Ben Pearce Interview

Mention Ben Pearce just a year ago, and not many would have been able to put a face to the name. But now, after the massive success of ‘What I Might Do’ thanks to a certain Tesco advert, he is the new star of Dance music and making waves across clubland. This Manchester lad even has his own label, Purp & Soul, giving a platform to new talent and representing the sound that Ben Pearce has quickly become known for. With his first Australian tour this February, Ben is ready to take his DJing skills across the globe, so we caught up with him this month to see what else he has planned for the near future.

Hi Ben, how have you been?
Very well thanks! Enjoyed some time off this month and getting back to regular gigs now.

What attracted you to the genre of House and Dance, and could you tell us more about your musical influences. (Do you play any instruments?)
I played some when I was younger, full of regret for not carrying it on. I was at the Northern College Of Music when I was really young. I got into the genre just from going to clubs and having a silly good time. I’m going back to a few instruments now so hopefully be back to playing them soon.

Your signature tune to date, ‘What I Might Do’, gained much commercial success following its re-release in October 2013, peaking at number seven on the UK singles chart; was this a surprise as an underground DJ?
Massive surprise, it was a surprise it even got signed. I don’t think much of myself so I never thought that it would’ve happened. I guess it was timing and the way House music is going in the UK. There’s a lot of chart success for previous underground artists now.

You’re yet to release an album; is this in the works at the moment? What ideas do you have for it at present?
Not in the works; I know it’s something that people see as a natural progression, but I have some big ideas for an album that won’t materialise for a while now. I’m enjoying what I’m doing right now and when I’m ready to make an album, I will do.

You’ll be bringing your DJ skills to Australia for the first time in February; why is now the right time to tour?
I’m hoping because there’s some people that want to see me? I’m really excited about it.

How would you describe your sets?
Eclectic to say the least, I like to genre hop and chuck surprises in. I always read the crowd and adapt to what’s going down well, so I’m hoping people will enjoy it.

Not only are you a producer and DJ, you also have your own label, Purp & Soul; what ideas do you have for it and the sound it will produce?
I don’t really have any premeditated thoughts about the sound. We put out music we like and mostly that our guys are making, that could be any genre really. We’ve got some slower, more song-structured stuff coming out. I’m hoping it’ll grow into a great label, but we’ll see.

How do you go about discovering new music and new talent?
I suppose like everyone else these days, the interest is so amazing for it. Soundcloud and Facebook mostly; we get sent a lot of demos that we listen to. We’re not constantly looking to sign artists, but we’re always listening to new stuff.

You have a small number of artists on your roster; what can you tell us about them and why we should be checking them out?
They’re all immensely talented, mostly young guys who are very keen and motivated. Some of the music they’re making is so good, I’m really excited to put it out either on our label or otherwise. Mark Wells has an EP forthcoming on Pete Tong’s FFRR label; UNKNWN are writing an album and their next single is unbelievable; Harry Wolfman & Jouhl are collaborating on a ridiculously good Techno project. There’s a lot going on.

You’ve re-posted some great music onto your Soundcloud, including the extraordinary sound of Kwabs and King Thing, what music are you listening to at the moment?
Right now? Biffy Clyro… I listen to a lot of stuff. I was listening to a lot of Sun-Ra and Aphex Twin today. I mostly listen to bands but dip into Electronica, Hip-Hop, Jazz, Classical… the list goes on. Music is everything; I can’t imagine living without it. The power it has over people is incredible. There’s so much amazing music out there to be enjoyed.

What are you most looking forward to doing whilst you’re in Australia? Have you been out there before?
I’ve never been, so it’s all new! I’m looking forward to just about all of it. Since starting to read Bill Bryson’s travel books, I’ve had a newfound appreciation for just people watching or wandering around new places. I’d welcome any suggestions on Twitter from people recommending things to do. I think most of my time off will be in Melbourne.

Any big goals for 2014… musically and other?
Get in the gym more (standard one but I want to keep healthy if possible), and with music just keep making it and hopefully release some stuff that people like! Learn some instruments, I don’t know. I don’t usually think too far ahead – I let my manager do that!

Quick fire round, let’s get to know Ben Pearce a bit better…
If you’re sitting on a beach, listening to the slow strum of a ukelele, what drink is in your hand?
Ohhhh that’s hard, I really like a good mojito with nice aged rum. On that tip just rum if it’s good is great… I’m quite a beer enthusiast if that’s the right word, but on a beach we have to be on a cocktail tip, don’t we?

If you’re tearing it up on the dance floor and getting a sweat on… what song is playing?
Not any of mine!! [Laughs] Erm I don’t know really, I suppose it wouldn’t be a song particularly. The last time I really tore a dance floor was Ricardo Villalobos and Zip at Fabric’s Birthday

If you could have a theme tune for your morning routine what would it be?
Something like Slipknot – People = Sh*t. I’m in a bad mood in the morning! [Laughs] Not a morning person at all.

If you can remember one episode of Friends off the top of your head, which one is it?
[Laughs] Great question – would have to be the one where they’re getting the coach up the stairs… PIVOT! I’ve seen them all so much but still watch them when they’re on, it still staggers me how they got it SO right.

Thanks so much for your time and we look forward to hearing more of your music and seeing you in Oz!

Ben Pearce Tour Dates:
7th February – New Guernica, Melbourne
8th February (Day) – Beach Bar, Wollongong
8th February (Night) – Chinese Laundry, Sydney
14th February – Trinity, Canberra
15th February – Bowler Bar, Brisbane