A huge year beckons for the house don. New tunes, a big Ibiza planned and the mighty Creamfields
Interview by Dan Prince
Ben a massive welcome back to DMCWORLD. Where on planet earth are you today?
“Hey Dan, in my new apartment in London!”
What was the first piece of music you heard today after rolling out of bed?
“I think the new Tuff City Kids record, I’m playing this evening and starting to go through some music for it.”
A really exciting year ahead for you – and some really cool hook ups with the ever expanding ANTS. A night that started in Ibiza with dozens of people dressed in black morph suits scaring the shit out of clubbers sunbathing is quietly taking over the world with their colony. You’ll be playing on their stage at their Creamfields adventure in the UK in August and also at their Ushuaia residency in Ibiza this summer. Great night, great DJs, great brand huh?
“It’s an amazing night, the whole ethos and concept is spot on. I’m really honoured to be a part of it so much this year, the lineups are ridiculous!”
When was the last time you wore a morph suit à la ANTS?
“I’ve never had the chance to wear one! Maybe this year is the year?”
Where has been some of your best winter gigs these past few months?
“I’ve just finished my sextape series tour, which is based on disco and funk, they all sold out and rounding it up at Sub Club on Wednesday was special. Australia and Asia tour at the start of the year was great fun and of course being back at Fabric, XOYO and in Amsterdam have been highlights as always.”
What is the latest on the series?
“We just finished this run of parties, they all sold out. It was a pretty amazing response so I’m sure there’ll be more!”
3 bucket list adventures you wanna do in your lifetime?
“Really want to travel through Vietnam and Asia in general. Definitely want to climb Mount Fuji and I’d explore the wilderness of Canada. Not a lot of time for those things at the moment but hopefully later on in life.”
The last time you pressed rewind on a track to listen to it again because it was damned good?
“I listen to so many songs over and over but most recent may have been the new Adesse Versions track ‘Pride’.”
What are the big 5 tunes in your box this weekend…please give us a few words on each…
– Artifact – Who Knew Her
New one from a really good mate, his tracks are always in my box as it were.
– Mia Dora – Raw Kiss
Quality EP from the Scottish lads! I’ve played so many of their tracks along the way, consistently belters
– Auntie Flo – Daabi
This came on when I was having a mix with some friends last night, reminded me how much I love it so definitely going in for this weekend!
– Nu Guinea – D Alliance
A recent favourite find, every track on this record is unreal. Love playing this
– Citizenn – Be
Latest release from another good friend, the vocal are general vibe of this track is just silly good. Huge
What are your plans for Miami WMC this month?
“I’m doing quite a flying visit, playing the Kitsune party which should be loads of fun…”
Where else can we catch you in Ibiza this summer – I know 2015 is an important summer for you on the white isle…
“I don’t think anything else is ok to announce, I’ll be over more though.”
We understand you have a passion for cooking. Where are the places you love eating at in Ibiza…
“My favourite places have always been cooking with friends when we rented a villa, the produce is so amazing. La Paloma and Amante are some places I’ve had some great food at though.”
Your favourite beaches on the white isle…
“I’m not a big beach person but have had some great days on Las Salinas.”
A song that always reminds you of Ibiza…
“Egal 3 – People, my first time over there when I was much younger and playing in small bars…”
If you were on holiday, what club and DJ would you head to see?
“I’ve always loved We Love, the line ups are always amazing. Last time I had a night off in Ibiza I went there with some friends.”
Your No. 1 Ibiza resident DJ?
“Ian Blevins!
Okay let’s rewind for a moment. When we ask most producers about their families and music we normally get a blank face, their parents and grandparents’ musical adventures normally are associated with Radio 2. You have a real passion for African and World music which stems from your past…?
“I’ve always been surrounded by music, not musicians but my parents always play music. My dad has an impressive collection of classical music. My mum lived in Rhodesia when she was younger and my older sister is really into world music. I think it grew from there, I’ve always loved it.”
Have you ever travelled through Africa to unearth more music?
“No but going back to the bucket list that’s definitely on there, I’d love to.”
What are your earliest memories of music?
“Dancing around the living room to Bach’s Hungarian Dances when I was really young, not sure if that’s a memory or just a recollection of a family video though.”
When did you first stumble upon dance music…and who were the early producers/DJs that grabbed your attention?
“It was drum and bass/dubstep that seeped into the rock and metal clubs I was going to, so like Chase & Status, Benga and Skream. After that I started to go to house/techno nights, I remember seeing Danny Tenaglia very early on.”
What were your first steps into the music industry?
“Flyering for a small night in Manchester in the freezing cold rain, don’t miss that!”
When did the idea of a career in music first start to form?
“Really just before I left my job, I never knew what kind’ve heights it would achieve. It’s still a bit surreal to think about it.”
What did your family think of your career choice?
“At first they weren’t too happy, they’ve both been university professors but they came around as soon as they saw the success and the quantification.”
An album we would be surprised to find in your collection?
“Vinyl wise? Bright Eyes – Lifted The Story In The Soil. My iPod is a real mix, from Chopin to Architects.”
An up and coming producer to watch out for in 2015?
“I’d say Theo Kottis is going to have a big year, his new record is awesome.”
What festival has really got you excited later this summer?
“I really can’t wait for Lost Village, the lineup and whole production of it looks amazing.”
Best ever festival experience?
“Secret Garden Party last year, the whole weekend was one huge experience, so many good memories.”
What is on a Ben Pearce rider in 2015?
“Gin n tonic!”
What was the last GREAT studio toy you bought yourself?
“I use pretty much everything in my studio, I bought an acidlab – bombass, which is a little emulation of a 303. I recently used it to make all the synth and bass sounds in a new track.”
Who are your BIG DJ buddies?
“Shadow Child is pretty big! If you’re meaning size… he’s a tall man!”
Let’s skip forward 12 months – what do you want to achieve in your life by this time 2016?
“Just to release some great music and make people dance. I’ve got plans but I count myself so lucky to be doing what I’m doing, if I can carry on that would be good enough for me.”
And finally, what is coming out next from you studio wise?
“I’ve got a lot of music finished now, some really interesting stuff that I can’t wait to put out. Some collaborations going on as well as working with vocalists and instrumentalists. It’s really exciting.”
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Ben Pearce will be starring on the ANTS Stage at Creamfields on Saturday August 29th
Tickets: http://bit.ly/1AmBXgc
www.creamfields.com
ANTS Info:
