Jacob Zoob

What did you do before joining dBs?  

"Before joining, dBs I have worked as a freelance trombonist and recording engineer for over 10 years, playing trombone for a host of different bands and groups across the UK. This has included high-profile live performances and studio recording sessions. I also spent a few years working for Bristol Wood Recycling Project helping to save usable wood from landfill." 

‍

Why did you first get into music performance and engineering? 

"I started playing trombone at the age of 9 (because it was shiny and loud!) and have always found myself to be most happy when playing. After studying music at Newcastle University, I found myself working with a number of groups and projects, as well as furthering my interest and practice in creative studio work. It was through this time that I deepened my passion for dub music and how experimentation with studio equipment could be really creative, leading me on to doing an MA here at dBs."

‍

Any special areas of interest?  

"I am a specialist in reggae and dub music, especially in live trombone performance and studio-based dub mixing. Something about this music really resonates with me and I love how experimenting with noises, sound and studio equipment can provide such a rich musical output. I also have a deep love for exploratory composition, improvisation and sound art, which I believe have a strong connection to dub music."

‍

What do you love most about what you do?

"I love noises, expression and collaboration! As a technician and musician, I get to experience this on a daily basis, as I believe they are the cornerstones of what the music industry is all about. And I love nothing more than to get my hands and head stuck into a really cool project, and being given the space to give it my all."

‍

Tell us about your proudest career moment?

"I have had a few (and hopefully more to come!) but playing at Rototom Sunsplash festival with Dub Princess & Hotsteppas last year in Spain has got to be a major highlight! To be included on such an incredible lineup, and to play the second main stage at midnight to around three or four thousand people, was an immense feeling and one I am so grateful for. Playing live music is something I love, and to be given that kind of opportunity is something that will stay with me forever.'

‍

What do you get up to outside of your role at dBs?

"I have a home studio where I make music as Zoob & Fat Mark alongside my housemate. We run a monthly night at The Chelsea Inn called Get Yer Dubs Out, with live instruments and live dubbing. We like our music to mean something, and so we try to do as many charity releases and fundraisers as possible, using music to make a change in this world. We give all profits from this project to worthy causes, giving back to the world that grew us. I also play with Hotsteppas, Dub Princess, Ashanti Selah, Eastone Rockers, Lil Maxine and Eider."

‍

Tell us something our students may not know about you?

"I love to cook (you can probably tell from the belly) and I love to feed people! In particular, I love cooking the Jewish food I grew up eating, from everyday dishes to ceremonial food used over the holy festivals. Sharing this cuisine is such a joy, and if you are lucky to catch me around the time of a Jewish celebration you may even get a latke or hamantaschen thrown your way!"