Nothing To Be Shy About: Miss Jason Interviewed
DJ, fashion reporter, presenter and all around diva Miss Jason led the charge at a ClubShy event at Archives in North London on Friday night. An evening curated by Coach as a part of their ongoing Boiler Room series set the scene for a very special night to celebrate the release of Shygirl’s Club Shy Room 2, with a star studded lineup and a global livestream.
A thoughtful and provocative host, Miss Jason burst onto the scene with their sensational Wendy Williams inspired YouTube show Jason’s Closet almost six years ago. In the years that have followed, they have continued to host and report from London’s underground fashion and club scenes with warmth and cheeky ingenuity.
We caught up with Miss Jason ahead of their DJ set on Friday to discuss how a plethora of musical influences from divas and dancehall to garage and grime helped shape the sets they play today, and how a youth immersed in the golden era of T4 and watching presenters like Wendy Williams inspired a naturally curious mind on their way to becoming the Miss Jason we all adore.
Check out our conversation below and stay tuned for more H2Ts, more clubs, more hosting, more BTS interviews and insights, and more Miss Jason!
Sabrina Soormally: Can you tell us about some key influences for you growing up?
Miss Jason: I mean there’s so effing many, I guess it also depends on which era of “growing up” we’re talking about because back in secondary school I just wanted to be on T4 so much, T4 was the epitome of everything debauch, fab, free, out-spoken and impressive! I was obsessed with Miquita, Dermot, Alexa and of course June Sarpong, Ugh the living legend she is! Motherrrr! I will never forget the day she left T4! I legit cried! So then T4 ended and I remember watching BBC breakfast (because the news was always on without fail on in our house) before college and there was this larger than life, brash, eccentric superstar promoting her new show that was gonna be on BET UK (for those who had Sky) I had never seen ANYONE like her ever, I’m sure I was late that day – it was at that moment I pledged allegiance to the Queen, my everything Wendy Williams. #FreeWendy
I think I’ve just always been obsessed with knowing a little bit more than everyone else, that’s why presenters, especially the ones that are characters themselves have always influenced me! The ones that were unashamed to ask the right questions are who have always influenced me. Ruby wax, pre-cancelled Russel Brand, Graham – powerhouse – Norton. I was figuratively on that couch, on the streets, in those interviews with them!
What music soundtracked your youth?
Anything by the holy trinity obviously – Mariah, Celine & Whitney. I’m also an inner city London kid so Garage, Grime, DnB, Dancehall – specifically the girls e.g. Lady Saw, Spice, Lisa Hype, D’angel, Timberlee bloodclaaaart it’s all coming back to me! I was lowkey possessed by dancehall growing up, those girls ate so hard!! Obviously paired with The World Boss Vybz Kartel, there was a strong stage you wouldn’t catch me listening to anything else.
When did you discover your inner Miss Jason? Where does that confidence stem from?
I’m a Performing Arts kid to the core. The confidence came and still comes from being delusional. secondary school wasn’t the nicest place for me, I was sent to a boys school and as much as I tried, I could never fit the mould. All of those 5 years were spent with me praying to God to be 16 so I could go to college and be social & have friends.
When I finally got to college and studied the arts it was like a dream come true, I think I just started to delude myself that this was my life the whole time. I say this to say sometimes you have to be that version of yourself you’ve always wanted – to be that version of yourself, you’ve always wanted. Confidence is in belief.
What’s your secret to making unsuspecting interviewees feel comfortable on camera?
I’d say by being genuine in the moment, in my head in every interview I do – I’m friends with that person and we’re just chatting shit.
Who would be your dream person to interview and why?
I obvs want to say Wendy but tbh that’s not a conversation I want taped for the world to see, I just want to chat to her and gush! I think Keke Palmer is a breath of fresh air in every exchange I watch of hers so I’d love to interview her. I’d die to interview Joanna Lumley, Dawn French or Jennifer Saunders… I’m living the life of that show (AB-FAB). I have so many questions for their characters, however in all honesty I’d truly love to interview Azealia Banks, I think she has one of the most insightful perspectives in contemporary music. As wild as some may feel about her opinions, I really think she’s one of the smartest musicians of all time and would potentially give me the best interview of my career.
What do you think we need to do to preserve London club culture in the face of rising gentrification?
Invest in club spaces, BUY CLUB SPACES! Preserve club spaces at all costs. I may be wrong but I’ve always felt that if we physically own it, they can’t throw their money in our faces and shut places down so easily.
What’s the craziest party you’ve ever been to?
Any of the ones I don’t remember but definitely went to. At the moment love Nuisance & Stamina!
What was on your mind when you put together your setlist for tonight?
Money, sexy money flowing all around me, shaking my ass, throwing it in a circle and making it clap. God I wish it clapped.
What’s the key to a great club outfit?
Investment in great workable pieces but mainly… Time. You know that whole thing of just being able to “throw an outfit on” and just knowing instantly it’s gonna work – that’s a lie, don’t believe it, give yourself time to get ready. Whether you have to cry and your room looks a mess because you can’t find anything to wear, if you give yourself ample time – the look will come together. It’s a process! Trust in it!
What’s in your bag?
Eusexua
Coach handbag charms have had such a huge moment over the past year, if you could design your own charm what would it be?
Why has nobody thought of making cute mini electric fans as bag charms yet? Especially for the girls that get sweat beads on their foreheads and nose, there’s clearly a market here helloooooooo *waves*
What songs do you have on rotation at the moment?
Track 1-6 of Shygirl’s new EP “Club shy Room 2” duhh
What can we expect from Miss Jason for the rest of 2025?
More parties, more H2T’s, more behind the scenes views of the industry, more interviews, maybe even a podcast BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY The creation of the next best late night talk show known to the British isles, close your eyes let’s manifest together, AMEN.
Follow Miss Jason at @itsmissjason on Instagram and visit coach.com.
