Get "Down" with Jay Sean

Jay Sean's in the house with an exclusive interview as he gets set to release his brand new single "Down" featuring Lil' Wayne... So where does he go from here? What's next for this immensely talented artist? Read on to find all the answers... 

It’s been an incredible year for you with so many awards in the UK. How’re you feeling about it all?

Of course it feels great to be given an award for just doing your job, but really I don’t want to ever make music for awards – I make music because I love it.  But I’m not saying no to a Grammy!

The title of your album My Own Way is a statement in itself. Why was it important for you to do this – your way?

It’s all about the team around you and sometimes in order to make sure everyone’s on the same page and working hard towards your goal, you have to pick people that care.  So therefore I was involved in every aspect of the creation of the album.  Sometimes you can be with a label, it may be a major label even, but if they don’t understand you as an artist, then you got to take it into your hands – which is what I did, when I set up Jayded Records.

Your second solo album was released after a pretty big gap. What were your expectations from this album? How do you think people have reacted to it?

I didn’t have any expectations.  I never work well when I give myself expectations.  I just work hard and make sure I enjoy every moment. I think that showed – seeing as the material that came out was the most honest and enjoyable piece of work that I’ve ever done when compared to my first album.  And I guess it worked, seeing as it outsold my first album.

You’ve described the new album as going back to your roots. Can you explain what you mean by that?

Going back to my roots means doing the type of music that I fell in love with – and that is R&B and Soul. So I used these influences and remembered why I loved music, and put this feeling into my second album. 

You’ve got a brand new single with Lil Wayne that’s getting a lot of airplay across the U.S.  How did that collaboration come about?

Well, Wayne and I are label buddies now since we’re both signed to Cash Money Records! Luckily he loved the record to and was excited about featuring on it.

What was your experience like working with Lil Wayne?

It was unbelievable! The first thing he did was give me a huge hug and say “Welcome to the family!” The second thing he said was, “This song is a smash!” With that, the rest of the video shoot was so much fun.  He’s a professional through and through and a real cool dude. 

Do you feel that people are now willing to look at South Asian artists as part of the mainstream music industry? What role do you see for yourself in that movement?

I think there is a long way to go until South Asians fully have a firm place in the mainstream music industry.  There needs to be more of us…an army that is there to stay!  I feel privileged to be representing our people, and I hope I do our people proud.

Is there a signature Jay Sean sound that you’d like to be known for?

My music is all about melody and sentiment.  I’d like to think that I write songs that will stand the test of time – and not just capture the hot sound of that year.  A great song is a great song forever.  Therefore I try to avoid gimmicks.

Earlier this year, your only stop on tour was in Kitchener. When can fans in Canada hope to catch you live for an extended tour?

Well I have performed in Vancouver and Toronto since then.  I love Canada and I can’t wait to go back. I think Montreal is on the list soon.  Follow me on Twitter: @jaysean and I’ll keep you posted.

Bollywood seems to love you. Any more songs from you that people can look forward to this year?

There was talk of me writing a song for a Bollywood film with hit producers Shankar Ehsan Loy.  We are still trying to schedule that in and you can probably expect to see one of the hottest Bollywood actresses in one of my forthcoming videos.

How long is the North American tour?

We’ve already done 16 dates – and there will be plenty more in the near future I’m sure.

When do you head back to the studios?

I’m always in the studio – every spare moment I get.  I try to write all the time – it’s one of my favourite aspects of my job. I probably have enough material for my next album now!

Any message for your Canadian fans?

Thank you for your ongoing support – I’m nothing without you guys! I can’t wait to see you guys soon. I know I haven’t got to spend enough time in Canada – but trust me when I come there – I’ll make up for it. 

Comments

[keiya rahman]

all i wanna say is dat i love ur song down!!!! i risk my life on listening to ur song "down" in my class when my teacher is not looking! (L) it to much