Artist Profile: Jakebob

One afternoon as a young lad, Jacob James aka Jakebob was watching The Simpsons with his dad. Toward the end of one episode, a famous song caught his eyes - and ears.

'Highway to Hell' by AC/DC blasted its classic harmonies across the television screen and into the living room. Jacob’s dad noticed his son’s interest and knew instantly what to do next.

“I remember my dad telling me he had the album on vinyl, so we went in the loft and explored all his old records. I was probably about 5 or 6 at the time,” recalls Jakebob. “We also had a big rack of CDs in our front room, and I remember going through them just to gaze at all the different covers.”

It’s no secret that many musicians find their initial sparks of inspiration in places both strange and familiar. Jakebob attributes his inner music bug to his parents. Music has always held immense value and meaning in his family. His mum played the horn and his dad played the trumpet. Jakebob’s parents met in a local brass band, bonding over musical interests including The Smiths, The Specials, Cypress Hill, and an abundance of reggae and world music.

Being raised in a musically-inclined home cultivated Jakebob’s lifelong love for sound production and artistic expression.

“I was lucky to grow up in a very music-oriented household, where all kinds of music were present from an early age,” says Jakebob, who lives in Leominster, a small town in the West Midlands region of the United Kingdom. “My family is a huge inspiration, constantly reminding me to seek influence from all aspects and areas of music.”

Jakebob played the drums and other instruments before beginning to rap and make beats. Internalizing a diverse range of genres during his upbringing, he developed a knack for niche music cultures. In particular, he felt a magnetic attraction to the often misunderstood worlds of thrash, screamo and heavy metal.

As Jakebob’s tastes expanded, he added the likes of dubstep and drum ‘n’ bass into his rotation, discovering an eclectic captivation with electronic production and performance. Presently, he’s a fan of funkier sounds, citing an unconditional openness to grooves and melodies across multiple genres.

“When I dig for samples, I love to listen to anything that gets me nodding my head, sometimes just piano solos or older band orchestras,” says Jakebob. “I love music that speaks to me and makes me feel ways I can't describe.”

Jakebob relies on his unique artistic process, rooted in observing new and innovative sound designs. When at shows or listening to radio, he intentionally notes standout features in each song. He then fuses such concepts into an array of original compositions.

Drawn to natural noise, Jakebob also incorporates elements of sound recorded in real-time. This adds a three-dimensional, physical layer to his discography that makes his sets and releases shine.

“I love to sample audio of people talking, as well as removing the audio from videos I've taken myself and flipping them into songs. I made a footwork tune using samples from my friend while he was skateboarding,” says Jakebob, whose favorite production equipment includes Behringer’s 1x1 USB soundcard and his Yamaha HS5 monitor. “I love it when friends and family show me new tunes or produce original sounds so I can find something to sample or simply find a spark of inspiration.”

Intrigued by icons like DJ Spinn and the late DJ Rashad, Jakebob is keen on keeping the 160bpm sounds of juke and footwork alive and aflame. He admires these legends for their selfless commitment to cultivating meaning and purpose in electronic music communities beyond money and fame.

“I’m most inspired by artists who are willing to give it their all in any field, regardless of support or monetary gain,” explains Jakebob, whose hobbies include skateboarding, watching films, organizing events, and spending quality time in the music studio.

Influenced by both the physical and digital worlds, Jakebob is building a bass music project unlike any other. Notable artists recognize the unique mark he’s making in various soundsystem spaces.

Jakebob was invited to Barcelona by Dublab radio to play a radio set alongside DJ Misbah. Performing his first live set for an international audience laid the groundwork for his global visibility in up-and-coming electronic circles.

“I remember stepping into the station, and the DJ finishing his set enthusiastically complimented my then-recently-released EP, 'Champion.' It felt incredible knowing I'd flown to another country and here was this prominent artist... sharing how moved he felt by my instrumentals,” Jakebob reflects. “I'll never forget that moment. It was enough to humble me.”

Such meaningful milestones make a world of difference for electronic musicians everywhere, especially those on the come up. Background Noise’s mission to bring the background into the fold resonates with Jakebob, who sees value in uplifting artists at every stage of their career.

“When you get a positive response from a tune you loved creating... the feeling is unbeatable. It helps me develop an idea of what people are drawn to and what directions to try out next,” says Jakebob. “I love telling other musicians when I'm impressed with their music. I know how much that can mean to artists.”

And beyond motivating his fellow creatives and musicians, Jakebob finds joy in encouraging people worldwide to recognize the inherent worth they bring to the table - and the dance floor.

“I just want people to think ‘if he can have a go, I can have a go...’,” says Jakebob. “I want people to understand that regardless of who you are or where you’re from, your uniqueness and your expression can make a huge impact across the globe.”

This article was originally published through Background Noise.