Global pop icon Jackson Wang is no stranger to change. From fencing prodigy to global idol, fashion entrepreneur, and an introspective solo artist, he’s constantly evolving while staying true to himself. Since his solo debut in August 2017 with the single ‘Papillon’, Jackson has come a long way.
After the bold and experimental 2022 album ‘MAGIC MAN’, where he first introduced the persona of Magic Man, Jackson is now returning with its sequel: ‘MAGICMAN 2’, set to drop on July 18.
In an exclusive chat with Namaste Hallyu, Jackson opened up about his love for India, the emotions behind his new album, and the personal growth that shaped his journey.
Following his electric performance at Lollapalooza India in 2023, Jackson has returned, but this time not as a performer, but as a curious traveler seeking inspiration.
“This is my second time visiting India,” he shared. “The first time, I think, it was mainly around performances and shows. But this time, purely just as a person, as a human,” he added.
You want to learn and be inspired, and also get deep into the local culture… the way, the food, the people, traditions, the sports. Just being able to see everything with my own eyes.
– Jackson Wang on his second visit to India
His love for India goes back to his younger days and is tied to a vivid sensory memory. “Back in high school, I had a lot of Indian friends… and I would always steal my Indian friends’ food,” he laughed. “Although it was spicy. But I was in love with it,” he added. That early experience sparked a curiosity that only grew after his first visit as an artist. Now, he’s back and this time, it’s on his own terms, ready to explore even more.
Much like his journey through India, Jackson’s new music shows a more thoughtful and personal side of him, and ‘MAGICMAN 2’ is shaping up to be his most honest release yet. While his earlier work was bold and theatrical, this album feels more stripped-down, focused on who he really is at his core.
I’ve never actually written a song about myself. What do I want to say as a person? I think for a long time in my career, I was being honest and authentic, yes, but for my music, I wasn’t as authentic as me as a person.
– Jackson Wang on ‘MAGICMAN 2’
Leading up to the release, Jackson has already dropped four pre-release singles: ‘High Alone’, ‘GBAD’, ‘BUCK (feat. Diljit Dosanjh)’, and ‘HATE TO LOVE’. Out of these, his collaboration with Indian superstar Diljit Dosanjh on ‘BUCK’ has especially caught people’s attention.
“We met a few years ago at Coachella,” Jackson recalled. “After my performance, I rushed down to watch his, and I thought it was a good experience… I was thinking, you know, one day if I could work with him, that’d be crazy,” he added with a smile. That dream eventually came true when Jackson reached out to him directly.
When I was writing the song ‘BUCK’, I thought he [Diljit] would legit sound really fire. So then I DM’d him. And he showed me a lot of love and a lot of support.
– Jackson Wang on his collaboration with Diljit Dosanjh
Their bond grew stronger when they met in Los Angeles to shoot the music video. Jackson was moved by Diljit’s humility and sincerity. “His gesture to me and his words are very inspiring to me as a senior,” he said, adding, “Maybe after ‘MAGICMAN 2’, I really want to come to India to have my concert or even be a part of his concert… so that I can make that happen.”
‘MAGICMAN 2’ continues the story of the persona Jackson introduced before, but this time, it also offers a deeper look into his shifting mindset. “It’s okay to say you’re not okay a lot of times. It’s okay to vent. It’s a part of the journey,” he shared. “Eventually, you’ll reach a stage where you just let it go. Accept it. Just move on,” he continued.
Despite the pressures and chaos of life in the spotlight, Jackson remains grounded. Grateful to be doing what he loves, he shared, “I think that’s already a blessing. And I think about my audience. I think about my fans because they’re the only reason why I was still able to do this. And it’s super hard to sustain as an artist, as a musician, as a performer. It’s super hard. And that’s why I appreciate having them since day one.”
As for what’s next, Jackson hinted that India could be a stop on his upcoming tour.
‘MAGICMAN 2’ is out July 18th, and recently I have a song with Diljit Dosanjh called ‘BUCK’. Please join the challenge. The pre-order is out, and, hopefully, after July 18th, thinking about a world tour concert. So, if you’re willing to come, I’ll definitely be in Mumbai. Thank you.
– Jackson Wang on a possible concert in India
From performing on some of the world’s biggest stages to opening up about his vulnerabilities through music, Jackson’s journey is still unfolding. But now, he is grounded in his truth; he is driven by not just ambition but authenticity, growth, and a desire to connect with his fans.
Watch our full, exclusive interview with Jackson Wang below.
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