SheHatesJacob Interview
SheHatesJacob is an emerging pop star based in Wellington, New Zealand, whose music amalgamates a plethora of genres such as hip-hop, hyper-pop, dubstep and rap. We had the chance to sit down with him and ask a few questions:
How would you describe yourself as a person and an artist?
“I am an artist and music producer from Wellington, New Zealand. I make high-energy music that is fun to dance to and pushes the boundaries of modern pop and hip-hop. I enjoy all kinds of music, with influences coming from artists like Brakence, Flume, Ericdoa and many more”.
What differentiates you from other artists?
“The way I blend rap vocals and high-energy hyperpop beats is what sets me apart from other artists in my scene. I add elements from other genres into my sound which are not typically used (eg. bringing punk vocal delivery over a classic pop progression.) I like to strip songs down to just guitar and vocals and then bring the energy up having moments almost dubstep-like”.
How have you managed to build such a great stage presence?
“When I started on stage I felt very awkward and unnatural. Over time with the help of my peers, I have learnt to just be myself, engaging with the crowd and bringing up the energy when necessary. I am a big believer in crowd engagement, making them also a part of the show”.
How did you become a musician?
“I grew up in a very musical family and my dad made a music studio in our shed when I was 7. I have always played around with instruments but first learnt to use Logic Pro when I was 12… Nobody will EVER hear those songs”.
What are your greatest achievements so far?
“In early October of 2023, I hit 1 million streams on Spotify. This has been a goal of mine for a long time. I have also played at two festivals, Rhythm and Vines (supporting one of my best friends Mikeyy) and Cuba Dupa where I had a solo set. Both of these will forever be remembered and were a whole lot of fun!”
How have you managed to find success in such a small market?
“For the music I make, a large portion of my listeners come from Europe and the United States. There is a large market for what I make, I have just slowly been learning how to find those people. Here in New Zealand, the struggle has been harder. I have slowly adapted my music to fit into genres more consumed in New Zealand, helping me grow a small yet amazing fanbase”.
What are your biggest aspirations?
“My biggest goal is to be able to live off doing what I love. I want a single to hit 1 million streams and I want to play in front of crowds that know every word to my songs”.
Who have you enjoyed collaborating with?
“To this day Mikeyy has been one of my biggest idols and one of my favorite people to make music with. Our studio sessions are always a laugh and somehow we leave every session with a cool song”.
Who would you like to collaborate with in the future?
“Ericdoa and Brakence. The day I have a song with a verse from both of them is the day I know I made it”.
What genres of music have you experimented with?
“I mainly dabble in hyperpop and rap but I have recently been incorporating sounds and ideas from dubstep, jazz, punk rock and indie pop”.
What’s your favourite song right now?
“Sins by Kanii has been stuck in my head for a week so I have to go with that!”
What’s your all-time favourite artist/album?
“Punk2 by brakence. I listen to it once a week, the way each song flows and the way he delivers his vocals are unmatched”.
What venue do you dream of playing at?
“Mainstage at Rhythm and Vines, I know it’s local but I would love for my home country to be bumping what I make”.
What’s the vision for your next album?
“My next album actually just got finished. It is about travelling around the world and finally chasing my dreams and exploring who I am and what I want to be”.
What plans do you have for the future?
“Exploring the world, having studio sessions with some of the greatest in my industry”.
What skills/traits have helped you grow in the music industry?
“The ability to network and make friends is one of the biggest things I strive for. Music is no fun if you're trying to do it all alone!”
How would you hold up compared to The Beatles?
“I would 1v4 and get the victory royale”.