One of the recurring themes of 2014 so far has been the return of the art of the resident. Long forgotten in the midst of bigger and supposedly better guest djs, residents form the fulcrum of the identity of clubnights across the globe. They build the atmosphere, know the music that makes the dancefloor buzz and deliver time and time again. They are, to quote Pete Tong, “essential”.
One of the very best residents in the UK is Jemmy. As part owner of Liverpoolโs vinyl emporium 3B Jemmy is a lad that certainly knows the value of a good record, but itโs his tenure at some of the cityโs most influential clubs – where heโs really demonstrated his acumen. He first became resident at techno soiree Aztec, honing his craft playing alongside the likes ofย Magda, Stacey Pullen and Surgeon.ย
He was then enlisted by two of the most defining parties of the cityโs current and past era of clubs. Cream first got him to warm up for Sasha and John Digweed when they reunited the duo in 2009, at the behest of both DJs. The superclub were that impressed they signed him up as resident, him regularly appearing at their parties in both Liverpool and Ibiza, as well as their superlative festival Creamfields.
The other institution though has really seen him spread his musical personality Freeze. Heโs been the man enlisted with warming up every single one of their events since 2011, for three years being the sole resident as the party has caught the eye with a consistent bevy of phenomenal showcases in a variety of iconic Liverpool venues.
Itโs seen Jemmy playing alongside Luciano, Dixon, Michael Mayer, Gui Boratto, Hernan Cattaneo and many more, as Freeze have transformed Liverpool venues such as St Georges Hall, Bombed out Church, Williamson Tunnels and inexplicably the Anglican Cathedral has havens for dance music. Whilst the party has shifted from venue to venue, reigning in an ever evolving cast of record labels and DJs Jemmy has been the common thread binding them all.
Freeze continue their 2014 focus on Saturday 26th April with John Digweed and Bedrock Records, with Ellen Allien also bringing her fizzing tech house attitude to the party. Ahead of the show we caught up with Jemmy to discuss the importance of residencies in modern clubland, and where that stood him with Freeze.
Hi Jemmy. You’re resident for Freeze in the city, with a date coming up at a Bedrock records party. Tell us some more about the clubnight and what your residency entails.
Freeze isnโt just a business likeย someย other clubnights; itโs essentially a group of friends whoย like everyone else;ย loveย going to gigs ourselves andย being inspired (probablyย getting into a bit ofย troubleย – annoying a few of theย locals along the way haha.)ย Theย party is always paramountย at Freeze andย mountains of detail and hard workย go into every show.ย I think thatโs where the success comes from, itโs not about trying to make a quick buck.ย
Where thatโs best shown is in the production, the sound, lights and everything else that goes beyond the norm at Freeze is what makes it, and thatโs what makes playing there so much fun. Itโs always the perfect set up, andย exceeds everyone’s expectations.
Everyoneโs talking about the importance of residents again โ why do you think itโs suddenly become discussed?
Did it ever go away? I guess itโs back as a conversation again because from time to time itโs good to remember why the resident is important, and I suppose they can sometimes be in the background!?
A good resident knows how to set the tone for a night, in light of both the Dj coming on after them and staying in touch with the musical character of the event as a whole. As well as creating their own unique sound. A lot of thought, dedication and passion have to go into being a good resident!
Where else have you played in the last year?
I’ve been very lucky, playing for some amazing parties for Freeze and huge shows for cream. Itโs been a lot of fun and thereโs been some interesting people whoโve been a part of the story along the way! As well as that theย artistsย Iโve played alongside have been amazing, a selection of my heroes and favouriteย djs. Thereโs been dixon, ame, guy gerber, michael mayer, gui boratto, richie hawtin and more โ I think itโs definitely been my favourite year to date.
We understand you run 3BRecords shop in Liverpool. Seeing as you are there first hand, how much of a renaissance are we seeing from vinyl sales and can you see it enduring for future years?
Vinyl is the strongest it been for years, and that makesย for a wonderful atmosphere in the shop. One thing weโre seeing is the emergence again of the over the counter culture from a few years ago, people coming in and speaking to us about the music. We get some characters in the shop as well, really eccentric types!ย
We do various things as well to make sure weโre successful, so weโre not limited to just relying on one thing, especially when that one thing has been up and down the way vinyl has! We pride ourselves on being a one stop shop for all things music, we stock equipment, tickets and merchandise as well.
We also throw in store parties for album launches and gigs. DJs that have been in the city to play elsewhere come in and showcase their music or their label, and weโve had people like Four Tet, Carl Craig, John Digweed and Crazy P all come to play. Theyโre always great events, the fans get to see these artists in a smaller setting, and in turn they get to spotlight their music โ win win.
On to production. You’ve had records signed on Bedrock in the past and have more to come out with them shortly. What makes your relationship with the label so strong?
A lot is down to John himself. I have known him for a long time, via the shop and playing with him at a number of gigs, and he radiates a lot of experience and ideas which really helps. Heโs very down to earth and relaxed but at the same time has an inner drive which is infectious, and has ensured that working with himย has been great over the years.
He has always given me his time and, one thing which has been crucial, his advice. At the beginning, when I was girst making records, he let me know what was right with them, that the sound was good and they had some nice ideas, but that there was something missing from them overall. He pointed out that in this era of electronic music, when there is so much music out there, itโs crucial to make it stand out from the crowd, otherwise it will get lost and forgotten.ย This advice has prompted me to make sure myย main focus isย originality and tell a new story with each track. I want everything I do to make a strong impression, even if it’s a stripped back subtle track, it has to have that something that draws you in and maybe surprises you a little.
What records have you got forthcoming in the future then?
I have a couple ofย greatย releasesย pencilled in this summer, which I am very excited about! Both are quite different musically but still have my sound. They will be released on a couple of record labels I really really admire, but thatโs all I can reveal at the minute ha!
Finally what else lies in the future for you?
I’m getting married in September to the most wonderful woman!ย Inย terms of musicย – Lots of releases, gigs and working hard on the 3bย label and shop.
