The 33-year-old, who has been a part of the music industry for 14 years now, says, “I started writing music when I was eight and was a Michael Jackson fan. That began my whole journey. He was a huge inspiration. I have been a songwriter in the industry since I was 16, and at 19, I released my first song.”
In an exclusive conversation with Bombay Times, Jason talks about his love for Indian music, the influence of
social media on the music industry and more. Excerpts:
Indian music and Indian musicians have been doing great work for years — our composers and musicians have been winning accolades globally, and recently, Naatu Naatu from RRR won the Oscar (Best Original Song category), and this year, Ricky Kej won his third Grammy…
It’s so awesome. I think it is an exciting time for music in general. Now we have a world stage, and I don’t think this was a possibility before for other musicians across the world. But now, we have streaming services and social media and people are finding access to music way easier as opposed to 10 years ago; when I first started out, there was none of that. Americans would listen to American music, and the French heard French music, but now more than ever, we have been able to break the barriers and are exposed to a large audience.
What do you love about Indian music?
I love the scale. There are a lot of added notes in the Indian music script that we don’t have in western music. I can’t wait to dive more into Indian music. India is one of my favourite places in the world, and it’s become an obsession to come here and touch the ground. I contacted my label here and said I wanted to come and talk to people because every time I have met an Indian fan across the border, I’ve been surprised at how much they knew about me and how much love they had for me.
Are you familiar with Bollywood music?
Of course, I am! I am a musical theatre kid. I went to school for musical theatre. To me, Bollywood films are a lot like musical theatre as there is music, dancing and acting — all of it together. It’s right up
my alley. It would be awesome if I could collaborate with artistes in Bollywood.
In today’s times, a song’s popularity is hugely influenced by its social media virality. What’s your take on this?
It’s pretty crazy, you know. My take on it is that it is a gift and a curse. Due to this a lot of one hit wonders arise. But, I also think that a lot of fresh new talent is found as well. It gives people opportunities. It’s an equal playing field. Because today you can upload your song from your bedroom and the world can be singing it tomorrow, but it doesn’t necessarily mean you are going to be a lasting artiste. It’s really come to a point yourself to make sure you are ready for the whole package and make sure that you have a follow up to keep doing it over and over again. It’s one thing to make one special song but to be able to do it over and over again is really very tough.
Talent works but talent without social media won’t work – is that what you feel?
I think sometimes talent is enough to have people follow you on social media. But that being said, it is just another tool in your toolbox. One artiste may get more people to hear their song as they have more followers, while another artiste with less followers will access less audience and so their song will have a lot more climbing to do. However, that’s not to say that the other artiste won’t get there, because they will still have the possibility of getting there, while the path will just be a little easier for an artiste with more followers.
What is it about Mumbai that you love the most?
Oh, definitely the food. I love Indian cuisine. With the diet that I follow of veggies and meats, staying away from naan is my problem. Indian food is perfect for me because I love the sauces and there are so many different flavours you can try in just one sitting.
You’ve said earlier that having a son (Jason King Derulo) shifted your mindset – tell us about how and how much your life changed in the last two years?
It’s really been a heck of a ride. My favourite thing to do is to hang with him. I teach him and learn about the whole new world that he has brought me to. It has been an incredible ride so far and it’s just the beginning. He will be two in May 2023.
Toddlers and infants are attached to music and usually love music. Yours too?
Yes! He is obsessed with the guitar. Whenever he sees any kind of headphone, he thinks you are supposed to sing! When you put headphones on, he starts singing because he sees me in the studio. He thinks that headphones are supposed to make you sing better. (Laughs) He would take strings from his pants and be like he is on a mic. It’s incredible. He learns so fast.
A while back, you courted controversy when you failed to tag BTS in a video celebrating your song Savage Love (the BTS remix). Today, when artistes around the world are collaborating with each other, how do you look at it?
That was a big misconception. I was at dinner with my friends (when he shared the post) and the fact that I didn’t mention their name became a big deal for some people. It’s not my responsibility to mention others’ names when I am with my close friends. But their name is on the song. Yes, they helped the song become number one in America, which is fantastic. I am thankful that we were able to make it together.
This isn’t your first time in India. You have fans here…
Yes, and that is a beautiful thing! Sending all my love back. It’s been a long time coming. I am glad I came here, and I kind of touch the soil and say a personal thank you to all my Indian fans who have been following me all these years. This is my third time in India and second time in Mumbai.
I went to Goa for the first time when I came to India a few years ago.
You’ve mostly had young fans. Is that who you want to target?
I think it’s a blessing that I am still able to speak to the youth. I feel like I have always had a kind of youthful audience. I have been doing this for so long that I have had people grow up with me. New fans come to the party, especially on social media- a whole lot of new young fandom. And that is really cool!
Who are the Indian musicians you know of?
I have a very surface perspective of Indian music, but I am slowly diving into more and I have a collaboration with King today (March 27, 2023). So it should be a lot of fun. Looking forward to collaborating more.
You’ve given us multiple hits in the last few years. What is the most cherished moment in your career?
When I reached 200 million records sold that was a big moment for me. I think it is at 250 million now. When I got that plaque – that was something, and I was like how! Because this is crazy. It is not a number that you can fathom right? So that’s pretty special to me.
Jalebi Baby was a hit in India…
Jalebi Baby was a lot of fun. It started the party here in a different way for me. I would like to continue the same way.
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