Interview: singer-actor Jason Patel talks collaborations, influences, and inspiration
Following the release of his soulful EP, Delicious, R&B artist Jason Patel continues to expand his portfolio. His latest track, “Do It Again?“, follows in the footsteps of this broad palette and promises a continuing pattern of insatiable sounds. The Manchester-based singer-songwriter‘s diverse body of work extends into acting, where he played the lead in Netflix‘s critically acclaimed feature film, Unicorns. With another motion picture in the works with Will Carne (Love, Will), Patel embodies the artist spirit with an amalgamation of variegated activity.
When you first started writing “Do It Again?”, did you have any idea it would resonate on such a scale?
“Honestly, when I was writing Do It Again?, it came from such a cosy environment where it felt right to sit in my feelings and talk about love. It was the beginning of the year, in winter, so it came from that place of trying to make something work and connect with someone you wanted to be with, even if you had already tried before. I didn’t realise it would resonate on this scale, but I do believe that whatever I go through, I’m never the only person in the world feeling it. There’s something really comforting in knowing you’re not alone.”
You worked with JustAnt to produce your new single. What was it like working with him, and how did the collaboration begin?
“The collaboration came about through industry friends, and when we got together, we instantly hit it off. You know when someone just feels like your kind of person and collaborator. We really vibe on another level and tune into the same frequency. He truly feels like a lifer for me in music. I love working with him and have done since Do It Again?“
Was there a specific moment or interaction that inspired the song?
“If I’m honest, it actually started with a bunch of chords I was playing. That was the spark that inspired everything.”
It feels like an inner thought. When performing a track like this, is it easy to step into the mood, or does it come naturally?
“It really is an inner thought. I almost imagine it as someone’s inner monologue while they’re staring out of a car, plane, or train, looking into the world. I personally find it easy to lock into that mode. I want to be fully vulnerable with myself and bring complete honesty to the performance.”
Your music leans heavily into emotion and honesty. What drives that?
“I think my theatre training and work as a screen actor have allowed me to unlock a deeper level of vulnerability and confidence in myself. It’s made my music and storytelling stronger. People can detect dishonesty so clearly, and I try to live my life truthfully, so that naturally feeds into my work.”
If someone listens to “Do It Again?”, what do you hope stays with them?
“I hope the phrase “Do It Again?” stays with them. For me, it’s about trying something, getting knocked down, and then asking yourself that question. The answer is yes, because I truly believe you can overcome anything. Things are not meant to be perfect the first time, otherwise life would be boring. We learn from our mistakes, we grow, we evolve. Being able to say you lived your life with no regrets, and that you would do it again if you had to, means everything.”
South Asian artists are still underrepresented — why do you think that is, and what needs to happen to break down that wall?
“South Asians are underrepresented in the media, full stop. I think we all know why. You turn on the TV or scroll through social media and there’s constant rhetoric that divides people. It often feels like that wall is being built higher rather than broken down. I don’t feel the need to explain the solution. I just need to be allowed to exist. I need people to continue championing me and supporting my work.”
What do you think needs to happen to create meaningful change and respect for the diaspora to flourish? Do you feel we’re being seen?
“The diaspora is beautiful and complex. Parts of us are being seen, but there is still a long way to go. As a community, there can sometimes be division or competitiveness rooted in generational trauma. We need to give each other more grace and understanding. That’s the only way we uplift one another and show real solidarity.”
Are there any other Desi musicians you feel deserve more of the spotlight?
“Priya Ragu is incredible. She has such strong taste in music and her work has really inspired my own. There’s also Niki Kini, Fiza, and Riya, who are all sensational and deserve more spotlight.”
You can follow Jason Patel on social media | Instagram | TikTok | Spotify | Apple Music
Leave a Reply