Jasim Malik

Artist with a Purpose

When did you first get into music?

I was pretty young. I started writing songs when I was probably 6 or 7 years old. It wasn’t really even fully “music” to me back then. I just knew I had an ability with words from a really young age and once I fine-tuned that, the other elements you hear in my music just naturally developed over time.

What genre of music do you perform and why?

It’s Alternative R&B, but people sometimes like to classify it as “Dark R&B” because of some of the darker vibes I like to incorporate. It’s just where a lot of my musical influence comes from and what feels right to me artistically.

And why did you choose that style of music?

Coming from Toronto, you can hear it in the work of a lot of artists from this city. Mood music that has the ability to hit you deep, but with enough edge to bump late night in your car when you’re driving through the city. It just hits your soul a little different.

Who or What inspired you to pursue a career in music?

I’ve had a strong connection to it since I was young. From early on I just knew I wanted to be involved in it in some way. That connection became a passion. All I know for sure is that some of the moments where I feel like I’m at my happiest, most alive, and most myself are when I’m able to get into the studio and be creative.

How has your music evolved since you first began performing/songwriting?

I got my start performing at small events and open mic nights doing covers, usually with an acoustic guitar in my hands. It was simple, but I was very “Mamba mentality” with my approach [laughs]. Just adopting the mindset of trying to be the best version of myself in all aspects of life. Sometimes it’s cool to look back and see the progress though.

I’m sure you have shared the stage with a lot of talented artists/celebrities along the way. Would you share 1 or 2 of your favorite stories with us?

I attended the opening night of The Weeknd and some of the XO guys’ “HXOUSE” incubator program in Toronto a while back. Got a chance to speak to Mustafa The Poet who’s been making some really dope stuff lately, as well as Kardinal Offishal and Halsey who gave some helpful advice. That was definitely one of the coolest moments for me.

If you were forced to choose only one, which emotion, more than any other drives you to stay in this tough business? Is it joy, anger, desire, passion or pride and why?

I’d probably have to say passion. I mean, it’s a pretty simple formula for me. Being able to create and be so closely involved is genuinely one of the things that brings me joy. Sometimes life is just about doing stuff that you love and that makes you happy without expecting everything in return. Sometimes your happiness is enough.

Which ingredient do you think makes you special and unique as an artist in an industry overflowing with new talent and ideas?

I’m Pakistani-Canadian [laughs]. But for real, there really aren’t too many of us pursuing something creative at this level. I wanna represent and put on for my people. It’s their support and the fact that they have my back that allows me to bring a little spice to the table. No pun intended.

What has been your biggest challenge as a performing artist? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?

It’s hitting everybody pretty hard, but the biggest obstacle I know a lot of artists have been dealing with is the impact of COVID. It hits artists extra hard because there’s no touring, no concerts, little to no performing that isn’t over a Zoom call or on Instagram Live. It makes things tough.

A common phrase in the industry is, “you must suffer for your art.” Do you agree with this statement? If so, how have you suffered for your art?

Yeah, definitely. The songs I write tend to come from a pretty personal place. I don’t think it’s ever easy to go through some of those emotions and just walk out the other side. Especially when you’re trying to channel it into a creative place.

How do you feel the internet has impacted the music business?

It’s been around for as long as I can remember, so it’s tough for me to speak on what the industry was like before that. But I’d say for the most part it’s been pretty positive. You’ve got a lot of great artists able to put out really dope work without any label backing, which is cool to see.

If you could change anything about the music industry. What would it be? Please explain.

Probably how much control streaming platforms have over artists right now. I feel like the balance should be a little more even considering that without artists, these platforms have no product.

What are the 5 albums that have helped make you the person you are today? And why?

Wow, this is a tough one. I’ve gotta start with “Thriller” by Michael Jackson. The Weeknd’s entire “Trilogy” album, which a friend of mine borrowed years ago and never returned. “Free 6lack” by 6lack. “Get Rich Or Die Tryin’” by 50 Cent. And being from Toronto, I have to include a Drake album on here, so let’s go with “Take Care”.

Tell us about your current project.

Yeah, my last single “Thinkin Bout You” has been out and I’m glad people have been rocking with it. The project was pretty close to my heart so I had to make sure we got it right. Putting it out meant a lot to me personally so every time someone hits me up and tells me they’ve been feeling it, I don’t even think they realize how much that means to me [laughs].

What’s next for you?

Hopefully I get the chance to get out and perform a little bit after this pandemic ends. I really wanted to do some live events before this lockdown happened so hopefully I’ll have similar opportunities when things go back to normal. Maybe get a chance to sing a little for some of the people that have been riding with me. I guess we’ll see what happens post-pandemic and play that by ear.

How can fans-to-be gain access to your music?

Is this the part where I’m supposed to pitch myself? Alright, here goes. What up guys, this is Jasim Malik. Go check out my single “Thinkin Bout You” on whatever streaming platform you use. And if you’re on Instagram and Twitter, you can find me on there too @jasimxmalik.