Jason Derulo in an interview: “I wouldn’t make music anymore just for money”

Jason Derulo achieved his international breakthrough in 2009 with the single “Whatcha Say”. He then landed further chart hits with tracks like “Swalla” feat. Nicki Minaj, “Mary Me”, “Trumpets” and “Talk Dirty” feat. 2Chainz. His distinctive feature was the tag at the beginning of the song, in which the 33-year-old sang his own name. His high output also enabled him to produce several successful pieces, as his 2011 album FUTURE HISTORY was followed by a record almost every year – until his last major work to date, EVERYTHING IS 4 (2015). The reasons for this are, on the one hand, his numerous side businesses, but on the other hand also problems with his former label.

We met Jason Derulo for an interview and spoke to him at length about exactly these label difficulties, his song day, potential future projects (keyword: films!) and what other passions he has floating around in his head.

MUSIKEXPRESS: You are said to have shown interest in music at the age of five. How exactly did this early passion develop?

Jason Derulo: It started when I first saw Michael Jackson on TV. I was hypnotized and immediately thought that this is exactly what I wanted to do. I remember saying the same thing to my mother and her just saying, “Yeah, okay baby.” But I’ve stuck with it ever since.

You were already writing songs when you were eight years old. Can you remember your very first track?

My first song was called “Crush On You.” I’ll never forget it because I wrote it for a girl in my class who I was in love with. That’s why I wanted to give her something, but because I didn’t have any money, I wrote her a song. This began my long journey of songwriting.

In 2009 you had your breakthrough with “Whatcha Say” at the age of 18. What was it like for you to suddenly get so much attention at such an early age?

I didn’t really feel the attention. There was so much pressure to be a one-hit wonder and where my life was going now that I was just focused on making more music. That’s why I was in the studio every day and wanted to create a new song that would be just as big a success. When I released “Whatcha Say” I thought it was a great track, but not the greatest in the world. That’s why I put myself under pressure in a situation that was already loaded with a lot of pressure.

Even before you were of age, you graduated from a music academy and decided to become a musician. So even more pressure?

There wasn’t really any pressure from outside. I decided all on my own to get behind it. I definitely didn’t have a normal childhood, but I chose to. I could have always gone out to play with my brother, but I preferred to stay at home and write songs. I had my mind set on who I wanted to be, and I was planning my breakthrough when I was ten when I was still nine (laughs). And when that didn’t work, I still expected it every year. So I always prepared for it – as if the moment would come tomorrow. And in the meantime my skills have really gotten better and better.

With “Sing Your Name Out Loud: 15 Rules for Living Your Dream” you have published an advice book for more success. What tip would you like to share with us here?

It’s important to be passionate about something and know your intentions behind it. For example, if my only intention behind my performances and songs was money, then I wouldn’t make music at all anymore. Maybe then I would already be satisfied with what I have, but I wouldn’t want to push myself any further. But I want to create songs that help others as much as they help me. Be it a man who “Mary Me” helps to find the right words when proposing marriage. Or “Ridin’ Solo,” which helps with separation. Or “Talk Dirty,” which simply lifts the mood at parties.

One thing you’ve also become known for is your day. Most producers use something like that, how did that come about for you?

I was 18 and wanted to release my first single. This was supposed to be my introduction to the world as a musician. Until then, I had never heard a melodic day. So I thought I’d try it out myself and see if anything stuck. Until I ended up with the one that everyone loves today. But I never thought it would be such a big deal.

Do you think it’s good that people automatically have your day in mind?

At first I thought it was the best thing in the world, but over time it turned into the worst thing. People would come up to me and constantly chant my name exactly like that and it was really fucking annoying. But over the years I’ve come to understand that it’s just become my thing and I think it’s invaluable that people have something to associate me with. I only really realized the power of this brand when we were in the pandemic phase and some people petitioned me to bring back the day because I had been withdrawn for years.

Speaking of withdrawing: Since FUTURE HISTORY in 2011, you have released an album almost every year – until 2015. After EVERYTHING IS 4, your output became less. For what reason?

I had a lot of trouble with the label I was with at the time. It was a very grueling situation where I no longer liked her and she no longer liked me either. It was a years-long battle to get out of the contract. And I really didn’t want to put my music in the hands of these people anymore. The second reason is also that I think that a big project, like an album, deserves a unique opportunity to make a comeback after such a long break.

Is a comeback already being planned?

I already have something special planned for it: a TV show tied to a new album. Practically an audio TV show. A romantic thriller – I even worked on it with the producers of “Twilight”. This is something I’ve never done before. But I think the music deserves it. By the way, all of this is coming in November.

Besides music, you have many other projects. In an interview you once said that your most successful business was also absolutely “unsexy”. It is a car wash. Where did the idea come from?

I wish I could say it was my idea, but it came from a friend of mine. It’s the same principle as Netflix: you pay a monthly fee and can always wash your car. We already have several locations in America and now I would like to take it across the borders – for example to Germany. (laughs)

What else is on your bucket list?

I would really like to make films.

In front of or behind the camera?

Honestly, both. I’m at a stage in my life where I no longer want to do things that I don’t feel passionate about. And when other people are in charge, I often just don’t agree with a lot of things. I think everyone works differently and I just like being able to make my creative contribution. And if I just do what someone tells me, then it’s neither fun nor puts me on the path to success.

What else do you see when you look into your future?

I see a lot of music and output. And I think the beginning of everything will be 2024 and I’m looking forward to it. I used to aim to release a song every six months – but now a new era has begun. People always want more and on the day a new single is released they ask me about the next one. (laughs) But I also believe that artists who are able to produce more have more opportunities.