Today we’d like to introduce you to Jacob Gutierrez.
Jacob, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
As a young kid, I taught myself how to play the piano and from there i continued to learn more instruments such as guitar, violin and eventually at 18 joining the jazz band. It was always weird for people to see me as a musician because i was really good at football. Most people just knew my name from the announcements during the football games.
After high school, I had a choice between playing football in college or staying here in Houston and chase music. I decided four years ago that I would go after a vision I still have today. A vision that is more clear now than ever before. I had a couple colleges looking at me but one in particular had my attention. I received letters from all the coaches at a D3 School named East Texas Baptist University. I even went down for a visit to meet everyone and see the school. I asked about music classes and what they offer in that area but nothing stood out to me. I stayed here in Houston and bought a Dj Mixing board the following month or so. I decided to go to community college and get a degree in Audio Engineering. From there is where all the dots start connecting when I look back.
My vision was always to produce records for myself as an artist and for others And have those records played on stages and anywhere else people can listen to music. Once I graduated from high school, I met a lot of people just putting myself out there in the city. Some guys to name would be Tony Styles, Scottsummers, Dj Icon, and Chris Quintero, BIGGS, and J Rhythm. I will say I wouldn’t be anywhere without these mentors of mine right here. And that was just at the beginning of the process. They are still really good friends of mine to this day and now there are many more names i could mention that have been apart of my journey. For the most part, they took me under their wing as a DJ and producer. I’ve learned from all of these guys. I’ve traveled with all of these guys as well. They have been a big part of my musical journey as far as guidance goes. There’s no curriculum or map or a certain number of credits i need in the creative industry. There is only your desire, passion, belief and work ethic. You have to create each step and believe that at the end of the tunnel your vision is there.
After meeting Tony Styles who is one of the coordinates of NNR and also a Booth Pimp (One of, if not the biggest Dj collective in Houston) I started to get booked for Night nation Run festivals that are held all around the U.S. Last year in 2017, I managed to do a couple shows with NNR and then get a booking in Europe with the help of some friends.In 2018 got to be part of four-five shows then went off to play in Tokyo, Japan.
I do want to talk about Some Close producer friends of mine who have also helped push me. That would be Jesus A.K.A. CRTL and Alex Laughter. These guys are my brothers. We have been making music in the city for three years together now and we still keep pushing each other to get better. It’s a great feeling to look back and see how far we have come.
To sum it up, I’ve loved music since i picked up my first keyboard and In 2014 i chose to believe in my ability to become one the best producers out of Houston . In the last two years I’ve managed to be in a couple right places at the right time and I’ve got to meet big names and had opportunities to work with artist like Fatman Scoop. Also Thanks to DJ Icon i met J-Rhythm and was able put out a remix with the LA Based Latin DJ. That remix i would say gave my name some status being that it has been played by major artists and played in venues in vegas. A huge thank you to that guy for believing in my production and putting me on in the record pool world.
To talk on my music, the type of music I make just depends on my mood. I started out producing stuff like Kanye West. That was my first inspiration as a producer. Before i knew who Kanye was I grew up listening to Classical music and Motown music such as, Ray Charles, Beethoven, Bach, the Temptations. Basically anyone who played piano. Then as i got into my older kid years, I got into Kid Cudi, Lupe Fiasco, J.Cole, and Kendrick lamar .
In high school, I started producing with this software my mom bought me called logic. I taught myself how to sample old Motown music there. And from there, my production has just evolved into what it is now. What changed my genre of music i produced was the newness of Dance music at the time and the challenge of producing it. It was more than just 8 channels of music. It was more than your 808, kick, high hat, and snare. It was a world i could conduct as if Beethoven was writing sheet music. I wouldn’t say its better or less or more than Hip Hop or any other genre. Im saying theres more parts to it and that was the challenge that intrigued me.
Once I graduated I went to EDC, Lights all Night, UME south padre, pretty much all the coolest Dance festivals i felt i needed to go to. Got my dose of it and I was hooked. I loved the music the people and the energy it brought. Some dance inspirations of mine would definitely have to be DIPLO, Skrillex, Ape Drums, Steve Aoki, Dillon Francis, Boombox Cartel, RL Grime, What so Not, DJ Snake, GTA, and Jauz. These artists have shaped the music I make a lot. I’ve studied them from a couple years now.
Where do I see myself going forward?
I’m building a folder of music to release next year. I want to put good music out frequently. That’s a hard skill to do but its needed in the way the music industry works now. You have to make good records fast. If you can’t, then you get lost. That’s how I feel at least. It’s about consistency. I read in an article that its merely a competition for attention at this point. Attention real estate.I wasn’t releasing music as often as i wanted so I hope that people accept the music choices I choose to release.
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
I always tell my students, producing is like a painting. The software is your blank white canvas, and all your sounds and samples are your colors. So, I feel like I’m painting sound when I produce music. I create based on my mood or environment or situation. I can find inspiration in big cities and moving around different places.
When i sit down and get to work my Preferred genres to produce would be Future Bass, Bass House, Moombahton, Trap, HipHop, Commercial radio remix stuff.
Why do i create? I create because I feel obligated too. I have this drive and passion for music God blessed me with. I believe i can do great things with my talent for my family and for others as well.So, I feel like no matter what happens, no matter if i hit a low or if hit a high, now I have to keep it going. Music has done so much for me and I have built a relationship with it. If I don’t create, I break my relationship with music.
The message behind my music would be whatever that song entails. Overall, I just want people to have fun while they listen. Have fun and make really dope memories. At the end of the day you’ll only have those memories with you on your death bed. Just remember to enjoy the present moment while you listen to Jacob Andrew. I also want to be an example for other hungry people in life. To attack your goals and get the mission accomplished no matter what people think or how they feel. Trust yourself.
What do you think it takes to be successful as an artist?
I define success as achieving your highest potential. As an artist, I think you must trust the process. whatever your process may be. You trust it and you keep going. And you keep getting better no matter what. Don’t ever think you’re done getting better.
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
Night Nation Run Tour, With a Houston stop added. Those tour dates will be announced in the next couple of months.
Find me on Record Pools such as BPM Supreme, Headliner
Music Club, And Dj City.
Instagram ; @_JacobAndrew
Soundcloud: Jacob Andrew
YouTube: Jacob Andrew
Spotify : Coming early 2019
Contact Info:
- Email: jacobandrew.official@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_jacobandrew/
- Other: https://soundcloud.com/jacob-andrew-gutierrez
Image Credit:
@Shvwnfvckingcooper, @i_am_akira01
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
