‘What I Might Do’ is the standout, deep house anthem that sums up our Summer in one heady drop.
Raised on classical music, Ben Pearce was all into rock, metal and hip-hop when he was growing up. Discovering electronic music later on in his teenage years, the 23-year-old Manc producer turned his focus to self-releasing, D.I.Y. mixes he recorded at home and would then release online. Discovered by Under The Shade after the label heard one of Ben’s regular podcasts via his shared online platform Purp and Soul, the past twelve months have been a whirlwind for the former event organizer. Causing a massive stir with his debut killer deep house release ‘What I Might Do’. Solomun, Seth Troxler, Jamie Jones and Pete Tong are all massive fans of his soulful sounds. i-D online secured an exclusive mix and a 5 minute chat with MTA’s latest and greatest signing.
What were the club nights you used to attend regularly in Manchester? Zutekh, Doodle, Departure, Micron, Tpot, Content.
How old were you when you first started running your own night? I was about 19.
What was the most memorable party you organized? Probably one in a disused basement that turned out to be illegal because the license hadn’t gone through.
Who has had the most impact upon your own taste in music? Hmm, hard to pick an individual, I’m always amazed when Jamie XX DJ’s and his music has put me onto so many great artists.
What are your creative processes when you’re laying down a new track or remix? Just wait until the mood strikes me, if it isn’t flowing I turn away from it and do something else, when it does work it’s usually very quick to lay something down, I usually get an idea together and then arrange it another day after tweaking.
What equipment do you work with and what does your studio look like? It’s so basic at the moment, just a laptop and a pair of mackie’s, I run the audio through my DJ mixer. I’m looking to invest in some more equipment as soon as I can to experiment.
What new producers are you heavily into at the moment? Bareskin, Real Connoisseur, Resketch, Midland, Last Magpie, Maxxi Soundsystem, Artifact, Ossie, Black Orange Juice, Dusky, Jacques Greene, there’s so many!
Where do you wanna be and what do you wanna be doing this time next year? So much has happened in the last twelve months, so even if I could be doing this all the time, making music and playing at parties that would be a dream come true. Fabric and Panorama are on my wishlist for DJ-ing.
What was the last track you listened to on your ipod? Deaf Havana – Filthy Rotton Scoundrel.
What was the last text message you sent? There was some banter and bad puns with my mates Dan and Ryan, I probably can’t repeat here but it was about a news story we read about a guy who got on the wrong side of a horny Zebra.
What do you always carry around in your backpack? My friend’s ID badge for work and a lego doll, don’t ask…
What do you always buy on every big shop to the supermarket? I’ve really got into Blue Moon beer at the moment, but I really like cooking so I’m always buying different things for new recipes.
What will be the most extravagant purchase you make if you ever become rich beyond your wildest dreams? I’d look my hardest for a loft apartment with space for a studio in and all the hardware I can get my hands on, and maybe a diamond encrusted tortoise.
soundcloud.com/ben-pearce-productions
Text: Milly McMahon
