Great Company with Jamie Laing

Episode: Jason Derulo: Breaking My Neck Led to My Biggest Success
Release Date: January 15, 2025
Host: Jamie Lang
Guest: Jason Derulo

Introduction

In this compelling episode of Great Company with Jamie Laing, host Jamie Lang engages in an in-depth conversation with the multi-talented artist and entrepreneur, Jason Derulo. The discussion delves into Jason's journey from his early passion for music to overcoming significant life challenges, ultimately leading to his greatest successes.

Early Life and Songwriting Beginnings

Jason Derulo opens up about his unconventional start in music, beginning as a young songwriter.

• First Song Creation:
  [08:50] Jamie Lang: "What was the song you wrote when you were eight?"
  [08:52] Jason Derulo: "It's called Crush on You. Yeah. And it was for this girl in my class, Amy Hume."

• Struggles with Memory:
  [07:55] Jason Derulo: "I could never remember any fucking songs. So I loved to sing, but I couldn't remember songs. So I got a knack for creating melody and creating words."

Jason's inability to remember others' lyrics pushed him to develop his unique songwriting skills, fostering his creativity from a young age.

Creative Process and Musical Philosophy

Jason discusses his approach to creating music, emphasizing originality over chasing trends.

• Filling Voids vs. Following Trends:
  [10:32] Jason Derulo: "I try to make things that don't exist. I try to fill voids."

• Trusting His Gut:
  [12:45] Jamie Lang: "But you're trusting your gut. That's the biggest thing."
  [12:47] Jason Derulo: "Yeah."

Jason contrasts his method with others who follow current trends, highlighting his commitment to authentic and innovative music creation.

Overcoming Challenges: The Neck Injury

A pivotal moment in Jason's life was a severe neck injury that threatened his burgeoning career.

• Incident Description:
  [33:14] Jason Derulo: "I slipped on one and I bailed. Fell on my head, and I heard a crack... the doctor said, 'you have a hangman's break.'"

• Recovery and Resilience:
  [37:00] Jason Derulo: "I created a routine for myself... and that's when I made my most successful album, which had six platinum songs on it."

This accident not only halted his tour but also became the catalyst for his most successful period, demonstrating his resilience and dedication.

Principles for Success

Jason shares the foundational principles that guided him to success, which he later expanded upon in his book.

• Commitment and Intensity:
  [42:00] Jason Derulo: "It's all in what you put into it. It all comes down to the hours and then the intensity of those hours."

• Continuous Self-Competition:
  [43:00] Jason Derulo: "I have to compete against the young me... Success is rented. You can never own it."

Jason emphasizes the importance of relentless work ethic and constantly striving to outdo one's previous self.

Personal Life and Future Aspirations

The conversation also touches on Jason's personal experiences, including fatherhood and maintaining relationships amidst a demanding career.

• Impact of Fatherhood:
  [47:22] Jason Derulo: "The only person that matters the most is my son... It brought me closer to my parents and it's completely rocked my world."

• Balancing Work and Personal Life:
  [51:19] Jason Derulo: "I'm so asphyxiated with my craft, my work... my son saying, 'you forgot this.'"

Jason reflects on the challenges of balancing his professional ambitions with his responsibilities as a father, highlighting his commitment to being present for his family.

Rapid-Fire Questions

In the concluding segment, Jamie poses a series of quick questions to Jason, revealing more personal insights.

1. Dream Collaboration:
   [56:58] Jason Derulo: "Definitely Michael Jackson. Alive? I've really wanted to work with Sia... a song with her coming out in January."

2. Cheer-Up Phrase:
   [57:54] Jason Derulo: "That's my dog."
   This phrase between Jason and his son serves as a source of mutual encouragement and positivity.

3. Best Compliment:
   [58:55] Jason Derulo: "When somebody tells me that they have been affected by my music in their lives."

4. Biggest Fear:
   [59:45] Jason Derulo: "That I don't have an off button."

5. Last Time He Cried:
   [60:28] Jason Derulo: "Leaving my son. I knew I was going to be leaving for a couple of weeks and I wasn't going to see him for a while."

6. Something He Can't Let Go Of:
   [60:49] Jason Derulo: "Having a cocktail... mudLorded orange with tequila."

7. Turn-Off:
   [62:13] Jason Derulo: "A liar. I can't stand a liar, especially if the person is close to me."

8. Turn-On:
   [62:30] Jason Derulo: "A woman that can cook or is even willing to cook."

9. What He Likes Most About Himself:
   [63:33] Jason Derulo: "I am a really positive person. I'm always a glass full kind of guy."

10. Favorite Lyric He's Written:
    [64:03] Jason Derulo: "But your booty don't need explaining."

Conclusion

Jamie and Producer Jemima wrap up the episode by expressing their admiration for Jason's candidness and resilience. They encourage listeners to engage with the podcast by submitting questions for potential bonus episodes.

Key Takeaways

• Resilience and Routine: Jason's ability to establish a disciplined routine post-injury was crucial to his subsequent success.
• Authentic Creativity: Emphasizing originality over trend-following has been a cornerstone of Jason's musical philosophy.
• Balancing Success with Personal Life: Despite immense professional achievements, Jason remains deeply committed to his family and personal growth.
• Principles for Success: Dedication, intense work ethic, and continuous self-improvement are vital for sustained success.

Notable Quotes

• [07:34] Jason Derulo: "When you create music and feel like the melody is good, what does it make you feel?"
• [16:40] Jason Derulo: "I'm trying to figure out why I would stop at the edge of glory. What are you doing?"
• [39:22] Jason Derulo: "When a door shuts, there's always a window."
• [41:39] Jason Derulo: "There's not one thing, there are multiple principles."
• [46:48] Jason Derulo: "The social media business became like a whole business... one of the most lucrative things I've ever done."
• [55:36] Jason Derulo: "I've always been like that since I was a kid."

This episode offers a profound look into Jason Derulo's life, blending his artistic journey with personal anecdotes. Listeners gain insight into the challenges he faced, the principles that drive his success, and the personal values that keep him grounded amidst fame.