Positive pop star

Jason Mraz hits Bangkok

By Suwitcha Chaiyong
Photos courtesy of BEC-Tero Entertainment

American singer-songwriter Jason Mraz is famous for his witty wordplay, catch songs and breathtaking live performances. Since last year, the 37-year-old singer has been on tour promoting the latest album, Yes!.

The album is the first that Jason has recorded with the female folk rock backing band, Raining Jane. Yes! has received plenty of critical acclaim and features the hit singles “Love Someone” and “It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday.”

On March 21, the Grammy Award-winning singer will perform with Raining Jane at Impact Arena.

Student Weekly recently asked Jason some questions via email about Yes!, his music and his inspirations.

StudentWeekly: What was it like working with Raining Jane on Yes!?

Jason: They’ve been a band for 15 years. The beauty of their vocals and what they do can’t be replicated by a bunch of men. Their approach to music and their voices definitely brought a feeling of tenderness to the album that some of my other records don’t have. Most of the album was written before we knew we were writing an album. It was really organic.

StudentWeekly: Did you enjoy working on your album at home, surrounded by avocado trees?

Jason: Yeah, it was nice. I’ve been making demos at home for many albums now. Over those years, I’ve learned how to record and I love being at home. I excel when I can make things at home.

StudentWeekly: Can you tell us what inspired the song, “Back to the Earth”?

Jason: My love and gratitude for my garden. I wanted to share that passion with others in hopes of inspiring them to get out there and get dirty!

StudentWeekly: What generally inspires your songwriting?

Jason: I’ve always used songwriting as a way to help me organise reality. Sometimes touring can warp reality because you’re never in one place long enough to get a feel for it. You don’t interact with people long enough to know what real life is. That’s why a lot of artists write songs about longing and missing people when they’re on the road. I do my best to keep my mind open and I read a lot when I’m on tour, so I hope I still have good things to write about. I’m constantly in the songwriting process.

StudentWeekly: What is the best time for you to compose songs?

Jason: I get my most creative energy after a show, so I love to go back to the hotel and compose new material. I generally do it in a rush. I have to get it out, otherwise I can’t sleep.

My touring isn’t about collecting souvenirs and always being on the go. My souvenirs are writing in my journal and creating new music, because that fits easily into my backpack when I’m travelling around the world. It’s something that I can share later with fans or with future family members.

StudentWeekly: Is it true that “Long Drive” is one of your favourite songs?

Jason: That song really shows how powerful the marriage is between myself and Raining Jane. It features their vocals and mine, a cello, a guitar and Mona’s groove. And that bass line could only have come from Becky. The song has power and sensitivity, and it really shows what we do as a band. It doesn’t sound like a formulaic tune that you’ve heard before. It’s definitely one of my favourites.

StudentWeekly: Do you prefer to perform in big stadiums, intimate concert halls or small venues?

Jason: Intimate halls. I feel at home in these venues. I can take risks and I’m immediately forgiven if the risk is a failure because it’s such a cozy atmosphere. It opens up the opportunity for conversation and for interacting with the crowd.

StudentWeekly: You’re involved in activities relating to the environment and human rights. What changes do you hope to see regarding these issues?

Jason: In my lifetime, I want to see humanity start being conscious of our waste, the things we buy, and how we can reuse and recycle things. I want people to live harmoniously with our planet. I hope everybody wakes up and appreciates life.

StudentWeekly: What can your Thai fans expect at your upcoming show?

Jason: A lot of fun, interaction, harmony and music!

 

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