In this interview spotlight, I chat with Jaimin about the debut album (Cutting Loose), motivations, musical memories and more.
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
What’s something you’d like readers to know about your latest project?
These songs have been written over a span of 6 years, and the project took about 18 months of production work with some of the finest musicians from India – a mammoth amount of energy has gone into its making. Titled ‘Cutting Loose’, the album’s a compilation of songs about conflicts, disappointment and departure.
How does this project compare with your other release(s)?
This is my debut album and I wanted to do it properly, leaving no stones unturned. Once I felt I was ready, I went all out; to the extent of being overly ambitious and approaching the best guys to come on board. Luckily, most of them agreed to contribute. I don’t know what I’ve done to deserve such generosity. So by no means can I call myself an independent artist 😛 There was dependency on so many people for bringing this to fruition xD
Was there anything specific you were trying to accomplish?
In a world where music production and consumption is at its peak, it is extremely hard to be heard and get noticed amidst such noise. It’s like having to create a ripple that reaches the coast from the middle of an ocean. While the trend is to drop singles and EPs, release of an hour long album is relatively a rare occurrence. However, I went against the undivided advice of my peers and took the leap because of the school of music that I subscribe to.
With almost no entry barriers and the role of a record label being dispensable, it’s an overpopulated island with high mortality rate when it comes to releases. The goal was to put out something with no expiry date and establish a unified sound for this batch of songs. I’m still unsure of how successfully we’ve accomplished that. We did our best.
What motivates you to create music?
For someone who is reticent, sensitive and seemingly stoic, discovering the ability to write songs as means of catharsis came as a revelation to me.
I don’t make a conscious and orchestrated attempt at composing. A composition passes the test if its first draft gets created effortlessly. Later, it is honed and embellished. I discard the ones that I feel are contrived. So my approach is largely anarchic and subconscious. Most of the times, words and even melodies come to me from thin air. It’s like taking down a dictation. This might sound crazy, but it’s true. It comes from a primal place. I take it when it’s given to me. When nothing comes my way, I don’t try. Feels like other than me, there’s something or someone else at play. It’s a mysterious experience and I’ve tried defining this through my song ‘She’.
What’s one of your first or most powerful music memories? Did that play any role in driving you to create?
My best friend in high school made me listen to ‘People are Strange’ by The Doors, and I was blown away by Jim Morrison’s voice – unpretentious and organic. I hadn’t heard a voice so beautiful before. On that day, I was inducted into music. There has been no stopping since then. This experience was profound and very consequential. I’m sure this was my precursor to songwriting as well.
If you could collaborate with anyone – dead or alive, famous or unknown – who would it be and why? If it’s an indie/DIY artist, please include a link so readers can check them out.
I’m absolutely in awe of Mark Knopfler’s musicianship, guitar tones and lyrics. I admire his frugality.
Honestly, in addition to being inspired by him, I’m quite jealous of his voice and his guitar playing skills 😀 He’s a magician who can make his guitar sing, and his music heals my soul. I wish I could get him to add his magic to at least one of my songs.
What was the last song you listened to?
Mac Demarco’s ‘My Old Man’. I love Mac, and I keep going back to his ‘House Of Strombo’ concert! – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZ-HlE9D0qs
Who is one of your favorite all-time bands/artists?
It’s hard to name just one all-time favorite artist, but if pushed to the wall and asked at gunpoint, I’d say Bob Dylan. I’ve learnt a great deal from every aspect of his songs – his words, his voice, his melodic and rhythmic sensibilities. He taught me to be confident, and free of inhibitions and apprehensions even when voicing a controversial and unpopular opinion. That’s freedom!
Where is the best place to find you and stay connected?
I’m on Instagram: jaiminrajani and on Facebook.
I really appreciate your time. Anything else before we sign off?
I want artists to stop asking their friends and acquaintances to support them. I don’t want any support out of sympathy. My music should speak for itself. I, for one, want people to listen and attend gigs only if they’re drawn and if they find the songs to be compelling.
