The beat-making wunderkid live and direct…
Interview by Dan Prince
Jacob a huge welcome to DMCWORLD…how did you first get into the music industry?
I was making music on my computer since I was about 13, by the time I left school I was already making money from production work. I was about to go work in London doing station sound for radio, when someone heard my demos and offered to release some singles.
What was your first connection with music? Did your parents play it a lot around you?
My parents where very encouraging with music. My mum made me do piano lessons and my dad taught me the guitar. He is really into music so he encouraged me to stick at it and try pursue it as a career.
How did the connections come about with prolific producers, Steve Aoki and Calvin Harris?
I’ve released music on their labels, so the relationship builds from that. I also see them both here and there at shows. It’s amazing how it all comes together, when I was 18 I was a massive Calvin Harris fan. It’s pretty cool to put out music on someones label that you look up to.
Do you think being brought up and living in London has influenced your sound, if so how?
I think my latest single is very British sounding. It is almost a mix of Reggae / Ska and House, which which have all had a huge part of Londons music history. For a long time I was watching the US as dance music exploded, but recently I have been looking closer for inspiration.
Are there any London artists who have inspired you over the years?
Yeah there are loads! When I was younger people like, Kano, Example, Skepta, Amy Winehouse. Recently I’ve been loving what Section Boyz & Last Night In Paris are doing. In my opinion music from the UK has always been world class and ahead of the curve. The one sad thing now is that so many clubs are shutting and the government don’t fully support the UK music scene.
How would you describe your sound?
I think my music fits into the broader term of House. All my releases fit in sub genres of House, whether its Electro House, Future House or just House!
When you go into a studio, do you already have an idea of what you want to produce or write or do you go in with an open mind?
It’s different everyday really. Some days I go in with an open mind and some days I will have an idea already to take in. Some days are just spent trying to finish ideas.
You’ve recently made your US debut, what was the reception like over there?
I love the US. I’m thinking about moving there. Every time I play I have such a good time, the crowds are so fun!
Having recently performed at Lollapalooza, do you prefer performing at festivals or more intimate venues?
I love festivals, when they are busy there is nothing better! I do love to play smaller venues too, but I just love festival vibes. Lolla was sooooo good. That really was a highlight for me.
What is your current stance on the declining number of live music venues and nightclubs in the UK and more specifically London?
It’s awful. You have to learn your craft on the road and in venues in front of people, thats what makes you grow. If more and more of these smaller venues go there will be nowhere for new young bands and DJs to come up.
It’s not just about the musicians either… Everywhere you look pubs and clubs are getting knocked down and re built into another Starbucks or unaffordable flats. It’s crazy, it makes me so angry when I think about it!
Were you involved in the London nightlife scene growing up?
Well yeah I was a punter for a long time, going out to the clubs and seeing my favourite DJs. I used to DJ a lot in London at the 16+ raves which where crazy. That was all such a learning curve for me, it’s so important for people to go through that.
If you weren’t a producer, what do you think you would be doing right now?
I was thinking about this the other day. I think I would be running my own company or something like that. I don’t work well working for other people.
What was it like working with Reggae artist Stylo G on your latest single ‘Bike Engine’? Do you listen to much Reggae yourself?
I love reggae, its what I listen to in my spare time. My favourite band is The Clash, who took massive influence from reggae. I loved working with Stylo G on our latest single because it felt like my first release where I had taken that influence and used it.
Check the video here…
https://skint.lnk.to/BikeEngineVideo
Other than London, where would you like to take your music?
I want to explore the US more with my music definitely.
Do you think you will produce an album one day?
Funny you say that, I just started working on one. I’m really excited to work on something else that isn’t singles. I’ve always wanted to work on an album, it’s been my dream since I was a kid. So for the time being thats what I am focussing on.
