BEC
DJ | Producer
It's not surprising to learn that the Brighton-born DJ and producer BEC is a fan of Tim Ferris. She possesses a similar outlook to the American lifestyle guru in the form of a mutual sense of drive and resilience that has served both of them well in each of their respective paths. But before we go into that, a little bit about BEC's background…
Based in Berlin, she's a self-confessed "studio geek" and spends most of her time surrounded by drum machines. Having made her mark on Pan-Pot's Second State imprint in 2016, she released on Carl Cox's Intec and Adam Beyer's Drumcode label shortly after, followed by productions on Terminal M and Filth on Acid to name a few. As someone dedicated to crafting alluring beats and enchanting rhythms layered between chunky drums ready for the dancefloor, BEC began working with Roland and Novation in 2018 by producing demos and product videos for the two companies, subsequently finessing her ear along the way.
Pre-Covid, BEC's diary was packed with an intense touring schedule covering Nevada's Burning Man to London's Tobacco Dock. However, the pause in bookings has allowed her to hammer out a stellar body of material and next Friday, her new EP ‘Pleasure Seeker’ is due to drop via the imprint that runs deep; Second State.
For now though, BEC shares an insight into the space that's kept her sane over the last year, her daily rituals and a little bit about that Tim Ferris connection…
Studio buzz 🖤
Where was this photo taken and why did you choose it? What was the music vibe at the time
This photo is from my one and only beloved studio! A place I've been spending more and more time in since the pandemic started. Super positively associated with music! It’s my sacred space to retreat from the world and create.
How have you been over the last while and what is life like in Berlin right now?
Life is pretty boring, to be completely honest! But it’s good in a way, because there’s more time than ever to stay focused on music.
Your upcoming EP 'Pleasure Seeker' drops on Second State next Friday 23rd April, [pre-order here] is there a specific theme behind the release?
To seek pleasure! It’s all about being happy and reaching a state of nirvana (the final state of Buddhism – which represents a transcendent state in which there is neither suffering, desire, nor sense of self, and the subject is released from the effects of karma and the cycle of death and rebirth.)
Second State is an internationally-known label with a huge following, the same goes for Intec, Terminal M and many other labels that you have previously released on. For upcoming producers who dream of getting their tracks out via imprints on par with these platforms, do you have any advice?
Don’t give up, stay strong and believe in yourself! They’ll be plenty of no’s before there will be a yes. The road will most likely be longer and more difficult than you imagined (well, that’s how it was for me). But already envisioning that you’ll definitely release on these labels will help you to achieve your goal.
As the wait for clubbing, travelling, face-to-face social interaction and other fun aspects of life continues, what do you do to keep yourself sane, creative and physically well these days?
I exercise and meditate like a ritual every single morning. I do extra activities to keep my mental health in check like breathwork and journaling. I also allow myself time, if I’m not feeling 100% I won’t push myself to perform in the studio, or with anything else like I would have done before. I’ve definitely slowed down and let my feelings flow through me more.
Back to the present moment. Tell us how the photo below is something that brings you happiness or comfort in your current day-to-day agenda?
This is a photo of the ‘Tribe Of Mentors’ book by Tim Ferris. I’ve added making a smoothie bowl with all the toppings, plus drinking my usual tea whilst picking a random page from this book. They always feature quotes and interviews from very successful entrepreneurs. It always inspires me before the day ahead.
Words ✨