We are excited to welcome JJ Jackson to THIS IS MY HAUS! A renowned tattooist in York, JJ is celebrating 20 years in the tattooing industry and is also the lead singer of the band THE BASTARD SONS. His tattoo studio, AWAKE ARISE, is marking its 13th anniversary this year. Join us as we explore what makes JJ's home unique and discover the inspirations behind his personal space.
Tell us about the wildest thing you’ve ever taken from from a tour/gig?
There are far too many stories of things we have “borrowed” from places we have toured, and for a band that doesn’t have a particularly large resume of touring that is quite an achievement. 2 memories spring to mind. We played a really small show in some dive bar in Grimsby or something like that and the promoter promised us payment and a rider and we received neither so our guitarist came back to our van with a 3 litre bottle of JD with the Optic still attached.
The second weirdest thing we have acquired comes in the form of a huge wooden staff with a cobra carved into it. But I didn’t steal that, I bought it at a service station somewhere in between Vegas and Tempe, Arizona.
Sadly we had to leave it in customs cause I wasn’t allowed to take it on the plane.
What’s the most DIY project you’ve undertaken for your home?
Me and my finance have recently bought a house and it pretty much needed a full renovation, I took my hand to most things that needed doing but I think one of the worst jobs I did was try brick up a hole in the garage wall. It was throwing it down and the wet mix was just getting wetter and wetter and the bricks all just subsided and it just looks awful……… but I did make a curved wooden curtain rail which is still up after 2 years , so that’s cool!
What’s the most meaningful piece of decor in your home and what’s the story behind it?
When my daughter was born my old apprentice made her a penat with her name on it, I framed it with a cutting of the wall paper in her bed room, dried out flowers that I bought my partner at the hospital and Phoenix’s little hospital wrist band.
What’s the most extravagant home decor item you’ve ever bought?
I bought an 1800’s captains writing desk a few years back and used it as a TV stand and just fell in love with it. I currently use it as my work desk for tattoo designs or when I’m writing music.
What’s your favourite room in your house any why?
I’d have to say our living room. With us just becoming parents it’s always so cluttered and messy but it has a very lived in feel and still almost manages to keep its vibe.
Toys just strewn everywhere, my desk always covered in bits and bats and the sounds of our baby’s feet whilst she prides around like she owns the place, I love it.
Also it’s where my wall of tat is located.
What’s your favourite swear word?
SHIT’OUSE
Do you have any collections or hobbies that you showcase in your home?
I have a real problem with collecting things, it’s all or nothing. Since meeting my partner, Emma, she helps me rein it in a little better but I think over the years I’ve had all sorts of stuff.
Old cut throat razorblades, woodblock etchings, coloured vinyl, Japanese masks, Fuglers?!
You know, those soft toys with human teeth!!
Do you have any home rituals/routines that you can’t live without?
I got really into home automation years ago, which is weird because I’m very much into oldy, gothic looking decor but when I first got colour changing lightbulbs I was OBSESSED. The whole house is controlled by Philips Hue colour changing light bulbs that set a really good mood and ambience for how ever your feeling. I love it. It’s all controlled by apps or voice commands.
So when I come home from work we put the baby to bed and I’ll cook dinner, turn all the lights down to a nice soft warm tone and just wind down.
I also love how a simple change in lighting can change the feel of a room completely
What’s your favourite piece of furniture in your home and why?
I’d probably have to say this captains chair. I bought it a few years back and it was in a right mess. All the upholstery underneath was all decayed and falling out and then just recently I leant back and CRACK. All the spindle snapped out of place. I couldn’t get all the old glue out and because I’m super impatient I just glued both half’s together. Doesn’t look as suarve but it still serves its function.
I also re-upholstered the underside in a nice Faux leather……. underside, yeah the part no one ever sees….
This tables pretty cool too!
It’s an old travel chest.
If your home could speak, what do you think it would say about you?
Mine and my partners parents always joke about every room in our house being almost black. I’m not sure what it would say but I almost picture it as having the same mannerisms as Lydia Deets from Beetlejuice or Robert Smith from the Cure.
It would probably just write something in its journal about us….. hahahah
You can check out some of JJs awesome tattoo work over on his Instagram HERE
The Bastard Sons have new music launching this Autumn - you can keep up to date and follow them HERE
