Long-time friends and DJ duo, Dave Pearce and Pascal Ellinas, better known by their stage name Pascal & Pearce, have inked a deal with heavyweight major label, Universal Music. The duo have managed to keep it under wraps for most of the year and today have finally announced their new home with a remix of fellow Universal Music Group artist, VASSY.
Vassy, the voice behind 2 Billboard number ones, namely for her collaborations with both Tiësto and David Guetta, collaborated earlier this year with PLAYMEN, and as soon as the local boys heard it, they were down to lend their sound to the summer anthem. The duo are no strangers to remix work having put their take on tracks from some big names such as ABOVE & BEYOND, BLASTERJAXX, LONDON GRAMMAR, CHILDISH GAMBINO, WRETCH 32 & EXAMPLE to name but a few.
Their focus for the remix was on the melodic side of things; changing up in their style whilst still incorporating the important melodies and integrity of the original track. They were also listening to a lot of half-tempo tracks at the time, which inspired the beat that underpins the catchy vocals.
The duo have released 5 studio albums together and promise to put out much more content next year for their fans through their new partnership with Universal.
Hi guys… it is such a pleasure to be featuring you guys on the site!! Is everyone doing well today?
Can you give us a short background on who Pascal & Pearce are, as well as how you guys came together to for this formidable partnership?
P: This is my all time favourite question. I'm Pascal Ellinas, I live in Cape Town and I don't surf, but love the beach. I was introduced to Dave Pearce on a online dating site for single DJs/musicians looking to start up a duo/three way or more. Just joking we met through mutual friends and there is no website that does that, if you do start one that does that you know who to credit with the idea.
D: Hahaha, yeah what Pasci said. I'm Dave Pearce, I live in Jozi Town (at the moment), and I don't surf either. Not much of a beach guy though.
Where do you guys take inspiration from in your "sound"?
P: Everything. We listen to a lot and never shut off our inspiration. The thought of doing interviews alone gets us through most days.
Besides being a DJ act, you guys are also very well known for the work that you put in regarding production. Would you say that the production side is your main focus as Pascal & Pearce?
D: I think the two definitely go hand in hand – we wouldn't be where we are DJ wise if it wasn't for the production, and vice versa… balance is key!
You have just released a remix for the track Should Have Said by PLAYMEN x VASSY. How did this partnership come about?
D: Yeah, Universal SA contacted us a few months ago and said they had a huge opportunity for us to work with a really cool international artist, so we took the chance with both hands – we're really stoked with how the remix came out!
Our local scene has been growing positively over the past few years… What are your thoughts on our local music scene at the moment and if there is anything you wish to see happen differently?
P: I could not agree more, one thing I would like to see is more SA music on international radio.
D: Agreed, and I think we're getting there! Long gone are the days when South African music was sub-par to some international music. You could hear a song on radio or whatever and immediately know it was South African. These days it's almost impossible to tell, our level has risen to international standards in a big way!
P: Nope. Just Pascal & Pearce for now.
D: Too many to mention – so many guys doing such amazing things at the moment, both internationally and locally. Kyle Watson, Goldfish, Black Coffee – all doing great things and making SA proud!
Anything that you guys are currently working on that we would be interested in hearing about?
P: We are always working on music, so yes there is a lot in the pipe line that I'm sure you will be dancing to.
Lastly, if you could have any 3 producers to work with in studio, who would they be?
P: Dr Dre, Deadmau5 & Nile Rodgers.
Thanks for your time guys…!!