Jason Derulo Talks About His Excitement For His Maiden Visit To India & More EDMLI

The person behind hits such as If It Ain’t Love, Wiggle, Swalla, and Talk Dirty, Jason Derulo is all set to hit the pristine shores of Goa to perform alongside Wiz Khalifa, Martin Garrix and an array of talents at TIMEOUT 72 Festival conceptualised and produced by “Water Lemon Events LLP” and “Sudarshan Entertainment World”, the festival will be privy to 3 DAYS of a multiplicity of music genres at the country’s leading party destination, Goa.

1.It’s your maiden visit to India. What are your sentiments and expectations?

Yes this is my first time 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

2.What is it about India that makes your excited?

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 of Indian music and I’d love to see how I could collaborate with some Indian musicians in the future.

3.What should fans expect from your performance at TimeOut72?

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, 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

4.How do you perceive the music scene in India, especially at a time when it is attracting a whole lot of talent from the U.S., Britain and elsewhere?

The musical scale is so varied, vast and powerful in India. I’d like to believe that India is as good as any country in the world when it comes to India.

5.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. It’s exciting because the people get to decide what the hot songs are and there are so many options. 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?

6.How has improving technology changed the game in the global music industry?

I think its changing every industry, not just music. My whole career has been run on radio, I’m probably one of the most-played male artists ever on radio, but it’s exciting to have platforms like Spotify and Apple Music that allow listeners to listen to whatever they want to consume. Radio is a little less important now whereas radio had a lot of control before. I do love radio, obviously, because I wouldn’t be here without them. But it’s exciting for creativity, for artistry, to be able to put out whatever you want and have the fans take to whatever they want. I’m not afraid of streaming because my music is geared toward streaming.

7.Interestingly, no white man was nominated for the Album of the Year category at the Grammy Awards, making quite a statement about growing diversity?

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.

8.You have often been vocal about racism. How important is it for artistes to be brave enough to raise voice against such practices?

I think it’s important for everybody and not just musicians to raise these kind of questions. But for myself, I like to speak my mind. In recent times, seeing the tough times around the world, lending my voice and using the powers I do have, I’m going to continue to do my part. I’m going to stand for what’s right and be the best human being possible.

9.What’s the worst racism experience you have had?

Of course I face racism till today. I don’t necessarily want to talk about what it is. It’s very apparent and alive even today.

10.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!

11.Have you ever listened to Indian musicians work? If yes, who are your favourites?If no, who would you like to collaborate with?

Indian music is so diverse and is making waves across the globe. I think it’s so very layered and I do listen to it online. Unfortunately I don’t know names. I just love different genres of music and artistes. It’s always exciting collaborating and exploring a different perspective on musical collaborative concepts. I think music allows you to express yourself and I always like to see how different artists interpret music.

12.What are your travel and food plans in India. Anything you are looking to experiment with?

Yes the authentic India food because that’s one cuisine I tried at so many places but I want to come to India and taste it. I want to try the naan and curries! I am definitely to explore the Goan city and its architecture as well!

13.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 rollercoaster ride so my listeners don’t get bored, because those are my favorite kinds of albums. But this album, I do dive in more emotionally and more 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. It takes you on this roller coaster ride of who I am today. 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 the music that I want to put out, instead of chasing anything. Just 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

14. You’ve been delivering one hit after another. And expectations go a notch higher 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.

15.How do you deal with the low points?

I deal with low points like everyone else would; I take it with a pinch of salt. Sometimes I turn to music and I have a supportive family and extended fan community who are my pillar of strength.

16.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. I work a lot, and I party a lot too. You got to reward yourself. But I’m so focused on myself and the things that I need to do to further develop my career in an artistic way. Life is great.

17.Are you travelling elsewhere in India after Goa and do you have a must-do list?

I’d love to explore India but I guess it’s going to be just Goa this time. So here’s a message to all my Indian fans -come over to Goa and I promise you the best time of your lives.

Make sure you witness the multi talented American artist at the inaugural edition of TIMEOUT 72 in Goa.