Proudly holding the title for the first female Indian popstar, it seems Jaya is creating history even before the release of her first single as Supriya Davda finds out
BY SUPRIYA DAVDA | FEB 1, 2010
Q. So tell us how has Jaya came to become a singer?
A. Where do I begin! I started this journey when I was 18, that is when I decided to pursue my music full time. It was a really big decision for me to make and it wasn’t easy at all. But a couple years down the line and all my sacrifices are finally paying off. The music business is like a big jigsaw puzzle, it's all about finding the right pieces for you and thankfuly that’s whats happened to me. Last year, I'd reunited with an amazing producer who I had worked with previously. I recorded some great music with him including my single, I also found a great manager and a wonderful label. Since then its been all stations go! My single is due for release in february and I'm just looking forward to adding more to my puzzle.
Q. Had you always wanted to be a singer?
A. No, my first life ambition was to be a mermaid but after almost drowning on more than one occasion I soon scrapped that idea. My next dream was to become a primary school teacher. In fact, up until the day I left college I did everything academically to prepare myself for that life. I grew up around music and started performing from a very young age but I never wanted to pursue it as a career. I honestly didn’t know how much of an impact music had on my life and wasn’t confident enough with my talents to realise it. Once I got my confidence my whole outlook on things then changed.
Q. Presuming you come from a conservative background since your father is a Hindu Priest, how did you wanting to a singer go down?
A. People have this sterotype of what it is like to be a Priest's daughter. My dad has always been a Father first and a Priest second. My upbringing wasn’t any different from anyone else. I just had the privledge to have his spiritual gudiance in addition to all the other perks.
Q. What steps have you needed to take in getting where you are today?
A. Nothing I achieved has been easy. I’ve had every obstacle thrown in my path and still have them in my view. My faith, determination and passion to achieve has helped me through. I'm lucky to have so many amazing people in my life which makes any struggle easier to bear. Going forward, I just want to continue to do everything to be a better artist and person because failing takes a lot more energy then it does to succeed.
Q. What would you say is your USP as a music artist from the others?
A. That I'm making history. I am the first British Indian, female artist to be signed to a major label. I have been blessed with this opportunity to make my mark in this world and I plan to make the most out of it. Indians and Asians in general are such a minority in this industry and I hope to be one of the music artists that will change that.
Q. Performing in front of so many people can be rather daunting, how do you feel?
A. When your really passionate about something you're always going to get nervous about showcasing it to other people. Though for me performing live is what I live for. It can be very scary and I'm always full of nerves before I step onto any stage. But as soon as the music comes on and I see the audience something just takes over. I feed off of other people energy and so in that moment the number of people in the crowd doesn’t even cross your mind.
Q. As a female artist do you find it hard to work in a male dominated industry?
A. Being a female artist isn’t any easier than being a male artist, the experiences are just very different. Whether it be your gender, your race or your age if the boundaries are put infront of you break through them and prepare yourself for the next one. I embrace who i am, as a strong woman. Men just need to realise that it's easier to take women for who and what we are because it's a lot harder to take us on, trust me!
Q. Dolce & Gabbana as well as Reebok have taken note of you and have offered you deals; how does that feel?
A. Right now I'm just concentrating on being the best I can be and seeing what comes from it. I'm honoured to be affliated with such great brands at such an early stage in my career. I look forward to progressing with these relationships as well as making some new ones.
Q. For those who aspire to be a singer what advice would you give them?
A. Work hard, be focused, stay grounded and always better yourself. Learning everyday and do EVERYTHING you can to be the best at your craft. The industry isn’t easy but if you want to live your dream everything will be worthwhile.
Q. Tell us a bit about your debut album launching later this year? What can fans expect from you?
A. The album is still under construction but is coming along really well. I’ve collaborated with some extremely talented produces and writers, like Hawkeye (Raghav/Kardinal Offishall), Jonas Jeberg (Britney/PCD), Parker&James (Chipmunk) as well as doing a lot of writing on it myself. It’s still early days but it is most likely to be released at the end of this year or the beginning of 2011.
Q. You have worked with some big names, what do you think draws them to you?
A. I have worked with some great peopIe but I couldn’t tell you exactly what draws them to me as I haven’t asked. But I know that when I'm working with people it is because in one way or another we're on the same page. I want to make great music and have consistant and growing success. Everyone I've been working with has got that same mentality and I think that is what draws people in this business to each other.
Q. Do you have a favourite song in the album so far?
A. I have a few. But my single ‘DJ do It Again’ is definitely one of them.
Q. Lastly, what are you expecting from 2010?
A. I'm not expecting anything so everything that happens will be a bonus. I have a feeling this year is going to be a crazy one and if 2009 is anything to go by then I cannot wait for this rollercoaster.
Jaya's debut single "DJ Do it Again" is set to be released soon in the meanwhile you can keep up to date with Jaya on her Myspace or follow her on Twitter
