COVER STORY: A New Chapter For Jass Manak

Jass Manak is back, baby!

On December 6th, 2023, the “Prada” hitmaker walked into Rolling Stone India’s Mumbai office, signaling an end to his break from the music scene. “It feels so good to be here,” the 24-year-old said. “I’ve been away from the music industry for a while, and I feel incredible to be back.” Jass wore a noticeable glow, similar to someone returning from a relaxing vacation in the Maldives, radiating eagerness and determination for what lies ahead in his musical journey.

Jass—full name Jaspreet Singh Manak—embarked on his professional music journey in 2018. He was 19 years old. Recalling the early days, the singer expressed gratitude for the unwavering support of his friends back in his hometown of Bhakhirana, Punjab. The turning point occurred when “one fine day, my gang randomly took me to a music studio, where we ended up recording a song,” Jass shared. Initially, singing and recording were mere hobbies, but eventually, “we started taking it seriously”. “That’s when we recorded a song called ‘Prada’,” Jass told Rolling Stone India. Little did he anticipate that this track would evolve into a sensational hit, accumulating over 51 million plays on Spotify and amassing a staggering 841 million views on YouTube.

Jass Manak remained unstoppable, consistently writing, recording, and releasing new music until the year 2022. It was at this point, and after the release of his hit track “Lehanga,” that he made the conscious decision to take a break from his musical pursuits. Reflecting on his choice, the “No Competition” singer explained, “When you keep doing something over and over again, there comes a point when you need a break.” Jass recognized that external factors, including forced “brand collaborations and the intense pressure to release new music” was impacting the quality of his artistic expression. He felt a diminishing passion in his music-making process, signaling the need for a break to rekindle the creative fire that had been lost. When asked what he ended up doing on the long break, Jass candidly shared, “Honestly, nothing at all. I kept myself free from work, traveled to London, ate good food, and had fun.”

During his “creative break,” Jass Manak not only indulged in leisure but also completely set himself free. The break allowed him to step back and reassess his life and the impact he wants to make. As the break unfolded, he found himself drawn to new sounds and ideas, subconsciously enriching his creative palette. Now, as he makes his return to the music scene, Jass brings with him not just the memories of a relaxing interval but a renewed sense of purpose and desire to explore uncharted territories.

In the course of the interview, Jass Manak disclosed intriguing details about his music-making process, underscoring his solitary and organic approach. “I do it all alone,” he revealed with a certain pride. He described initiating the creative journey by seeking out a “peaceful” environment, a place where the chaos of the world can be momentarily silenced. There, he begins by immersing himself in the ethos of a random beat, letting the music dictate the narrative. It’s a method that hinges on the symbiotic relationship between the melody and his lyricism, showcasing a distinctive fusion of introspection and spontaneous inspiration. This process not only illustrates the singer’s creative process but also adds a layer of authenticity to his talent.

Jass, with a newfound enthusiasm, also shared his plans for the upcoming year. “I’m going to release a lot of new songs this year,” he affirmed with a spark of anticipation in his eyes. Teasing a shift in his musical vibe, he hinted at a transformation in his sound that promises to captivate audiences in fresh and unexpected ways. While on the topic of new music, the Punjabi singer disclosed details of his new partnership with American rapper Nas and Peter Bittenbender’s Mass Appeal India for the next phase of his career.

In layman’s terms, this strategic partnership promises to be a nice blend of creative vision and business acumen. For anyone who’s familiar with the rich history of Mass Appeal—renowned for its impactful contributions to the music industry—the partnership holds the promise of steering Jass’s upcoming releases to new heights.

After concluding the interview, Jass Manak stayed in The Studio by Rolling Stone India, treating me to an exclusive preview of one of his unreleased tracks. I found it particularly refreshing to observe the singer’s openness to criticism, as he actively sought professional opinion on his music. This willingness to receive feedback showcases a genuine commitment to growth and an authentic connection with his audience, demonstrating Jass’s commitment to delivering meaningful and evolving musical experiences.

As someone privileged to have heard both Jass Manak’s old as well as new and upcoming music, the announcement of his return is nothing short of a treat. The blend of fresh sounds, combined with the artist’s evolved perspective, creates an aura of intrigue and promise. In my view, fans can expect a new resurgence.

As Jass’s story continues, the stage is set for the Punjabi sensation to reclaim his position at the forefront of the Indian music scene. The wait is finally over, and Jass Manak’s new music is about to enchant us all.

Credits:

Photographer: Prateek Thakur

Stylist: Harry Dhaliwal

Hair: Vasu Bhatia