British producer Ben Hemsley returns to Repopulate Mars with a heady single entitled ‘Blind’ featuring a remix from label boss Lee Foss.

Last year was a breakthrough for the fast-rising Newcastle raised producer who debuted on Repopulate Mars with his ‘Caress Me’ single, following up months later with ‘NE29’ for South Of Saturn’s inaugural release. He’s since become a go-to producer for house music’s biggest names, picking up support from the likes of Michael Bibi, Eli Brown, Solardo and Patrick Topping. Hot off the heels of his ‘Snowdowns Tune’ single on Armada Subjekt, Hemsley’s now back on Repopulate Mars and his highly anticipated homecoming is another illustration of how the producer is destined for greatness.

Swinging hats and a dynamic acid melody lays down the foundation for ‘Blind’, complimented by a soulful vocal which playfully intertwines with Ben’s formidable production. An upfront banger designed to make you move, it’s easy to understand how this track has already picked up support from Calvin Harris, Dom Dolla, Fisher and more. Adding soulful chords, organ melodies and squelchy effects, Lee Foss’s version offers a deeper aesthetic in contrast to the tougher sounding.

For the occasion, we had a little talk with Ben Hemsley to talk about his relation with Lee Foss, studio productivity and more… Enjoy!

WWD: Hey Ben, how is it going in Newcastle at the moment?

Not bad mate. I mean things still aren’t normal, but they’re a lot better than what they were when we were in an intense lock down and I’m enjoying being able to see my friends again properly!

WWD: You’re back on Repopulate Mars with your ‘Blind’ release coming out and you seem very much part of the crew there. Is working with one crew something that is important to you?

I’ve never really aimed to be part of a crew. Although I’m a very big fan of him and his labels, everything that I’ve released with Lee has just come naturally. He was one of the first, if not the first big DJ to support me in the way that he has and offered to sign my records which is so cool after being a fan of his for a long time. It’s good to hear he likes my work.

WWD: What is it about Lee (Foss) and his labels that you have such an affinity with? 

I just love Lee’s work and the label’s music, He’s so talented and obviously has a lot of experience and has given me a lot of good advice over the past year. He’s also such an authentic person and we both get along really well. 

WWD: Some seriously big names have been getting behind this release – Calvin Harris and Fisher seem to be fans. Does the support of big DJs affect how you view your releases?

It’s always an absolute buzz when someone of their caliber supports your music. I was totally stunned when I got an email from Calvin Harris. I actually met him in Vegas and Ibiza last year but he actually discovered my music through hearing Eli Brown playing a remix of mine. And then emailed me saying he loved my tunes and if he could play them out in his streams and mixes. Since then he’s continued to support my tunes and I still buzz over it!

WWD: When you read DJ feedback does it make you think you want to collaborate with any of the people getting behind your work? If so, who?

Yeah definitely and I’d love to make something with Calvin Harris haha. He’s a boss.

WWD: I read somewhere that you’re a massive Vince Clarke fan – if you have to remix any of his work, what would you plump for?

That’s a tricky one. I don’t think I would coz I think everything he’s made is already perfect and I don’t want to ruin it in any way! I’d love to make an original with him though. Maybe one day… Funnily enough, when I was in LA last year I stopped by Lee’s house and he actually owns Vince’s Linn LM-1 which is cool!

WWD: With gigs being on hold for now, have you upped your studio productivity? If so, what can we expect next?

This has been my most productive period to date. Something recently clicked and I know exactly where I want to take my sound. I’ve made the best music I’ve ever made recently and I’m really excited for it to come out next year. I can’t even believe I’ve written some of the tracks!