The Scottish DJ and producer, Jack Revill, known professionally as Jackmaster, has died aged 38 on Saturday morning in Ibiza after an accidental head injury, his family announced on social media this weekend.
Jackmaster was a popular producer and disc jockey from Glasgow, who was prominent in the dance and electronic scene for his extensive use of diverse genres whilst transitioning between records seamlessly.
Revill’s family released a statement on the DJ’s verified Instagram announcing the death. In the statement, they expressed their “profound sorrow” over Jack’s passing which occurred “following complications arising from an accidental head injury.”
Delving into his prevalence in the electronic genre, Revill’s family insisted “Jack’s passion for music and his relentless drive to push creative boundaries through his work… made him a beloved and pioneering figure in the electronic music community both in front of and behind the scenes.”
Following the announcement online, many prominent figures within the genre have shared their tribute and condolences following Revill’s death. The American DJ and music producer, Diplo, commented “you’re gonna live forever” under the announcement, suggesting Revill’s legacy will continue to live on and inspire future dance music despite his untimely death.
Additionally, the British electronic music duo, Disclosure shared their condolences with a dedicated Instagram post, with the caption: “Inspiration. Pure talent. Pioneering DJ. Friend. The music scene will never be the same without you. Thank you for all the amazing memories, shows & laughs we had together. Rest in peace Jack.”
Born in 1986, the DJ behind the iconic dance tracks ‘The Attention Deficit Track’, ‘Don’t You Want My Lovin’’ and ‘Nitro’ featuring Kid Enigma, ascended into the dance music scene following an interest of DJing as a teen, which consequently saw Revill made a resident at Glasgow techno institution Monox at 17.
In his formative teen years, he worked at Rubadub a record shop in Glasgow. During his experience at Rubadub, Revill was given the nickname ‘Jackmaster’, which referenced the popular term used in the Chicago house scene of the 1980s with the same name. This nickname would later become Revill’s professional identity and legacy.
His prominence in the dance community saw him become a co-founder of the record label and club night Numbers in 2010, alongside Wireblock, Dress 2 Sweat, Point. One Recordings, Seldom Felt and TDSR. This presence as a pioneer to the growing genre saw him awarded ‘Breakthrough DJ’ at DJ Magazine’s Best Of British Awards in 2010, along with ‘Best DJ’ at the same awards in 2014. The same year in which he would encounter his prestigious residency slot on BBC Radio 1, joining Grimes, James Blake and Bonobo.
Before his death, Revill last released two singles in June alongside Avision, titled ‘Bumpin’’ and ‘Just Get Up’. His last social media post was over two weeks ago as he reminisced on his September gig at Hï Ibiza with the caption “vibe was wicked”.
Despite his death, Jack Revill’s work as ‘Jackmaster’ will remain significant to those in the electronic dance genre for years to come.
