Unlocking Jax Carter

We handed the keys to Jackson Stubbs, known as Jax Carter behind the decks, to unlock his production process, his love for Bang Bang, and his homegrown insights on the SD dance music scene.

What brought you to San Diego?

I was born and raised in San Diego. I'm still here because I started out at such a great spot I don’t have a strong desire to relocate. I love my city.

What inspired you to enter the music space?

I have always loved music. Growing up I loved Hip/Hop & Rap, Jazz and R&B/Soul. I attended my first festival in 2017 (Coachella) and got sucked into the DoLab. I was intoxicated with the grooves and the energy from both the DJ and crowd. I spent the better part of the next couple weeks google searching ‘house music’ desperately trying to find some music similar to that I experienced.

Talk us through your favorite genres to produce/ DJ

In the beginning of my journey I loved anything electronic (House, Bass, Tech House, Bass House), I was a feen for all of it. Now that I have spent more time in the scene my tastes have focused a bit. I like Tech House but favor minimal and deep tech in regards to what I play and produce.

You’ve released two songs you produced, how is producing going? What are the challenges?

Yes! Was grateful to have my first EP release in the beginning of the year as the first release on Soledad Records. I am still producing consistently as I have several ideas I would like to complete. As of right now, I would say the biggest challenge is finding the contacts for artists and labels to share your tracks with and then getting them to listen to my work. However, I have about 5-6 tracks currently that I play out consistently and a number of labels are interested in. We shall see who locks them down first.

With so many newly opened venues and recently started events, the San Diego dance scene is growing rapidly. What are your observations/thoughts on the scene and community here?

I feel very fortunate to be apart of a community that is saturated with like minded individuals, however, I would like to see San Diego focus more on the music. I understand that our culture requires a certain level of participation and that will always apply pressure to venues and promoters. But, lately it seems a lot of bookings are made based off popularity rather than the music. I really appreciate Bang Bang for this reason, they book intentionally with music at the forefront of their decision making; I’m very grateful to be involved with them now. At the end of the day, people need to be there for things to be successful and I get that, but I think if you put the music first everything else will follow. That is my hope for the local scene going forward.

What is your process for preparing for a set?

A good portion of my time before a set is spent digging for tracks people haven’t heard before. When I go to events I appreciate being surprised by a set and discovering new music rather than hearing tracks that are charting on top 10. In the beginning I would just throw a bunch of tracks I liked into a playlist, then play based off what I thought the crowd enjoyed. Currently, I am a bit more intentional with the tracks I play and the sequence in which I play them. To do this I still make a playlist of all the tracks I have found then I spend some time to think about the story all of those tracks should tell together.

What's been your favorite venue to play in San Diego?

I am very grateful to have had a successful year playing all of the venues I have dreamed of playing when I started this journey. I thoroughly enjoy playing Spin, Avenue, Firehouse, and Bang Bang to name a few. My favorite is Bang Bang, hands down. I love this venue, the people involved, the music and their approach to curating a nightlife experience. I look forward to working with them more and hopefully one day I can have a full circle moment and get booked for the headline spot at Bang Bang.

When you're going out dancing in San Diego on a night off from producing/ DJing, where will we find you?

Just in case you haven’t guessed it yet, I am a fan of Bang Bang. I also enjoy going to Spin, Firehouse, Avenue, Beach House and every Fngrs Crssd event that has ever existed.

Who are your 'ones to watch' from the San Diego scene?

My boy New Stereo is mad talented and casually produces bombs; he deserves more credit and bookings for sure. I respect his humility and dedication to the craft and I’m always talking him up. I am also a big fan of all the Fngrs Crssd residents like: WE, Erick Diaz, Heminguey and Rivka M. I also have mad respect for the Music is 4 Lovers crew. They have some very talented artists and curate some amazing events.

If you could play anywhere, at any venue in the world tonight, where would it be?

I would love to play an Elrow show, anywhere in the world. I would also love to play CRSSD Fest as I attend and look forward to every event they throw. Splash House is also on my booking bucket list, the ol’ BBL.

In what ways can the San Diego dance community support you or collaborate with you?

I hope to have a fanbase that truly enjoys the music I make and the experiences I curate. If you enjoy what I have been doing and the music I have been making you are already supporting me more than you know. Specifically, I think social media is a massive avenue for growth and a simple like, comment or share goes a long way and doesn’t require a lot. I have mad love for everyone who has supported me so far and I hope to keep building for them. Never Give Up.

What are your future plans, and what should we look out for from you?

Big things are happening behind the scenes. I have been putting a lot more energy into my sound and production to expand and build a larger fan base. I have several labels interested in my unreleased tunes and 2-3 may already be spoken for. I will also be playing my first out of state show in October sometime so be on the lookout for that. Aside from that I will continue to let my passion for music and the scene drive my growth and hopefully one day we can look back on this interview and say “he made it”. Much Love!

Lastly, what’s a track you want to share?

Litek - Peru Remix by Mason Collective. Enough said.

You can keep up with Jax Carter: