A journey to sucess.
Having tried a few different avenues to get a name for himself, Jason was all but ready to give up on his dream until a door opened for him to get back to doing what he loved: singing. We sat down with him to learn about his journey and how he got to where he is today. Check it out.
How did this all start? Did you grow up loving music and singing? Was this always a dream for you?
I’ve been singing since I was a little kid and attended musical theatre school. After that, I was auctioning things but couldn’t get my foot in the door. I went on X Factor Australia and got through and then got eliminated, which was devastating. I stopped singing for a while after that and moved back to NZ. Once again, I got selected to go on Popstars NZ in 2020, and I was like, this is my moment, and again, I got eliminated.
I delusionally hyped myself up, thinking this was my moment, so it was so gutting not to make it. I went back to not singing again and started a podcast with a good friend, who saw me talking and connecting with many awesome NZ artists, which inspired me to start again. I started reaching out to the connections I made, which was the start.
Who are your music inspirations/ do you look up to?
Carley Ray Jepsen, Kylie Minogue, and Years and Years. Of course, there are many NZ talent like Lorde, Broods, and Page, who were the first people to give me a shot and put me on stage when I had only started making music.
It's been a challenging journey for you; how did you stay motivated to pursue your dream?
I know what it feels like to be in the wrong lane. I’ve tried many things: I worked 9 to 5 and tried to be a hairdresser. It just never fulfilled me as much as music does. When I’m making music, I feel so happy and content in the flow of life. I’ve met so many amazing people, and opportunities keep opening. Now, it just feels right, and it will work out.
What’s your favourite part of the song-making process, writing, mixing, recording, and releasing?
The part that no one gets to see is so fun, where I can be in the studio, bring one idea and then create off that. Performing live, with a crowd of people singing back your lyrics, is just next level.
What’s your process regarding music videos? Do you have an idea when writing the song, or is it more about going with the flow?
Music videos are very collaborative for me. I’ve worked with a good friend, Daisy, and she knows how to visually express what I want to achieve with my music after the fact. For my future releases, I have a better idea of what I want it to look like. I think that comes with time, knowing myself and who I am.
Let’s talk about your new single, Fairy Bread. What was the inspiration behind it?
Fairy Bread came to me as I was driving to Auckland from Wellington, wanting to pursue music, and I just had the idea that my next EP should be called Fairy Bread. I didn’t know why, but it just made sense. I was trying to figure out what fairy bread meant. I didn’t have a home and was couch surfing, and I was just so hopeful that this would work out. Fairy Bread was a song about being the best version of yourself, taking something plain, like white bread, adding sprinkles to life, and finding joy in what you have.
And your song Happy Days, how did this come to be?
Happy Days is a phrase my younger brother, Jake, always says. He has Down Syndrome and is just so full of life and happiness. Whenever I felt lost, I would watch this video of him saying happy days. I wanted to write a song about that feeling, and it ended up being one many people connect to. I get a lot of people messaging me saying that’s putting it out there. The song talks about losing someone you love, finding love within yourself and then being able to come back to yourself and others.
What do you have coming up that you can share with us?
I will be releasing a lot of music. I’ve been working a lot this year on Fairy Bread and its follow-up, so I’m excited to release it.
What item off our menu do you think best sums up your music?
A Thickshake, of course, because the album is so sweet and yummy.
What would your ideal BF burger contain?
White buns, vegan patty, cheese, pickles, tomato sauce and kewpie mayo.
To round out an epic interview, we had to put Jason through our quick-fire round.
What is your go-to song for Jam Out in the Car? It’s all coming back to me now - Celine Dion
Who is your favourite artist at the moment? Carly Rae Jepson.
One thing you can’t perform without? The colour pink.
One artist or band you would love to co-lab with? Carly Rae Jepsen
Go to BurgerFuel order. American Muscle, Spud Fries with tomato sauce
Fire or Backfire
Pickles in burgers - Fire
Crocs - Fire
Karaoke - Fire
BurgerFuel Aioli - I’m not an aioli fan, sorry!
Acoustic performances – Fire
NZ Music Month - Fire
Festivals - Fire
Singing in the shower - Fire
Pineapple on pizza - Fire
Supermarket in bare feet in NZ - Fire
Check out Jason's newest single, Fairy Bread.
