JACQ’s musical education has taken him to the confines of a studio space shared with artists like Rudosa, Dave Parkinson and Tuff London. This has resulted in JACQ gaining support from the internationally revered Toolroom Academy. His application and worth ethic coupled with the knowledge of D.Ramirez and Pete Griffiths have led to his recent signing to Toolroom Trax receiving huge support from the label’s frontman Mark Knight, who has tipped JACQ as the artist to watch out for. We sat down to find out more about Liverpool’s latest underground dance music export…
JACQ thank you for joining us and congratulations on your EP with Great Stuff Recordings – how did the release come about?
Thanks guys, I had my second Toolroom Trax release at the beginning of the year and not long after I was contacted by Markus from Great Stuff Recordings saying they are fans of my sound and would love to feature an EP from me on the label
What was the inspiration and meaning behind each track on the EP?
Energy:
It does exactly what it says on the label, it’s all about the energy. I just let it all go with this one!!!!!
Fall Back:
Fall back is your get out of jail track, when you’re looking like you’re losing the crowd, this track is gonna bring the attention back to the party
What was the process in the studio making this EP?
I try to keep it simple, I know my sound now and what works well within it. I always keep the drums tough and let them drive my tracks forward, you will recognise that in all my music.. I love stabby synth arrangements, especially old skool sounds which I move around a lot. I want the energy to constantly build with hooky vocals into massive payoffs. On the ‘Energy’ release I had the amazing Frankco Harris come into the studio and lay down the vocals for the track which just set it to another level
What made you get into music production?
Six years ago I came back into the music industry as a DJ after a long absence due to other commitments. I had been out of the game for over 10 years. Things were different now and everyone seemed to be producing their own music and developing genres. This was a game changer for me because I thought my experience of music might play an advantage in making it. After a few years of self-teaching and various tutorial experiences I got involved with the Toolroom Academy, here I worked alongside some of the best producers and artists in the industry. It was at this point I started to join the dots together, find my sound and identify myself in the scene
Where do you draw inspiration from when making music?
Sometimes I have moments in my life that can inspire me and control how I’m feeling to make my music. I also like to listen to classic house tracks and take influences from the sounds and see how they can work today
What do you like to do outside of making music?
I like to spend quality time with my family and friends, I have great fun with my kids and experience life with them as much as possible
If you could pick just three tracks which have influenced your life, what three would you pick and why?
Decktition – Love Rush
This was a big track from my first influence in the scene. I used to go to an under 18’s promotion in my local town which hooked me into wanting to become a DJ when I was 13
Rachel Wallace – Tell Me Why
When I was 18, I used to go with my mates to Life at Bowlers in Manchester. This was a massive influence on me and my musical taste going forward. ’Tell Me Why’ was massive at the time
Reflekt – Need To Feel Loved (Adam K & Soha Vocal Mix)
Got so many amazing memories in Cream when it comes to this one!!!!!!!!
What has been your biggest achievement to date in your music career?
My first signing to Toolroom Trax ‘Here In My Heart’. Toolroom was always my dream label to sign to so when this opportunity came along it was just another level for me. Just before the track was released I was over in Amsterdam at ADE, and got to witness Mark Knight playing the track at the Beatport party in A’DAM Tower. I still buzz off it now, it’s madness Mark Knight playing my music!!!!!
Quick fire fun round…
Everton or Liverpool?
Liverpool
McDonalds or KFC?
KFC
House or Techno?
Love em both but if i have to choose, House
Camelphat or Yousef?
Pass
What is in store for JACQ for the rest of 2020 and 2021?
I’ve got some big releases coming soon and I’ve got a couple of amazing collab tracks ready to go which I’ve done with Phonix. I’m also working on a very exciting project I can announce at the end of the year so keep your eye out for that
Thanks for taking the time to join us and answer some questions JACQ!
Thanks DMC it was a pleasure!
*****
Artist Links
www.facebook.com/jacqukmusic
www.instagram.com/jacqukmusic
soundcloud.com/jacq_uk
www.beatport.com/artist/jacq-uk/784662
Record Label Links
www.greatstuff.eu
www.facebook.com/GreatStuffRec
twitter.com/greatstuffmusic
soundcloud.com/great-stuff
www.youtube.com/user/GreatStuffRecords
