By Elsa Lycias Joel
Music is a language that transcends barriers because of its universal appeal. From healing to entertaining, music has a way of inching its way into everybody’s life in many ways. It was no different for Jason, the boy-next-door type who is on his way to stardom. With music running through his family, I guess his time was inevitable. However, it manifested itself in a unique way which ended up shaping his idea of music, how he wanted to create it, and most importantly, why. Surprisingly, nobody in his family forced him to learn an instrument for whatever reason but they patiently waited for him to get attracted to music and let the love affair take its course. As a six year old on his grandmother’s lap at their piano he was taught to play a small piece called “American chopsticks.” Quality time with his grandmother turned out to be his first big step in his music journey. Today he knows why there was an ever present yearn for those moments. The unifying power and sentimental undertone of that music revealed a certain aspect of love and peace which translated into his early love of music. About the age of eleven, learning music gave way to a passion to do something about it and it was clear to him the piano had his name written all over it besides the special memories attached to it.
Four years of classical piano developed his ear, pulse while he practiced with a metronome and fluency. But when artists like Katy Perry, Demi Lovato, Taylor Swift, Maroon 5 and Imagine Dragons came into view, it motivated Jason to take up pop piano lessons. So when school got easier or he got smarter, either way, he delved into the world of pop, started experimenting on his IPad through GarageBand by integrating different sounds and mixed them together to create the perfect song. Writing his own songs meant expressing his thoughts and narratives.
Formal Education
Hope International University, Fullerton, California was a major turning point. Spring Talent Shows, collaborating with the professors, and most prestigious of them all – performing at his own graduation were actually projects that propelled him.
All the way from local coffee shops like The Night Owl, bars like Hopscotch, Sunset Lounge, old age homes and churches to special events like birthday parties and Christmas programs, this budding star connected with a wide range of people. When it came to collaborating with producers he worked with people like Gordon Rustvold, Tony Guerrero, Tom Brooks, and Elliot Koenig to name a few. Writing and singing meant encouraging any crowd with anecdotes and memories; ask any music lover and they will tell stories of how a song saves, motivates and heals. That’s why some of the Grammy nominated producers helped Jason bring his ideas to life and create masterpieces- experiences that created and strengthened bonds. According to Jason the uplifting songs he creates with a catchy tune convey messages rather strongly and quickly. So far he has released five singles: We Are the People, This Way, Owing a Feeling, Chemistry and Beautiful Sunrise of which Owing a Feeling has a special place in his heart due to its empowering message of standing up for what you believe in. He has also already started work on his first full-length album which is due to begin production soon, featuring people from all 7 continents.
Reaching out
At some point of time, it dawns upon people that there is so much more to life than material possessions. As for Jason, he learnt to count his blessings even as a kid. Travelling with his service minded parents he empathized, sympathized and reached out promptly. In addition to being materialistically generous and benevolent to the needy around him, he embarked on a mission. That is, to write songs that were going to empower, inspire and revolutionize lives. Especially during the time of coronavirus, he emphasized about sharing and love on his first online concert from Los Angeles, thanks to Matchmytalent, New Delhi which set in motion a giving back/ pay it forward journey among his well wishers and friends. 60 minutes of stories, songs and philosophy brought him quite a few offers. For sure, Jason Ignatius belongs to a different breed of singers. Popular among all types of stages whether it be at a concert with thousands of people, with people at public parks, in a close knit group of friends, or in places that many often sideline like destitute homes and orphanages he is sure to win the hearts of Chennaites as well.
Gratitude is the key
Incredibly grateful for so many opportunities, Jason is very vocal about all of it. From his family members to that unknown kid’s compliment, he cherishes everything. His next big chapter has already begun and he is super excited to be working with one of the most talented VFX director in India, Stalin Saravanan, whose blockbuster projects include Baahubali (Tamil & Telugu) Shankar’s ‘ I (Tamil),Anegan (Tamil), Enthiran, Chennai Express, Dasavatharam, Pokiri, Bodyguard, ShivaJi the Boss, Dabanng, Wanted, Rowdy Rathore and many more. Two of his oscar nominated movies are “THE HELP” and “Alibaba and the forty thieves’’. Both Jason and Stalin are very hopeful about their collaboration and they have already begun to create something spectacular.
Elsa Lycias Joel holds a doctorate in biotechnology. member of research gate with more than ten research publications on mangrove fungi and writes for national newspapers and journals.
