Please introduce yourself:

Hi! My name is Jamil Kassam. I’m a pop singer/songwriter based in New York. I’m actually from a little bit all over: I’m Belgian but I grew up in the Ivory Coast, Dubai and France. I came to the US a few years ago to attend Berklee College of Music and moved to New York afterwards to take my chances as an artist. And so far everything is going pretty well and I love it here :)

For starters, how long have you been singing for?

I started singing very early. My parents got me into Indian classical singing when I was 5 years old and I trained with a private teacher until I graduated high school. Meanwhile I was also in all my schools’ choirs, ensembles and music recitals performing whenever I could. So I’ve been singing for a pretty long time.

I took a break from singing after high school when I went off to college. I attended my business school and after my masters I had the urge to get back to it again. I switched careers, decided to do music and never stopped singing ever since!

Who writes your songs? What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs and do you think these topics will change over time?

I write all my songs. They are mostly inspired from my own experience. Because of my back- ground and story, I have a strong world commitment and I’ve been writing a lot of songs in that direction, especially with everything that’s happening in the world today. I strive for peace and global equality in general, whether it’s about race, gender, orientation, war or conflict in general.

But since I’m writing from my own experience, I could also write a heartbreaking love song or a happy and empowering dance anthem. All depends on how I feel. That was a tough question because I feel inspired by a lot of things! And I believe the topics I’m writing about might definitely change because it really depends on how I feel.

What artists are currently inspiring the music that you’re making?

Michael Jackson is definitely one of my greatest inspirations. But I can also say Stevie Wonder, Freddie Mercury (Queen), Marvin Gaye or Chaka khan. And as for more contemporaries, I feel really inspired by Sia, Years & Years, Stromae and the songwriter Justin Tranter.

Was there a particular band/artist or concert that inspired you to start singing?

It might sound cheesy but Celine Dion was one of the reasons I started singing. I grew up listen- ing to her and I think I know all of her songs. I really look up to her vocally and as an artist.

What do you do to prepare for a show? Any flexing, exercises, ect …

I’m very passionate about vocal technique and vocal health. It’s actually been one of the focuses of my musical studies. So before performing I have a whole routine prepared. It involves stretching and vocal exercises and varies depending on how I feel vocally. It might be too long to get into it right now lol.

What has been the biggest highlight of your career so far?

I’m still at the beginning of my career. I could mention the tours and concerts I did back in France, but I think the biggest highlight of my career is being here in New York and collaborating with amazing producers and artists.

If you could tour with any artist, past or present, who would they be and why?

I would have loved to tour with Michael Jackson or Queen! I don’t know how to explain it exactly but there was something so magical about the people who came to their concerts. There was so much love, passion for music and good vibes at their concerts that it would have been amazing to tour with them.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Yes, there’s more music to come! My second single will be out very soon and my EP will be re- lease early 2017. Thank you so much for listening to my story and sharing “Rise Now”!