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Anthem Maker: Dave Pearce.
Dave Pearce is a DJ on one of Radio One’s most popular shows, “Dance Anthems.” Pearce has worked in radio since 1981. He also helped to create the BBC’s first hip hop show. He has been hosting “Dance Anthems” since October 1997. The show airs every Sunday night and can be heard in the US via Sirus satellite radio. Dance Anthems can also be listened to on the BBC’s website. Dave recently wrote in to talk about how to spot a future dance anthem, his love of trance music and light worshipping clubbers.

What’s been your worst night out?
Probably when i was going to a gig in the North of England to one of my favourite clubs and we broke down on the way, it was snowing and it took 5 hours for the recovery van to arrive then along slow all night ride home. And of course I missed the event.

What dance anthem do you feel best describes you?
Great Question! Probably Phase 2 “Reachin” which is an old US house hit which has a very positive lyric “If you believe in what you do, you gotta keep on reachin”. That’s kind of been my philosophy and if you are ever feeling a bit low this track pulls you back up and makes you go for it.

Do you remember your first time on the radio?
Yes, my first spot on the radio was on an illegal pirate radio station. I was very nervous but very excited at the same time. My heart was beating very fast but after about 15mins I settled into it and enjoyed the ride.

What do you enjoy most about being on Radio 1?
The great thing about Radio One is we are the only UK coast-to-coast Fm station playing new music. This means that by playing a record on your show you can really help it become a hit. Also by attracting large audiences you can help develop scenes, for example my favourite music is trance so I can reach several thousand trance fans all at the same time and there’s a real feeling of connection.

What do you like least about it?
I guess only having 2 hrs when i have 4 hours of tracks i would love to play.

What’s your favorite show on Radio 1 (besides your own)?
Judge Jules on Saturdays – it’s a great show

What’s been your most embarrassing moment on the radio?
When I said a very very rude word unintentionally I was doing a link about cunning stunt tricks

You helped to create the BBC’s first hip hop show. Who is your favorite rapper?
Chuck D- Very powerful and great lyrics

What’s the most bizarre thing you’ve seen while DJing/clubbing?
People having sex, people falling over (that happens quite a lot). The weirdest thing was in Ibiza when a man just sat on the dancefloor and started worshipping the lights.

Radio 1 recently debuted on satellite radio in America. What do you feel is the state of dance music in the US?
Well I’m a bit out of the loop on US radio but I wish there was more. People are terrified of taking risks but I’m sure that there is room for 24-hour dance stations in some of the key cities. When we launched Kiss Fm in 1990 in London everybody said it wouldn’t work and its still there.

What’s the worst trend in dance music?
Progressive house- so dull.

Do you have any musical guilty pleasures?
I absolutely love Delirium “Silence” and always try to find ways of slipping it into my set.

Do you have a quote or motto that you live by?
Give it a GO.

If there was a movie made about your life, whom would play Dave Pearce?
I’m not sure anyone would want to see that movie.

Do you have any tips for spotting a dance anthem in the making?
My golden rule is by watching the reaction on the dancefloor- dance hits are like the formula of all hit records a great hook a bit of melody and that little extra magic.

What’s your favorite dance album of all-time?
Frankie Knuckles-Tears (America was responsible for the foundations of the whole dance music scene, New York used to be the Dance capital of the world. European producers picked up the ball and moved with it and created new sounds and ideas).

What is the biggest piece of advice that you would give to up-and-coming DJs?
Love what you to, be yourself, play what you feel is right, don’t be too influenced by others.

For more info on Dave Pearce, check out http://www.davepearce.co.uk/