Gemmel Phillips, more commonly known as Gemmy, started out as a grime MC, but soon found himself fascinated by life behind the mixer. Alongside cohorts, Kahn, Vessel and Superisk, he’s a longstanding member of the Sureskank collective. Expanding beyond Bristol city limits with his debut release on Peverelist’s Punch Drunk imprint, Gemmy’s surefire melodies and vivid palettes of low frequencies, provide an original twist on a scene arguably too focused on ‘bass-heavy’ productions. It’s quite possible this all comes from his earlier immersion in the catchier elements of early grime music.

Continuing our focus on the West’s best in the run up to the DIN ‘Bristol Takeover’ launch party (8th December, Corsica Studios) we caught up with this Bristol figurehead to ask him about the most significant tracks to come out of the West-country’s music central.

Joker – Stuck In The System
The reason I chose this track is because it was the first tune I’d actually seen come from studio to vinyl. I found it quite inspiring to witness the whole process. I think the track got released in a very experimental time in dubstep, and I believe that it pushed the boundaries. The cutting strings along with the grimy bass work perfectly together. The other tracks that featured on the EP were just as strong. Tracks like The Bop, Grimey Princess & J.V. Anderson. This was Joker’s first release and it was a great introduction into his sound. It’s one that I’ll always remember.

Peverelist – Roll With The Punches
Now, this is massive track that has been punishing dance floors for years now. This is one of my favourite Peverelist tunes to be honest. The soft spacey sounds and catchy melodies caught me straight away. This track played on a proper sound system is the one for me. Hearing the lead driven intro and waiting in anticipation for the deep sub-bass to creep in. It’s definitely one of those tunes you can feel swell as you hear.

Roni Size – Brown Paper Bag
The first time I heard this track was when I was about 10 or 11. At this stage a had no clue that Roni Size was a Bristolian. Being the only person in my group of friends to actually like jungle, I would always show this tune off to the people around me. Then came the video, it was the strange to see the whole process, from having it on my TDK cassette to seeing it on television. A few years later, I managed to work out the whole Bristol connection.

Krust – Warhead
Around the age of 16, I started doing a bit of digging into drum and bass. Finding out who was who and who made what tune. Then I came a cross Warhead by Krust. I automatically knew what tune it was, I could now link the name with the tune. This is one of those classic Bristol tracks that still gets played to this day. It’s another one that makes me proud of my city when I hear it.

Pinch – Get Up
When I heard this for the first time, my head was nodding instantly – it’s the techy drums, great percussion and superb soulful vocals. A well produced, up-lifting progressive track, the combination of elements work perfectly. Another one of those tunes that Bristol feels happy to have under its belt. The remixes which came out on a separate release are also just as strong and effective.

RSD – Pretty Bright Lights
This track in my eyes is timeless, it’s one of the tracks that is always in the record box. The first time I heard this one was at dubloaded, a night which Pinch and Peverelist run in bristol. The second time was Martyn playing it at FWD. Every time I hear it, it reminds me of those times, great times and memories. Its a straight up RSD track, signifying Bristol’s solid dub/jungle roots.