CALEB JACKSON – BEYOND THE DECKS

Caleb Jackson’s rise from local rooms to international stages is a lesson in steady momentum and clear instincts. In this conversation he explains the moments that pushed him to commit, the lessons learned from holding large rooms, and the simple habits that keep his creativity moving — all told in a direct, practical voice that matches his work in the studio and onstage.

When did you first realise DJing and producing could be more than a weekend thing for you, and which early gig or moment pushed you to take it seriously?

Once I realised I could cover my rent and some ramen, I decided to go all in. Opportunities were starting to come, but I felt total commitment was needed, and I haven’t looked back.

Is there a set you played that changed the way you think about energy and pacing, and what did you learn from it?

My first few sets for Lost Sundays were the ones that really challenged and inspired me. Holding a large room that required a lot of energy while staying true to my sound forced me to learn fast, especially when I was testing my own productions in that space.

When you’re digging for music, what specifically catches your ear first and how does that influence what you buy or keep?

I look for music with a strong personality, starting with the groove and then the hook. Unique productions with timeless elements are my favourite, and because I aim to create unforgettable moments for listeners, it’s important that what’s in my bag hits that sweet spot.

Is there a release that taught you something unexpected about your creative process?

Yes — a record called “XXXL” that I dropped with PIV. It was my pick for the release even though it was the B2 among more supported tracks, because I believed it would connect. Since then it’s become one of my most successful records and taught me to trust my instincts.

How do you add psychedelic or melodic elements into a tech-house or house set without losing the groove?

These days I try to insert mood through melodic elements that feed into a strong theme, like stepping into a good movie. I start with a strong hook and build out from there, aiming for a balance that can be bittersweet and euphoric or dirty and fun, but always tied together by that initial hook.

As a Lost Sundays resident, how has playing regularly in the same room shaped the way you test new material or structure a set?

Playing Lost Sundays taught me to put on a show while holding a large room. You learn to engage the audience in new and fun ways, using decks and effects to create tension and drama so the crowd stays unified. Smooth mixing and good track selection are essential, but they’re not enough on their own.

On tour and at events like Burning Man, what small detail reliably refuels your creativity?

Reading is a creative bicep curl for me, and I listen to lots of music outside of house for inspiration. I also take in the tour experiences and use them as fuel to recreate the magic through music.

What practical piece of advice would you give someone starting to release music and play internationally that you wish you’d known earlier?

Quality over quantity. Be nice. Do it because you love it.

Caleb’s answers reveal a practical, instinct-led approach: commit early, test your music in real rooms, trust your choices, and keep creative practices simple but disciplined. His career continues to move between studio and stage, and those steady decisions are what keep his work connecting.

Listen to Caleb this Friday, 01 May at Haven, Byron Bay — tickets available here: https://events.humanitix.com/flow-music-presents-may-01