Eastern Eye (UK)

Thrice as nice for Jitwam with his new music release

MULTI-INSTRUMENT­ALIST PRODUCER AND VOCALIST DISCUSSES HIS ALBUM THIRD

- Instagram: @jitwam

AN AMAZING ability to combine artistry with awesomely commercial beats has turned Jitwam into a majestic musical force.

The multi-instrument­alist producer, vocalist, and psychedeli­c soul-savant has combined high energy live performanc­es around the world with songs that put a new spin on commercial music. This has gained the Assam-born talent multi-cultural fans, hailing from diverse background­s, and turned him into an exciting creative force. Now based between New York and London, he runs the record label The Jazz Diaries and has just released his new album Third.

Like his previous two albums, it features big collaborat­ions along with diverse influences that range from jazz to hard dancefloor beats. The new 10-track album also has his signature live sound, which includes Latin music, soul, punk, samples, and disco.

Eastern Eye caught up with Jitwam to discuss his new album, live performanc­e mastery, and close connection to music.

What first connected you to music?

Music was an escapism to me, a world filled with wonder and mystery. Music is a way to express myself, keep me self-engaged, thoughtful, and present in this life.

Which of your songs have been closest to your heart?

Music is like photograph­s to me. They take me back and remind me of certain moments in my life. I like to think of my albums as diary entries – the songs I cherish the most change from day to day, but for now I guess Temptation­s, Arias Song and Yyy.

Tell us about your new album Third? The new album is a sonic cultural melting pot, exploring music from the diaspora, and threading the needle between disparate genres and sounds. From funk, rock, soul, blues and disco, Third is a life in thirds – birth, death, and rebirth. It’s really a renaissanc­e record from me, as I combine the best making skills and move them into the world of live instrument­ation and live musiciansh­ip.

You have collaborat­ed with some great artists on there. Tell us something about that?

It features a whole host of musicians and collaborat­ors, including India’s NATE08 and Sid Vashi, as well as raps from Ahkatari, Elle Shimada, and Horatio Luna, all of whom have released albums on my label The Jazz Diaries. It’s definitely my most sonically considered album to date – one for the lovers and the fighters.

How does this compare to your previous two LPs?

Nothing’s really changed, just more of a continuati­on. This album really picks up from where I left in my last album Honeycomb, bringing into the mix more diasporic sounds and rhythms from all over the world, combined with the hip hop sensibilit­ies I grew up with as a child.

‘Music was an escapism’

You have a very unique sound, but how would you describe it?

Psychedeli­c samplelade­lica with live instrument­ation and musiciansh­ip.

Who are you hoping connects with the songs on the new album?

Everyone from everywhere. I hope it inspires some time for reflection and a journey within.

Is there a song on the new album that resonates with you?

Every day it changes. Now I am sitting with my family in Assam, so I will have to go with Hey Papi – it is a real moment of reflection for me, trying to find beauty in the mundane and magic in routine.

You have made a name for yourself as a live performer. How much does that influence songs that you create?

The live stuff has had a profound impact on my recordings. Mostly being blessed with the opportunit­y to collaborat­e and work with some of the greatest musicians in their scenes. We have a bunch of live shows coming up, including London Jazz Festival and shows across America and Europe. I hope to bring the band out here next year, god willing.

What has been your most memorable live performanc­e?

Sydney Opera House most definitely. One for the record books, with an all POC band, on indigenous land, at Sydney’s most storied and iconic venue.

What inspires you musically?

Turning the mundane into the extra ordinary. Finding familiar sounds and contrastin­g them in the most unexpected of ways.

What kind of music dominates your own playlist?

That would be 2000s r’n’b.

Who is your own musical hero?

RD Burman. India’s most progressiv­e and ground-breaking composer. I really feel like I’m continuing the legacy of India, which has always been the cultural melting pot of the world in religion, mathematic­s, culture, and style.

Why should we pick up your new album

Third? If you want to hear the familiar in the most unexpected of ways, if you want to hear something authentic, which inspires you in yourself to get up and do, then pick me up.

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 ?? ?? DIVERSE SOUNDS: Jitwam; (inset) his
album Third
DIVERSE SOUNDS: Jitwam; (inset) his album Third

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