If you want to get into production, talk to people who do this type of work and learn from what they have to say.
What is your job?
I'm a freelance DJ / Musician / Producer.
What does your job involve?
It’s lots of stuff to do with music. I’m a musician – I play keyboards, bass, guitar and sing. I also produce records, DJ, teach, and write commercial music for tv and films.
How did you get to this point in your career?
After the course, I wanted to explore music and producing, so I set up a studio at home and put a demo together. I worked with a film and tv composer, doing sound engineering and programming, and eventually we co-wrote some stuff together.
Then I got a call from Rich Thair, the drummer from the live dance band Red Snapper (Warp Records), who recommended me for the job at Orinoco initially. He asked me to play live with the band and I went on the road with them for a few years, touring UK and the world, including New York, Japan, the Ukraine and Russia. I took electronic elements of their albums and worked out ways to incorporate them in their live performances.
I started a small record label, then Rich and I started producing our own music as TOOB. We produced two EPs, then an album in 2005, and started gigging. I also started producing and DJing as Jakeone, and started a small record label called ‘Flameboy’, as well as carrying on doing music for film and tv.
I moved to Scotland for a bit and did some lecturing in sound design for Strathclyde University and the University of Edinburgh whilst continuing to produce.
Back in London, we’ve just finished the second TOOB album, ‘Push me pull you’, which is coming out on Process Records in September. I’ve also carried on lecturing at the London School of Sound and the Institute of Contemporary Music, DJing, remixing and writing library music.
What training did you do and where?
I studied for A levels in Oxford, then did work experience as a sound engineer at Orinoco studios in London. They suggested I took a course, so I did a one year Advanced Sound Engineer course at a college in Islington, London.
Which piece of work are you most proud of?
I’m proudest of the latest TOOB album. It’s been a long time coming and we’ve had to work through a lot of difficult phases. I started writing songs and singing for this album, and think that creatively and sonically we’re pushing new boundaries.
What do you need to succeed in your industry?
First of all, you have to be talented, but unfortunately that’s not necessarily the most important asset! You have to have good communication and networking skills. You have to be flexible, inventive and creative – not just with your music, but with ways to make money. Gone are the days when you could just make music. You have to understand the business concepts, and know how to make money and not get ripped off. Also, things have changed. When I started out, there were hardly any decent courses you could do. Now there are so many, and it’s very acceptable to go to college and study different aspects of the music business.
Who’s your work hero / heroine?
Be your own hero. Man.
What inspired you to do this type of work?
When I was a teenager, we lived in the States and I was really into heavy metal. It made me want to pick up a guitar. But when we came to England, I got into the 1990s free rave scene, which really got me into the electronic production side of music. I got a computer and some decks and that set me on my way.
What do your friends/family think of the work you do?
When I started out, my parents were worried that I wasn’t on a course. Also, it was worrying for them that I was working freelance and had to cope with the ups and downs of freelancing. On the whole, though, they were always really supportive.
What are your tips for anyone wanting to do your job?
If you want to get into production, talk to people who do this type of work and learn from what they have to say. Save up and buy the best computer you can possibly afford - and a decent sound card. Get people’s advice on the best software for what you need to do, and perhaps take a course in that software. Spend time working on your music and learning the software. Then maybe go on an advanced production course.
Creative inspirations
David Lynch
His films are so unique in the way they use sound and music – they’re very innovative and ground-breaking. I love the surreal, dream-like quality he creates.
Red Snapper
They’re really accomplished musicians who create very forward-thinking music that is very much their own sound. It was a massive inspiration working with them.
Orbital
Orbital came out of the rave scene, but took it to stadium level, while somehow remaining quirky and underground. They transcended the rave scene.
90s rave scene
It’s impossible to narrow down one particular band or sound system. The whole thing was so inspirational because it brought together the DIY ethic and the travelling scene in a politically charged way. It was about more than the music.
Playing around
If you’re trying to do something and it’s not happening, it’s pointless getting too serious about it. You have to make it fun, take a fresh idea, and keep playing around until you come up with something new that you want to work on.
Bladerunner / Neuromancer
Both show a realistic vision of the future. Things are ropey, the future isn’t shiny. There’s all this advanced technology but nothing works properly.
David Byrne
I’m a big fan of the Talking Heads front man. I like his lyrics, his forward-thinking music, and his experiments with African music. He’s one reason why I went to Senegal to study percussion.
The Wire and Deadwood
I downloaded these shows while I was working on the new album and watched them while I was holed up in a studio in my mum’s attic. They’re both really atmospheric shows.
Detroit
Can’t knock the importance of the city that spawned Motown, Iggy Pop and Model 500!
Beck
Manages to sell shed loads of records while being constantly innovative and creative. He’s very much got his own voice. Amazing.
If you would like advice on creative careers and courses, contact a Creative Way Careers Adviser - either Matt Ball on m.ball@uel.ac.uk / 07889 001764 or Sarah Comerford on s.comerford@uel.ac.uk / 07515 051509.