I detest live music videos. They just seem like such a cop out to me. I understand label purse strings are tight but live music videos are just so freakin’ boring! Case in point, the official video for UK dubstep DJ/producer Jakwob. His latest single, “Right Beside You” was released on June 20th via Boom Ting Recordings, the video for which features Jakwob and guest rapper, Smiler both in the studio. Not much to look at, really. Thank GOD the song is dope because there’s nothing worse than a boring-ass music video and a shitty-ass song. I wish that vocalist Nicky would have made an appearance in the video. A female vocalist always adds a certain amount of flair to an otherwise uninteresting clip.
Despite not caring much for the video, I am pleased to see Jakwob getting a nice big spotlight on his work. This talented guy certainly deserves it! Jakwob (AKA James Jacob) first gained notoriety across the music blogosphere with his bootleg remix of Ellie Goulding‘s already impressive “Starry Eyed.” Amassing over 14 million hits on YouTube, Jakwob has also remixed for an impressive array of talent, both across the pond AND here in America, including Kid Sister, Robyn, I Blame Coco, Empire of the Sun, Temper Trap, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Penguin Prison, Audio Bullys, Jessie J and Diplo.
His impressive DJ and production skills no doubt come, at least in part, due to an early interest in music. Originally from the Midlands, UK, Jakwob‘s passion for music really took off in his teens, first getting into jazz and moving on to death metal and even folk music. Today, his style transcends musical genres, touching on elements of dubstep, electro, “ghetto-tech” (new one for me) and break beat – among others.
Jakwob also brings a sense of excitement to his live sets, mixing in hip-hop, drum and bass, dubstep and much more, playing sold-out gigs at Fabric, Bugged Out, Together, Death Disco and many more. Last summer Jakwob also made the rounds to a number of festivals, including Glastonbury, Secret Garden Party, Bestival, Pukkelpop and in Ibiza at Wonderland with Moda. Having recently completed an American tour, including dates at both SXSW and Beyond Wonderland, Jakwob is just getting started and is looking to take his show on the road once again later this year and right into next. Check out the lackluster video for “Right Beside You” below, if you like, but definitely download the song. It’s a hot one folks. Pick it up on UK iTunes HERE.