22
May
2011
Old School Sunday – Heera “Nach Diyan Dowain Soniyan”
I don’t really have to make any introductions for this track, as it was one of the biggest songs of my generation.
The album also featured the hits “Nach Ke Dikha”, “Tappe”, “Sas Kutni”, and “Rabbaa Ki Kariye”.
And what Heera related post can I write, without saying Deepak Khazanchi is a Don.
12
Jan
2011
Free Download: DJ KSR January Podcast
I’m sure most of the Bhangraw fam know who DJ KSR is after he killed it with the Forever Mixtape
Now, he’s gonna drop a monthly podcast on the 11th of every month.
This months episode features these goodies:
1. Highflyers – The Shinda Duet
2. Kulvinder Johal & Raman Aujla – Johal Boliyan
3. Heera & PBN – Lak Hilda
4. Geeta Zaildar – Darro
5. Angrez Ali & Aman Hayer – Nachdi De
6. Diljit – Desi Daroo
7. Satwinder Bitti & DJ Sanj – Mitran Di Jaan
8. Karran Jesbir – Chandigarh
9. Panjabi MC – Morni
10. Master Saleem & DJ Sanj – Teray Hussan De
11. Manak-E & Manni Sandhu – Door Ni Kulne
12. Diljit – Punjabi Munde
13. Jazzy B & Popsy – Naag 2
14. Satwinder Bitti & DJ Sanj – Atre
15. Sharry Mann – Yaar Anmulle
Download from DJKSR.com
Or from here:
Download Link 1 – Download
Direct Download Link 2 – Download
Direct Download Instructions
Internet Explorer Users – Right click and ‘Save Target As’
Mozilla Firefox Users – Right click and ‘Save Link As’
Follow DJ KSR on Twitter
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!
30
Apr
2010
Free Download – DJ KSR “Forever” Mixtape
I know I’ve been away from the blog a bit, but I think this will more than make up for it. BIG time!
Released last month, DJ KSR’s Forever Mixtape is by far the best bhangra mixtape I have heard. It covers the key genres, and the mixing creativity is sublime. Anyone that comes up with mixing LMFAO’s “Shots” with DJ Vix’ “Ah Chak Bottal” followed by Kaka’s “Daru Peeke” is Aces in my books.
Artists covered range from the following:
Imran Khan, Diljit, Sarbjit Cheema, Malkit, JK, Heera, Dark MC, Kaka, Miss Pooja, House of Pain, Drake, Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus, Beyonce, Jay-Z and some Bollywood tunes I’m not that aware of for obvious reasons. (Trust me this list is the tip of the iceberg.)
Download here.
My favourite part (about 11 minutes in) is this Preet Mani track “Akh Mastani.” The dude is from the Toronto area, and I really could use some more info on him as well.
DJ KSR has been on the scene for 7 years, and he will be releasing his first official album this summer. For more info on him, check out his facebook page.
P.S. You’re welcome.
6
Dec
2009
Old School Sunday – Where Ajay and Shivani Meet
This week’s Old School Sunday is something different.
I have been a part of a few wedding skits, but this one trumps them all. This is one of the best spoof videos I have seen, and it’s also the bride and groom’s wedding reception entrance video.
DJ Stin emailed this clip to me, and since the song “I Love You” is from Heera’s 1986 album “Diamonds from Heera,” it’s only fitting that I post it today.
For the record, Heera were in attendance at the reception as well, and enjoyed the video too.
23
Nov
2009
Purchase “Unity (Asi Haan Punjabi)”
Last week I posted about the charity project all of the old school UK Bhangra artists were getting together to do.
Well here is the link to purchase from iTunes.
Purchase “Asi Haan Punjabi” Here.
15
Nov
2009
Old School Sunday – Unity “Asi Haan Punjabi” (Behind the Scenes)
This week’s Old School Sunday video is from two weeks ago. Yep, two weeks ago.
Every year, the BBC in the UK, host a charity event “Children in Need.” They do the whole Telethon bit, and this year, it’ll have an old school UK Bhangra flavour.
“Unity,” a whole bunch of old school artists, have got together and produced a song for the benefit, and as you can see below, a video is in the works.
Going by the number of artists associated with the song, I figured today would be as good as time as any for this video. Check out my favourite band growing up – Apna Sangeet – steal the spotlight.
I heard the song on BBC Radio this past week, and it’s not exactly a dance floor filler, but it is a great track, and I can tell you that Shin (DCS) ripped it.
The “Unity” performance on Television takes place on November 20, 2009. As I get more details, I’ll keep you all updated.
11
Oct
2009
Old School Sunday – Heera “Boliyan”
Unlike the number of “producers” out there today, there were only a handful of them back in the 1980′s. Deepak Khazanchi was one of the best. Look into some of your favourite albums, and you will most likely see his name in the credits.
Bhangra Fever Vol. 1 (1987) was Deepak’s first attempt at remixing songs. Included in this cassette, were some new Heera “Boliyan.” Heera had just released Diamonds From Heera before the release of this cassette, so let’s just say their stock was hot at the time.
I had the chance of meeting Deepak Khazanchi at a concert after party here in Toronto a few years back. I made sure I bought my Bhangra Fever cassette with me for him to sign. When I showed him the cover, he was overly cheesed that I had it, and went around showing all his band mates (Jagjit Singh’s band) and friends, that someone still had it, before he eventually went on to sign it. I remember telling him back then that you need to produce an album for old times sake. He responded by saying that something was in the pipeline, but alas, nothing has come of that convo because we still haven’t seen or heard anything.
Heera “Boliyan”
22
Jan
2009
Vancouver International Bhangra Competition
Oh boy! It’s Bhangra competition season, and one of the biggest in North America is VIBC.
In it’s fifth year, the competition is bringing in some entertaining options on the Canadian and UK Bhangra music front.
Starting on February 12, the City of Bhangra Festival will lead up to the competition.
February 20th and the 21st will see downtown Vancouver enjoying a street festival with performances by past winners of VIBC, as well as performances by En Karma and Delhi2Dublin
The eight teams vying for the $5,000 grand prize, will highlight the climax of this event on the evening of February 21.
Also performing that night will be Old School UK Bhangra legends Apna Sangeet, Heera and H-Dhami.
Click on the Flyer for details, or hit up VIBC.org
10
Sep
2008
Sunil Kalyan “Medley” Video
Legendary Percussionist Sunil Kalyan released his album “Legendary 2nd” last month, and this is the lead video for the album.
Sunil brought Heera back together for a song as well as Jaspinder Narula for the album/video. The medley showcases the songs “Gera Dey De” and “Sari Raat.” It’s good to see the boys, well men, back in the spotlight, but I’m personally digging the music to Jaspinder Narula’s track.
Bobby P, the Dholi for Swami had told me that he looks up to Sunil Kalyan for inspiration. Sunil has been in the business quite some time, and for those that don’t know what he is about, peep the first video of him in action in 1996.
Sunil Kalyan Kicking it with Alaap in 1996
Legendary 2nd Medley
