To accompany the track, he also releases an exquisitely bold music video which captures his queer identity and his South Asian heritage.
On ‘One Last Dance’ Jason introduces his rich universe, effortlessly blending elements of alternative R&B, Pop and Rāga (classical music of India). Combined with his captivating vocals, the track showcases his effortless and natural gift for storytelling.
Naming icons such as Britney Spears and Rihanna, as well contemporary R&B stars like Kehlani and H.E.R as his biggest inspirations, Jason thrives on being able to experiment with the emotions and feelings he’s able to convey through his music, totally owning his own brand of gutsy, vibrant R&B-Pop.
Bringing together multiple perspectives on his music, Jason draws from his life experiences, his queer identity as a gay man and his passion for theatre, crossed with his Indian heritage which he wants to bring to the forefront of pop culture.
“Representation is really important to me. There is always room for everyone, and I want people to know that my music is a safe space for you to feel free and be whoever you want to be!”
Speaking on the inspiration behind the track, Jason says, ‘When I wrote this song, I was in my head a lot and trying to deal with the loneliness of being isolated in a room in the middle of winter when no one was allowed out, and it got me thinking deeply about past relationships, life and death.
I thought of the question: ‘If I die, will I have been fully fulfilled in life and achieved what I want to or been with the person I was meant to be with?’ I also thought about how you don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone.
But there can be so many interpretations of the song, so I would really like my listeners to take comfort in it in whatever way they need. That ‘one last dance’ can be with yourself as well as anyone else you wish it to be with.”
Jason’s music is hugely inspired by his grandmother who migrated from India to be with her husband who suddenly passed away soon after her arrival, leaving her alone and in a foreign country with three children under 5 years old.
Unable to speak the language, with no education and no job, she was able to raise a family in the UK by herself, and her story is the reason why Jason’s music is so emotional. She taught him to take risks and embrace all the opportunities life gives you.
Tell us about the genesis of your project. How did you get to where you are now?
One Last Dance really was a song that was written during a dark time in a dark room during Jan 2021, Lockdown. It was all these thoughts and questions that kept occurring in my mind about life, it really brought me out of the dark.
I got where I am now by working twice as hard. It not easy being, from an asian family, working class and queer, Phew! I didn’t come from a creative family so I really had to research, push for my place, from a young age and dedicate everything I have into my creative journey. It is a very emotional experience even when talking about it now. My grandma’s journey inspired me so much, knowing she survived in the UK after her husband passed and she raised three children with no help, no education, no english , no money, no job. This is what keeps me going, keeps me determined because the generations before me gave up dreams so I could have mine. So this is as much for them as it is for me. That is truly how i got here and with the support from friends, family and fans.
What should a song or piece of art communicate in your opinion?
A song or piece of art should communicate passion, honesty, and emotion. Those are the three things I always build into my art. I connect to what is real, and if the artist doesn’t believe in it, then you as a listener will not believe in it.
Who were your top 3 artists last year?
My three top artists last year were, YEBBA, PRIYA RAGU & DOJA CAT (go female talent)
What’s your remedy for when you’re feeling uninspired?
Relax! If there is anything I have learnt in this life it is to not rush, and don’t force anything. My dad taught me that lesson. I am always creative in any aspect so i just focus on something else, such as cooking, or interior design (i’m obsessed with this) and i LOOOVEEEE DOCUMENTARIES. I have this thirst for knowledge and it really gives me perspective. I was always told that knowledge was power and especially as a gay asian from working class manchester, KNOWLEDGE EDUCATION WAS EVERYTHING!
What’s your 2022 looking like?
So there are a couple more singles and visuals to be releasing in preparation for a really big project…. (EP) which is exciting. My goal is to collaborate with some more businesses and artists and really just inject my work in all kinds of spaces. I really want to continue performing and grow into bigger venues and elevate our whole team!
Favorite movie or TV show?
- Tony Kushner – Angels In America
- Karan Johars – Kabi Kushi Kabhie Gham
Tell us about your latest release and how it came about
One Last Dance was written as a way to just answer all these questions i had during a dark lockdown (literally speaking too) in January 2021, and it really was a turning point in my artistry for my sound too. I really wanted to create a visual after a couple of releases and so i spent time bringing together all these different worlds i lived in and blended them into this exciting super fashion, queer, desi powerful self loving video which really was a moment for me to say NAMASTE, I HAVE ARRIVED! I wanted others to feel that way too and be inspired and its totally doing that and i feel extremely proud to represent.
What is something you think should change in the music industry?
The accessibility of the industry. It’s a closed circle and I really want to open that up to everyone. THERE IS ROOM FOR EVERYONE and seeing all these talent around me it excited me for the future of the industry as more and more people are pushing for their place now more than ever.
Can you outline your creative process?
I always sit and write from my piano. That is how I have always felt connected and at home, really just letting go in that extra extension of who I am when I can’t figure out things. It becomes a visual process, when I close my eyes and picture and start singing and words fall out. It sounds really ridiculous but it is honestly how it happens. That everything really stems from there.
Who inspires your style and aesthetics?
Classic bollywood icons, Prince, Gaga, & Bowie. It is the foundation of who I am and where I come from.
What is the achievement or moment in your career you are the most proud of and why?
When I released the video for One Last Dance, and seeing the reaction of everyone’s gagged faces as no one knew what to expect and also just knowing all the hard work that was put in, into creating that piece. It was the best day of my life so far.
What do you think an artist should sing about nowadays?
Anything they want, i wouldn’t want to restrict someone’s artistry, but also i really hate meaningless songs that are more business moves (i get it everyone has to make money) but it leaves a sour taste when someone who has literally created something so truth and special and original to just be overlooked by the same typical beat, lyric, and theme. It just makes me sad.
Do you have any regrets?
ABSOLUTELY NOT! I DO NOT LIVE MY LIFE IN REGRET!
What is some piece of advice you would give to yourself right now?
KEEP PUSHING, NO MATTER WHAT ANYONE ELSE IS DOING. YOU ARE DOING YOU THE BEST WAY YOU CAN, THAT IS ENOUGH. YOU WILL ACHIEVE EVERYTHING AND MORE BECAUSE YOU ARE DOING IT. BELIEVE AND YOU’LL ACHIEVE. LOVE YOURSELF AND THE PEOPLE AROUND. YOU ARE NOT IN THIS ALONE.
