Posted: Monday 14th July 2008

Jason Soudah is emerging as an artist to keep an eye on after wowing the crowds at SXSW in 2007 and securing the support of BBC Radio 2's Janice Long. Recently he released mini-album Six Hours and Jason has been building up quite an impressive fanbase.

We caught up with him to find out more about his music, his passions and influences and his plans for the future.

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I was born in Japan and lived there for around 10 years. Music has been my main passion since I was very young. I recently released a mini-album which has been getting support from BBC Radio 2 as well as stations in the US and Germany.

2. Tell us about your mini-album 'Six Hours'.

There's 5 songs on there, all based on real experiences. I tend to write songs about relationships, as well as things I am learning as I journey through life that have helped me that may help other people too.

3. When can we expect your first full-length album?

Next year.

4. How do you feel when you're compared to artists such as John Mayer and Ben Folds?

Pretty cool cause I really admire these guys.

5. You studied for a doctorate in Psychology. What made you want to go into music?

As long as I can remember I've been a musician. I started playing piano when I was 4, I think because one of my older cousins played, and I wrote my first song at the age of 7.

6. When can your fans see you live?

My last live show before I head into the studio to record the album is at Halo in Battersea, London on July 29th.

7. What's your favourite aspect of being a musician?

It's hard to say exactly, cause I can't really separate myself from music, as it's such a big part of me. I really enjoy creating new songs, the excitement of when a new idea starts coming together, the journey from when I can hear a song in my head to having it realised in recording . I am passionate about performing, connecting with people in the audience. I also enjoy meeting fans after the shows. Probably my favourite aspect is performing live.

8. Who were your influences growing up?

U2 (my first concert), The Beatles, Michael Jackson, loads of Motown records, then more recently Brian McKnight, Debussy, Tori Amos, Counting Crows, and Goo Goo Dolls.

9. What's on your iPod at the moment?

Wallis Bird, Julia Harris, Ninja Pigeon, Nate Smith, Jessi Robertson and Dan Torres to name a few.

10. What are your plans for the future?

I'll be recording a new album in the autumn and then will be getting out on tour again. There's a lot in the pipeline and I'm really excited about what's to come.