The Nocturnal Times Exclusive Interview: Gemellini

We sat down with DJ and production duo, Gemellini, to discuss their new EP and getting their start in music

Hailing from Sydney, Australia, twin DJ and producers, Gemellini, possess a contagious passion for electronic music. Since getting their start on the Australian Your Shot DJ Competition, the double-talented duo has released tunes on various renowned dance labels such as Monstercat and Shah Music. As of late, Gemellini’s newest track, “Manga,” has been included on the Gott & Blandat EP, out now via Marcus Schossow’s Code Red imprint. Finding inspiration from Axwell, Dirty South, Eric Prydz, and Erick Morillo, Gemellini have set out to rise up to their fullest potential and take their DJ and production skills to the next level. Experienced in DJ sets in both music festival and nightclub atmospheres, the twin brothers sat down with The Nocturnal Times to talk about their recent Pacha gig, their new track and EP inclusion, and much more.

The Nocturnal Times: How and when did you first begin exploring electronic music?

Gemellini: We grew up listening to hio-hop and R&B. It wasn’t until we were in Junior High, when we went to our cousin’s party and he was playing electronic music. At first we were a little unsure of it and didn’t quite understand it, then he gave us a Ministry of Sound Annual Compilation album and we started to get it and fall in love with it.

The Nocturnal Times: Did you know from the very beginning that this style of music was something you both wanted to pursue?

Gemellini: Yeah, soon after we were in Europe and we bought a few house albums from different European countries, we loved it. We then tried to have a go at DJ’ing at a friend’s birthday party and we played these records that no one at the party knew, but they reacted so well to it and it was the first time we realized that we want to DJ together and we also wanted to play house music.

The Nocturnal Times: Who were some of your earliest musical influences and inspirations?

Gemellini: Erick Morillo, Swedish House Mafia, and Dirty South.

The Nocturnal Times: What do you recall as one of your earliest or fondest memories regarding music (i.e. your first concert, the first cassette/CD you ever purchased, etc.)?

Gemellini: Our first electronic concert we went to was Creamfields Festival 2010 in Sydney. As kids the first album we ever bought was ‘Lou Bega – Little bit of Mambo’, which is probably the reason why we like a lot of percussion in our music.

The Nocturnal Times: Did you go to school for something other than music? Did you both intend on pursuing music as a full time career path or intend on keeping it as a hobby?

Gemellini: We didn’t go to school for music, we just taught ourselves. At first it was a hobby, something we both had a passion for. It wasn’t until after a few club shows, we were invited to play at some great clubs overseas, that we decided we wanted to turn this into a full time career.

The Nocturnal Times: When did you decide that you wanted to pursue a career in music together? Was this something you always considered doing, or did you consider solo careers?

Gemellini: Davide had dabbled in a bit of music and DJing first. He went by the name of Gemello (meaning twin), when I decided to jump on board and do it with him, we changed our name to ‘Gemellini (meaning little twins). Being twins it works well for us to do a career in music together. We have extremely good synergies and it’s so much fun when you’re onstage jamming with your brother next to you!

The Nocturnal Times: If you could collaborate with any vocalists, who would you choose and why?

Gemellini: Tough question as there is so many artists we would like to collaborate with. We’d say John Martin, he’s lyrical writing and vocals are amazing for any style of record.

The Nocturnal Times: Your single “Manga” was included on Gott & Blandat’s new EP on Marcus Schossow’s Code Red label. How did the track first come to fruition?

Gemellini: We had an old project saved in our earlier days with a bouncy and catchy bass line. We were going through projects one day to try and trigger an idea for a track we were working on and re-opened the project which is now Manga. Granted we had to re-work it and change a lot of it before it was ready, but it was cool that it came back to surface and that the guys at Code Red were vibing.

Gemellini Releases “Manga” via Code Red, Included on Gott & Blandat EP

The Nocturnal Times: During the “Manga” production stage, were you aware that the track would be included on the Gott & Blandat EP?

Gemellini: We weren’t, which was ironic because at the time we were working on the track, Code Red was releasing some really cool music. We both said to each other, “How cool would it be if we had a release on Code Red?” Then it so happened that we sent it through and they said they would like to have it.

The Nocturnal Times: You’ve just played at Pacha Sydney alongside Danny Avila. How was this experience for you?

Gemellini: Yeah, it was a great night! We always love playing at Pacha and being in our hometown, we love looking up and seeing family and friends in the crowd to. Danny Avila came on and did a great set, as he does.

The Nocturnal Times: What would you like to share with readers of The Nocturnal Times with regards to what’s next for you in the near future?

Gemellini: We want to start incorporating vocals in our work and shows. Hopefully some more opportunities to play in different countries and to different crowds.

The Nocturnal Times: Where do you see yourself five years from now?

Gemellini: We hope to be sharing more music with the world, and have had the opportunity to play to many different crowds in many different countries. Hopefully have a few highly recognized records and just keep having fun.

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