Toronto-based R&B Artist and Singer/Songwriter Jasim Malik gets deep and personal with the release of his recent reminiscent single, "Thinkin Bout You."
Quickly garnering attention through the song's release, Jasim Malik's music can be best described as dark R&B. It's without a doubt that he's meeting the expectations of his hometown's talent, not only fitting right in but standing out as an artist to carefully watch.
Through his recent single, "Thinkin Bout You," Jasim Malik gets incredibly vulnerable and deep within this two-minute track. Painting vivid pictures of love and loss through his meaningful lyricism, Malik allows listeners to turn off the outside world and travel deep into their psyche, where emotions naturally begin to pour. Overtop of moody and atmospheric R&B production, the song offers many aspects that keep us coming back for more.
"Thinkin Bout You" begins with soft piano keys and effects of rain hitting the window, setting the moody and melancholy tone within the song. Once Jasim Malik begins vocalizing in an incredibly tender and delicate tone, he starts singing a saddened message of thinking over the past love he once shared with someone who remains dear to his heart.
We can't seem to shake the melodies Jasim Malik delivers, as they're not only intoxicating, but they're highly melodic and irresistible, where we can't help but sing along. Over the sweet R&B production with intricate and airy drum patterns, soft keys, and groaning sub-bass, we love the heat and passion that Jasim Malik has infused into this single.
Through each haunting and mesmerizing aspect of "Thinkin Bout You," Jasim Malik comes through to not only tell his heart's story but to stop listeners in their tracks and allow them to relate with his vulnerable and emotional lyricism.
We can’t get enough of the passion and heart you’ve delivered with your single, “Thinkin Bout You.” What inspired you to write a single regarding past love and reminiscing on what once was?
I’ve always just used music as an outlet and seen it as a way to express my own personal thoughts. For me, it’s always been much easier to process something I’m feeling or whatever’s in my head by writing it into a song. In a big way, “Thinkin Bout You” was my way of delivering a message without actually having to say it directly. I feel like music can do a really good job of communicating things we sometimes can’t.
Speaking on your songwriting process for “Thinkin Bout You,” did you face any challenges when opening up and being so vulnerable to get your message across? Is vulnerability difficult or easy for you?
Yeah, I’d have to say that’s probably the most difficult part of it for me personally and something I’m not sure I’ll ever get used to (laughs). It always feels a bit strange being completely open, honest, and vulnerable about something you’ve experienced and then turning around and sharing those extremely personal details with the world. But at the same time, it can also make a difference. If someone feels like they can relate to something in my music, then hopefully it helps them feel a little less alone in it too. If you can help even one person in that way, then you just made a positive impact on someone and that’s worth the vulnerability.
Regarding the serene and mellow production within “Thinkin Bout You,” what sort of atmosphere did you initially have in mind for the song’s production? Was the beat created before your lyrical content? I really wanted to create an atmosphere that felt raw and honest for this song. Having the beat locked down is always the first part of the process for me. Once the beat feels the way I envision the song will feel, the songwriting has always been the part that comes the easiest and most natural to me. Would you say that reminiscent love songs like “Thinkin Bout You” are a typical occurrence for your brand? Do you mostly reside within passionate R&B, or do you ever experiment with different sounds and approaches?
R&B will always be at the core of everything I do musically. But I’m always inspired by so many other styles of music that it becomes really tough to not incorporate certain elements of those genres into songs that I write. I never want to pigeon-hole myself and say “this is what R&B has to sound like”. That’s not what I’m about. Music is meant to be an evolving creature that feeds off of other styles and learns and adapts to become something
new. It’s the nature of the beast and it’s on us as creators to stay inspired and continue pushing the envelope.
Do you have any more releases planned before the end of 2020? I mean, if you know me, you know I’ve always got more in my bag. But collectively 2020’s been rough. I think I speak for everyone when I say I’m ready to wipe the slate clean and see what’s over the horizon for 2021. At this point, I’m more focused on seeing what experiences the new year will have for me and how I can incorporate that into whatever project is next.