Today we’d like to introduce you to Jacob Gonzalez.
Jacob, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
When I first joined the EDM scene in late 2016, it was as a videographer. I was enthralled by the energy on stage, I would watch the DJs very closely. Their energy is contagious. And I loved every bit of it. Soon after, I decided to start DJing. At first I didn’t plan to make music. But I enjoyed it so much I started crafting my own sound!
It all started when I bought my first DJ controller and started practicing in my mom’s garage. About a year after only DJing, I started making my own music, and I’m so glad I did! I told myself I would be big one day, but I never really knew I’d make it as far as I have today. I’ve played 43 shows all over Texas. Dallas, Houston, Austin, Ft Worth, Arlington, and more! I’ve headlined shows and festivals. I’m headlining a festival called Flow Faire soon, and later in the year, I’m playing my biggest festival to date. Ubbi Dubbi (which got moved to October and combined with another festival, Freaky Deaky).
After playing about 15 shows, I started working with a Dallas company called Nocturnal Waves. I started off as a promoter/videographer for their shows and later entered their artist roster and am now being managed by them. We throw an amazing show called Grimefest all over TX and we soon plan to make it nationwide. To add onto that, recently, a huge show for Excision got cancelled, me and a few friends (that same day) gathered and rented equipment and threw our own little festival in Mansfield out in the country. We had over 300 people come out!! The festival series is called Gener8Fest, and we will be doing more of them!
My brand and my music is very dark, but some of my music is very beautiful and chill as well. My goal as an artist is to help people find their light within the darkness. I struggle from depression, anxiety, and PTSD. I had a very hard life growing up. But I didn’t let that stop me. I take time during almost every set to talk about depression on the mic, I like to let people know they’re not alone, and I love telling people to follow their dreams.
The reason I love going to shows and also being an artist is that I love seeing people dance, I love seeing people happy. At shows, we tend to forget our lives outside of that venue, and we truly get to live in the moment and love life to the fullest. I want to spread love and happiness to as many people as I can. I hope to help people and inspire others along the way as well.
I also started a record label called SiMBOLiC RECORDS! I want to help underground and unheard artists get their music out there, so far I’ve released six tracks under my label, one track is even from someone all the way in Australia! It’s crazy I get to connect with people all over the world with music. Even when it comes to my merch sales, I donate a percentage of all sales to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. I want to eventually throw shows and fundraisers to help those struggling with mental illness. We are all here for each other, and I want people to know they’re not alone. Thank you for taking the time to read this, and thank you, Voyage Dallas for reaching out to interview me!
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road has not been smooth. It’s been an up and downhill battle. Going into this, I was struggling with my mental health, but music is a really good outlet for me to express myself. I have helped people along the way, made people happy, and that’s what matters most to me. Some of the struggles were people not believing in me, others talking down on me, looking at people doing better and wondering why I’m not at their level yet. But now, I don’t see it that way anymore!
We’d love to hear more about your work.
My brand is known for dark, weird, and heavy bass, but I also bring out some chill music here and there when I play a show people don’t know what to expect because every set is different and I always keep surprises up my sleeve! What I’m most proud of is how far I’ve gotten, and the fan base I’ve built is more so a huge family than anything. I’ve had a lot of people reach out and tell me I inspire them, or I’ve helped them with their mental health, and to me, that means the absolute world!
What are your plans for the future? What are you looking forward to or planning for – any big changes?
Plans for my future are to keep growing and keep helping people. My goal is to bring people together, to spread love in our community, and to make people happy. I’m looking forward to where I can take myself on this journey. My goal as an artist is to help people find their light within the darkness, and I’ve already helped a few people do so. I’ve also started a record label to help underground and unheard artists as well. I want to help artists and fans alike!
Contact Info:
- Email: simbolizmofficial@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/simbolizm
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/simbolizm
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/simbolizm
- Other: https://linktr.ee/simbolizm , www.soundcloud.com/simbolizm , www.teespring.com/stores/simbolizm
Image Credit:
Abigail Glenn & Nathen Lane
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