Get to know Us & Machines

Jacob Buck is the founder and label boss of Us & Machines, an independent electronic imprint dedicated to high quality, club driven dance music. Born and raised in Dallas, Texas, Jacob’s path in the industry began as a DJ and promoter, then expanded when he became co owner and label manager of Audiophile Music Group. There he worked closely with artists such as John Summit, Alok, The Crystal Method, Franky Wah, Kyle Watson, Westend, and many others who helped shape the modern underground scene.

Now based in Chico, California, Jacob has spent the past two years developing Us & Machines around three pillars: trust, transparency, and creative integrity. The label’s mission is to provide artists with genuine support, long term vision, and fair compensation—moving beyond a simple release platform to become a partner in each artist’s career.

Below, Jacob shares the philosophy, sound, and values that guide Us & Machines.

Questions & Answers

What part of running a label feels the most human to you?

Connecting with artists from around the world and experiencing their culture through conversation and the music they create. A track can carry the vibe of a city, a moment, or a mindset, and the connection becomes even stronger when you speak directly with the person who made it. That exchange reminds me this is not just about audio files and artwork; it is about people sharing a piece of their world.

Have you ever had to unlearn something in order to grow creatively?

Absolutely—I had to unlearn the belief that I could do everything alone. The lone-wolf hustle is romantic, but building something meaningful demands a team of people you trust, who challenge and support you, and who bring their own magic to the table. Collaboration has driven far more growth than trying to fill every role myself.

What does success actually look like to you right now—no filters, no flex?

If the artists are happy and fairly compensated, that is success. Respect, transparency, and real opportunities for exposure matter more than big numbers or hype. I want every artist to feel proud of how their work is represented.

If you could put a message in every listener’s headphones before the music starts, what would it say?

Life is about being happy and making the people around you happy. Everything else is a distraction.

What is one thing artists you sign should never compromise on?

Getting paid for their work. Producers invest countless hours into learning their craft and refining their sound. Music drives most people’s lives, yet the creators are often the last to be paid. That must change, and no one should compromise on it.

If Us & Machines were a person at a party, what would they be doing?

DJing. Anyone who knows me knows I will happily spin all night if no one stops me—never for attention, just for the love of mixing. Us & Machines would be controlling the vibe, blending unexpected tracks with feel-good energy and making people dance without realizing they needed to.

What moment made you realize you had to start this label?

A conversation with my best friend. He was thrilled to sign with one of his favorite labels, but the experience turned sour when they treated him poorly. That, combined with other things I had seen, lit a fire in me to build a label founded on respect and transparency.

What is the weirdest or most unexpected source of inspiration behind the label’s name?

It came from a song I heard—though I can’t recall the title. The phrase “Us and Machines” popped into my head and everything aligned instantly: the name, the brand, the vision.

What are you rebelling against with this label, even quietly?

The industry’s reputation for not paying artists. It is 2025, and creators still chase payments or accept shady deals just to be heard. Protecting artists means protecting the culture.

How do you balance the Us and the Machines?

Time management. The machines are always on, but we cannot be. I carve out time to build, time to connect, and time to unplug. Without that balance, burnout is inevitable and relationships suffer.

What moment with music hit you like a lightning bolt?

Hearing Felguk’s “Side by Side” in 2009 changed my life. That track flipped a switch, led me to throw my first event in 2010, and by 2012 I had joined Audiophile. It was the spark that set everything in motion.

Fast forward ten years—what legacy do you hope Us & Machines leaves behind?

I want the label to change the industry in a genuine way. When I left the scene in 2019 and returned later, I realized little had shifted regarding how labels treat artists. Us & Machines aims to drive deep structural change that lets artists build lasting careers and, most importantly, get paid fairly.

There are many record labels out there. What makes Us & Machines a different frequency?

Our Artist Pathways management system. Artists can log in to:

• Download promotional assets

• View and download contracts

• Check remix opportunities

• Receive automated updates on every stage of their release

• Access transparent accounting and analytics for every track

No more chasing information or waiting in the dark—just complete insight into their music and money. That level of empowerment is our frequency.