What a huge difference 12 months can make. It was almost exactly this time last year when we caught up with Melbourne pop/ funk/ hip hop five piece Jakubi who had quickly amassed an incredible online following both locally and worldwide.
Thanks to their insanely catchy songwriting and energetic live performance the band managed to cash in on their online popularity and slay not just one, but two huge tours of the US including sold out shows in New York and festival slots alongside names like The Roots, Dandy Warhols and Skrillex just to name a few.
It’s all pretty impressive considering prior to this the guys had never toured internationally, have no major label backing and are yet to release an album or EP. Once again we We chatted with the band’s guitarist/ keyboardist/ drummer Robi Amoruso about their whirlwind 12 months and what’s on the cards for the next 12.
The Past 12 Months
“Hey guys, yeah it’s been a while. So we have basically been touring flat out since we last spoke. In the past 12 months we have toured America twice, hit Canada for some shows and squeezed in a little Australian run. It’s been really hectic but we wouldn’t have it any other way.”
How Online Interest Helped Shape An International Fanbase
“The internet is pretty much our favourite thing right now ha. It’s been really interesting to see how things had progressed from the first US tour to the second.
I think the first run of dates was definitely inspired by the online interest but gave us the opportunity to be discovered by new crew. Going back the second time it was amazing to see those same people come back, as well as a whole heap of fresh faces that had discovered us from different forums such as radio. That was the biggest difference I think.”
Major Highlights Over The Last 12 Months
“Selling out New York on pre sales was a really massive deal for us! We were sure someone was playing a prank on us ha. Also all the festival slots!
Getting to share the stage with some of our favourite bands such as The Roots, Dandy Warhols, Ben Harper, Skrillex ect was one of the craziest thing we have ever experienced. Having some of these cats chill side stage, watch our sets, then shake our hands, really sick!”
…And The Major Hurdles
“An Australian band touring America, there are plenty of hurdles. I think the biggest hurdle was just actually getting there.
Touring America is an extremely expensive project for a young Melbourne band. It’s a huge gamble, and I battled with the concept of us taking that leap for a little while.
Once we got there the first time round and had the opportunity to see with my own eyes the incredible support we had there, it suddenly wasn’t so scary. Still expensive, but worth every penny.”
Biggest Lessons Learnt
“Not to listen to others so much. I have learnt that no-one is an expert on anything, and everyone is just saying/doing what they see fit for their current situation.
I have learnt that if you want something, most of the time you can just reach up and grab it for yourself. It is very easy in a place like Australia to palm off the responsibility for your career to others. For example ‘oh no, this radio station wont play our songs, the band is over’ haha I hear this so often, in fact I’m pretty sure I’ve said it.
Anyway, my point is; that station won’t play you – find one that will, or don’t. It’s 2015, with the help of social media, there aint nothing you can’t do for yourself!”
Tips For Aussie Bands Wanting To Tour Overseas
“You know what, I think a huge thing is making sure you have a solid team around you.
[include_post id=”411023″] A good booking agent that knows, not only where to place you, but who to place you with. Playing in the right rooms, on the right night, on the right line ups can be the difference between having a good run and really killing it.
Get ready to spend HEAPS of cash, accept it and try think of new creative ways to make cash on the road. Last thing I would say is don’t wait for the perfect opportunity. Just get out there and do it, you’ll have an absolute blast figuring it out along the way.”
Plans For The Rest Of 2015
“We are going over to Bali to play a beach festival. We are just gonna chill on the beach for a week or so and not do anything. It’s a bit of a reward to ourselves for getting through the hectic schedule.
When we get home, we are going straight into pre-production for an album, we are really excited about that! We have wanted to put out an album forever now and can’t wait to just get started. Plan is to head back over to the US in October but still weighing up the offers.
We’re playing Max Watts (HiFi) in Melbourne early December too so keep your ears and eyes peeled for some announcements around that. Realistically though the album is the number one priority at this point.
To stay on top of all upcoming Jakubi info, visit their Facebook page.
