Indian-Australian Jarrod Jeremiah Floors With Lush Neo-Soul/R&B Record: 10ft. with Anieszka

Indian-Australian Jarrod Jeremiah is a prolific creator. He sings, he writes, and he produces, too. And, he does it all with a certain je ne sais quoi—flair, fervour, and finesse—that belies his age. Surprisingly, Jarrod Jeremiah is just 21.

So, when the Perth/Boorloo-sider’s world converged with that of the much acclaimed Mauritian-Australian Anieszka, magic was inevitable. The result is 10ft., a spellbinding R&B/neo-soul record that explores the “undeniable connection between two people who both know they need to take some time apart to grow and learn more about themselves.” (And, dare we say, it’s more magical than David Blaine spitting out frogs in front of Drake—which, in fact, is a thing.) 

Anieszka’s dreamy vocals complement Jarrod’s rich, melodic tone, creating a captivating soundscape taking after the likes of Jacob Collier, Lizzy Mcalpine, and Tom Misch. Everything is, of course, underscored by Jarrod’s masterful production, blending “ethereal drone synths with heavy-hitting R&B drums”.

In conversation with Brown Boy Magazine, Jarrod Jeremiah shares his musical evolution (from his early drumming days to his present-day love affair with R&B and neo-soul), his influences, and his advice for fellow South Asian Australians aspiring to make their mark in the music industry.

Brown Boy Magazine: Who is Jarrod Jeremiah? Can you tell us about your background? How did you get started in music, and what role did music play in your upbringing and in shaping your identity?

JJ: I am a 21-year-old singer, songwriter, and producer from Perth, Australia. My parents are from Chennai and Tiruchirappalli, India. Growing up, music and creating were all I did, starting with my first drum kit at around six years old. From then on, I always had drumsticks or a camera in my hand—trying to make the next hit movie. This obsession with creating didn’t turn into production until high school.

My parents aren’t musical, but I had the ability to create as we had lots of instruments at home. Both my sister (Jordane) and I dabbled in music, with her usually on vocals and me playing some out-of-time beat on the drums.

BB: How would you describe your sound? And which artists have you been inspired by the most?

JJ: My sound has changed a lot since I started. Originally, it was like EDM (San Holo, Louis the Child), which is very weird, but as I practised more songwriting over just mere production, I started listening to lots of jazzy soul stuff, including Tom Misch, Samm Henshaw, and Anderson Paak. Artists who play instruments and produce their own stuff have always resonated with me, especially when they push boundaries in both production and songwriting.

BB: Can you tell us about the inspiration behind your new record with Anieszka, 10ft.? What’s it about? What are you hoping your listeners will take from it?

JJ: 10ft., to me, is about wanting to grow by yourself and needing time alone when you still have love for someone else. It came about after one of my first trips to Sydney following COVID, where I linked up with the incredibly talented Anieszka. After one session, we had a unique base for a track to build upon. I then went away and produced it, and when I returned to Sydney this year, we finished it.

BB: You’re a triple threat, singer, songwriter, and talented producer. You’ve also amassed hundreds of thousands of streams on Spotify. Do you prefer performing or producing? And what advice would you give to other South Asian Australians who aspire to make music and achieve similar success?

JJ: Wow, that’s pretty hard. Production is definitely what I’ve practised more. In high school, I spent hours, staying up until 4 am, just making beats in my room. But, although new, performing has a different kind of satisfaction—seeing people dance to your music. All in all, I think producing is more natural to me.

My advice to other South Asian Australians would probably be to start somewhere, and eventually, you will start doing what you want to do. I constantly need to remind myself of the same when I want to create more or venture into different areas. Although it may not be exactly what you want to do at the start, just starting and not worrying about the result always helps.

BB: Who are you listening to right now? Any South Asian artists you’re obsessed with?

JJ: Honestly, too much UK Drill. Ashwarya is dope as well.

My sister is South Asian, but I’m not obsessed with her (haha).

BB: What’s the most unexpected track on your playlist right now?

JJ: Fall by Justin Bieber (HAHAHAH). 

BB: If you could only listen to one album for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?

JJ: This is hard. I was tossing up between Tom Misch’s Geography and Jacob Collier’s Djesse Vol.3. But, it has to be Tom Misch’s Geography. There’s something about that album that you can put on in so many different moods—when you’re sad, when you’re happy, when you’re surprised. It’s just an all-round inspiring album.

Brown Boy Magazine (@brownboyau) celebrates worship-worthy tastemakers and changemakers in the South Asian Australian diaspora (without taking itself too seriously).