You might know Jason Heerah just as a former 'X-Factor' contestant. But the singing drummer is much more than that.
Booted off the show in a shock elimination after making the top 6 in 2014, Jason's long since shaken off the loss, recently releasing his debut solo album, 'Chasing Love'.
A seasoned performer long before 'X-Factor', Jason has maintained a busy schedule, regularly playing charity and sporting events, as well as performing on shows like 'The Singing Bee' and 'Australia's Got Talent'. He has also played Glastonbury and other international gigs as part of the band Electric Empire, and has performed alongside greats like Boyz II Men, Olly Murs and Jermaine Jackson.
Always proud of his roots and Mauritian heritage, Jason previously released a song in Mauritius called 'Seggae Paradise' featuring Zulu, which was nominated for 'Song Of The Year' in 2015.
Jason says being a solo artist and recording his own album is worlds away from his usual gigs. “It's so different from being in a band, especially. On stage it's a really different experience.”
Finally getting into the studio on his own, he calls his new album, 'Chasing Love', a great representation of where he's at musically, and says it has a great message as well. “Releasing a solo album, it has always been a dream of mine. So this is a big deal.”
Known for his killer drumming skills, Jason says music has always been a part of his life. “Ever since I was eight or nine, it was always there.”
Then came the singing, performing, touring the world and his famous stint on 'X-Factor'. The success rate for X-Factor contestants is much better worldwide than it once was (see: One Direction, Fifth Harmony). But for most performers, the important part is the exposure. Win or lose, getting your face and your voice out there is invaluable, and Jason is grateful for the opportunity to get seen.
For the record, the judges were devastated and shocked when Jason was eliminated. “It was definitely a good experience though,” Jason recalls. “I went into it with a positive attitude and got pretty far, so I can't complain!”
Jason does think there can be negative sides to that sort of TV exposure, but he's happy with where it all led to: his own album. With plenty of gigs on the horizon he's sure to stay as busy as ever. “This year is all about the album [promotion].”
The 'Chasing Love' album launch party is at 1000 Pound Bend (Melbourne) on 21 April.
