Staff WriterA legend of modern bass music, Sully shares ten essential tracks as he prepares to return to Cork for RiseUp and Outlaw’d at The Pav on January 31.
Sully, aka Jack Stevens, is an understated legend of jungle, a low-key, elusive bass producer with a cult following that follows his every move. Sully has been carving out his own space between 2-step’s swing, dubstep’s edge and breakstep’s drums, all underpinned by the rude spirit of jungle. Across early EPs like Phonebox and Jackman’s Rec, he showed a rare touch for heartbreaking melody, balancing emotional weight with sub-bass pressure in a way that resonated deeply with listeners.
To mark his return to Cork, touching down at The Pav on January 31 for RiseUp and Outlaw’d, Sully spoke with RiseUp boss Jonezy for a short Q&A, reflecting on his journey, influences and enduring relationship with Irish crowds.
Alongside that conversation, he’s selected ten influential tracks, from old formative classics to modern bastions of the hardcore continuum: a window into the sounds, scenes and ideas that continue to shape one of UK bass music’s most influential figures.
You can purchase tickets here.
You’ve played Ireland a few times now. How would you describe Irish crowds, and what’s stood out to you about the energy here compared to other places you’ve toured?
You lot don’t hold back! Always a good buzz over in Ireland. Things get moving fast, too; there’s no easing into the evening. Maybe that’s tighter licensing hours at work, but I suspect it’s just good old joie de vivre.
You’re returning to Cork after a mad night last time in the Kino. This time, we invite you to the PAV. Are you looking forward to heading back to Cork?
Yeah, the last trip over was a lot of fun, a rare treat though, so it will be good to have another crack of the whip on the Riseup boxes. If it’s anything like last time, we will be laughing.
You are gonna be playing the mighty Riseup soundsystem this time in the Pav. How important do you think sound systems are to a night like this?
Absolutely key. With the right rig in the right room, you get completely surrounded by sound, top to bottom and for me, that’s an entirely different experience to normal listening. And no record in the world can get there without the right reinforcement. So yeah, it’s a biggun and Riseup is well up to the task!
D Cruze – Heaven
Mindbending stuff. The drums get vapourised and smeared over time while Sade calls from the pearly gates.
Johnny L – Piper
An obvious choice, and for obvious reasons. A pitch-black roller that smells like burnt solder.
Remarc – Thunderclap
Chops don’t get more brutal than this. Angular bliss.
Future Cut – 20/20
A perfect riff that goes on and on. And amps up any tune you double it with.
Loxy – Fraggle Rock
Another monster riff. One of those grooves that lock you in from the get-go.
Tim Reaper – Mirage
Classic Tim – straddling rowdy and mystical in his own unmistakable style.
Cloud Lord – Hammer & Nail
Love mixing this one. So much space to layer with, but enough mood to envelope anything you match it with.
J:Kenzo Basic Rhythm – Mek Quake
A regimented stepper if ever there was one. Laser-focused and hard as nails.
Fez The Kid – Spiritual Awareness
Relentless hammering snares that still flow, no mean feat.
Kid Lib – Bazooka Get Jealous
Clues in the name. Not for the faint of heart.
