Jakob Ripp: The Bassist Behind Power Take Off’s Rising Success

Music Observer Staff on November 24, 2025

Power Take Off is a rock-pop/punk band making waves in the music world with their pulsating performances and chart-topping singles. At the heart of this band lies Jakob “JR” Ripp, the talented bassist whose journey from a young music enthusiast to a full-time member of Power Take Off has deeply shaped his unique sound and style. Passionate about music, his commitment and versatility continue to fuel the band’s growing success.

Jakob Ripp’s Musical Beginnings

Jakob Ripp came from a very musical family that provided the foundation for his career as a musician. He grew up with music in the house; his father, Jim Ripp, was a gifted pianist and guitarist who played a major role in Jakob’s early development in music. From a very tender age, Jakob was exposed to a variety of sounds, and his father even gave him his first piano lessons. Though Jakob’s two brothers did not pursue music, his passion for the craft blossomed early, eventually making him a key figure in Power Take Off.

At age 16, Jakob took up the bass guitar and promptly began learning songs such as “Seven Nation Army” by The White Stripes and Green Day’s “When I Come Around.” It wasn’t until age 19, though, that Jakob’s bond with the bass really began to form. This came in the form of an invitation from Scott Theis to handle merchandise and sound during Power Take Off shows. Still quite green in both roles at the time, Jakob’s commitment and energy shone through, and he soon became an official part of the band.

Jakob Ripp: The Bassist Behind Power Take Off's Rising Success

Photo Courtesy: John Flores

Joining Power Take Off and Finding His True Passion

Jakob’s big break came when Ayden Theis, Power Take Off’s drummer, asked him to learn and then play tracks like “Breaking the Law” by Judas Priest and “Kingdom of the Car” by Jason and the Scorchers. That was the spark that really lit Jakob’s fire for the bass, and he started playing with The Cattlemen. This project included Ayden as a singer and guitarist. His growing love for the bass led him to his current role in Power Take Off after the invitation from Scott.

Faced with the task of mastering the entire Power Take Off setlist in just two months, Jakob’s commitment paid off. By the time he officially joined the band, Jakob had proven himself a reliable and skilled musician. He was given the nickname “JR” by Scott, marking his transformation into a key member of the band.

Power Take Off: Chart Success and Future Tours

Since Jakob joined Power Take Off, the band has seen incredible success. Power Take Off’s music is described as a blend of rock, pop, and punk, resulting in a unique sound that fans worldwide can hear. When their single “Revolution” hit #23 on the SMR Top 50 in the week of September 9, 2025, the band finally achieved huge chart success. “Revolution” marked the band’s fourth consecutive single to make the top 50 on the SMR Mainstream/Active Rock Chart, continuing a string of successes.

Success for “Revolution” speaks to the band’s hard work and their collaboration with notable producer Malcolm Springer. Recorded in Nashville, Tennessee, at Stoner Creek Studios, the single features production from Springer, who is known to have produced multi-platinum artists. Power Take Off also recorded in Detroit with Chuck Alkazian, another renowned producer; a new release is scheduled for January 2026.

The band’s popularity continues to grow, and their following is growing as they prepare for several large tours. Power Take Off recently completed a tour that included an appearance at the Launch Music Conference and Festival in Dallas, Texas, in October of 2025. The band also toured through 10 Southern and Southwest states. Looking ahead to 2026, Power Take Off has several tours lined up, including “The Welcome Home Tour” with multi-platinum group Rehab and “The Borderlands Tour” with former Saving Abel frontman Scotty Austin. These tours, among others yet to be announced, are set to propel Power Take Off to new heights.

Photo Courtesy: John Flores

The Many Talents of Jakob Ripp

Few people know that Jakob Ripp is a man of many talents aside from his musical prowess. When he is off-stage, he deeply respects the instruments he plays, as is reflected in his vast collection of bass guitars and vintage amplifiers. His love for crafts does not stop there, as Jakob is also into restoring cars, trucks, and motorcycles. With his mastery in welding and expertise in fixing just about everything, he is also respected not only as a musician but also as a very versatile handyman.

Another very important aspect of Jakob’s personality is his adventurous nature. He and his friends like to explore abandoned houses in Wisconsin’s woods and enjoy late-night cruises. These types of adventures give a thrilling dimension to his life and balance his hardworking nature with excitement and discovery.

A very special moment in Jakob’s life was when, in January 2025, his father, Jim Ripp, joined Power Take Off on a trip to Nashville to record five songs for their full length record Revolution. Jim is an amazing keyboardist, and he played all the keys during the Nashville sessions. This was one of those moments in Jakob’s career when he finally got to work with his father in the studio-a moment that came full circle in his musical journey.

The Future of Power Take Off: What’s Next for Jakob Ripp?

Jakob Ripp’s journey with Power Take Off is only just beginning, and his potential keeps on growing. The band’s growing success, involvement in major tours, and the release of new music will ensure that Power Take Off stays at the top of the rock scene for many years to come. His role in this successful story cannot be downplayed, as his skill and passion have helped shape the band’s sound and contributed to their continued rise.

Jakob Ripp’s journey is one that any Power Take Off fan surely keeps an eye on. His commitment, musical ability, and adventurousness make him an essential component of the band’s identity and success.

The Story Behind Vertige’s Formation

Vertige’s story is one of unexpected connections and serendipitous encounters. The journey began when Naomi, a Parisian singer with a rich background in jazz, moved to New York City to pursue a career in music. With her mother being a jazz performer, Naomi had singing in her blood. After years of performing in New York jazz clubs, she relocated to LA, eager to take her passion for music to new heights.

In 2022, Naomi was inspired to start a band. Motivated by a desire to create music that was both meaningful and deeply personal, she set out to find like-minded musicians. Her search took an unexpected turn when, through an online dating app, she met another Parisian in LA who introduced her to Augustus, a guitarist who would eventually become her bandmate and co-founder of Vertige.

Though Naomi’s original goal was to impress a guy she liked, the encounter with Augustus marked the beginning of a musical partnership that would transform into something much bigger. Their creative synergy was instant, and from that moment, Vertige started to take shape.

Augustus: The Guitarist Who Blends Blues with Rock

The heart and soul of Vertige’s sound lies in the passionate guitar work of Augustus, the band’s co-founder. Born in Lyon, France, Augustus’s love for guitar began at a young age. At just nine years old, he was captivated by the sounds of Texas Blues and Rock ‘n’ Roll. He spent countless hours learning from his musical idols like Stevie Ray Vaughan, Eric Clapton, and David Gilmour, shaping his own unique style in the process.

Augustus’s journey wasn’t always linear. Despite earning a Bachelor’s degree in Physics from University College London, his desire to pursue music led him to a pivotal decision: he left his academic path behind and moved to LA to immerse himself in the music scene. It was there that he met Naomi, and the two immediately hit it off, beginning the journey of creating Vertige.

Augustus’s personal experiences also play a significant role in the band’s songwriting. Songs like “Sarah” are directly influenced by his relationships and emotions, adding a layer of authenticity and vulnerability to Vertige’s music. This blending of personal storytelling with his technical prowess on the guitar creates a captivating sound that resonates deeply with fans.

The Band’s Unique Sound and Collaborations

While Naomi and Augustus provide the foundation for Vertige’s music, the band wouldn’t be complete without the contributions of Andreas, their bassist, and Jeremy, the drummer. Andreas, a talented Swedish musician, complements the band’s sound with his skillful bass lines, while Jeremy, who hails from France, anchors the rhythm section with his dynamic drumming. Together, the band members bring their collective vision to life, creating a seamless fusion of blues, rock, and alternative influences.

Vertige’s music is often described as emotionally charged, with each song exploring themes of love, heartbreak, and personal struggle. The band’s upcoming album promises to offer more of this raw emotional depth, with tracks like “The Heart” and “Michael’s Song” delving into Naomi’s past relationships, while “Another Gun Story” pulls from Naomi’s harrowing real-life experiences. These personal, introspective lyrics set Vertige apart from other bands, creating a unique listening experience.

The chemistry between the band members is evident not just in their music, but in their live performances as well. Vertige’s energetic stage presence and ability to connect with their audience make each show a memorable experience. Their upcoming show at The Viper Room on November 28th promises to be another exciting opportunity for fans to experience the passion and intensity that defines the band’s sound.

Vertige’s Vision: Music That Speaks to the Soul

At the core of Vertige’s artistic vision is the desire to create music that tells a story. Every song is carefully crafted to evoke emotion and invite listeners into the band’s world. Naomi’s powerful, ethereal vocals combined with Augustus’s intricate guitar work set the stage for a musical journey that explores complex themes and personal growth.

With every song, Vertige invites listeners to engage with their music on a deeper level. Whether it’s the electrifying guitar solos or the introspective lyrics, the band’s sound is both captivating and thought-provoking. Their unique blend of genres, from blues to rock to alternative, ensures that Vertige stands out in the LA music scene as a band to watch.

Keep Up with Vertige

Fans of Vertige can follow the band’s journey through their various online platforms for updates on new music, shows, and upcoming projects. Whether you’re looking for an unforgettable live performance or the latest single, Vertige offers a chance to connect with a band that’s quickly making its mark on the music world.

Vertige continues to push musical boundaries with their distinctive sound, drawing from personal experiences and universal emotions to create music that resonates with listeners. As they prepare to release more music and take their live shows to new heights, the future looks bright for this talented, genre-blending band. Stay tuned, as Vertige is just getting started.