Jesse Jacob: From Utrecht Roots to House Powerhouse

A Dutch City That Breeds Dance Music

In the ever evolving world of electronic music, few stories carry as much authenticity as that of a young Dutch producer who traded his techno roots for his soulful, shuffling grooves of house music and built an entire movement around his passion. Jesse Jacob, born Julius Jesse Jacob de Heus in 1995, is a DJ and producer from Utrecht, the Netherlands, and over the past decade he has quietly grown into one of the underground scene's most respected and closely watched voices.

From Techno to the Deep End

Jesse Jacob first began producing music under the alias DeHeus in 2015, carving out his earliest experience within the world of techno. However, it did not take long before a different sound dragged him in an entirely new direction. After having spent a couple of years immersed in that world, he found himself completely drawn to the deeper, more rhythmic textures of house music, and that pivotal shift would go on to define his entire trajectory as an artist. The move was not simply a change in tempo or genre. It represented a fundamental reimagining of what he wanted to say through music, and how he wanted the dancefloor to feel it.

Landing on the Labels That Matter

As his production skills sharpened and his sound took clearer shape, the music industry began to pay attention. Jesse Jacob's work eventually earned him placements on globally respected labels including PIV, Elrow, and Heavy House Society, three imprints that carry genuine weight in the house and electronic music community. These releases helped establish his credibility among both listeners and industry insiders, giving him the platform and visibility to push his craft even further. Beyond those flagship labels, he has also secured releases on Blind Vision Records and a growing number of other respected outlets, demonstrating a reach that continues to widen with each new project.

The Sound in the Studio

Jesse Jacob's creative process reflects a restless and inventive curiosity. He frequently samples recordings from the 1990s, chopping them up and running them through sequencers to generate unexpected drum patterns and vocal arrangements. This approach lends his productions a distinctive character that sits comfortably between nostalgia and modernity, bridging decades of dance music history in a way that feels entirely natural rather than calculated. The outcome is music that resonates with longtime house heads while still feeling immediate and alive to newer listeners discovering the genre. Jesse Jacob's sound has gradually shifted toward underground house music blended with garage influences, reflecting a genuine artistic evolution rather than a calculated repositioning for commercial purposes.

Building Airtime Records From the Ground Up

But perhaps Jesse Jacob's single most significant contribution to the scene has been his work as a label founder. He established Airtime Records, an acclaimed label recognized for pioneering tracks and strong backing of new artists. The label launched in 2019 and has served both as an outlet for his own music and a vital platform propelling emerging artists toward credible recognition. Prominent figures in the scene such as Archie Hamilton, Chris Stussy, and Toman have endorsed the label, reflecting the steady respect it has gained across the broader electronic music community.

Originality Over Everything

What truly sets Airtime Records apart, however, is the philosophy powering it from within. Jesse prioritizes originality above everything else, routinely rejecting polished demos that merely echo established artists. His goal centers on delivering truly novel sounds to audiences, regardless of whether the submitting artist boasts thousands or mere dozens of followers. This firm stance has yielded strong results. Numerous early label signings have risen to prominence throughout the broader electronic scene, underscoring the sharp discernment Jesse brings to his A&R selections.

A Label Identity as Sharp as the Music

Airtime Records recently completed a complete visual refresh that perfectly captures the label's artistic direction ahead. Jesse's personal musical journey has drawn him increasingly toward raw, underground house grooves infused with classic garage swing.

The striking new artwork comes from Ksea, a talented Australian visual creator. His designs brilliantly unite the label's sonic identity with bold graphics, creating an instantly recognizable aesthetic that amplifies each release. Beyond the music itself, Airtime Records is now actively expanding into vinyl releases and branded live events, signaling that the label is growing into a fully rounded cultural platform rather than simply a digital outlet for tracks.

Taking the Groove Global

Jesse Jacob's footprint on the live circuit has grown considerably alongside his recorded output. Jesse has performed across South America, Australia, and Europe, building an international following through consistent and dedicated work on the road. His recent schedule has spanned key venues throughout Amsterdam and Utrecht, highlighted by the HUSH event at TivoliVredenburg on September 27, 2025, alongside Kepler, Jesse Jacob b2b Anil Aras, and Cher Semain. This prestigious booking at one of the Netherlands' most cherished cultural venues illustrates the remarkable journey from solitary late night production sessions in Utrecht to commanding respect across the international scene.

Five Years of Airtime and Still Climbing

On the release front, Jesse Jacob's output has continued at a steady and purposeful pace. His landmark 2025 release, the five year anniversary compilation for Airtime Records, brought together artists including Scott Diaz, Nay Barr, and Frederik Anthony, showcasing the breadth of talent the label has attracted and nurtured since its founding. The compilation served as both a heartfelt celebration of what Airtime has built and a clear statement of intent about where it is heading.

2026: A New Chapter Takes Shape

Entering 2026, Jesse Jacob shows no signs of slowing down. His releases so far this year span an impressively wide range of styles, with output covering deep house, funky house, tech house, UK garage and bassline. He stands out as a multifaceted talent who resists being pinned to just one corner of the club. Airtime Records keeps building steam this year, signing fresh talent to its growing family while dropping cuts across varied vibes, cementing its role as a go to source for elite underground house cuts. Jesse openly discusses revealing untapped layers of his sound through soon to come EPs, tapping into a massive personal crate of tunes rarely aired in sets, where his parties and label now provide the perfect canvas for his full creative scope to take flight.