Drew and Jay became fast friends over a narrowly avoided forest fire from a shared love of fireworks and mischief when Drew moved down the street from Jay in Kinnelon, New Jersey in 7th grade, yep, we bonded over almost burning down Drew’s new house. 

 

But, a year later, Jay moved away and lost touch for a good chunk of those awkward high school years. They eventually reconnected over punk rock, graffiti and Robotussin. Drew found Burning Man in 2012 and had been trying to share the excitement of this newly found magic with Jay, knowing he would instantly fall in love, which turned into years of Jay dismissing the idea without sincere consideration always with the same curt reply...

 

“It’s not for me”. 

 

Eventually, after a devastating breakup, Jay finally said “Fuck it!” and let Drew usher him into his burner world in 2015. The very first sunset ride out to deep playa, Jay's smile could have spanned the Nile and the conversation out to deep playa went a little something like this:

 

Drew:  "So, whadday think?"

 

Jay: "This… is the most magical place on the planet!" 

 

Drew:  "Yeaaah, but... “it’s not for you” 

 

Drew was right, Jay was was instantly hooked and, after 2 years of Burn, 2 Further Futures, a couple Woogie Weekends, myriad All Day I Dreams and a few Desert Hearts, Jay was quickly in deep!

 

Fast forward to 2018, Drew was thinking about taking off that year but Jay was not going to let that happen and the conversation went a little something like this:

 

Jay: "Can't wait for Burn this year"

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Drew: "Eh, think I’m taking off this year"

 

Jay: Ummm, nooo…. What if we bring art?

 

(Long pause)

 

Drew: Hmm, that’s interesting

 

One week and a case of wine later, Byte was born. Before we knew it, we had crowdfunded 10k from our dearest friends and family with our first byte necklaces that we glued every eyeball in by hand. In a blink of an eye, we were out in Napa Valley, where Drew lived and our amazing friends leant us their time, backyards and support to get it all done in a few months time!

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We imagined parties on Chip and Terra and the possibilities of bringing them to other events and experiences but it wasn't until Lee Burridge reached out to us telling us how he and his girlfriend really enjoyed our piece at the burn. He asked us so kindly for a Byte necklace and to bring Chip and Terra to his party "All Day I Dream". This was the moment we realized "maybe we can do this". 

 

Here are the actual notes and ideas we brainstormed during that week for the theme that year iRobot. Seems like forever ago just yesterday.