Behind the Pair'd | Ben Shewry

This November, New Zealand-born chef turned DJ, Ben Shewry, will be getting behind the decks for a 90-minute set at Pair’d Margaret River Region. First setting foot in a commercial kitchen at the age of 10, Ben is now world-renowned for his culinary expertise as chef and owner of award-winning Melbourne restaurant, Attica. We caught up with Ben to discuss all things Pair’d, food and music.

Have you been to Western Australia’s Margaret River Region before? 

I’ve never been, this will be my first time! 

What are you most excited to experience in the Margaret River Region? 

For me, it’s always been about the local community. I’m looking forward to meeting the people of the Margaret River Region. That’s where the heart of any place is, the human aspect. 

Tell us more about how you’re involved in Pair’d Margaret River Region this November? 

I will be in my ‘official’ role as a semi-pro DJ. Watch out speakers! 

Growing up, I was in awe of legendary local DJ, ‘Doctor Rock’, who blasted dance halls and cabarets all around the region of Taranaki, New Zealand. He was also the kindest DJ on the planet, allowing me to assist him as a 10 year old! 

Since then, I have been fascinated with DJing, so I am looking forward to sharing my music at Pair’d.

What is your ultimate wine or music pairing?

I’m a man of the classics. I came to enjoy wine later in life through my much more wine educated wife, Kylie. In short, I like anything where the winemaker has grown their own grapes themselves, in a way that shows care and expression of their environment. 

Pair this with one of my favourite songs, Blue Skies by Willie Nelson. All the experts told Willie not to record the album, Stardust. Willie went on to record it anyway, and it became his biggest record. It reminds me of something a friend said to me recently - ‘if three experts tell you that what you are doing is wrong, then it’s right’.

In your opinion, what are two things that should never be paired together? 

Vegetables and lasagna. As written in my new book, Uses For Obsession, aside from a small amount of sofrito and tomato, vegetables have no place in lasagna, no place whatsoever! To suggest otherwise is a blasphemy! I warn you in advance, do NOT try to debate this with me. 

What are your top 3 songs to cook/work to? 

‘On the Nature of Daylight’ by Max Richter when writing.

‘I See a Darkness’ by Will Oldham when reflecting.

‘Seventeen’ by Sharon Van Etten when dreaming.

Who else in the talent line-up are you excited to catch up with /& or collaborate with at Pair’d Margaret River region? 

Well, this is a tricky question because of the absolutely incredible line up of talent at Pair’d!

Basically, everyone, but if I had to choose, then definitely Kyle and Katina Connaughton, Andy Hearnden and my good mate Max Veenhuyzen. I am also looking forward to catching up with my DJ-in-crime, Grant Smillie and my good friend and fellow chef, Rosheen Kaul. 

What are three things will you definitely be packing in your suitcase to come to the Margaret River region? 

I’ll only be bringing one thing: records!

Lots and lots of records. I only DJ with vinyl, which weighs a ton, so my suitcase will be filled with all my favourite albums. 

When you think of the Margaret River region, what is the first word that comes to mind? 

Surfing. And then wine. 

What can guests expect from your event? 

To absolutely not ask me to play their favourite song. I am strictly a no-requests DJ!

Ben will be headlining the New Wave Gathering at Pair'd on Friday 15th November. 

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