New Yorker Jacob Colon has had a blossoming relationship with music ever since he was gifted his first piano as a toddler.
After spending his years playing music in the church, Jacob discovered his love for House music and never looked back. Since then he has seen major support and achievements gravitate towards him as his talent has not gone unnoticed. We sat down with Jacob to find out more about him.
T.H.E – Hi Jacob! For those who don’t know you, tell us a bit about yourself?
Jacob Colon – I grew up in NY. As a teenager, I always had a connection with music. Though I wasn’t a producer at the time yet, I played the piano, loved to dance, party and share memorable experiences with my friends. I was heavily involved in a 5-piece band as a keyboardist, where we traveled to accompany the West Point military cadets gospel choir.
I eventually went on to work solo after listening to the band leader preach about how much music he was going to create but never did a single thing outside of our normal rehearsal and shows. I didn’t want to end up like that, so I went on to slowly build myself a home studio and the rest is history.
T.H.E – What made you initially get into music?
Jacob Colon – When I was a toddler, my aunt purchased a toy piano for me. At that time, I wasn’t playing Beethoven but as I grew older, the hunch for music grew on me. When I became a teenager, I joined a church band and began to learn how to play the piano by ear.
T.H.E – What moment or factor led you to dance music?
Jacob Colon – When I initially started producing music, I produced Hip Hop and R&B. My trouble was finding an artist that I felt could deliver what the beat needed. Being as eager as I was, I couldn’t wait around to find the right person. I started hitting up the house scene at PACHA in NYC and saw that the producer is also the DJ/artist. I didn’t DJ at the time but figured if I learn and teach myself, I wouldn’t have to wait on anyone anymore. Besides, house music is fire! When I first heard it, I knew I had to make it myself.
T.H.E – Do you have an all-time favourite song?
Jacob Colon – You can never have just one. I’ll give you three:
Ready or Not- Fugees
Fine Wine- Kojo Funds feat Yxng Bane
Lean Back- Fat Joe
T.H.E – What music did you grow up listening to?
Jacob Colon – R&B, Gospel, Latin and Hip Hop. It was pretty much what my parents played at home, what I heard at church, and what my friends played at school.
T.H.E – Who would you say is your biggest musical influence?
Jacob Colon – Alicia Keys
T.H.E – What has been your biggest career achievement so far?
Jacob Colon – Winning my first #1 BillBoard Plaque on a remix with Crystal Waters
T.H.E – Which 3 words sum up your musical style best?
Jacob Colon – Energy, Percussive, Different
T.H.E – If you could produce any other genre, what would it be and why?
Jacob Colon – R&B/Dancehall. I love that afrobeat modern dancehall movement. Even though I produce house, there’s nothing like playing the piano over a smooth beat around that 95 BPM tempo.
T.H.E – Finally, if you could recommend one track of yours for someone to listen to, what would it be?
Jacob Colon – Bad Girls feat Katiahshe. This song showcases my creative side and how I can take a disco track and give it a new twist. I switched up the entire song from drums to bass to synths, it’s an entirely brand-new instrumentation….and not mention, Katiahshe killed this vocal piece!
Stream this exclusive guestmix by Jacob Colon here.
Tracklist
1. Work – Jacob Colon
2. Mashashu – Saliva Commandos
3. Malanga (Nizzle Mix) – George Acosta
4. House Party – Adam Nova
5. Chubudo – Dj Fudge
6. To Burn feat. Leo Wood – Dennis Cruz
7. Question – Qubiko
8. The Shipment – The Columbian Drum Cartel
9. Disc-Jockey- David Penn, KPD, Dennis
10. The Beyonce Track – Mele
11. Desde Colombia a Nueva York – Cristian Vinci
12. Warning – Peppe Citarella, Brutha B
13. Mucho Mas – Qubiko
14. Chimacha – Saliva Commandos
