Ben Pearce talks past loves, Purp&Soul and piano lessons

Ben Pearce may be more than just the ‘guy in a cramped booth in the corner’, but don’t expect any flambuoyant live-show antics from this self-effacing DJ who, quite rightly, puts the music first. 

His role as creative director of label Purp&Soul is a testament to the Mancunian’s commitment to the quality output. Now representing seven lauded artists, the label’s ‘unofficial’ values (Passion. Honesty. Creativity) continue to champion the Ben Pearce aural experience.

Jasmine Phull speaks to Ben Pearce about past loves, processes and piano lessons.

You released your first EP What I Might Do in October 2012 with the help of three remixers. What inspired you to include the re-appropriations of Harry Wolfman, Adam Shelton and Bonar Bradberry?

Adam and Bonar were more David from Under The Shade’s idea, not that I complained about it! Harry I knew was on form, so I sent the parts to him and he came back with a ridiculously good mix so it got included. I think the package balanced perfectly.

As the Creative Director of Purp&Soul you currently have seven artists signed to the label. What are three things you look for when signing someone?

We don’t really have a method for looking for artists; the ones we have signed have just really came about and worked out. We’ve got a real family thing going on and all the guys get involved with that. I guess if I would have to narrow it down, it would be Passion, Honesty and Creativity. Suppose they’re standard really but it’s hard to describe - if someone feels right, they just do.

Was music something that was heavily involved in your youth? When do you first remember it affecting and inspiring you?

It definitely was, I suppose it’s not the typical DJ bio ‘having decks from the age of two’; I was into rock, metal, punk and hardcore growing up, and then into hip hop, r&b and after that, electronic music. When you grow up listening to bands you have an unbelievable connection with the music, the band members, the lyrics, you get immersed in it. That feeling carried through into other genres as well. I still listen to bands more than anything when I’m travelling though.

Can you play any instruments?

Not very well, which I suppose isn’t the usual answer. I can play a bit of guitar; bit of piano, and oh I have a bongo that I’ve been annoying my girlfriend with recently. I’ve got more piano lessons booked in; it’s something I really want to get better at.

How important is visual aesthetic on-stage?

On-stage it’s vital, I mean who can say Mick Jagger's stage presence isn’t key, but behind a DJ booth I think as long as you’re doing your job and everyone is dancing, you can do what you want in my head. DJs are becoming more and more the centre of attention and are no longer just a guy in a cramped booth in the corner. I do always get jokes from my friends for not smiling and being inanimate, but I think it’s better than jumping around and pounding your fist and being crap at DJ-ing - or sync-ing one tune into another on a laptop.

The most influential person during your youth? Why?

It’s hard to pin down one person, from the top of my head I’d say Jesse Lacey, lead singer of my favourite band ‘Brand New’. His lyrics are ridiculously good, meaningful and inspiring for me. All four albums have been totally different and each one has been amazing. I hear they are rumoured to release another; very excited. 

Describe your thought process when considering a remix? 

It’s whether I can take the parts of that track and if I have anything in my head where I think ‘yeah I can do that’ or ‘that’ll sound sick’. I suppose I haven’t done enough to have a process. It’s definitely a case of 'pull your hair out and stress until something comes together' at the moment; I think very carefully and I probably put too much weight on myself mentally.

You released ‘What I Might Do’ through the Chase & Status label MTA Records. How did that come about?

I heard that Will, from C&S, heard it in Panorama bar when Solomun was playing and he was like ‘I need to sign this track’. We’d been discussing the sample with Under The Shade and it was still sitting there, so MTA came in and we got on the same page with them and it went from there. It was very important to the release and I’m very grateful to all of them. Under The Shade released the 12” solely under their name.

Last song you listened to?

The Pharcyde, 'Passin' Me By'

First album you bought?

Limp Bizkit , Chocolate Star Fish and The Hot Dog Flavoured Water

What’s up next?

Album wise? (Laughs). I’m working on a bunch of remixes and then writing some original stuff with vocalists. Also doing a hell of a lot of touring!

Interview: Jasmine Phull

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