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22
Jun
2010
Battle of the iPhone Tumbi Applications
I don’t know how it happened, but two iPhone Tumbi Apps released virtually at the same time from two separate artists in the Bhangra industry.
First there was the Tumbi Nut, created and sold by The Sound Pipe Records.
You may have seen it in action in the Nach Bhabiye video.
Soon after the release of Tumbi Nut, came the release of iTumbi, created by and associated with Panjabi MC.
I don’t have an iPhone, so I can’t give you first hand knowledge as to what I would think is the best App, although I tried the “Dhol Nut” App and I couldn’t get the hang of it.
But scope the following, and I think you will be sold on one App versus the other.
Well as they say, “The champ is here.”
I’m sold. Even though it’s free.
(%&$# me! PMC is too sick)
18
May
2010
The Post That Wants to Save the BBC Asian Network!
It’s been a few months now, but the BBC have announced the proposal of bringing the axe down on some BBC Radio initiatives in order to save money. One of those initiatives under scrutiny is the BBC Asian Network. In case you’re not familiar with the BBC Asian Network, scroll down to the sidebar and see that it is the only Radio Show that I link to. Why? Because it is completely funded by the people of the UK, as well as it is the only show I go to, in order to discover new music first. Specifically, it’s Bobby Friction who leads the charge when it comes to championing new artists, and presenting us the sound of not only Asian Britain, but the world.
I’m not going to play the race card, but If you’re familiar with UK politics, you can say that it is a Conservative government led charge. In fact, the new government is stirring up a number of emotions.
I’m also, not supporting this case just to help save some jobs. The future of the presenters of the Asian Network have enough qualifications, and other ventures going for them, that they will safely land on their feet.
I’m doing this strictly for what the closure of the station would do for the future of Asian music.
The BBC Asian Network is one of – if not – the strongest platform for Asian artists to establish themselves in the world. The station is known across the world. Can you say that about any other Asian station?
Bobby Friction said it himself recently, when he said that by playing new unestablished artists on his show, he is letting them get their foot in the door to the industry. It helps them collaborate with other artists, and even find management.
Had it not been for the Asian Network, we may not have heard of such artists like Bohemia, Shizzio, JK, and Raghav just to name a few. We definitely would not have had the first Asian Download Chart Show.
Sure, there are other radio stations out there catering to South Asians. But they lack professionalism, and they sure as heck don’t help starving artists.
What do I mean by that?
PRS
The Performing Rights Society, is a royalty collection society. As a broadcaster, the BBC Asian Network pays artists that are registered with the PRS, to get paid every time their song is played.
If registered with the PRS, one play on the Asian Network is worth about £15. I was talking to an artist recently, and he has made “a few grand from one of his songs, a lot of which came from Asian Network.”
Other stations that complain about the Asian Network budget, do not take into account that the Asian Network pays PRS.
These same stations that are hitting out on the Asian Network, also aren’t paying PRS, and are matter-of-factly, breaking the law.
I’m not saying there aren’t any flaws in the Asian Network, but closing down this platform is not the answer.
In the meantime, there are things that we the public can do.
The main thing is to send in your emails to the BBC stating your opinion/displeasure/disgust at the proposed closing.
Email: srconsultation@bbc.co.uk
Tigerstyle, recently released a song with Shizzio about the closure, and if you check out the video description, Tigerstyle have laid out a a template for anyone to copy and email.
There is also the official facebook group dedicated to the cause, which will keep you posted on all the happenings surrounding the issue, of which 27.000+ people are already a member of.
And finally, let your voice be heard in Central London and Birmingham this Saturday, May 22, with the first ever Bhangra Flashmob to save the Asian Network.
For more details on the flashmob, go here.
Save the music!
31
Dec
2009
The Best Songs of 2009
Capping the series of year end posts, let’s deal with the best songs of 2009.
There were a lot of albums released this year, and every album released, should have at least one “it” song. This list I have compiled is not based on sales, or anyone else chatting in my ear. The only thing in my ear was the music itself. People’s taste in music is subjective – but you guys should take me as an authority on this subject anyways (joke) – So the way I chose these songs, is based on what got the most airplay in my mp3 player.
Number 10 – PBN featuring Miss Pooja “Aashiq”
If there is one thing that the UK Bhangra industry in 2009 may be known for, it’s the rise in fame of Miss Pooja. Seems like everyone loves her. Everyone except me. But she still made the list – with PBN’s production skills of course – due to the fact this one song had a huge effect on the dance floors across the world.
Number 9 – Northern Lights featuring Ashok Gill “Nakreh”
This was an awesome debut song, and video for Northern Lights. I’ve talked enough about how good this album is, so enjoy the video.
Number 8 – Twin Beats featuring Jaswinder Daghamia “Twins Tappe”
I still can’t get enough of this track, the dhol intro is just too sick.
Number 7 – Jus Ritz featuring Raj Kaul and RKZ “Nehio Nibhani”
You may be surprised with this selection, but like I said in the intro, this track got crazy airplay from me. I was impressed with Ritz’ first track “Tere Na Te Glassy,” but when this track came out, it was like “whoa!” RKZ and Raj Kaul smashed it, and the video is a positive piece of work as well.
Number 6 – DJ Dips featuring Ashok Gill “Ek Gera”
Look at that, the vocals of Ashok Gill make the list twice. This track by DJ Dips did not get the video treatment. Quite surprising since it’s the best song on the album.
Number 5 – JK “Pat Liyah”
JK and Tru-Skool have made a killer combination, and although we’re still waiting on a full album release, this song held me over just well. I was mad at whoever made the decision to slowly release just singles after singles, but now I’ve changed my mind. These days, variety is the spice of life, and listening to one artist for ten songs straight get’s a little boring.
Number 4 – Dark MC featuring Jaswinder Daghamia “Chori Chori Takna”
This track is a monster, Dark MC gave us some great tracks a few years ago on “It’s Getting Dark in Here,” and although this album I feel, was a letdown, the one track you would find yourself continuously rocking out to is “Chori Chori Takna” with vocals provided by Jaswinder Daghamia. If you haven’t heard it, by all means go and search for it. I can’t post the video due to the lovely games MovieBox like to play.
Number 3 – Taj-E featuring Bee2 “B.I.G.”
In my opinion this is the biggest UK Bhangra dance floor track. Not many people recognise it as much as “Aashiq” on these ends still, but trust me when I say, I listened to this song almost as much as….
Number 2 – Swami “Sugarless”
Since the inception of Bhangraw.com, I’ve raved on and on about Swami. So why stop now? Even when I talk to people about Swami, they look at me as if I’m preaching about someone (I must admit, at times it sounds like I am.) This track continued in the footsteps of where they left off with the tracks on “Equalise” except, this was 100% all Swami right down to the lyrics.
Number 1 – Imran Khan “Amplifier”
I hate to admit it, but I ended up listening to this track more than anything towards the latter part of this year. Yikes! Any get together for any type of party, and it was this track that brought the masses together in a drunken stupor, trying to act out all the lyrics “On kara A/C!!!” Of course, if it wasn’t for the production of Eren E (who I think Imran Khan should take a bullet for if that should ever happen) on this track, it wouldn’t be as massive as it turned out to be. With the solid production, came that darn infectiously memorisable chorus “Nai woofer heh tu meri…meri, meh tera amplifier…FIRE!” And if that isn’t proof enough, the video has over 2.6 million views!
Go ahead, judge, criticise, mock. But these ten songs will go down for me as the biggest of 2009.
31
Dec
2009
The Best Albums of 2009
Moving on with the best of 2009, we have the best albums.
The sole purpose of this post, is for the mere fact that people should appreciate good music, and by appreciate, I mean supporting the artists who put forth an effort to make an album made up of more than just three decent songs.
So here – in no particular order – are the top three albums of 2009.
Northern Lights – Re-Lit
The album featured sixteen tracks, of which I say seven were absolute smashes, and the rest were still pretty decent offerings in which you could manage to listen without wincing.
When I first listened to the album, I couldn’t make up my mind as to what the best song on the album was. There was a wide variety of musical styles on the album, as well as the vocalists selected were also not in your typical album.
Obviously the Kaka track has to be one of the highlights on the album, but it was tracks like “Gaddi” by Ranjit Mani that stood out. The song had an old school feel to it, and it sounded like it was paying homage to the Manak track “GT Road Te.” It just sounded like one of those songs that you see your dad singing along to, or requesting when they’re hammered.
The biggest surprise on the album had to be “Ishqeh Da Toomba.” The track was sung by Amrinder Bobby. When I first listened to it, the feeling I got was, that this dude sounds exactly like Gurdas Maan. Well it wasn’t too long before my sister pointed out that Bobby (as she knew him) was actually Gurdas Maan’s back up singer, and that he had been looking for his own record deal since the early 2000’s. Bobby has been on a few Indian singing contest shows, and most of his songs have been Gurdas Maan covers. I really hope the man’s voice is utilised more in the industry, as we all favour Gurdas Maan’s voice, but also know how much Gurdas Maan Ji does not want to be “remixed” as he likes to put it.
Twin Beats – The Sounds of Punjab
I had a good feeling about this album ever since I started corresponding with Inder (one half of Twin Beats.) Then they went and made a Reproduced segment for Bobby Friction featuring tracks from the upcoming album, and I was sold.
The album features ten tracks, of which all of them have a unique flavour, yet have big percussion in common. I don’t think I need to talk much about this album. All you need to do is check out their video’s, and you’ll recognise real. The whole album is very consistent, and in today’s time, that’s all you can ask for.
All the tracks do it for me, but the one that sticks out the most is “Twins Tappe.” This song is best enjoyed in surround sound. Seriously. When the dhol kicks in, and pans from right to left/right to left/right to left…wow! Jaswinder Daghamia has a great voice, and it’s the rawness of his vocals blended with the dhol and tumbi that makes this track killer.
Taj-E – Sik ‘n’ Twisted
This was the first album that came out this year, that when I listened to it, I didn’t feel ripped off. Sure The Sound Pipe crew really know how to market their products, and they do make some questionable signings. But this album really did a number on me.
Featuring twenty-one tracks, this album was redonkulous when I first listened to it. There are some tracks that may make you hit the next button, but on the whole, this album featured the resurrection of Juggy D with “Vang Teri.” A sick remix that accompanied it, as well as what I feel is the biggest UK Bhangra track that came out this year; “B.I.G.”
The aptly titled “B.I.G.” (because as Taj-E states; “it will be BIG on the dance floors”) is exactly that. A huge track that appeals to all generations of people. I played this track in the car with my uncles sitting in it on a memorable drive back from a party one night, and they went nuts. As I did, they instantly fell in love with the desi feel of the sample used, which made this track authentic.
If you look at the promos Taj-E released leading up to the release, you can see that he put in an honest amount of work into it, and he did it himself. There cannot be any cries of ghost producing on this album, or for that matter, any of the three albums I listed. That’s also a large reason why these albums have been chosen. Not only were they the best of ‘09, but they are all products of the people who actually have their faces on the album cover that deserve the recognition.
You may also notice that last year, there were five albums on the list. Bhangra better fix up in 2010, I don’t wanna post about just one good album next year.
31
Dec
2009
Top 5 Free Downloads of 2009
I’m going to try my best and bang out some year end posts today.
First off, I think we should deal with the best downloads the UK Bhangra world had to offer this year.
To qualify as best download, they had to be freely given by the artists themselves.
It’s funny how some albums have come out, and I hear people say “Man, that album is not even worth the download.” Well the past few years, artists have made a concerted effort to actually give away really good free stuff. These freebies I believe, could actually fetch a few pence had they been solely put on the market, so enjoy. Of course, all of the downloads here at bhangraw.com are legit, and I would say that, even the one’s that didn’t make the top 5 are worth the download. (So head on over to the downloads section.)
Without further ado; the top 5 downloads of 2009.
Number 5 – DJ Vix “Ah Chak Bottal”
DJ Vix has a knack for making some killer mixes. He took his original, got rid of almost any resemblance of Indian instruments, and turned up the BPM’s to create a dance track fit for a rave.
Number 4 – En Karma “En Karma Diyan Boliyan”
The boys from Vancouver did not disappoint in their second free download. They got together and produced a track that I found myself singing along to on most occasions. Memorise the lyrics and surprise your Auntys and Uncles at your next fam jam why don’t ya?
Number 3 – Gurteshwar Grewal “Dil Dangdi”
This track came out of nowhere, and once again it’s a Canadian product. The vocals and the production worked really well together, and once again I found myself listening to this on repeat.
Number 2 – Twin Beats “Manak Drops the Pressure”
This track surprised me the most. I never thought I would hear a house track mixed with a Manak track – and be done so well. If you haven’t heard it yet, you’re wasting time reading this line. Get to it!
Number 1 – Swami “Sugarless”
By far one of the biggest tracks of the year, period. No one – not even the band – knew that this track would take on a life of it’s own the world over. So much so, Swami were prompted to make a video. Of all the tracks I have given away, this one yields the most “thank you for the song…..and introducing me to Swami.” You’re welcome bhangraw fam.
3
Nov
2009
Northern Lights – “Nakreh” Video & “Re-Lit” Release
After the success of their 2006 release “Sparked,” Northern Lights is back with the release of “Re-Lit”
If you don’t remember “Sparked,” you missed some anthems in the form of “Aashiq Dig Dig,” “Billo Tere Nakreh,” “Janaab” and my personal favourite “Wrong Number” – which used the Clipse’s “Grindin” sample in a ridiculously sick way.
The first video to be released off the new album is “Nakreh” sung by Ashok Gill.
Not a bad track eh? I still have an issue with the lyric “Saal Solama Chari Jawani” but what can you do?
Since I posted this video after the release of the album, I thought I’d chat a bit about the album.
It has a wide array of musical genres, and I think it is really well made, and also somewhat different than what we have recently been hearing.
It’s got a total of sixteen tracks, of which six to eight I say, should be guaranteed locks to be in your mp3 player.
Hit up the iTunes store and listen to the following tracks;
“Put Jattan da Bounce” featuring Master Saleem. (There isn’t one Eastern instrument in the track, but it works)
“Nakreh” featuring Ashok Gill.
“Akhan de Ishareh” featuring Kaka Bhaniawala. (It’s Kaka. Nuff said)
“Ishqeh da Tumba” featuring Amrinder Bobby. (Dude has a Gurdas Maan like voice going on)
“Bindrakhia Boliyan” featuring Jaswant Heera. (It’s getting traditional now, and the homage paid to the late great is fantastic)
“Re-Lit Tappe” featuring Labh Janjua. (It’s full out traditional now, and by far my favourite Janjua track right about now)
“Gaddi” featuring Ranjit Mani. (Another great vocalist continuing the traditional vibe)
The last three tracks traditional flavour seriously has got me feeling ummm drunk? That’s how traditional they are.
There’s also a “Wrong Number” and “Janaab” remix, but I’m feeling the original version’s off “Sparked,” although this one uses the Lil Wayne “Lollipop” sample. The “Janaab” track does have a cool sounding Qawali feel to it.
I was pleasantly surprised by the scope of this album, and it definitely has got to be considered in the debate for best album this year.
19
Jul
2009
Old School Sunday – RRP Live 2004
This week’s Old School Sunday is a change of pace, a bit more personal if you will. It is a throwback in a sense, as it’s a video I shot of the Rishi Rich Project live in action, and yes, even then I had camera problems (the battery on that model died way too quickly, thus the short clips.)
It was a great time to be listening to Rishi Rich, as “Dance With You (Nachna Tere Naal)” was HOT, as were the Craig David track’s Rishi produced, along with Juggy and Jay’s debut albums.
I remember telling everybody for a whole two weeks leading up to the show, to come checkout the free concert that was happening at the Harbourfront Centre. The show was set for Thursday, August 5, 2004, and was a part of the Masala! Mehndi! Masti! event.
The Summer of 2004 was great. A year of firsts really, including the then Rishi Rich Project’s – consisting of Rishi Rich, Jay Sean and Juggy D – first performance in Canada. It was a special night, a lot of people I know share fond memories from the show. Just like the great memories people may have of that evening, the performance itself showcased all that was good about the Bhangra scene at the time.
But like all good things we come to love, they sometimes come to an unexpected end. Things happen, people leave and get replaced. RRP as we know it is gone. We now have H-Dhami and Mumzy taking the place of Jay and Juggy, and Rishi has even had to change The Rishi Rich Project to Rishi Rich Productions.
Change sometimes sucks, but the memories we had of the good times (like that night) will always remain with us.
Juggy D performs “Nasha” from his 2004 debut album “The Debut”
Jay Sean performs “Eyes on You” from his 2004 debut album “Me Against Myself”
18
Jul
2009
30
Jun
2009
Review – Swami at Dundas Square
Let it be known, that I have seen Swami perform three times now, and on Friday June 26, 2009, I witnessed the best Swami performance.
Swami weren’t going to let the flash mob that was poised to do their thing deter them from performing at Dundas Square, in fact the band seized the opportunity to make some new fans.
The group ran the same set twice, kind of odd, but it worked in their favour. As they took a break between sets, the Square became alive with MJ songs being played over the speakers, and an already large crowd became larger.
Kicking off the second set with Swami’s own tribute to Michael Jackson, by performing “The Way You Make Me Feel,” the crowd’s attention was quickly diverted to the stage, as Swami introduced to the masses of people their style of music.
The group went on to perform tracks from “Desi Rock,” “Equalize” and their two new tracks “Sugarless” and the even newer track “Tonight,” which will be featured on the “53431” compilation.
I shot a couple of videos, and they were a bit better quality compared to the ones I took last year, but I really need a Pocket HD Camera (Kodak do you hear me?)
Even though the diverse crowd was vibing to everything, definite crowd favourites were “Electro Jugni/She’s Mine,” “Desi Rock,” “Sugarless” and “Hey Hey.” Personally, I have a new live favourite in “Don’t Hold Back,” – and Sups sings it better live, compared to the original vocalist Jagz does on the album – the chorus makes a person just get into it.
“Picheh nehio hatna, DON’T HOLD BACK! Asa picheh nehio hatna, DON’T HOLD BACK!”
Swami perform Electro Jugni/She’s Mine (Check out Sups’ vocal range)
“Tonight”
“Tonight” is the second of two new original songs that will be on 53431. I’ve heard it live three times now, and I have to say that the percussion on this track is bloody wicked. Wait until you hear the blend of the dholak, dhol and the tabla high drum. I shot the video mainly to let you guys get a gist of the track. So pardon the video quality, as well as the bumping bass line that the mic couldn’t handle.
The “Sugarless” download post, has quickly become the second most viewed post on the blog, but I like this track more than Sugarless at the moment, as the lyrics are a bit deeper.
Moving on from the songs, I have to publicly state that Sups (the lead singer) doesn’t get enough props with his vocal talent. You put this guy up against any other UK based singer in his age group, and I say he can top them with vocal range, and in live performances. He uses no backup recording! The man is a great showman, walking into the crowd whilst singing, as well as taking people’s video cameras and filming himself – and the crowd – is something I don’t see enough of these days from singers.
As in any band, each member brings something specific to the group, and with this group that is largely evident. Diamond drew huge cheers from the crowd for his guitar solo during “Tonight.” Liana was cheered for her ability to perform the Hindi lyrics in “She’s Mine” without faltering, along with being able to carry her notes in all of the other songs. S-Endz’ reception was great as well for his rhymes and energetic jumping and gesturing across the stage.
I must admit, it was a bit of a downer not seeing Bobby Panesar (the Dholi) here this year. According to the group, he had some business to take care of in the UK, and could not get the schedules to work out. I’m glad however, that the group decided against not bringing in another Dholi to take his place, because Bobby P’s skills on a dhol are EPIC.
The Next Step for Swami
I’m not sure I know how to break the news to you guys, because it came as a shock to me as well, but the 53431 album will be the last of it’s kind. I have been made aware that the compilation album not only celebrates the last ten years of Swami, but it also signals the end of an era. Future projects involving Swami will be an all-English affair. As you read this, I’m sure the group is putting the final touches on the lyrics of the English version of “Sugarless.”
Back to the gig. The band performed for just under two hours, and within that time slot, they made a bunch of new fans. Just from where I was standing, I had people behind me asking to clarify what the new album name was, as well as another lady asking me for translations. But I think the biggest compliment the group could get, was when a young man came up to me to ask if this was Bhangra music? As I told him it was, he lit up and said, “this is [expletive] sick!”
Swami perform “Sugarless” (The crowd may have been skeptics at first, but quickly converted. Thus the power of Swami)
I got to mention that during “Intoxicated,” Sups and Liana called upon some girls to come onto the stage to dance, as well as a guy named “Future” from the crowd. This guy was breaking all over the stage, and he ripped it!
All in all, I’m glad the evening worked out for the group on all fronts. I want to add that thundershowers were forecast for Friday evening. Swami have had some bad luck with inclement weather over the past year here in the GTA (It even rained during their Mosaic Fest performance the previous week.) But it looked like the Music Gods shone down on the group, and I’m glad they did, because like I said, the energy the group brought to the backdrop of the bright billboards of Dundas Square that night was uplifting.
27
Jun
2009
Happy Birthday Bhangraw.com
Well it may not exactly be my one year birthday, since I published an article on the site last January. But one year ago today, I started to consistently post videos, articles, downloads and opinions.
Since then, the site has grown in leaps and bounds, and I’m surprised, and I’m also not so surprised. I knew that once I got to posting, that people all over the world (not just including North America) will appreciate the content.
I don’t want to get too sappy, but thanks to all the artists and management in the industry that have given me promos and videos, and the time of day to answer my questions.
Big ups to you, the readers, who make a stop at this site, as part of your daily routine to see what is fresh and new in the world of UK Bhangra. Without you guys, this blog would be nothing.
Big thanks to my quality controllers, you guys know who you are.
Finally, knowing how the economy is, and even though it is the site’s birthday, you don’t have to spend any dough on buying me any presents. Instead, just tell someone who may not know about this site, and let them know about the awesomeness that is Bhangraw.com.
To kickstart the celebration’s, check out the free downloads below as my gift to you.
Peace, Love and Bhangraw.com is 1 year’s old!
