In 2012 Ben Pearce was responsible for writing one of the biggest dance tracks of the year.

His single ‘What I Might Do’ went platinum in Europe, reached #7 in the UK charts and was the UKs most Shazam’d track of 2013.It well and truly launched the underground artist into the global circuit… But is that all he’s good for? When an artists writes such a successful hit, it’s easy to generalise his or her style with that one track. Now those who have followed Ben for a while will know he’s much more than a one-hit-wonder, but if you haven’t been keeping a keen eye on his other work you may have fallen by the way-side. So, let us catch you up a little. With a six-date Australian/ New Zealand tour only days away, we’ve put together a list of our favourite Ben Pearce productions to help bring you up to speed.

1. Ben Pearce feat. Elias – Crescent (Running)

Ben’s latest EP ‘Ascension’ is the first of a four-EP series to be released on PIAS Recordings. This EP is a step in a new musical direction for the Englishman, much like his live sets, the entire release takes the listener on a journey as opposed to slamming out individual dance tracks. The leading single from the EP is ‘Crescent’, which was also released as Crescent (Running) with Swedish singer-songwriter Elias jumping on board for vocals. Sun-drenched and dreamy, this is a real close-your-eyes and drift away number.

2. Ben Pearce – Pomelo (Original Mix)

‘Pomelo’ is one of those tracks that could easily throw you into a heated discussion with one of your mates about what genre it actually is. The tech house bassline is met by a techno melody and progressive flow, so… It’s progressive techno house? Regardless, ‘Pomelo’ is an absolute tune. Released in late 2016 (four years post ‘What I Might Do’), we began to see a change in direction from Ben. All aboard, we’re going on a journey.

3. Hayden James – Something About You (Ben Pearce Remix)

Hayden James and Ben Pearce have one very big thing in common. They both wrote an absolutely earth-shattering single that earned them global respect in an instant, so what happens when one of the guys remixes the others hit? Well, press play and find out for yourself. With a similar story to Pearce, ‘Something About You’ turned a relatively unknown Hayden James into the worldwide touring demon that he is today. Keeping on trend with his new progressive style of dance, Ben’s remix launches the listener into a euphoric dream state that only he can provide.

4. Ben Pearce – The Middle (Original Mix)

Our second selection from ‘Ascension’ is an electronic beast. ‘The Middle’, which was most likely given its name for being the middle track of the release, is a storm brewing on a sunny day. The driving percussion and stabbing synths have you feeling as though you could be fanging around on the back of a light cycle in a scene out of Tron (note; if you’re not familiar the film and you like techno and sci fi, drop everything and watch it immediately).

5. Ben Pearce & Shadow Child – Nothing Ever Hurts feat. Laurel (Original Mix)

In his own right fellow UK producer Shadow Child is a force to be reckoned with, now pair him up with Ben Pearce and you’ve got outright groove domination. ‘Nothing Ever Hurts’ was written back in 2015 and features a relatively unknown British vocalist by the name of Laurel. From the bells in the build up to the melodic pads in the background, this number is what blissin’ out, is all about.

Tour dates:

Thursday 25th May: Electric Rush @ Barmuda, Queenstown NZ

Friday 26th May: Brown Alley, Melbourne

Saturday 27th May: Mr Wolf, Canberra

Friday 2nd June: TBC Club, Brisbane

Saturday 3rd June: Chinese Laundry, Sydney

Sunday 4th June: Rhonda’s, Terrigal

Words by Stefanos Mak.