5 minutes with...JASON SOUDAH
Emotive singer/songwriter Jason Soudah, born in Japan to Irish and Cypriot parents but based in
Cardiff after studying Psychology at Cardiff University, has been very busy of late. In between
shows in the UK and the US Jason, who has been compared to Coldplay, Tori Amos and James Blunt,
has recorded his latest album in Cardiff (which launches at Clwb Ifor Bach on November 22nd) and
we were lucky enough to grab 5 minutes with Jason over a hot cup of coffee.
So Jason, what's on your mind today?
Carrot cake and world peace.
How has your year been so far?
It's been really exciting. At the beginning of the year I played live on Radio 2 before going to the States for some shows. In the summer, I was in the studio with my band and producer Romesh Dodangoda. He's worked with a lot of good bands from South Wales, like The Blackout, Dopamine, and Kids In Glass Houses. We had fun and have a great mini-album as a result.
You're about to launch your new album this month with a show at Clwb Ifor Bach, what are your
expectations for it?
I'm really looking forward to the show. The new record is already getting played on radio in the US, so I expect radio support to continue to develop over here, further strengthening the fanbase and raising awareness within the industry.
Much like fellow Cardiff based musician, Christopher Rees, you seem to be getting a great critical response to your music but not as much commercially. Does this affect your approach to songwriting with a view to writing a hit single?
Actually I've written a few hits with Justin Timberlake, Avril Lavigne and Nelly Furtado...(pauses)...in mind! For myself I don't write with a commercial goal.
Cardiff, and South Wales in general, is a hotbed of creative talent, why do you think this is so?
What I'm about to tell you must not leave this room. If you drink from the sacred stream, known as the 'Mukah' in Grangetown, your creative mind will know no bounds. That is the secret my friend. Or maybe it's just something to do with the Celtic musical heritage here...I'm not entirely sure.
Who are your musical influences?
Some of my influences that are closest to my sound are Tori Amos, Goo Goo Dolls and Counting Crows. In my teenage years I listened to a lot of Rap and RnB so bar the profanities I'd say you can hear a bit of that in my music too.
What is your favourite restaurant?
Zio Pin. Italian's great.
What is your favourite bar?
Milgi or Buffalo Bar.
What is your favourite club?
For live music Clwb Ifor Bach. That's why I've chosen it for my CD launch. I also love a good dance-off pretty much anywhere.
Where would you take someone, on their first visit here, to show them what best sums up Cardiff?
If the sun's in the sky...Roath Park, pedalo and a cornetto...'appy daze!
No problem. It was fun talking to you.