EXCLUSIVE: Jay Sean Talks About Bollywood Influence on His Music; Expresses Desire to Playback for Ranveer Singh

As a dedicated fan of Jay Sean, witnessing his journey from humble beginnings to international stardom is nothing short of inspiring. His unwavering commitment to promoting South Asian representation in music is truly commendable. It’s fascinating to see how he’s bridging the gap between cultures and genres, creating a platform for talent that might otherwise go unnoticed.


In an interview with TopMob, Jay Sean – a well-known British singer and musician – shared insights into his musical career spanning years. He also talked about the representation of South Asians in music and how it felt for him to rise from modest cities to global fame. With his upcoming album imminent, he also hinted at collaborations with Indian celebrities and production houses.

Jay Sean stands as one of the most recognized figures in the international music world, boasting a two-decade stint in the industry. As a versatile artist, he is known not only for singing but also producing music that blends R&B, pop, and South Asian elements into a distinctive style all his own. Currently, Jay Sean is making waves with his recent hits such as Heartless and God Did.

As a devoted fan, I had the privilege of chatting exclusively with Jay Sean in an interview. This renowned musician skyrocketed to stardom with his 2009 smash hit “Down,” which claimed the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100. Not only did this achievement make him the first solo artist of South Asian origin to do so, but it also marked him as the initial UK urban act to reach that pinnacle. In our chat, we delved into his remarkable journey.

1 – Please tell us about your attempts to bring music represented by the South Asians to the forefront, and what made you initiate this interesting effort.

For two decades, I’ve been an artist in the music industry, yet I’ve noticed only a handful of South Asians managing to penetrate the mainstream scene. Given that we make up the largest population on Earth, it’s always puzzled me why there aren’t more of us in the spotlight. After all, K-pop, Afrobeats, and Latin music have all gained significant mainstream success. So, I decided to take action on this issue that I care deeply about. I established a platform to highlight the skills within the South Asian community and offer them an opportunity to expand their reach and connect with a global audience.

2 – While the world has indeed become smaller in the last many years, Indian cinema has always been known for its music and dance. The music represented by Raj Kapoor and Mukesh decades ago has been much loved in Western countries, and so have the creations backed by filmmakers like Yash Chopra. What kind of music from our region do you now plan to take global, and will it retain its Bollywood flavor?

3 AM Entertainment, our label’s primary goal, lies in discovering and nurturing gifted artists across various music genres, such as hip-hop, country, rock, R&B, Bollywood, Punjabi, and many more. Our doors are open to any talent we come across, because at the end of the day, what truly matters is their artistic abilities. We’re committed to fostering that talent and supplying our artists with a robust infrastructure, allowing them to preserve their creative essence while working alongside an experienced team who have spent years in the music industry. My fellow partners at 3 AM Entertainment are my long-standing musical companions, and we share a deep understanding of what makes hit records tick. We always prioritize the music above all else. Our partnerships with Virgin Music Group and Range Media Partners further our vision, offering an exceptional support system to help us achieve our objectives.

3 – So many international artists have collaborated with Indian stars in the past. If there was one Indian actor, you would like to do playback for – who will it be and why?

It’s likely that Ranveer Singh is the one, given his passion for rapping which kick-started my own musical journey. I envision a lively, high-energy track where he can really shine and showcase his talent on stage.

4 – Which Indian music have you grown up listening to, and what was its impact on your musical journey?

Raised in a household steeped in Punjabi culture, I was exposed to various musical influences during my upbringing. Naturally, Bhangra tunes at weddings and other celebrations were prevalent, while 90s Bollywood films played in our home became one of my favorite genres of Indian music. The melodies and emotional depth of those 90s Bollywood songs have undeniably impacted my songwriting process. Movies like Saajan, Aashiqui, and the timeless DDLJ were among my favorites.

5 – Your song Heartless with Ikky was released this year. Which other international collaborations can we expect from you next?’

Recently, I unveiled a track titled “Piche Piche,” featuring the incredibly gifted artist Jai Dhir from India. More collaborations can be expected on our forthcoming album, though I’ll hold off on revealing who else is involved – let’s keep that detail as a surprise for now!

6 – What singles are you working on now?

The next release from my album will be coming within a month or so – stay tuned!

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2024-08-23 09:53