I was surprised by the diversity in both Indian music and culture: Jeff Timmons

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By Minal Metkari

MUMBAI: American pop singer, Jeff Timmons, who recently performed live at Lord of the Drinks in Mumbai, had a gala time in India. Marking his maiden live performance, Timmons was spellbound by the crowd’s response, the musical diversity he found here and much more.

For those unaware, Jeff is the founder of 90 degrees, a Grammy-nominated pop group, which is not only known for having sold over 10 million records worldwide but has also achieved eight top 40 singles in the U.S. Also a songwriter, producer and actor, Timmons is known for the movies like Snow Day (2000), Droned (2016) and Dead 7 (2016). His first single Invisible Man that had garnered over four and half million views, had peaked at number 12 in the Billboard Hot 100.

In an exclusive interview with Radioandmusic, Jeff Timmons talks about India, its culture, music and more, He also spilt beans on his upcoming projects and the reason that would bring him back to this land of diversity. Excerpts. 

Can you tell us about your experience of performing at Lord of the Drinks in Mumbai last Friday? 

I had an amazing time at Lord of the Drinks, last Friday. The crowd’s response was pretty incredible, considering they really didn’t know 98 degrees or me as we hadn’t hit this region earlier. The folks, here, were taken off guard. But, to expect this by the second and third set, seemed like, they had known me all these years just like the fans, overseas, in the US and other places of the world have known me.

Is this your first performance in India? How different was performing in India than abroad?

Yes, this is my first time ever performing in India or even venturing into the country. It’s a lot different because the crowds were a little reserved at the first. But, they showed exuberance and excitement about the music once it moved them.  I was fortunate enough to come as a new artist, with unknown material and actually get a great response and win over the crowd at the end. Also, the folks, after the show, were gracious and kind to me. Hence, it was super exciting.

What is that one thing, which fascinated you during your India tour?

I expected the music, in general, to be better and this is the reason, I was here to check out the culture and music, style and nuances. I found that each individual area is unique to itself when it comes to musical style or musicality, different elements, excitement and energy. I was surprised by the diversity in both music and culture here. I am certainly moved by the time I have spent here and want to thank everybody for having me.

Is there another India tour in the pipeline?

I really do hope there is another tour in the future. Certainly, I am in love with India, which might sound like a canned answer. But, this is probably the favourite country of mine that I have got to visit in my 20 years in the business. So, I pray and hope I get a chance to come back here.

What is your takeaway from here and if you come back, what can we anticipate?

We definitely made some inroads, some great friendships here. And, if everyone is kind enough to have me back, then I won’t just be back to do music, but my intent would be to do some sort of cross-pollination of western and eastern cultures as well as to develop new talent here as well.

What are your upcoming projects?

There are quite a few things, coming up. Of course, 98 degrees is still out there. We have a big upcoming Holiday tour that we will be doing, again, for the second year in a row. We are also doing a show with the Backstreet Boys. I also have a show and development in Las Vegas. I have a television show that is in development for Netflix, possibly a reality show with 495 Productions in the United States. And, of course, we are travelling and doing more things outside of the entertainment business and advertising industry, thus keeping myself busy.

Any upcoming movies, you have scored music for?

I have just scored a movie soundtrack and was fortunate enough to have a couple of pieces on that. It’s a show for Lion’s Gate's live-action family film called Bernie The Dolphin.