Are You Down - Jay Sean Exclusive Interview!

By Farrah Hamid

November 10, 2009

So I’d mention Jay Sean’s “Down,” but chances are you’ve already got it stuck in your head. Even one note of the single’s bouncy beat, featuring hip-hop’s most charming golden boy, Lil’ Wayne, can transform even the most prudish amongst us into head-bopping, hip-grinding maniacs. Yeah, it’s that good.

Raised in the UK, the South Asian artist has been big in Britain for some time, but has now broken into the US, a market that very few British artists are actually able to conquer. For any skeptics among us that are questioning whether Jay Sean really has the ingredients that make a successful crossover hit, let’s take stock: #1 Billboard Hot 100 song? Check. Signed with the country’s hottest record label? Check. Performance with Justin Timberlake, Alicia Keys and Taylor Swift? Check, check and check.

Not only has “Down” proven its worth, but we LOVE his latest release ”Do You Remember” with Lil’ John and Sean Paul. Or should I say, Jay Sean Paul. (Watch it, it’s hilarious)

But who knew that at the end of the day, the #1 artist in the US and the UK just wants to settle down with a nice hot paratha? Hey, who doesn’t! Read on for elan‘s interview with Jay Sean on his inspirations, advice on overcoming stereotypes, Punjabi roots and – of course – mushy cereal.

elan Q: What made you want to become a musician?

Jay Sean: Music has just always been a part of who I am. Even since I was young, I was always performing.

Q: You are the first Asian artist to have a top 5 Billboard song in the US. What advice do you have for other young Asians looking to break into the music industry?

JS: Never give up. It wasn’t always easy but nothing that’s worth anything is easy. Believe in yourself and just keep knocking on doors cuz eventually one of them will open.

Q: You’re already a big star in the UK and in Asia, but “Down” is your first US hit. What’s the best part about breaking into the US versus the rest of the world?

JS: America’s always been considered the holy grail of the music scene. All the artists that I’ve always looked up to are from America so to now be sharing the charts with them just seems so surreal!

Q: elan is geared towards young Muslims. What do you think are the biggest challenges facing Asian or Muslim youths?

JS: I think it’s getting people to see past our culture and just realize that we’re just the same as them. We listen to the same music; we like the same clothes; we like to go hang out at the same places. Stuff like that. We need to overcome and fight these sterotypes.

Q: What was it like growing up as a South Asian in the UK? What was your nickname as a child?

JS: It was great because I had a well balanced childhood in terms of the influences I grew up around. I was raised in a South Asian area but went to school where there was a healthy balance of races and class. I believe it’s important to be around a mix of people as it helps develop a well rounded personality. And my nickname was Pompatlaal Barthiamunkalsalt, but they’d call me Steve for short.

Q: What’s it like working with Lil’ Wayne, and being a part of the new Cash Money crew?

JS: Oh it’s been amazing. They call themselves the “Cash Money family” and that really is so true. They’re great guys and I’m just very grateful for their belief in me. I’ve learned a lot from them. They’re very hard workers. I mean, Wayne performed at the Grammys and even won a Grammy and then he left and went straight back to the studio! They never stop grinding.

Q: You started out really staying true to your roots by collaborating with Punjabi artists. Is this something you plan to continue, or do you see your career headed in a different direction?

JS: I’m Punjabi. That will never change and will always be a huge part of who I am, whether I’m recording bhangra tracks or not. When I was working with Rishi and Juggy, that just happend organically. I loved it then but then I grew and evolved like most artists do. It was never a concsious decision, just a natural progression. R&B music was always a part of who I was and am.

Q: What’s your favorite South Asian food?

JS: Parantha!!!! I don’t get to have them very often but I love them!

Q: What do you miss the most about the UK when you’re on tour in America?

JS: My family and my friends. But thanks to phones, emails and texts, I still get to stay in touch with them.

Q: What’s your biggest indulgence?

JS: Ohhh this is gonna seem really weird, but its cereal! I love taking a really big bowl and mixing lots of different cereals together. I let it get a little mushy and then get my munch on! Haha I know weird right?

Q: What’s the one thing you can’t live without?

JS: Well, two things; my blackberry and my iPhone!

Q: What was your first job?

JS: I worked in a grocery store for about three days!

Q: Who are your biggest inspirations?

JS: My biggest inspirations are my parents. They’ve done so much in there lives and have always worked so hard. I’m really looking forward to the days when they can just sit back and enjoy their lives.

Q: What’s coming up next for you?

JS: Everything!!! I always knew the sky was the limit but having a #1 in America only further proves that. I’m working on a few different things that I’m really excited about; from books to TV and movies, even a clothing line! So stay tuned!!!

Jay Sean’s new single “Do You Remember” is now available on iTunes. His album “All or Nothing” arrives on November 23rd and can be pre-ordered here.