BEC is a compelling new presence in the techno scene with a special talent for delivering high-energy techno on record and in the DJ booth.
A DJ since 2014, BEC (aka Rebecca Godfrey) got her musical education on the dancefloors of London and underground parties of her hometown Brighton. Her production developed alongside, as she explored a fascination for synthesizers, hardware sequencers and sampling. ‘After the Storm’, BEC’s debut EP, was released on Pan-Pot’s label in 2016, introducing her singular and infectiously lively sound. She returned for a second EP on Second State and is now a label regular with more impactful, vocal-laced Techno to come.
BEC showed another side to her nuanced production style in 2017, signing to Carl Cox’s Intec Digital and propelling herself to new heights. By this time, she had crystallised her ranging influences into a sound she can call her own, characterised by vibrant basslines, powerful kick drums, developing layers of melody and a natural swing to the percussion. After a move to Berlin, BEC merged her beloved breakbeats and the city’s steely sound on her ‘Sines & Breaks’ EP. The combination of slick, pumping Techno and razor sharp rhythms proved a highly effective formula in her hands, with the tracks on heavy rotation for many of the scene’s leading DJs.
With a rapidly growing tour schedule, which includes many top clubs and festivals across the world, BEC’s star is shining. She has performed at many high profile events, as well as hosting her own festival stages and curated club nights under the brand Curio. Her sets combine refined techno selections, FX trickery and endless dynamism. Expect to hear a lot more from BEC as she develops her productions with each standout release and consistently excites in the DJ booth. You can read the great interview she gave us while listening to her Drumcode debut track.
WWD: Your career has seen you leave your hometown of Brighton to be based in the likes of Berlin, Ibiza and now London. How do you find the music scenes here differ or can be similar? Do you see yourself relocating anywhere else in the near future?
They differ a lot! In my opinion, Berlin is currently the world’s best city in regards to more purist, raw underground techno music. Whereas Ibiza is far more commercial, with a focus more on house music. My move to the island was one based on lifestyle, and not necessarily the music scene, as I think it is much better in Berlin. London, however, hosts a variety of all kinds of music in different locations across the city. I’m excited to move back to such a multi-cultural place, where I can get inspired from all sorts of different events and genres. Hopefully I won’t be relocating again anytime soon, it’s taken quite a bit of energy to relocate twice this year.
WWD: Since being in Berlin you have emerged and had huge success becoming one of the techno scenes most promising artists, what was the turning point for you signifying this? Was it the release on Second State or certain parties you were playing at?
Ahhh thank you, that’s definitely a big compliment! I think it’s been a combination of multiple things. One being how I’ve had support from very established and great names in the industry from the beginning, most notably from Pan-Pot. This allowed me to play high profile gigs alongside some of the best names, giving me exposure to the right crowd. However, releases have been the most important key to my career so far. The turning point was when I released “No Regrets” last October on Second State which gained excellent feedback and gave me a massive boost.
WWD: On top of the move from one country to another, you have had a busy summer of gigs across the world most notably at Burning Man and in Ibiza. What shows do you have coming up which you are looking forward to? Are there any specific cities or parties you really enjoy playing at?
Next weekend I am playing at CRSSD festival in San Diego which I am mega excited for. I heard a lot about the festival already, and I’ll also be playing the official afterparty both days. So that should be a very fun one! I’m always excited to head to Amsterdam for ADE. It really is the one time of year that everyone in the industry is in one place, it’s great to get together with everyone during this week! I’ll be playing the Second State party at De Marktkantine on Wednesday, kick-starting my ADE week with the label family. No better start!
WWD: How would you say that your DJ sets have evolved over time? Do you find playing at parties, such as your upcoming gig at the Drumcode event at Warehouse Project, inspiring your musical direction both in the DJ booth and in the studio?
I’ve learned to be more spontaneous during my DJ sets, and if I have a sudden idea to drastically change the direction, I just do it and follow my gut. Because a gut feeling is usually the right one. And I would actually say that it works the other way round for me, that time in the studio inspires my musical direction for my DJ sets.
WWD: Your upcoming release on Drumcode’s latest ‘A sides’ compilation entitled ‘Hypersphere’ marks your debut on Adam Beyer’s renowned label. How does it feel to now be releasing on Drumcode? Has the acceleration behind your career been a bit breathtaking at times?
It’s definitely a landmark moment for me. I’ve been working very hard in the studio towards this for over two years. Adam is notably picky when signing music, but of course that’s how he has created and maintained one of the biggest and best techno labels in the world. So I couldn’t be more proud to have music of my own out on Drumcode. And they’ll definitely be more of that coming, so stay posted! The most breathtaking time for me has been when my career turned intercontinental. Allowing me to travel to some incredible countries on continents I’d never been to before to share my music, was the best feeling ever.
WWD: Can you tell us a little bit about how you got involved with the Drumcode release and how this track came about?
I met Adam Beyer at Sonar festival in Barcelona a few years ago. We got on really well and I have been sending music his way ever since. It wasn’t until earlier this year that he expressed his interest to support me more heavily and have me onboard as a core member of the Drumcode family. I couldn’t be happier to be a part of it.
I wrote Hypersphere last year in Berlin. It contains a lot more elements than my tracks usually do. I wanted to play with combinations of effects, percussion and synth sounds to see how I could get them all grooving well and fitting together! And apparently it worked out quite well!
WWD: With the music you produce, are you looking to capture a certain feeling for your fans to experience? Are there elements from outside of the club environment which you find influences your compositions?
It’s different every time. When I’m in the studio, and my creative juices are flowing, I feel a certain vibe and I release that energy into the music I am making. Sometimes this is just inspired from a feeling within myself. Sometimes it’s from an experience I’ve had, nature, somewhere I’ve travelled to, a friendship or relationship.
WWD: What can we expect from you in the last quarter? Do you have any forthcoming projects, exciting winter festivals or anything you’d like to mention?
Lots of exciting things! I am going to be playing my first Drumcode showcases in October, at the Warehouse Project in Manchester and also Drumcode Halloween at Tobacco Docks! I have a fresh 4 track EP coming on Second State in November! And I’m just finalising details for my next CURIO showcase which will take place in Colombia in the beginning of January! I couldn’t be more excited for the future right now!