Entertainium!

What would you bring to MuchMusic?

For MuchMusic, I bring television experience but beyond that I live the MuchMusic lifestyle. I sincerely love pop culture and social media. I naturally immerse myself in that culture. I love being around people and listening to their stories. I can watch hours of television (for research of course. Well, at least that’s what I tell myself.) Thank goodness we live in a PVR era. I listen to music from the moment I wake up to the point where I cannot listen to it anymore. For example, during the taping of the news. You better believe, as soon as the newscast is over, the music is blasting again. I like to discover new music through MuchMusic, Youtube, from friends, DJ websites and apps like Songza. 

I utilize social media to understand the world and pop culture. Apps like Twitter, Instagram and Tumblr has allowed me to connect to people from around the world. I am proud to say that I have made new friends with people from Toronto to LA to London. 

We live in an amazing world where you can accomplish more than you think is possible.  This is my perspective of the world, and I hope to share my positive outlook with my future team and the audience of MuchMusic. 

How would your friends describe you?

Actual testimonials from Facebook:

“Jai is so cool!” - My Mom

“She is a hard-worker and is really passionate about music, TV and movies. Jai has a crush on Zac Efron. This is important to note because she has a young state-of-mind.” -Bill

“Jai can rap Kanye’s verses in Clique and Mercy. Now that’s impressive.” -Waji

“Jai has a podcast (Advice from Non-experts) not only is it entertaining and informative but her voice is so soothing. I fall asleep to it… because she is calming… not that she is boring.” -Darrell.

“Jai is kind-hearted. Her aura allows people to let their guard down and just have a genuine conversation.” -JV

“Jai has an awesome sense of humour. It is very diverse and, in a sense, very Canadian. Dark humour and quick wit gets her to LOL but she can also dish it back. I am always ROTGLAH* when I’m around her.” -Crystal. 

*Rolling on the ground like a helicopter. 

“Jai is so sweet. I have never felt so comfortable. She made me feel like it was just her and myself in the room. We could talk about anything for hours. I will totally be calling her to go shopping and maybe a mani-pedi date.” - My future BFF Beyoncè. (This is a pure fabrication but a girl can dream, right?)

If you could interview anyone who would it be and why? 

How are the other applicants only choosing one person to interview? I have like 15,008 people I want to interview. From Canadian superstars like Drake and DJ Atrak to role models like Tina Fey. I guess if I had to choose one person it would be Conan O’Brien. I would want his insights about facing challenges and overcoming adversities, not giving up on your dreams and staying humble. I’d also ask, “If you could be a superhero, who would it be and why?” Y’know? Mix it up!

And, I have to cheat and pick two celebrities. I have to interview Beyoncè. I would ask her, “Where does she finds her inner strength? Who are the women that influenced her? She has such a wonderful outlook on the friendships women have, and the power women hold. I would love to learn and get more insights from King Bey. 

I gotta cheat again, I need to speak to Lady Gaga. Ooh, and Mindy Kaling. See, you need to hire me? I have so many questions for many people.  

What album, artist or song changed your life?

Kanye West’s My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy is my favourite album of all time. MBDTF signifies the moment in Kanye’s life where art and life converged to create greatness.

Within this LP, the listeners can feel Kayne’s escape from his pain and a release from his forever-thinking mind.The second album after his mother’s death, Lost in the World resonate feelings of losing a loved one. For me, music and television allows me to escape and helps me re-evaluate my situation. When an artist is going through something and you can relate to the lyrics you feel like you’re not the only one going through that which allows you to heal faster.

From a fan’s standpoint, this album is off the hook! Kanye dabbles with different kinds of sounds, from the haunting arrangements of Runaway to the sampling for Hell of a Life.  While staying true to the hip hop super collabo, and my favorite song, Monster.

It changed my life because knowing that he flourished as an artist and was not be pigeon-hold into one trade is relatable to me because I have the same passion for television. As your VJ, I want to learn to write, produce, host and hone skills that will allow me to thrive and have longevity with the MuchMusic family. 

What are some trends affecting Canadian youth?

Working in the news has given me a unique perspective of things that are affecting Canadian youth. I cannot believe that people are still drinking and driving. This has to stop. Did you know that young adults are the worst offenders? According to Stats Canada, it is the leading cause of deaths in Canada. Every six minutes a drunk driver is arrested. Ninety thousand people were caught for impaired driving in 2011. This is a sobering reminder that young adults need to be more responsible for their actions. Any injuries or deaths from drunk driving are completely preventable. 

What’s your best music experience story?

I was the intern in charge of researching and pulling videos for “an amazing little kid from a small town in Canada.” Yep, that’s right. I’d like to think I am solely responsible for the Biebs’ success. Ok, maybe not solely, but I am taking some credit. 

It felt really awesome to be at the cusp of something that you knew was going to impact the pop world. Hands down, one of the most exciting and influential musical experiences of my life!