If a picture can, as popularly held, be worth a thousand words, then what value a visually compelling 3min 48sec music video to promote your first ever single? Bangladesh-born, today Auckland-based artist Jadukor has just released Always Yours, as a single and video, making a very strong statement in both senses. Directed by Beren Allen, the visual story illustrates a serial killer who lures others to fall in love, then betrays them in the worst possible way. Jadukor himself remains mysterious, heavily masked with face paint and evocative costuming, a kind of voodoo master of ceremonies. Never mind the subject matter, NZ On Air liked Always Yours enough to feature the rock track on their NewTracks compilation this July.

What’s your name, where are you from and what instruments do you play?

My name is Jadukor, which means magician in Bengali. I am from Dhaka, Bangladesh and immigrated to New Zealand in 2013. I play a little bit of piano.

Was any high school or other music training especially important to you?

When I was in Year 3, or 4, I took music as a compulsory subject because I was drawn by sounds of the harmonium and the tabla. Our music teacher used to teach us various types of classical music, but for some reason, at that point of time I loved Bhatiyali folk music (in Bangladesh it was sung mostly by boatmen while going down the river stream), and Nazrul Geeti, because the music was highly motivating and revolutionary in nature.

Any other projects might we know you from?

I am currently working on my next single King of the Ring which is a tribute to the great boxer, activist and philanthropist Muhammad Ali. The track is slightly heavier than Always Yours but when you are talking about Muhammad Ali it requires that heavy material.

What’s the background story of how Jadukor came to be? 

Jadukor is an act, who can be himself when he is not in his usual skin. In addition, Jadukor is a free spirit who can exercise whatever he wants, whenever he wants without caring what would the world think about him. It was July last year I came up with the name, but I have been working on this project since 2013

How has your music evolved from your beginnings in songwriting to now?

When I started songwriting or doing music, 13 years back, it was tough because I didn’t have access to the internet in order to listen to new music that I wanted to hear. I had to go to a cyber cafe which was 20 minutes away. Now I have access to the web through my phone which means I can listen to any music anytime, and learn how to be a good songwriter.

Aside from this single release, what’s been the big highlight so far?

The biggest highlight was seeing Always Yours in the 10th position on the top 50 of The Generator FM.

What makes Always Yours stand out for you as a single?

As it’s my first single, it will always be close to my heart. 

What is the story behind Always Yours?

The story illustrates a serial killer who lures others to fall in love, and afterwards, goes for the coup de grace: betrayal. The serial killer wanted to kill her lover because that’s what she does in essence. 

What’s your favourite moment, musical or lyrical, of the single?

The pre chorus of the song, “With lust and fear in your eyes and this is just not a kiss goodbye.”

Who did you write/record/produce the single with and where? 

Usually, I do the initial writings, then I outsource my work to different parts of the world. I have got a mate back in Dhaka named Taawkir, who happens to be the mixing engineer and played guitars of the track always yours, we share a lot of ideas about Jadukor’s track and he is my best critique.

While shooting the video I had to go and grab lunch for the crew and my makeup attracted a lot of attention and a lot of people took photos with me while I was getting lunch!

What would you like listeners to take away from this song?

The emotions that are attached with love and betrayal.

How do you generally work out what song would make a good single?

The first and foremost thing I do before making a song is the title because it keeps me focused on a single idea. Secondly, I would try to write and tune the chorus. The choice of words and tune would determine if the song would make a good single.

Who else is in your team?

It’s just me and my social media manager (Shihabul Alam) for Bangladesh.

And who made the single’s fantastic video?

An amazing filmmaker from Auckland, Beren Allen, helped me in making the music video.

Can you please name three other local tunes that would fit well on a playlist alongside your song?

• Blindspott – Mind Dependency
• Devilskin – All Fall Down
• Shepherds Reign – Le Manu

Have any previous NZOA applications not gained funding or been included on NewTracks? Got any advice for others out there? 

This is my first ever attempt and I feel lucky to be selected, but there is one thing I want to suggest to everyone who is reading this right now – believe in your music and the rest will follow.

Are there any musical blogs, Youtube channels or podcasts you’re into?

I am super into Herman Li’s (Dragonforce) reaction videos.

Any last words?

I would like to thank the team behind NZ Musician for featuring me on their magazine and for the readers, please support local artists.