survival throughout those scorching summer months.  I live in Montauk all summer, which is very similar to a bunch of small surf towns in Australia where I was raised.  The waves, babes, restaurants and coffee shops are definitely all very similar.  The Hamptons is great with a bunch of friends, where you get a house and stay/cook/party there all week.

KDHamptons:  What was the highlight of your Hamptons summer?

Oliver Benz: It’s almost impossible to call out one specific highlight.  Every weekend dishes out a new crazy experience.  Mayer Hawthorne was an amazing act at The Surf Lodge [above], so were Capital Cities.  It really is non-stop out here with huge acts every weekend.  So, ultimately, the whole summer is my highlight.

KDHamptons: What do you think makes Montauk so magical?

Oliver Benz: The historical pop cultural background to Montauk has always intrigued me.  From The Rolling Stones writing songs out here, to Andy Warhol hosting VIP private parties, it seems the stories just keep on coming.  Montauk gives you endless options of freedom.  It’s great to get a hotel room and wine and dine at many different restaurants.

KDHamptons: What does a perfect Hamptons day look like to you?

Oliver Benz: A perfect day starts with a light NW wind at about 8-10 knots. Water temp about 72 degrees. Blue skies with a 4-6 foot swell. Wake up, get coffee at Left Hand then bomb straight to Ditch. Surf for 2 hours, then smash an egg, avo and sausage wrap from the Bakery. Surf again for another 2 hours and straight to Naturally Good for lunch which is a Natty Good Salad with Tuna. After lunch, I surf again, shoot hoops, skate or go for a round of 9 holes. Then straight to Surf Lodge to clock on and DJ the night away….

KDHamptons:  Did you have a favorite Hamptons restaurant this summer?

Oliver Benz: There really are endless epic food spots, and secret surf and fishing spots, gems all over once you get down with the locals.  After being here a while, I have narrowed it down to a very select and well-curated bunch of top Montauk spots:  The Surf Lodge, Crows Nest, Dave’s, Harbor, Harvest, and The Gig Shack.  Basically I’m a Montauk sales rep!

KDHamptons:  Where could we find you late night?

Oliver Benz: The night hang comes down to two spots for me, The Surf Lodge were I am the resident DJ, an amazing sunset live music venue, if not the best on planet earth.  Late night antics at Harbor, is any mans disco dance floor haven, which can be incredibly fun.  Late night feeds…there is only one spot…’Boobytrap’.

KDHamptons:  What’s up next for you music wise?

Oliver Benz: There is a secret little project that I have been working on with a super talented buddy named Nicolas Potts.  We are working on an Afro Latin Disco Funk EP, to serve just one purpose……The D floor.

KDHamptons: What were your Top Ten favorite songs of summer 2015?

Oliver Benz: Here you go…

1. Love me for real (DJ Red Greg edit) Rim & Kasa
2. The Aston Shuffle -GAMPER & DADONI Remix -Tear it down
3. Hot Toddy – Down to Love
4. Darius (Official)- Hot Hands
5. Whilk And Misky- Clap your hands
6. Donald’s Bird- Falcon Punch
7. Major Lazer & DJ Snake-Lean On
8. Mi Mujer-Nicolas Jaar
9. Instant Need-FKJ
10. Roosevelt-Hold On

KDHamptons: What will you be working on in the fall season?

Oliver Benz: As the Hampton high season is now over, my wife and I will be heading to LA. We both have a large demand of work over there, and getting out of the cold is always a great idea. However things chop and change all the time, so you will have to stay tuned. Sasha and I are also working on an exciting collaboration together, and I Dj with Pottsy at Soho house in NYC so if your around, come say hi!