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Ben Verse

You probably know of Ben Verse as Pendulum's MC but he's been producing for the last six years. 2008 saw the release of his debut drum & bass album and this year sees Ben expand his horizons with a dubstep 12", Flip The Coin / Inhale, on N-Type's Wheel & Deal imprint on March 1st. We spoke to Ben recently to find out more about this and Pendulum's forthcoming album, Immersion...

Your new single is dropping soon and it's a fantastic dark dubstep number with some mellowed out bass, how did that come about, given your extensive background in performing with drum & bass?
The first person who introduced me to dubstep was SP:MC. He came around the studio one day with an idea for a tune he was making. He told me about a night called Forward he had been going to and basically bigged it up as a scene in general. A couple of months passed, and then one night I ran out of petrol between Sheffield and Nottingham. I remember listening to a dubstep set on Radio 1 and it was the first time I had really sat down and listened to a whole set. I could now hear what SP was talking about, and it was inspiring to say the least. I got hurt by the vibe in the tracks, the no rules vibe to the production and the diversity of the selection. So when I got home I made Flip The Coin.

From what I've seen of your input to live shows, you're a man of the people, how does it feel to really push crowds into their element and to better their experience?
I love working crowds and I just want to add to the experience and take the vibe up. I try to amp the show to the point where you can feel the vibe is going right off without taking the focus away from the music. I'm lucky with Pendulum because the music is so riot inducing in itself, it's like striking a match onto a lake of petrol.

How did you meet up with Pendulum? You've been touring with them relentlessly over the past few years, it must be tiring!
I met the guys when they first came over to the UK but I didn't start working with them full time until we all joined Echo Location agency back in 2005. Touring is tiring but I've learnt how to deal with it.

How does Immersion sound for those itching to hear it? Did you have much involvement in the development process of it?
Immersion is going to be the perfect tonic for all Pendulum fans new and old. It's got hints of Hold Your Colour and In Silico as well as showcasing some new influences that have inspired the guys over the past two years of touring. Rob has a mobile studio set up with him wherever he goes. The album was started on a tour bus in the States when the band was touring and will be finished in London by the original trio from Australia: Rob, Gareth and Paul. I have been involved along the way and recorded the vocals for a new track but as far as production goes Rob is the mastermind and he holds the mouse.

It's great to see your dedication to the genre as well, what makes the scene so appealing and what makes being an MC so special and enjoyable for you?
I couldn't handle working in an office. It's a challenge doing this, seeing how far and for how long I can take it. I like working in an industry of like-minded people who are all basically doing something for something they love; the music.

What can we expect from Ben Verse in the next few months?
Next out is another 12" on Wheel & Deal, then I'm doing a dubstep album due for release late 2010. I'm also going to be bringing my label Crunch Recordings back. Watch this space!

Words: Nick Bleeker