It's seems years ago that we brought to all of you out there the Asian RnB sensation known as Mr Jay Sean. Wait a second, that's because it was years ago. Since I first wrote an article about Jay, he has gone from strength to strength - overcoming barriers others felt were impossible. Of course, with all the fame and success, it took a long time to find time to conduct an interview with us at Desitunes4U. Still I managed to track Jay down for a quick chat recently. Here's what went down!
DJ Dev: Congratulations Jay on getting to where you have, how does it feel to finally be releasing an album mainstream?
Jay Sean: Thanks. It feels amazing; I am finally getting to do something, which I have dreamed of for years. Its one thing to make music for your own personal enjoyment but it's a complete buzz when you know that your music is going to be out there for people to judge and hopefully love.
DJ Dev: When you first met up with Rishi and the rest of the 2 Point 9 crew, did you ever think it would get as big as this?
Jay Sean: Nah, it's funny as we used to sit there and I used to never think this would happen. I can't explain what I'm feeling but I don't have any regrets. If it weren't for Rishi and the 2Point9 crew, I wouldn't be where I was now so it's all good. I'm just happy that all the things that Rishi and me used to talk about are finally happening.
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DJ Dev: One thing I gotta respect you for is how you've kept it real. I mean the fame can all go to someone's head when they're in your position, but you seem to have your feet firmly on the ground. I've even been informed that you requested your granddad made an appearance in your debut video.
Jay Sean: That's funny, as he wanted to be in the video too - he's very cool for his age. I'm so lucky, I have so many people around me that keep me grounded, people that have known me since day one and my family play a big part in that. I am sure they would all tell me if my head was getting too big!
DJ Dev: Now, on to the 'Stolen' video with the stunning Bipasha Basu. How did that all come about?
Jay Sean: She just fancied me so I thought it was only fair that she was in the video - nah, my record |
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company asked me who I would to be in my video and I thought it would be cool to have a Bollywood actress in my video, as I don't think a UK artist has done that before. So lucky me had a choice and let's face it, she is stunning. Anyway, my people phoned her people and she loved the record and said she would love to be in the video and that's really how it happened. |
DJ Dev: What was the reasoning behind getting an Indian actress? There have even been rumours that you two are a couple. Care to comment?
Jay Sean: It was nice to bring Bollywood and the UK music industry together, even if it was just for my video. It's the meeting of different worlds and I like that. Bipasha Basu is amazing and who wouldn't want to be part of her world and hopefully, we will work together in some way or form in the future. And no comment on the couple story.
DJ Dev: You possess a rare talent in that you rap and sing on your album. Which do you enjoy doing more?
Jay Sean: That's a really hard question, as seriously I love both. When I'm rapping, it's a different emotion and in some sense, a different Jay Sean. When I'm singing, it's more emotional. That's why I called the album 'Me Against Myself'! I've grown up on hip-hop, but I love singing. Rapping is also where it all started when I was younger so it will always be important to me.
DJ Dev: Comparisons have been made with Eminem, especially after the whole cussing yourself as Em did in 8 Mile. What are your feelings on this comparison?
Jay Sean: Being compared to Eminem is a compliment obviously, however it's important that I am individual as an artist and I am not a brown Eminem or an Asian Craig David, I am just Jay Sean. Eminem has influenced me but that doesn't mean that I am trying to emulate him, it's only his success that I want to emulate.
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DJ Dev: So, we've established that Kamaljit Jooti is your real name. How did Jay Sean come about?
Jay Sean: Well some of my mates call me Jay anyway and Shaan is what they used to call me at home so it's like a combination of the two.
DJ Dev: Are there any collaborations on the album?
Jay Sean: The album doesn't feature too many collaborations, as I wanted to show everyone what I am about. The rest of the 2point9 family (Rishi, Mentor, Juggy and Veronica) were a vital part of the album and together we wrote and produced the tracks. That is important to me, as my success is also 2poin9's success. |
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DJ Dev: Whom would you most like to collaborate with mainstream wise?
Jay Sean: There are too many to name. I would love to collaborate with Musiq Soulchild, Boyz II Men, Beyonce…the list is endless.
DJ Dev: I've heard that you didn't actually grow up listening to much bhangra music. After hanging around with Juggy and Rishi so long, do you find yourself listening to more of it now?
Jay Sean: It's so nice as we all have very varied tastes and listen to a bit of everything.
DJ Dev: People often say that to become a huge R'n'B star, you have to be an entertainer. As in you got to be able to dance, and pull out the moves that the likes of Usher and Ginuwine do. This has been stated as the reason Craig David never made it as big in the US as he should have done. Would you agree?
Jay Sean: Not really as there are amazing artists that cant do 10 back flips and sing at the same time, although I think it's all good when they do. I think that music is so powerful that it doesn't always need mad dance moves. At the moment, there are a lot of artists who seem to be able to do the whole lot like Usher, Beyonce and B2K, but that doesn't mean that that's the way it has to be. You never know, I might be doing 10 back flips and some moonwalk moves in my next video….
DJ Dev: Are there plans to give the album a big push stateside?
Jay Sean: Not at the moment, I think right now it is really important to concentrate on home. I am lucky to have fans all over the world but first and foremost, I have to try and make some sort of an impact over in the UK - it's really important to me. Eventually, of course I would love to be successful in America, that would be mad but one thing at a time.
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DJ Dev: What about back in India, because the market there must be just huge.
Jay Sean: Yeah well I have done some stuff for some Bollywood soundtracks and would like to do some more eventually. I would love for my music to be available all over the world.
DJ Dev: Do you feel right now, that the public see you as an artist in your own right, or just a novelty? |
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Jay Sean: I would hate to be seen as a novelty act, I don't want to be a one hit wonder, and it's the long term I'm looking at. I like to see myself as doing something different and opening doors for others also. |
DJ Dev: How did your family react to you giving up medicine to become a pop star? Did it ever cross your mind they wouldn't be supportive?
Jay Sean: It never really crossed my mind that they wouldn't be supportive as they are just real down to earth people - I owe a lot to them and the way they have brought me up. They always wanted me to do what made me happy and I will always be grateful for their support. They have been there every step of the way and knew exactly what was happening.
DJ Dev: What would be your advice to others faced with that kind of situation?
Jay Sean: My advice would be never to give up on your dreams, I know it sounds corny but if you really want it, it will happen for you.
DJ Dev: Any final words for the hundreds of thousands of Desitunes4u readers?
Jay Sean: A massive thank you to all of you that have supported me from day one - it really means a lot. Thanks again, keep supporting and keep reading Desitunes4U! Peace.
That concludes the interview, firstly a big thanks for Jay for taking some time out to do the interview.
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