Okay so, Jason Derulo is gearing up for his first-ever trip to India to be part of TIMEOUT 72 in Goa on the 27th up until the 29th of December. And to say that we’re excited might be a tad of an understatement. He’s joining Martin Garrix as a headliner at the music festival. Considering we all have at least one song that pops into our heads, when we each hear the name Jason Derulo, it seemed only fair to try and get the deets as to which songs he was going to perform when he was here. I mean, you want to know too, right?Right? Anyway…judging from his revelations, it’s safe to say, that we’ll all be happy. Check out our chat with the superstar below.
1. It’s your maiden visit to India. What are your sentiments and expectations?
Yes this is my first visit to India. Music is the soul of your country and I feel privileged and humbled to be coming to India. I feel very connected to India. India is known for its cultural diversity and I’m very excited to experiment with some Indian food and explore the art and architecture of the country. I have heard Indian music and I’d love to see how I could collaborate with some Indian musicians in the future.
2. What should fans expect from your performance at TIMEOUT 72? What’s your set going to be like?
I’m bringing the biggest party to TIMEOUT 72. I am going to be playing some of my biggest hits including Swalla, Talk Dirty, Whatcha Say,Wiggle and Get Ugly. I have my best dancers and musicians coming along with me so it’s going to be a grand, theatrical show with a lot of energy.
3. These are exciting times for singers/performers like you, given the reach that digital platforms give. What do you think?
Fifteen years ago we didn’t have the option of really tapping into the fans with the click of a button. I think that’s so incredible so I stay on it. The biggest way it’s changing music is that songs don’t have to be a big hit on the radio to be a big hit. There are so many songs that are culturally big because they’re bigger on other formats, whether it’s on social media or these streaming networks. There are so many different playlists you can be put on, and there’s so much intel on what people are listening to and what they’re skipping, you know what I’m saying?
4. Interestingly, no white man was nominated for the Album of the Year category at the Grammy Awards. We would love to hear what you have to say about the current scene back in the U.S.?
I think it’s a wonderful thing that African Americans finally have a moment. I think all the awards for a long period of time overlooked African Americans.
5. Is there a possibility that you take an influence back from India for a song?
You never know because India is so magical and mystical. I can’t wait to get to India!
6. What are your travel and food plans in India?
Yes, authentic Indian food because that’s one cuisine I’ve tried in so many places but I want to come to India and taste it. I want to try the naan and curries! I also definitely want to explore Goa and its architecture as well!
7. What’s next in the pipeline after your India performance? Any collaborations?
I’m working on my album 777. I always try to create an album that’s a bit of a roller coaster ride, so my listeners don’t get bored, because those are my favorite kinds of albums. With this album I dive in more emotionally and vulnerably. The songs go deep into some of my breakups and some of my failed relationships, why they may have happened or how they may have happened, or falling in love.
There’s this song called Point Of View. It’s a ballad and I think it’s one of the greatest songs I’ve ever written. I can’t wait to release it. I’m putting out songs that touch me, you know? Whether it’s a party song that makes me want to party, or a song that makes me fall in love.
8. You’ve been delivering one hit after another. And expectations go up a notch every time. How do you deal with it?
I prefer not to worry about expectation and pressure, I just focus on my work and leave the rest to destiny. I think people should always own up their stuff. For me, making a better song than what I made last, and having fun while doing it, works. I don’t want to stress myself unless it’s necessary. Making a song is usually an emotional roller-coaster for me. So I keep it simple and don’t worry about whether it will be a big hit or not.
9. What keeps you occupied when you are not creating music?
I love watching movies and TV series. It’s my favourite activity when I am at home. I also love writing. I am also penning some screenplays for films at the moment. This has been my new pastime for two years.
You can buy your tickets on Insider, Paytm and BookMyShow.