TERRY CLEMMETT

Every musician remembers their first gig, though few could liken theirs to Terry Clemmett's. Standing in front of 200
inmates at HMP Brixton prison Christmas party, Clemmett's first performance marked the steps he was taking to be seen as more than the crime he was wrongly convicted for. Clemmett's story is as compelling as his music. Coming from somewhere deeper than his gut, Clemmett blends'ska, gypsy and urban street' with honest, insightful lyrics to concoct a sound so raw that it could only have been created by someone with his experience.
Born in Manchester, Clemmett moved to Bermondsey, London in his late teens. It didn't take long for him to become disillusioned with the opportunities that the city held. 'Young and impressionable', he fell into a cycle of crime that fed the community of Bermondsey. The Bombay EP tells stories of a life that was fused with crime, imprisonment, drugs and finally recovery. A natural raconteur, Clemmett draws you deep into the macabre world of characters such as'Lady in Blue' and'Luceil'. Together they waltz you through a cocaine coated London town, picking pockets along the way. Unafraid of expressing his views on a system that falsely convicted him, there is an underlay of anger in Clemmett's work. From the age of 25, Clemmett spent over thirteen years in prison, overpaying his dues. Whilst inside Clemmett mastered the guitar and wrote songs, he also developed an addiction to hard drugs and entered what he describes as'the darkest period of his life.' In 1992 Clemmett had his conviction overturned at the royal courts of justice, it took a further 6 years after release to be awarded an Ex Gratia payment from the home office. Clemmett continued to struggle with drug addiction and depression leading to more crime more punishment more pain.
After his last release, Clemmett was still a prisoner to his addiction. He felt an increasing urgency to use music as his salvation. Clemmett had discovered something'that made sense to him amid the chaos.' Once clean, he relocated to Bristol, where he began to build personal relationships and feel a sense of community for the first time. He swore to dedicate his life to making music and living free from addiction. Consumed by the shame of having stolen from many nameless faces to feed his habit, Clemmett wanted to give something back. He started a local radio recovery show on drug addiction. Running for over 5 years, the show helped people to avoid the familiar cycle of relapse and
reoffending. This sense of reaching out resonates throughout his music. As does the pain Clemmett feels when he thinks of the people he can't help as
they remain in their cells, never being able to break free of the cycle of crime. His songs are a call to arms, not of violence but personal expression.
Linking with bassist Adam Newton (Blackbud, Alessi's Ark, Lady Nade) and drummer Randall Phillips (Christian Silva, The Leisure Society, Elviin, Benjamin Francis Leftwich), Terry Clemmett is building a steady following across the South West. The Bombay EP is a taster of a few of his songs highlighting the unique sound by which he delivers them. A prolific writer, he is in the process of putting together his first album.
Terry Clemmett: Song writer/Guitar/Vocals
Adam Newton: Bass/Backing vocals
Randal Phillips:Drums/Backing vocals