When the D.J plays her record on the radio…we just can't get enough! B4U introduces the latest sensation to be signed to Universal records…JAYA. The gorgeous Jaya has not only been fortunate enough to be signed to a mainstream record label, but also spent a lot of time last year touring with the likes of Peter Andre and N-Dubz. Tipped by B4U as the newcomer to watch out for this year, Jaya is predicted to be an instantaneous hit, and this is no surprise considering the amount of love she is already receiving! Her sassy style and feel-good music, which is the perfect blend of pop, RnB and dance is reminiscent of Lady Gaga minus the eccentric fashion statements! More importantly she is an artist suited to diverse styles and audiences and one we are eagerly awaiting to hear more from! So I catch up with Jaya to find out more about her musical career and her debut single ‘DJ Do It Again'...

1. For those who haven't heard of Jaya, how would you describe your musical style?
My style is cheeky,confident and fun. My sound is Pop with elements of Dance and RnB.


2.  When did you first realise you wanted to make a career out of your singing? Were your family always supportive of this decision?  

I come from a very musical background. My Father and Mother use to sing, so did my older sister, so music was always around me. So when I turned 16 and was finishing my G.C.S.E's, and was forced to think about what direction I wanted to take in my life, it just made sense to me, to do something that made me happy and something I was passionate about and that music. I come from a very close nit family and they are so supportive of everything I do. I think that they can see how much I love what I do and so that more important to them then anything else.  

3. Who would you say was your biggest musical influence?

I am influenced by so many things, so many people! I have to say that my biggest influences without a Shadow of a doubt are my parents and my older sister, they taught me a lot are the ones who help me realise that I have a talent. Other people that also play a big part in my influences are the likes of, A. R.Rahman, Kanye West, Beyonce and Michael Jackson

4.  It is every artists dream to be signed, let alone signed to a mainstream label! What is it like being signed to Universal? How did you get the lucky break?

This industry is like a puzzle and its all about finding the right pieces for you. As an Artist I am on piece and so for the longest time I was searching for the rest of the parts! Luckily, in the beginning of last year I reunited with an amazing producer called Hawkeye and made some hot songs and found a great manager. To me I'd found my missing pieces and in Aug 09 I signed the dotted line and became apart of Universal/AATW records. My life hasn't been the same since and I still can't believe that I'm living my dream! It's very surreal.

5. with the lack of UK Asian female artists in the music industry, do you feel that your presence in the mainstream could encourage more young Asian females to pursue a career in music?

I really hope so! There are so many talented people out there across the board and I would encourage them all to work hard and pursue their dreams because if you don't, you will never know! 

6.  You were highly active in the U.K music scene last year, what was it like supporting Peter Andre and N-Dubz on tour last year? Has this lead to further opportunities? Last year was just surreal!

I went from being signed in August to finalising my single, making a video and the next thing I know, I am touring with people that I was listening to on the radio and watching on T.V not so long a go. It was just crazy! It was such a great experience and I enjoyed every minute of it. The harder I worked the bigger the response was from the crowd so that just keeps fuelling me to work more! As for opportunities, well the most important thing I gained from both tours was support. All the Artist and fans have continued to show there support for me and my music and that's the biggest achievement for me. I've also had the pleasure of having Both Dappy and Tinie Tempah who was also on there tour, collaborate with me for the remix of my single. I hope to do a lot more work with everyone that was involved in the tours. Who knows, maybe me and Peter will do a duet too!

7.  I am curious to know...did you ever see N-Dubz dappy without his hat on?!  

Yes I did actually, but only for when he took it off for a split second to put another one on!

8.  You have a fun funky/pop vibe to your music! How does your music differ to that of other artists in the scene?  

As an artist I put my stamp on everything I do. My music isn't drastically different from things that are already out there but what makes it special is that it is MY music.

9.   You have been getting a lot of love from UK Asian scene! What are your thoughts on the UK Asian music scene overall?

I think that the world has just had a glimpse of what the Asian Scene has to offer, we have some serious talent in this category and I am just so proud and happy that I am being recognised in this way. In my mind, I am still this young girl whose biggest fans are her family and all of a sudden I am being swamped with so much love and support from people who feel the same way about my music as they do. It is just so much to take in, and to think that this is just the beginning! 

10.  Tell us a bit about your debut single 'DJ Do It Again'...

'Dj do it again' is an upbeat song all about having fun. The song talks about when you hear your favourite song and how quickly you get lost in that moment. For me its something everyone can relate to and appreciate and I hope people enjoy it as much as I do!

11.  What can we expect to hear on your debut album? Any surprise collaborations?
 
Well, my first single is produced by an amazing producer called Hawkeye who's worked with Rahgav/ kardinal offishal. I've also had the pleasure of working with the amazing Parker and James who were behind Chipmunks first number one and Johnas Joberg who has worked with Britney/Kylie and PCD. The style of my work is going to be Pop with elements of dance and rnb. The variety of artists that my producers have worked with is a little insight as to the diversity my fans can expect from me and my sound. In regards to surprise collaborations...well I'm just waiting for my phone call from A.R.Rahman , think he may have the wrong number!

12.  What's in store for Jaya in 2010?  

Well if 2009 is anything to go by then it's going to be a crazy year! Right now I'm just concentrating on releasing my single. After that, world domination!

13.  Where can the B4U fans catch you perform in the near
future?

I am constantly gigging, so the best way to catch me is to log on to my website. You can keep up to date with. Everything Jaya related through my website www.jayaworld.com .

Jaya's DJ Do It Again releases 22 nd February. Catch the video on B4U music!