Pop Star Jay Sean REVEALS The TRUTH Behind Ageism in the Music Industry

On today's episode, I welcome my good friend and recording artist, Jay Sean, to the podcast. We discuss a number of topics, from growing up Indian living in London, his original medical aspirations, the lack of Asian representation in hip-hop, and how he aimed to achieve stardom despite that.
Jay Sean provides ample insight into ageism in pop music, the anxiety-inducing state of social media, and why he walked away from a deal at the top of his game. Not only do we learn about Jay's personal journey, but we gain a valuable understanding of the inner-workings of the industry.
If you like this episode, you'll also enjoy my podcast with Rick Rubin. Check it out right here 👉 • Rick Rubin Addresses C...
In this interview, we’ll discuss:
00:00 Intro
02:11 Jay shares insights into his upbringing, discussing the influence of his driven parents and their sacrifices.
08:00 The moment Jay knew he wanted to study medicine and pursue a musical career
15:44 When it clicked for him and changed the trajectory of his life
22:27 Dreams feeling within reach
32:11 The importance of not keeping yourself in a box
41:18 Lessons learned over the past 20 years
42:05 Why are you doing this?
50:12 Why staying true to himself has helped navigate challenges
55:19 The story of how Ride It came to be
58:58 The power of letting go of your ego and leaning into your curiosity
01:09:11 Letting Go of Former Identities
01:13:17 What we can learn from Rocky Balboa
01:16:03 Breaking free from a trapped identity
01:19:47 Jay Sean On Final Five
Episode Resources:
Facebook: / jaysean
Instagram: jaysean?hl=en
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@jaysean?lang=en
Want to learn to coach like Jay Shetty? Discover how here: gtly.to/PMlHc6JZw

[@JayShettyPodcast.]

Despite pressure and industry influences, Jay Sean stayed true to his authentic self in the end. What did you find most inspiring about his journey? I’d like to invite you to join this community and subscribe to the channel. By hitting the 'Subscribe' button, you're not just becoming a subscriber - you're choosing to make a positive difference in your life.

[@thomasthomasphilp4393]

Could you please invite the amazing Sushmita sen to your podcast?

[@anushanarayanan2156]

Weirdly, I find it very interesting and cool, that he was a nerd in school 😂

[@michellejulene3125]

Hey Jay Shetty, Thank you for sharing this interview with Jay Sean...I confess I don't know Jay Sean! But I love his journey. As I listened I kept saying "WHAT???" it sounds like me expressed in ways i've never quite encountered.!!! Love your Indian culture -- I'm an anomoly --not sure where I belong ... I danced with Matthew Mcconaughey (he was with Sandra Bullock) in Jackson Hole Wyoming during the holidays decades ago!!! Jay said"He has a secret dream"...that's my father & his spirit lives in me as a small girl from a town of 200 ppl in Kansas. My mom heard my name in her spirit when she was pregnant hanging clothes & my father was at war. I have lived my life authentically as I challenged my boundaries in the big city of L.A. when no one's looking. My parents & my upbringing instilled in me a deep spiritual foundation birthed in me in the innocent fields of the wheatfields in Kansas which my grandfather farmed. I became a sought after designer to the 1 percent in Jackson Hole after EVERYONETOLD ME MY DREAMWAS IMPOSSIBLE. I dressed the elite without college degrees & have gone on to begin oil paintings that sell out & my audience is waiting for me to catch up. Jay, your story put into words so many ways to express my own journey. Sense of humor is #1 my friend. I've saved a major equine champion from euthanasia standing in defiance against a class full of veterinarian future teachers because my love was that strong.I have survived tornados that devastated land around me & destroyed a Drivein theatre. Most importantly I want to express that discrimination & prejudices are TAUGHT. This cowgirl from the mountains of Wyoming continues to seek to become more for the people of the world within the context of who i am & what I know...

[@b.k8051]

You are a charlatan but I can't hate. Get that money!

[@user-cp3fd9pl5c]

🖤

[@diyachawla-ni2ug]

As an Indian it was so cool and proud for us that he was known globally! Now he is a legend in its own ways with a beautiful family! Love n light

[@ThePersonalDevelopmentSchool]

❤

[@paulthomas281]

@diyachawla-ni2ug Are you serious? This is what gave you "pride"? I guess you know nothing about Bhārata.

[@Pablafc]

@@paulthomas281 you mr Thomas do not even know it is Bharat or Bharat varsh , first learn what the real thing is \

[@jblasutavario9549]

Cringe. Getting all excited just because someone with your skin tone or ethnic background is doing well. Celebrate everyone's success. Wherever they are from.

[@paulthomas281]

100%. I connect with people. I'm inspired by people. Point final!@@jblasutavario9549

[@thetribebrand9193]

That random kid who gave Jay the CD was actually ALAN SAMPSON. The British Pakistani producer who ended up making hits with Zayn Malik, Craig David, Rita Ora & more.

[@nobelsampson5453]

Thank you no one knows the true story

[@yayaanetwork2530]

@@nobelsampson5453you’re a beast bro. You inspired my production journey. I’m 30 now ❤

[@SylvesrerSam]

Alan isn't Pakistani Zayn is

[@yatinsoinmusic8173]

Jay Sean the super talented.. 1st South Asian superstar to go #1 billboard that's levels bruv

[@ThePersonalDevelopmentSchool]

❤

[@SylvesrerSam]

​@ThePersonalDevelopmentSchoolZayn Malik

[@SylvesrerSam]

Zayn Malik

[@SLOWFLOW]

Much love Jay Shetty For Bring Jay Sean to the Show, As A Musician, this helps more than you can imagine, Please do bring more Musicians to the show ❤🙏🏻

[@ThePersonalDevelopmentSchool]

❤

[@xXheysayjumpXx]

Been a fan of Jay since day 1 and have never heard his story or his journey like this, I love it!!!

[@ThePersonalDevelopmentSchool]

it's a treat getting to know him more like this ❤

[@Nobodysbizness]

As a south Asian from the Uk I grew up seeing Jay on TV and had the pleasure of seeing him on stage performing in my hometown at the Bradford Asian Mela on black hill, it was 2005 or 6. Will never forget that such a class act! The crowd was mad but his stage presence was heartwarming and I couldn’t look away! I was so proud when he broke the states and people in America were banging his tunes. Jay Sean you are a legend and inspiration to the Asian community in England. Much respect bro !

[@octobermoon3594]

I love ❤️ Jay Sean He has a great voice Thank you Jay for having him in your podcast

[@ThePersonalDevelopmentSchool]

yes he does! ❤

[@808bobbyo]

This conversation is so beautiful and inspiring. Thank you, Jay and Jay!

[@kiefpief]

How does this episode not have more views? I LOVED every moment of it. I love the honesty and the passion and the camaraderie Between Two Jays 🌱

[@essj3334]

I enjoyed this interview so much. I was 16 when the Dance with you track was released in 2003. It was very interesting listening to his journey and influences in his music.

[@kyracl7318]

Such a lovely interview Jay is so talented! Lovely to see him again. So honest

[@jessicacheung5858]

Really wish to watch his live concert in the future, love u Jay ❤

[@Zarwarians]

Jay not just has a great voice but also an intellectual and a down to earth human being.

[@michellejulene3125]

I sense you were fortunate enough to have a family that invested & believed in you...that's rare & its a powerful gift. Regardless, you're a champion bro! Bravo !!! You're AWESOME AND AUTHENTIC-- YOU'RE MY SUPERHERO!!! WISE❤

[@user-oh2bl1gh2u]

He was brilliant and a victim of racism. Why wasn’t he on X factor as a guest judge or performer during his hit era? or on mainstream UK media as a hit in America? He was amazing but the white UK media just wasn’t having it. Great interview

[@SylvesrerSam]

Zayn Malik and Freddie Mercury?

[@laurengalvez2562]

I'm a 27 year old american girl that grew up listening to Jay Sean and literally still bumps his songs.. and was shocked to see this podcast episode and learn what an amazing person he is and his inspiring story. I'm in awe!

[@essj3334]

Hey that's amazing, I live in UK and it's always interesting to know how the music from here is recieved in other countries. What part of US you from?

[@Usman0tahir]

2004, im a 4th grader walking into the school library with the rest of my class and this cool kid picks up some magazine featuring Jay Sean on the cover, "south-asian breakthrough artist" ir something and the kid says "the prince, my man!!" And i look at the cover and i realize its Jay Sean, the guy my brother and sister have been listening to lately in the car almost every other day. He was such a sensation and it was the hype that pulled me in but when i did listen to Jay, i fell in love with hisusi , style, composition, the vocals, 2-3 years later and I was starting to want to sing because of him... I have loved R&B and im grateful HE has been my role model growing up, still is in sooo many ways. You're a legend and youre a legacy artist, especially for all the South Asians

[@lilnicecream6599]

One of my favourite episodes easily, such an honest and earnest conversation. Super inspiring thank you!

[@ambition112]

0:00: 🎤 A musician shares their struggles in the music industry and the journey to finding happiness and healing. 6:33: 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The video discusses the pressure on children to pursue certain professions and the desire for parents to want the best for their kids, regardless of cultural background. 13:01: 🎤 The video is a conversation about navigating challenges and stereotypes while pursuing a career in the music industry and as a medical student. 19:24: ⚡ The video discusses the overwhelming impact of social media on our mental health and the pressure to deal with criticism from strangers. 25:44: 🎶 The video discusses the nostalgia of waiting for music videos to be played on TV and creating homemade VHS music videos. 32:32: 🎤 The video discusses Drake's ability to mix singing and rapping, and the importance of not being limited by societal expectations. 38:55: 🎤 Comedian shares a humorous experience of being questioned by an immigration officer. 45:59: 🎶 The artist discusses the challenges of feeling inadequate in the music industry and relates it to the Rocky story. 52:39: 🎵 The artist discusses the challenges he faced in the music industry and how he took control of his career. 59:36: 💪 The real battle is against our ego and self-awareness is crucial in overcoming obstacles. 1:05:44: 🎵 Drake's approach to releasing music and its impact on the music industry. 1:12:20: 🎥 The video discusses the power of nostalgia in influencing our preferences and experiences in watching movies and listening to music. 1:18:36: 🎬 The speaker admires a person who has the original Terminator outfit and loves his collection of movie memorabilia. Recapped using Tammy AI

[@ThePersonalDevelopmentSchool]

❤

[@SoundControlDJs2000]

Having performed with Jay Sean numerous times back in the day, I can honestly say the way he comes across in this video is how he is in real life - genuine, talented and humble. Good to see him still positive and pushing forward.

[@cr8114]

bvc

[@latoyaloving1412]

This interview is so refreshing 🙏🏽💯💯💯 Thank you Gentleman I needed this❤

[@kambatra215]

Great to see.Jay achieving his goals n dreams and bringing light to our Indian community. I lived near him. Hounslow .Blessed Love brother keep it up....

[@honestcomments8053]

This is an excellent interview. It's true...Indians inherently are hardest working people and they belive and value higher education....anywhere they go they contribute to economy instead of relying on government for handouts.. Ageism is a problem in every industry.

[@BabuBalram007-ve1qw]

Love jay sean from day one Still one of the best DAYS OF MY LIFE when I got my "eyes on you" single signed by jay at hmv Uxbridge. #2point9

[@SanilNaikfitness]

00:02 Jay Sean shares the struggle and pressure in the music industry. 02:02 Jay Sean's upbringing and inspiration from his driven parents. 05:59 Ageism in music industry and parental expectations 07:53 Jay Sean pursued a degree in Psychology and Biology before considering a career in medicine and music. 12:00 Jay Sean breaks stereotypes in the music industry 13:56 Jay Sean discusses the lack of representation for South Asian artists in the music industry 17:55 Facing fear and criticism in the music industry. 19:29 Impact of social media on mental health 22:53 Shift in perception of fame and success 24:38 Jay Sean lost himself chasing Big Pop hits 28:02 Jay Sean emphasizes the importance of being excited about a song before recording it. 29:47 Jay Sean combined his diverse musical influences to create a unique genre. 33:25 Artists should be allowed to express themselves uniquely in the music industry. 35:15 Actor Matthew McConaughey took a two-year break to shift his brand 38:44 Jay Sean's experience with ageism in the US music industry 40:30 Doing things with negative energy never fulfills you 44:28 Struggling with finding fulfillment as an artist 46:12 Facing challenges in the music industry 49:50 Jay Sean struggled with inner conflicts and industry challenges 51:53 Jay Sean's song 'Good Enough' was actually a letter to the music industry. 55:40 Jay Sean found a life-changing song in a demo CD from a fan. 57:40 Jay Sean discusses the impact of a remix on his music career 1:01:11 Be open to randomness in life and people's advice 1:02:56 Understanding how to build compassionate children 1:06:06 The music industry is evolving with younger artists embracing diverse influences. 1:07:53 Ageism in the music industry 1:11:32 Nostalgia in music is a powerful force. 1:13:09 Embracing the impact of a defining role 1:16:42 Jay Sean shares about the challenge of trapped identity in the music industry. 1:18:18 Jay Sean emphasizes the importance of giving oneself permission to evolve over time. 1:21:38 Jay Sean aims to pass on his 20 years of experience to the next generation. 1:23:10 Jay Sean promotes his new album on Spotify and streaming platforms.

[@chattkainth2113]

I absolutely loved this podcast. Wish it was a lot longer, I have always followed both you and you both are a huge inspiration. Keep up all the great work you guys a doing

[@amandajacobs2414]

Thank you Jay for this interview it's long overdue ,I couldn't wait to watch this.❤

[@cr8114]

amanda you here

[@abc_cba]

his song Down was the first for a UK solo artist to make it or debut at Number 1 on Billboard, if I am not mistaken.

[@sn0wsilver]

loved this conversation! please have more artist on who talk about the industry! appreciate both of you!

[@jordy39]

Jay Sean is and always has been the real deal. I listened to him from the earliest days and wished him all the success. Still listen to and love his songs. Big props to you brother 👍

[@Azranm514]

Love u jay sean!!! Took me down memory lane

[@marykaari817]

On matters social media; those who matter don't care, and those who care don't matter 😊.

[@sumentaram77]

Jay Sean is absolutely amazing. I remember when I was younger I saw his video "Dance with You" on one of my Indian Hangama music video DVDs. I was like damn that guy is amazing and I was totally digging it for months and months. I'm in America so no one knew what the hell I was listening to. Then years later to see Jay Sean appear in songs with American artist was mind blowing to me. I was so proud to see an Indian person make it in the music world here in America. Plus with his style and twist, the world needed that. Thank you Jay Sean for being who you are making this world a better place one lyric at a time. Music is a huge part of my life, without it I don't know what I would do. Jay Shetty, you always make my world better. Thank you always for the amazing work that you do.

[@kiefpief]

I ❤ the two Jays. I love his moment when he was in the mosh pit watching Usher, thinking of we love this music and buy this music and get this music, why can’t I make this music? GENIUS. I feel the SAME way about myself at this moment as an actress. INSPIRING 💫🔥🙏🏽🎈🎶

[@raavaassatu]

Wow thank you for this episode. Incredibly inspirational.

[@finnissima8017]

I have been thinking of Jay Sean forreal … excited to see what he’s been up to !

[@AZAR7787]

Me Against Myself is a certified classic. Jay Sean is a legend...

[@gracejasinthpriyadarsini2489]

My favourite speaker Jay genius l love his speech very much.

[@katierra]

Thank you for this podcast, there is a lot that resonates with me! you are both very inspiring me!

[@SOI-wl2lo]

He was an icon FOR REALL!! He looks the same too!! 😩🔥

[@geoxwill]

Loved this, watched from start to finish for the first time. I blame nostalgia for Jay Sean.

[@iloveyellow7214]

graduated with a degree in fine arts. I thought I was the only one who thought like what Jay Sean discussed in 6:00 its "freeing" 😶‍🌫 Happy New Year indeed💫

[@ginogarcia8730]

man i miss jay sean in more songs - i mean his voice is just so good in r&b - plus on top he got all his businesses going on - so inspirational

[@Claire_D78]

Always loved jay sean 🙌🏼❤ “Ride it” is still on my playlist to this very day… (big fan) im so happy u shared the back story to that song… thank u jay ❤ must love and stay blessed always ❤

[@Diamond_Motivation]

I love this!! It spoke to my spirit!! Let's get it done!!!

[@michaelarchangel3202]

He is a great artist with a voice like velvet. As someone who has always admired his interpretation of songs, I want to say that I love him very much.

[@user-cp3fd9pl5c]

Jay Sean my Favourite. Take love Bro🖤

[@user-tt2qn1cj1x]

Craig David is known for singing, rapping and blending the two.

[@rogersfamily6119]

Jay and Jay are amazing! Loved getting to know Jay Sean more

[@ardhraprakash163]

Please do a video about emotional hunger and it's remedies. It will be more helpful ❤

[@Hanna-mr3jb]

Jay Sean… down 2009 was the best of the best of dj earworm remix ❤❤❤

[@getbetterpodcast]

Hey Jay I love you, i am Denko from Rwanda I need U to know that you have completely changed my life I made up to start a podcast too( dreamcast) Merry Christmas jay with your family

[@neilwadhawan]

At 16:00 mins Jay talks about exactly how I felt when I saw him come to the big stage. Felt so proud that there was a Desi rapper, one of us up there. He paved the road for what we see now. Will always have a lot of respect for Jay. 🙌

[@smia7130]

Good to see Jay Sean. I actually became close to him because of his song "My Eyes on You"

[@joycealexandra2125]

Great interview, so much great energy. Really enjoyed. J 66yr Liverpool Uk!😊

[@vik1974]

YNWA

[@Anime-Face.]

Lovely conversation thank you so much for sharing 🙏🏽

[@brendamccaleb726]

Love you jay ❤️ you are an amazing human for sharing your knowledge and changing the world

[@ThePersonalDevelopmentSchool]

❤

[@navinramharak]

INCREDIBLE, love seeing this side of Jay

[@HistoryOnRepeatAGAIN]

6:32 so glad to hear a person of colour actually understanding it from the parents POV. So fed up with POC constantly putting their own culture/traditions down, that's not to say culture/tradition don't bring their own troubles. It's extremely rare for a coloured person saying actually, do you know what my mum and dad are right to encourage me to have plan b.

[@Ismail-tj1ss]

Truth

[@manzoorahmad5556]

The RnB king Jay Sean❤❤❤❤

[@tinahurley743]

Thank you! Resonates with me absolutely!

[@elanmarkos]

Love so much what you do Jay, this was a great episode. Sorry for the lame question, but I need to know the name/paint color of those walls hahaha.

[@Easy-English-Hi-fi-Confidence]

Love you both so much!..... sending solemn sweeling love for you..

[@ThePersonalDevelopmentSchool]

❤

[@wrenbisson4760]

So good jay!!! I loved this one so much,as a musician this spoke to me very deeply!! Man jay sean is awesome,so much insight!! Man I know it'd be tough but you gotta get drake on the podcast,it'll change lives for real!! Much love jay!❤

[@matcheung5134]

this is sick, was listening to ride it remix before!

[@singhsarvesh36]

Loved this podcast ❤

[@derekundergrad_music]

Loved this episode ❤

[@billysingh1040]

AMAZING INTERVIEW !!!!!!!!!!!

[@Chartel77]

Subbed to you. I was told about you by mike who used to cut your hair. Told him i would say hi 🌹❤️👋🏻

[@bonginfotech2073]

Miss your song a lot jaysean

[@iWhy_Music]

Nice to watch people who were lucky with parents, my father didn't teach me anyhing, and still walks proudly that he dosn't realy give a sh* but to give me some portion of negativity.

[@octobermoon3594]

Next you should bring on Zack Knight Also from London/ India 🇮🇳

[@dansaleem2582]

Zack Knight is of Pakistani and African origin mate

[@user-vh3sw4we1u]

Big dreamy bro.I liked this bro

[@kaoutermouslimhaliba7145]

I knew of him through VIVA tv ,German TV channel I was a teen ,and it drove us crazy at home that this song ,totally in English with that l Indian bridge and the smooth mix of both cultures in the song was so good. His music before entering the US market were a lot better in my opinion. What he did in the US was different ,and you could tell it was not so natural of him. I hope to see something new of that old style of his. And I love the parallelism between his own journey and Rocky, It was interesting how the analysis of the film saga can also describe the life of many artists in different fields too!

[@JJOK1818-okthen]

Very interesting 🎉 used to love his music!!

[@peterpan-pr7ok]

Juggy d comes to mind 😮

[@raymundo5065]

The Mistress part 1, My Own Way and All or Nothing are some of the best albums ever made by any artist imho. Jay’s music up until around the tune “Don’t give up on me” (which itself was a banger) was absolutely amazing. Ironically though his music after that tune has been pretty poor. I can only imagine he’s lost some of his big producers (Jeremy/Alan Sampson?). Needs to go back to the Jay that he was for the majority of his career- just not the one putting out pretty dire music like his last tune To hi To or whatever it’s called.

[@user-oh2bl1gh2u]

The only thing is that Jay Shetty should let the guest talk more, Jay Sean’s stories were so interesting and Shetty kept cutting him off or changing the tone of the conversation.

[@sameeryounis4613]

Legend because of him you see so many uk artists Charting now

[@cindyben3089]

I still listen to that album.. down down dowwwnnnnnn

[@TheMotivationGuy_1]

Great stuff!

[@hihihihehe2255]

OH MY SEAN❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@DailyRonaDhona]

I still got my eyes on you its been 18 years

[@HeshanWijegunaratne84]

Jay & Jay ...LOL Nicee talk:D

[@jonathanramos7285]

Why I didn’t know Jay Sean was Indian.

[@rODIUMuk]

Weird that he talks about ‘down’ like it was so great. I think ‘maybe’ was a classic

[@manpt123]

Proud of you 🇧🇩

[@yayaanetwork2530]

Jay Sean being signed to Young Money was a big flex if you were brown in school 2007 to 2010

[@HistoryOnRepeatAGAIN]

JaySean is so selfaware

[@shindasingh986]

Big Up Jay Sean,Rishi and Juggy Combo Just like my favourite kfc 🍗 😂

[@dopamineaddicts262]

jay your sis also shud join ur pod, her views with urs will b more insterting.

[@BabuBalram007-ve1qw]

2point9 -----> like button If you know, you know

[@sohankhan9306]

This man was my childhood - the only Asian brudda around ☝🏼

[@shabazraja]

This should be viewed way more then it has been.

[@salmak586]

What’s the name of guy who created ride it beat?

[@parminder_chandi7]

Alan Samspson

[@scottbrand888]

Makes me feel old that Jay Sean looks like Adil Ray from good morning britain 😢

[@user-tu9zh9vx8v]

Hii, Jey!!!

[@AjaySingh-lw9fw]

Lord jay sean ❤❤❤

[@28thStar]

Ayeee TEAMSHEEZY