The Homelands Interviews: Dave Pearce!

Dave Pearce might now be a name synonymous with dance compilations and baseball caps but back in the day he was a true industry pioneer. From pirate radio to New York disco or early hip-hop to acid house - he's one of the lucky few that's seen and done it all. We caught up with the dance anthems don to discuss his forthcoming appearance with Radio 1 at Homelands 2004. 

Virtual Festivals: What, for you, is the highlight of this year's Homelands line-up?

Dave Pearce: I haven't heard Paul van Dyk for a long time so I am really looking forward to seeing him.

VF: Controversially, for 2004, the Homeland's techno tent has had to make way for a hip-hop line-up.  Good or bad thing?

DP: I am a fan of hip-hop so I will be interested to see how popular this change is, but I am also a fan of techno particularly Dave Clarke's new track - Just Ride.

VF: There has also been a move towards booking more live acts and less 'superstar' DJs.  Is this representative of the perceived decline in dance and greater interest in guitar bands?

DP: I think the live acts, particularly a live act like Faithless, bring a visual spectacle to the stage and this is probably why they are including more in the line up this year.

VF: All-time favourite festival moment (as DJ and punter)?

DP: Playing at Homelands in the pouring rain and having a giant outside water party!

VF: You've been asked to curate the line-up of a tent at next year's Homelands.  Which DJs and live acts are you going to book?  Money's no object.

DP: DJ Tiesto, Paul van Dyk, Underworld and Faithless

VF: Your most useful festival tip is.....

DP: Bring something to eat and enough money for plenty of drinks

VF: Best perks of being an international jet-setting DJ?

DP: Getting to meet lots of interesting people