With a new single out on BMG, DJ and producer Ben Pearce runs us through his top tracks.
What’s the first record you ever bought?
I learned to mix on some borrowed vinyl and after using CDJs for the first couple of years playing in clubs I started to buy records. The first I can remember buying was Maxxi Soundsystem’s edit of Criticize. Still a banger.
Your favourite ever record?
Impossible for me to pick just based on music, so I guess my favourite vinyl that I own is Maurice Fulton’s remix of Love Endeavour by Alice Smith. It was a gift and one I’ll probably never take out of my apartment.
The guilty pleasure?
I sort of dislike this phrase as I don’t think you should really feel guilty about liking any sort of music if it brings you joy. I guess it often comes up just how much Disney and show tunes I have in my Spotify library when it goes on shuffle. The song from the film Moana – How Far I’ll Go is a particular one that I seem to recently have in my head when I wake up in the morning. I also recently discovered a pop punk cover and I blast that regularly too.
The last track of the night?
Something I’ve been finishing my disco sets with recently is Anthony Hamilton – Cornbread Fish and Collard Greens. For those who don’t know it’s what I sampled for What I Might Do and it’s a brilliant track. It’s nice being able to reference something you’ve done when the night might not necessarily call for your track.
The record you’re proudest of?
It’s truly a shameless plug but my most recent single with Tayla called Fireproof (out now on all good steaming services, I know right?). It’s been a struggle for me to feel confident about my music ever since the big single 7 years ago and this is probably the first time that I’ve felt really excited by everything. It’s inspired by London in the summertime and really a result of my studio at the time having windows for the first time ever.
The soundtrack to a lazy Sunday afternoon?
Murkage Dave – Murkage Dave Changed My Life. I know Dave from back in the day in Manchester and he’s a true gent. This record is a triumph and it’s been on heavy repeat for me.
The best record for a family party?
Guardians – Inferno. I mean this has it all, fantastic disco, Marvel references for the kids (and adults let’s be honest) and Hasselhoff. The video is a trippy masterpiece too with most of the cast members involved.
Ben Pearce ‘Fireproof’ (feat. Tayla) is out now on BMG. Find him on Facebook, Twitter & Soundcloud.