For a 19-year old, Jacob Latimore has been some places and seen some things! He began performing and acting at a young age, eventually landing a leading role in Black Nativity, a supporting role in Ride Along, and various television series spots.
His 2014 pop single “Heartbreak Heard Around the World” brought Jacob into the homes of a whole new audience, moving away from the hip hop genre. Latimore will be helping TuneCore and Swisher Sweets close out the Austin Takeover this Saturday night at The Vulcan Gas Company, but you can get familiar with him in our quick Q&A below:
You’ve been in some pretty high profile films TV shows. At what age did you know you wanted to act?
My first love was always music. My mom told me that if I wanted to be in the business that I should be well-rounded while in it. I started doing voiceovers at the age of 10 or 11 years old and in 2009 I booked my first tv show One Tree Hill and right after my first co-lead in a film Vanishing on 7th Street with Hayden Christensen, Thandie Newton and John Leguizamo.
What was it like getting to work next to musicians-turned-actors?
I worked to Jennifer Hudson, Nas and Tyrese in the film Black Nativity in 2013. It was dope working with all of them.
We became family on set. I still keep in contact with Tyrese the most. Always attending his famous “house parties” (laughs). They are all dope actors!
You’ve been singing and releasing singles for over a decade. In what ways do you feel like your style and writing have evolved year-by-year?
Finally since turning 18 I’ve been able to figure out my direction on my own. I just want to make good music and not stick to one style because I’m black. Right now I’m finding my lane and I think people are paying attention.
Do you feel that your acting career has helped shape your readiness to be on the stage as an artist? Or vice versa?
Not really, I was performing before acting. I don’t act when I’m on stage. I’m 100% me. However, both are gifts that I have so both come natural for me.
You’ve done some brand ambassador work – what can you tell us about your experience in this area?
Sure, I was the brand ambassador for Post HoneyComb Cereal in 2014. It was a dope experience to represent a household brand that many people grew up eating.
Do you feel that indie artists should be embracing branding opportunities when made available?
Most definitely, my team and I always talk about brand partnerships and opportunities. First you want to partner with a brand that makes sense and aligns with your brand as well. The partnership can help our music and brand. These partnerships could also put some money in your pocket, or help with other costs that we have to cover as indie artists.
How did the release of your hit, “Heartbreak Heard Around the World” transform your career as an artist?
“Heartbreak Heard Around the World” was a pop record my former label thought I should record and release. The record put me in front a different audiences which was dope. I did learn the pop side of the business moves differently than the urban side, for sure.
What can you tell us about your most recent project Love Drug?
Well I’m excited about this project because it’s really all me. Not a lot of opinions involved. The music is urban, but could be considered rhythmic. Lyrically, the songs are more mature Vocally Ive matured.
I have a diverse body of records but it’s my sound.
How do you plan to make the most of your time during your first trip to SXSW?
This my first trip to SXSW and I’m excited to perform. I’m excited to be performing in front of a different and more musically diverse crowd. I’m also excited to link up with some of my peers and meet some new people.
What does the rest of 2016 hold for Jacob Latimore?
I’m ready to put out more content and dope music! Also getting back on the road to perform.
Right now I’m filming a movie called Collateral Beauty with Will Smith, Ed Norton, Kate Winslet and Helen Mirren in New York City. Collateral Beauty will be in theaters in December 2016.
I also have an indie film coming out called Sleight tentatively being released this Summer.
Stay tuned for more of me! Don’t sleep.
Tags: DIY featuring heartbreak heard around the world indie jacob latimore SXSW sxsw 2016 tunecore