Ben Hemsley Interview: "This EP is me and my sound, through and through"

Amidst the whirlwind of Ben Hemsley’s global trance ascendance, he's been in the studio, and his latest EP, Angel, marks a long-awaited return to his label Bebé Recordings; his first release on the imprint in two years.

In that time, the Newcastle-born DJ has gone from a cult UK favourite to one of the leading figures in a new wave of trance. He’s notched up three Radio 1 Hottest Records, dropped a collaboration with Armin van Buuren, sold out a national tour, and wrapped up a headline Ibiza residency - all while keeping one foot planted firmly on the dancefloor and the other on the accelerator.

Now, with Angel, he circles back to the sound that started it all. Built around a vocal hook that’s been stuck in his head for years, the title track delivers high-octane euphoria with a sharp emotional pull, while B-side 'La Sirena' kicks off into something tougher, faster, and ready-made for the rave.

Scroll down and check out what Ben had to say about it all below!

Hi Ben, how are we doing? What have you been up to over the past couple of weeks?

"It's actually been a mad few weeks, you know.

"I've just brought my label to Ibiza for three special parties at Ibiza Rocks in preparation for my debut residency at Amnesia.

"It's going to be a mad summer at the Terrace every Monday with Kettama when it kicks off in a few weeks."

Let’s dive straight into your new release, Angel, out last Friday. You’ve said it was built around a sample you heard years ago. What was the sample? Where did you hear it? And what was it about that little moment of sound that stuck with you for so long?

"It’s a tune by The Mackenzie from the early 2010s called 'Innocence.' It has these vocals on it by Jessy that just stick in your head, and I just knew that the topline would sound so good with a modern trance twist on it.

"I can't exactly remember the first time I heard it, but it's a tune which has stuck with me for a while and I'm buzzing with the way the final track came out."

I love the story of how you tested it on your car speakers and then dropped it that same night. Take us back, where was it you were playing, and what was it about that night and hearing it in the car that made you want to play it?

"It was a bit mad, like. It was Kingsday in Amsterdam last year, which, if you don’t know, is like a huge day in the Netherlands… so many class parties about. I had 3 shows that day, and when I was in the car on the way to the second show, I remembered that I had this unfinished demo which would go off at the next show.

"Holland has always been a proper home for my sound, so it felt right to finish this one and debut it there. It went off and ever since I’ve spent ages tryna make it perfect, which is why it took so long to get out ha!"

That was a year ago now. How much has that track evolved, through playing it live and tinkering, since that first night you dropped it to now?

"To be honest, not a crazy amount! In terms of the actual structure of the tune, it's more just been me locking into the mix and making sure everything was perfect.

"This tune is a proper bit of me and my sound, and that's why I’m so happy we finally got it out there on my label."

The B-side takes us down a whole different avenue of trance. ‘Angel' is this hedonistic shimmer, while ‘La Sirena’ goes full chaos and will fill floors. Was that contrast intentional, especially with it being on your own Bebé Recordings, or did it just naturally unfold that way?

"If you go to my shows or listen to my music, you will know that I like to play and produce a bit of everything. 'La Sirena', as you've said, proper gets the party going and I feel it's the ideal B side to 'Angel.'"

Speaking of Bebé, this is your first release on it in two years. What made now the right time, and this release the right one, to return home to your own label?

"From the start, Bebé was always meant to be home for my sound and artists who shared my love for this new trance sound coming out of the UK.

As I love to produce a bit of everything, over the last few years I’ve been working with other labels because I was just having fun making a load of different stuff.

"But this EP is me and my sound, through and through.

"So it only felt right to get back on the label as it’ll always be the perfect home for my sound."

Your last single on Bebé was ‘Benirrás’ back in 2023. What do you remember about where you were back then - musically, personally - and how does it feel compared to where you’re at now?

"Life has been mad since ‘Benirrás’.

"I've had the chance to travel the world with my music even more and play in some incredible places. I’ve grown a lot personally and definitely musically. I feel like I’ve now got this clearer vision of my sound and where I want to take it.

"It's been a mad ride, but I’m grateful for every person who's come to a show or listened to my tunes!"

You’ve had some wicked names release on Bebé - Will Atkinson, Infaket, Daxon, Ben Gold, Trance Wax, Kyle Starkey - what are you looking for, or listening for, when thinking about a release on the label?

"That old school feeling. People overdo stuff now, I’m looking for that raw sound.

"It's harder to produce that raw sound, to have a track which focuses on the detail and brings out emotion. But this is the way I look at my own production, and also when signing tracks for the label."

Speaking of, I’d love to know which producers you think are making some of the best trance right now, maybe some you don’t think get their dues, or even someone you’d love to get on Bebé?

"On the label, Nu:Tone and Matty Ralph are class, love what these lads have been doing recently and really have distinct sounds to all their work.

Beyond Bebé, I’ve always loved Armin Van Buuren, who continues to make some of the best trance music out there, even to this day!"

Your new tour concept, Intimacy, feels like a full-circle moment - going back to sweaty little basements and stripped-back sets. How have they gone down? And what made you want to create that space for yourself again?

"Ah mate, those are such class nights.

"It's no secret that I love playing proper intimate spaces. So to host a party which strips it all back, no nonsense, just you, the DJ, and the tunes. It's what I love."

You’ve also just started back in Ibiza, bringing Bebé to Ibiza Rocks, the first one happened last Monday, with two more coming. Then you’re going to do a 16-date Monday night residency at Amnesia with Kettama. Sounds like a bit of a silly summer over there to me. How have the first shows been, and how much are you looking forward to the rest?

"It's always been my dream to have my own night at Amnesia, it's my favourite club on the planet.

"Over the last few years at Ibiza Rocks, I’ve grown to love it so much, it feels like home. So, before the season kicked off at Amnesia, it felt right to have a couple of label parties there.

"It's a bit mad that by the time October comes round, I will have been playing for 19 weeks on the island, mental.

"I'm so buzzing for the summer ahead."

Between the studio, the label, Ibiza, touring, and these massive collabs, do you ever get a second to stop and take it all in? Or are you still deep in the whirlwind?

"Ah man, it's been such a crazy couple of years. You’re right, I hardly ever get a chance to take a step back and take in all the madness.

"I'm so grateful for all of it though, this is my dream and I can’t thank everyone enough who's supported me along the way!"

Listen to Ben Hemsley's new EP on Spotify - HERE

Check out where Ben Hemsley's playing, and grab your tickets on Skiddle by clicking or tapping - HERE

Check out our What's On Guide to discover even more rowdy raves and sweaty gigs taking place over the coming weeks and months. For festivals, lifestyle events and more, head on over to our Things To Do page or be inspired by the event selections on our Inspire Me page.