Boom Ting Recordings label founder and a multi-instrumentalist, Jakwob is obsessed with the science behind what makes music sound good. An expert producer of death metal and dubstep to acoustic and pop, he is the go-to-guy for elite and instinctive rhythmic guidance. Youngman, Little Simz, Kano, Jetta, Mr Hudson and Ghostpoet, they all keep this beatsmith on their remix speed dial. Drafted in to craft expert reworkings of already successful tracks, the Lincolnshire born, London-based musician recently established his own imprint to act as a catalyst and incubator for new music he finds inspiring and exciting.
Unmotivated by international chart success and more excited by raw talent, Jakwob works on DAWs and traditional outboard pieces from a converted Victorian gin distillery in Clerkenwell. Recently completing a raging, fresh Essential Mix for BBC Radio 1—and releasing his latest and greatest track, "Feels Like Home", on Shy FX's own inimitable young imprint, Digital Soundboy—Jakwob is now focused on his latest project with fellow electronic producer FTSE: Get Hot.
Signing to Last Gang Records in America and Lucky Number in the UK, the hard working reclusive producer's main priority is Get Hot’s debut album, due out in early next year. Just 25 years old with a heavy discography to his name, Zane Lowe champions the long-haired, sideways sound engineer's endeavours of forward-thinking prestige. Always jumping on to the next and best, Complex UK finds out if Jakwob's humble roots and long hair are the secret to his success.
Interview by Milly McMahon (@MillyMcMahon)
What is the starting point when working with on remix? Nicolas Jaar once stated that he could only rework tracks he didn't like. Do you identify points of weakness that you think could be developed or just generally choose tracks more suited to your own aesthetic?
I love a good musical challenge so I always gravitate towards stuff that Is immediately inspiring, but not necessarily my first choice. I love getting the opportunity to remix records that haven't already been touched. When I first heard Laura Mvula's "She", I couldn't get over how perfect its depth was; I just started playing about with and it ended up sounding like something I've never really done. Her people ended up hearing it and released it, officially. I did actually hear that they weren't initially going to go with remixes on the release, which made it even more of a big deal. I probably have a little story about every mix I've done, to be honest. They're always very rewarding, especially when the artist gets in contact.
"Devour", the track you produced for Little Simz, has received mass support. You helped bring a more polished and diligent sound to her raw flow. How did you enhance those qualities and tone down any brashness, without losing her edge?
I've always loved the sound of something sweet on something harsh and raw. When I knew we had a studio session in the diary, I put together a few beats and ideas I knew she'd not necessarily been near before. I'm a true believer in stepping out of your creative comfort zone as much as possible. I think me and Simz have made nearly 10 tracks together now... Some of my favourite stuff in years!
What advice would you pass on to young, aspiring producers who are strategizing for success today?
Just work with what you have. Don't splash out on anything unnecessary. Uni worked for me in so many ways, and so did internships. I'd also say spend lots of time on your favourite software and make sure you play your creations to trusted people and take on board all comments—especially from people who have little or no interest in making music. If you really think you've made something special, share the fuck out of it and it should work.
Your Wiki page shows you with short hair; is the success of your career somehow intertwined with the length of your flowing locks? Do you get less or more girlie attention with hair that good?
That is the sweetest question I've ever been asked [laughs]. Well, if that were the case, shouldn't I have a private jet by now? When it reaches my waist, I'm planning on shaving it off and giving it to a charity who make wigs. I don't get any girlie attention. I wish! Just disgusted looks... Maybe I need that jet [laughs].
You're a man who invests in style, so what is the most treasured item in your wardrobe and what labels do you wear the most?
I do like ma clothes, and for years I've always wanted to do the whole Adidas two-piece look. Finally, they've started doing the Originals again. But its shit, because everyone else is hammering it now! Apart from that, I'm always on the lookout for some nice bits; Our Legacy, APC and Cheap Monday make up the majority of my wardrobe.
Thoughts on the current chin-wig trend?
I think it's stupid.
In other news, how's the music scene in your hometown of Lincoln doing?
From what I can see, it still has its scene. Some solid nights are appearing and lots of incredibly talented people are making music. It really is a place that I owe a lot to. The nightlife, when I was growing up, was a brilliantly condensed scene of almost every kind of club night within a few minutes' walk of each other. I love seeing new promoters and artists pushing the nightlife in their own way.
