Up Close: Jay Sean

Jay Sean is no stranger to the music industry. With seven years in the music business under his belt, he has naturally transformed into the well seasoned and in-demand artist that he is today. With a huge following from his UK success, the next stepping stone in his career naturally, was to join forces with heavy hitters Cash Money/Universal Republic as part of his introduction into the mainstream music scene. Now he is setting the global music charts on fire with his number one hit “Down” and his latest released track “Do You Remember”.

Before hitting the stage here in Toronto—the final stop of his international tour—Jay Sean sits down with ANOKHI to talk about his pretty fabulous year.

How would you describe your sound? It’s definitely music which I would say is very real in terms of topics I talk about. I like to strike a chord with humanity the best way of doing that is to write from the heart, and be honest.I think the biggest compliment I have ever received so far about my music is a number of people will come to me and say “Man you have literally written my life story in that song.” That is really cool to hear and that is why I like to write melodic songs with meaning.

As a South Asian artist, what challenges did you face (if any) with respect to breaking free from what the industry may expect from a South Asian artist in terms of music? America was a really different process, they did not look too deep into anything they just took the music for what is was which I think is the best thing to do, that’s what it should be about, it’s about music. When they heard the songs, they thought ‘Great! What is his name?’ Let’s play more of it.’ and the more and more they played the bigger and bigger it got.

He continues to remain close to his cultural roots and would love to pursue the possibility of recording for a Bollywood movie soundtrack in addition to collaborating on future projects with pop artists such as Rihanna, Taylor Swift and even Hip-Hop giants such as Jay-Z and Eminem.

Any advice for budding singer/songwriters who are trying break into the mainstream music industry? Yes definitely, this industry is highly competitive. You really need to be up on your A-game, see who your competition is and try to be the best you can be. It is very important to have people in your life that will be very honest with you. No matter how successful you think you are, they will always be the one to be real with you.

Any last words for ANOKHI fans? Yes of course! For me it is very important where I have come from and where I have grown from. I did an interview with ANOKHI 4- 5 years ago. Way back in the day before the American success and I feel it is very important to let you know how much I appreciate your success and how you have given me your support throughout the years. Without you, I would not be here today.

We too, will keep our eyes on Jay Sean as his success clearly is far from over.

BY: TESSA JOHNSON / POSTED ON DECEMBER 19, 2009

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