Recently, Sound Theory from the USA had the pleasure of interviewing one of the best up and coming stars on the desi music scene at the moment, namely 'Jay Sean.' Jay is a 21 yr old Asian kid from Hounslow. Currently studying medicine at QMW University in London, he's trying to put to good use a private education, however much to his parents dismay the only Dr he has any desire to work with at this point, is 'Dre'. Jay's soulful vocals and un-questionable song-writing ability has seen him signed to '2Point9 Productions', the management/production outfit who also look after Rishi Rich.
As well as being a Soul/R&B vocalist with the potential to make a mark in the global market that all British urban music lovers can be proud of, Jay is a fanatical rap music follower and from the ages of 15-20 he was one half of the hip hop duo 'Compulsive Disorder'. Although his as Donnel Jones like smoothness are what initially attracted 2point9 Productions to him, since working closely over the past few weeks they've since discovered a talented rapper lying underneath the sultry smooth exterior.
With a bedroom full of 'A5 note-pads' containing songs, scribbling and mini stories depicting the quintessential of 'London' life through Asian eyes, Jay has written countless tales with that distinctive 'British wit' and paints a very amusing picture of his life experiences so far. It's truly a refreshing break in a music industry currently drowning in commercial mediocrity.
Sound Theory: Jay Sean my man, tell everyone who you are playboy!
Jay Sean: Well, I guess I'm kinda the new kid on the music scene! Most of you probably don't know me yet, but some of you may have heard me on the new Rishi Rich joint 'Dance with You'...Without going into too much detail. I'm a 22-year-old medical student (REALLY trying to convince myself of that) but I've been a singer/songwriter on the side for a while now, and I've JUST been lucky enough to clinch a record deal with a major label.
Sound Theory: The UK is filled with artists who are coming out from no where and saturating the scene like automobiles, what separates yourself from the rest and most importantly, what made you wanna do this? What got you to your first big break?
Jay Sean: Yeah, it true, there's new artists coming up everyday, especially with all these "Reality T.V" programmes like Pop Idol and Fame Academy, who are probably responsible for like a dozen of the new acts in the last year or so! And then there's the 'manufactured bands' advertised for in the papers, so the market becomes saturated with artists who are willing to compromise their position in order to reach fame and I'm not really with that. I wanted to maintain my integrity as an artist, and write and sing material, which is true to me, thats the only way - I could see myself keeping it real and not being a victim of corporate manipulation. It wasn't the fame that attracted me to this, I wanted the chance to be able to do what I love as a career, and (thank my lucky stars) I've been given that opportunity. Now I just gotta show people what I'm about! I eat, sleep, live and breathe music, man, that's what I do and I guess my song "You Don't Know Me" will tell you all you need to know about my thoughts, my history, where I've come from and where I wanna be. I've been trying, relentlessly, to make a name for myself in this industry, and since the age of 13 I was in a rap group called "Compulsive Disorder". For years, we wrote and produced our own material, and along the way I diversified into R'n'B and recorded a demo called "One Minute", which ended up in the hands of Rishi Rich which led to me getting signed by his management, 2Point9, who fished me a record deal and the rest, as they say, is history!
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Sound Theory: We all know you teamed up with Rishi Rich, one of the hottest producers on the scene, how was it like working with the man?
Jay Sean: Rish is a phenomenal talent, man even though he's only NOW getting the recognition that he duly deserves, people STILL ain't ready for him! He has some SICK beats and ideas, I'm telling you! Rish and I are a wicked tag team as his production compliments my vocal and vice versa, and the best thing about it is that we work hard and play hard. It isn't no fun if you can't catch joke once in a while! There's definitely a |
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| special vibe there, which everyone can see, so hopefully the album (which will be mainly produced by him) will be worth checking out! |
Sound Theory: I personally think, you can become hotter on the mic than Craig David! What artists have inspired you up till now? Anyone in particular that you model yourself after?
Jay Sean: Thanks bro, thats nice to hear! Craig is an incredible singer, and I feel his music, so thats a great compliment. I'm inspired by many artists from different genres, both as a listener and a songwriter. My favourite artist is Musiq Soulchild, I can't fault the guy- his melodies, and his tone and his lyrics are so on point. I grew up listening to the old schoolers like Stevie Wonder and Lionel Ritchie, and I admire the rawness of their talent. Present day artists that I'm feeling and who are an inspiration, are people like Donnell Jones, Eric Benet, Brian McKnight and Justin Timberlake...and in terms of hip hop, I've always been a huge fan of Naughty by Nature, Big L, De La Soul, A Tribe called Quest and Eminem. I analyse these artists for the songs that they write, the way that they sing and draw inspiration from those observations, but I wouldn't want to emulate anyone, because I've always believed in being true to myself - I couldn't live my life trying to fill somebody else's shoes, so I've always tried to be unique in my style and in particular, my approach to this album.
Sound Theory: What are your goals for music? Where do you want to take your sound and how do you want to take your sound? At what level? Do you think you have what it takes to compete with the boys at the mainstream level and represent the Asian massive?
Jay Sean: One thing that remains consistent throughout anything I do in life really is remaining true to myself and trusting my gut instincts. I'd like to think that I know where I am, what I have to offer and what it will take for me to get there. I've persevered and overcome adversities just to get to where I am now and I've only just got my foot in the door! Of course I want what any other artist would want - that number 1 single, that number 1 album. But I want to make a lasting impression, I dont want to be a 'phase' or a 'fad', I feel I have more to offer than just that. I want to be able to stand for something and be a significant person in this industry. I do believe that I have the necessary INTENTIONS to achieve that, but whether or not that comes true for me, is another thing! I may never get that far, but I'm gonna give it my best shot. I understand that I am now up against the "big boys" and thats daunting to say the least! I hope I do have what it takes to represent the Asians- it's about time the mainstream recognise our talent. We've been undiscovered for too long now, this is my chance to show them a little taste of what we as a people, have to offer. I want to help breakdown those old stereotypes, and my career move from medicine to music is just a little statement to say-we can be more than just doctors, lawyers, accountants and business studies students, we've got some real talent and we deserve a place in mainstream media just as much as anyone else.
Sound Theory: Your track, 'Dance With Me' feat Juggy D and Rishi Rich on the production was hot. The response has been heavy; what do you have to say about the response you been getting?
Jay Sean: Man, I'm so pleased with the response; I can't believe how much love people are giving! Keep it coming peeps, is all i can say!! It's so nice to see Asians supporting one another. Thank you!!
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Sound Theory: It's all about the future. What are you doing right now in the studio and what can we expect from you this year?
Jay Sean: Well, I'm working on the album, day in day out! I'm at the studio either vibing with rish and coming up with concepts for new songs or recording ones I've already written. I just finished recording a ballad as it goes...And now it looks like we got a classic Rishi "I'm gonna make you dance" Rich track just waiting to be laced.... And as for this year, with any luck, it looks like "Dance with You" will be on official release by the summer and hopefully an album dropping towards the end of the year!
Sound Theory: How about you *laughs* do a collabo with a U.S. based producer...hmm say me!?
Jay Sean: Well, I was booked in for the Neptunes in mid June but, damn, if YOU'RE available - Pharrell can wait bro! |
Sound Theory: How do you feel about the onslaught of Asian sounds in urban mainstream tracks? I believe that will be the future of urban sounds in the mainstream and believe there will be a genre called desi beats or something along those lines. You feel the same way?
Jay Sean: It looks like we've made quite an impact on the mainstream, from music through to fashion, films and commercials. I only have to switch on the TV for 5 mins until some form of Asian influence comes on (anyone seen the Halifax ad? What the hell's going on?) It's blown up in a HUGE way man, bigger than any of us could've anticipated. They've finally recognised that we've got skills; it's as simple as that! They're feeling our food, our style, our music, our culture, and I think its great that we're finally becoming a fully integrated part of British society as opposed to being perceived as an ethnic minority with our 'own little traditions'. British society on the whole is becoming a lot more cosmopolitan than it ever used to be, and I think people are genuinely intrigued by others' culture and way of life. 5 years ago, it would've been bizarre to even imagine a room full of white, black and Asian people all losing their inhibitions and dancing like there was no tomorrow to a bhangra track. But now, it's happening, and it's an amazing sight to witness. I think it's the beginning of big things to come.
Sound Theory: Lastly, what do you like to say to all your fans and the readers of desitunes4u.com and radiophive.com?
Jay Sean: Nuttin but love for ya! Respect and thank you to everyone that has supported me, I hope this year will be big for us all! Cross your fingers and touchwood! Peace.
That concludes the interview, firstly a big thanks for Jay for taking some time out to do the interview. 'Jay Sean' debuts on the promo single 'Dance With You'. The single is a 'battle of the dialects' collaboration produced by Rishi Rich, with a guest feature from "Juggy D" (Jay sings in english & Juggy sings in punjabi). It's very early days for Jay but there are already 'salutes' coming from the credible areas of both the Asian and western industry's, which suggest a definite substance and longevity beneath the obvious 'mainstream' platform that is currently being provided by his culture. I don't know what else to say but watch out coz Jay Sean is here to stay, trust me!
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