In this spotlight, Electronic Music Production instructor and contributor Joe “Computo” Caputo caught up with Audio Engineering graduate Jackson Iturbide “Dead Weight”, who is making waves in the dubstep/electronic scene.
One of the great things about Musicians Institute is that we attract such a diverse group of musical interests. From Jazz to Dubstep, it collides within our halls and studios.
Jackson Iturbide came to MI from Chicago… “I discovered MI through the web after I got declined from Columbia college in Chicago. Looking back, getting denied from Columbia was the best thing that could’ve happened to me. Without that I never would’ve looked for schools out west to start a new chapter for myself.”
Since completing the program and moving back, he has found great success as a Dubstep producer and DJ. His act “Dead Weight” has exploded in the past year, with his debut EP “Raise The Black Flag EP” topping 100k streams on Spotify within the first month of release, earning praise from the EDM press. The latest tune from Dead Weight was released last Friday, an official remix of INHUMAN – “SENTINEL”.
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Dead Weight takes a great deal of inspiration from some of Jackson’s favorite acts, including an iconic look which calls back to the Misfits. “With beats and 808s in the vein of Skrillex and Maurauda, energy inspired by Slipknot, and vocals inspired by Napalm Death, Dead Weight fuses the styles of dubstep and death metal to unleash an ominous aggression that bids you to let your emotions run wild and realize how alive you really are.”
But the project is far more meaningful than heavy bass and a painted face… Jackson uses the act to bring attention to a cause that carries deep meaning to him: mental health and self-harm. “I began Dead Weight as a project with a focus dedicated to helping others with music the same way that aggressive music helped me as a teenager. Rather than harm your self or others, Ollie (the name Dead Weight goes by when the makeup goes on for performance) invites you to let your rage out to Dead Weight, and reminds you that there is no rainbow without the rain.“
With the success of his latest releases and the hard work put in to support his music and the scene, Jackson has found himself headlining stages throughout the US. Live performance was always important to Jackson, focusing that passion towards his stage show.
When asked what advice he may have for upcoming students and artists, Jackson dropped some knowledge:
“It’s okay to be loud and be bright and break the ‘rules’ when writing or mixing. It’s easy to play it safe and be “quiet”. Don’t be afraid to try new things, there’s absolutely no wrongs when creating. Try to build a community within your peers, seek like minded people that carry the same energy and discipline as you. Give your brand 110% and a personality. Building a successful music career just doesn’t rely on great music, but your image, brand, peers, team and the message behind your music all play a huge role. Most importantly have fun.. that’s why we all do it.”
Dead Weight’s highly anticipated single titled “Your True Creator” will be released May 19th, followed on June 2nd with a collaborative track with good friend AXILON, premiering on Echos Collective. Then on July 7th Dead Weight will appear as a single part of a heavy dubstep compilation with a German record label called Crowsnest Audio.