Londoner DJ JACOB PLANT Discusses New Music, Biggest Inspirations and More!

London-born DJ and producer Jacob Plant had his big break in 2013 with his two singles ‘Shakedown’ and ‘Fire’ that Calvin Harris released on his label after the pair met in L.A. He has since enjoyed a meteoric rise to the top of the dance music pile, with support from Zane Lowe, Annie Mac, Mistajam, Diplo and many more. A few years later Jacob released ‘Drop That’, which was commissioned by Rihanna for the soundtrack of the Dreamworks movie ‘Home’. He has since released many official remixes for big names from Rihanna to Iggy Azalea, from Calvin Harris to Example.

He continues to impress with his own single releases, consistently proving that he is one DJ we all need to be watching, and this brand new single is a testament to that. Prior to this song, he collaborated with Becky Hill on “Only Love”, which BBC Radio 1 named as their Ibiza anthem – it has yet to be officially released. The feature, on this track, comes from John Newman’s brother, James Newman, who is a singer-songwriter. He has only recently started focusing on his music releases, having written some incredible songs for other artists in the past including Rudimental’s “Waiting All Night”, Calvin Harris’ “Blame”, and Little Mix’s “Love Me Like You”. This new single, “Amnesia”, has been written by Jacob Plant, James Newman, Michael Angelo and Sam Preston. It was produced by the latter two songwriters

Learn more about Jacob Plant in the following All Access interview:

Thanks for your time! What is on tap for the rest of your day?

No worries, thanks for the interview!  I’m heading to the studio straight after for the rest of the day.

Since we are now at the back-end of 2018, how has this year you? What is one musical goal that you have had for this year? How close are you to reaching it? 

Yeah it’s been a great year.  I was lucky enough to work with Radio 1 this year for the ‘Radio 1 in Ibiza’ music.  I teamed up with Becky Hill to make the soundtrack and I’m so happy with the song we did (It’s called ‘Only Love’ you can find it on Radio 1’s YouTube).  Doing projects like that are so cool because you can’t plan for them, but when they happen it’s the best.

Can you recall the moment when you thought you could be a musician? Could you see yourself doing anything else today?

Yeah I wanted to be a musician since I was a kid.  I started producing music at 13 so I don’t really know anything else.  If was to do anything else I would like to set a cool restaurant in LA or London.  My second passion is cooking and I think I would be really happy doing that every day!

How do you think your hometown has influenced the kind of artist that you are?

I think your hometown effects the events that happen in your life, which then influence you in your decisions and choices.  My hometown had quite a strong music scene so I suppose doing music was encouraged which really helped.

So what was it like being recognised by Calvin Harris and then having him sign you to his label? Was it hard to believe that it was all happening to you?

Yeah it was a dream come true.  He was always a massive influence to me, so when he reached out to me about my music it was so exciting.  He really helped me at the beginning of my career and I’m really thankful for that.  I had to pinch myself a few times around that time of my life haha.

Let’s talk about your newest music. What is inspiring you these days? Typically, how do you go about writing your music?

House music is really inspiring me at the moment.  There are always moments where the scene get’s dry but it seems really exciting at the moment.  I normally start with a vocal and try and make the song around it.  That’s normally a fun way to work as a producer.  I also make instrumentals and see if people can write vocals over them.

Has anything surprised you about this crazy music business yet? What has been the most challenging part about it all? And the smoothest/easiest?

I don’t think this business is ever smooth.  It’s constantly changing and you are constantly learning.  There are some real highs and real lows.  For me it’s so important to have a normal life outside of my music to keep you sane.  I find it all really exciting, I like the challenges, it keeps me stimulated.

Where do you think you are happiest- in the studio recording new music, on stage performing or elsewhere? 

Recording ‘About You’ with Maxine was probably the funnest studio session I have done.  We just enjoyed ourselves and didn’t force anything.  Reading & Leeds in UK was probably the funnest on stage performance.  There’s so much energy and all my friends come down with me.

Do you find that all of social media and keeping up with your fans has gotten so overwhelming? Which platform would you say that you enjoy engaging with the most? 

Yeah I find social media a bit over whelming sometimes.  Also, when you spend a lot of time in the studio it’s easy to forget about it.  Instagram is my favourite.

We are currently living through a very trying and politically charged time right now so I am curious to know how you think being a musician still gives you the most joy in life today? Do you find that your music is an escape to all the current events?

Yeah music is always good in times like these because it brings people together.  I definitely use it as an escape from all the crazy things going on, I think a lot of people do!

What musicians would you love to work with in the future? What artists have really been inspiring you and your music since day 1? 

I’d still love to do a record with Basement Jaxx.  They where so inspiring to me as a kid making music so that would be huge!

What do you hope is the message of your music? What do you hope people continue to take away from your songs?

I just want people to enjoy it and have fun.  It’s not to serious or sad, its just feel good vibes!