On the most recent HYPE THEM show, Manchester creative, Pearlz, joined our hosting duo, kaoti & sher. Alongside some quality chat on the airwaves, we were even treated to an exclusive live set behind the decks. You can listen back to the full show below.
We caught up with Pearlz behind the scenes to get to know him a bit better and to find out what exciting things he has coming up that we shouldn’t miss out on.
So, Pearlz, if you had to describe your music in three words to someone who had never heard it before, how would you describe it?
In 3 words if I was to describe the music I make it would be: emotive, melodic and energetic, all under the umbrella of electronic dance music.
Where did your journey with music and DJing begin?
My journey with music and DJing stemmed quite organically from the simple enjoyment of listening to music. As my music tastes developed, so did my interest in becoming immersed in more than just being a spectator. I received my first set of decks just after I moved to university about 5 years ago and started producing not long after this as COVID hit.
At university in Bath I became heavily involved with all the events happening there and it gave me an opening to start DJing to a crowd as opposed to the condensation in my first year accommodation. I definitely fell for the music and events world. Since then, I’ve been channelling my creativity into any opportunities that come my way. For me, every set is a chance to convey a feeling, an atmosphere and to communicate untethered from the bounds of language – this is why DJing and music are so personal to me, it allows me to speak without talking.
Have there been any important role models in your musical journey or any that have inspired your sound/aesthetic?
The greatest inspiration, hands down, that has inspired my whole journey is Mall Grab. His sound and his energy has had the greatest impact upon my musical characteristics. He’s been such a role model to me. Being the headliner of one of my first rave experiences and my admiration for his distinct musical identity has fully cemented him into my musical hemisphere. A lot of my music draws on the emotions that he’s made me feel at his events and that’s been relayed through my entire music experience.
The opportunity to close for him last year was a full-circle moment. It was probably the highlight of my musical career up to date.
Where do you find inspiration for your creativity?
I think, like every creative, creativity comes in waves. There will be some weeks I feel quite a resistance to creating despite it being what I love. Then there will be weeks where I’m brimming with ideas and hyper-focused on finishing things. I like to draw inspiration from a lot of sources. These include reading magazines and sometimes it will be a single image, object or sound that will spark an idea.
I like to think of my creativity as the embodiment of my subconscious mind. It’s the stuff that exists inside that words inadequately could express. Creating is what brings me joy and offers me a new language to work with – I’m content if no one is able to understand it and thrilled if they are!
Who is your queer icon?
In the music scene HAAi is one of my queer icons – I love her style, her aura, each time I’ve met her she’s been so warm and down-to-earth. She’s one of my favs.
Can you tell us more about your events, Pink Slip?
After being invited to Resident Advisor’s Access All Areas event last year ,I had the opportunity to hear Sophia Kearney speak on her experiences co-founding HE.SHE.THEY. Her talk was really motivational and I already had thoughts about starting my own event. It felt like the natural next step in utilising the skills I gained with Origins. So, after being inspired by that day I bit the bullet and started Pink Slip.
The night was about recreating the adrenaline of putting everything on the line, creating space for diverse dancefloors and nurturing local and emerging talent. Our first couple events have been really fun and although it’s been on a hiatus recently I hope to revisit putting our third event on soon!
What does being queer mean to you?
Being queer to me represents freedom. It’s the freedom to exist, to flourish, to create and to be exactly who I am. I don’t define myself by my queerness but that’s not to say that it isn’t an integral part to who I am and what I create. Its influence seeps throughout my work and is a presence I’m comforted by as I live my life and do the things I enjoy. I’m grateful to all those that have come before and those that are continuing to push heteronormative boundaries so that we may exist and create as ourselves.
If you had to recommend a queer-centred space or venue in Manchester to somebody, where would you point them to?
I would suggest the amazing stuff they do at Islington Mill and Partisan Collective.
What do you see for the future of your music? Do you have any particular goals you’d like to achieve with your creative journey?
I hope to continue to enjoy creating and see where it takes me. I feel as though creativity can blossom more organically and more naturally away from commercial pressures so I would like to find a balance between allowing this to happen but also being proactive in the complex industry so that the opportunities are there for me to showcase my work.
My end goal would be to secure a decent career in the creative sector whatever that might entail. I’m dead-set on being unable to compromise on doing something I don’t enjoy. I’d love to find something where I could do what I love that also propped up my spending habits! Some sort of DJ, artist, fashion designer, all-round really cool person job would be perfect…
Where’s the best place for people to find you on social media and to find your mixes?
My instagram is @pearlz2k where I post everything I’m up to and you can find my music on my Soundcloud @pearlz2k.
