15
Feb
2011
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.
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.
30
Sep
2009
JK “Pat Liyah” Download Links
Ladies and Gents, in case you don’t know JK’s “Pat Liyah” is one of the biggest tunes this year, and it’s finally been put up to legally download.
If you’ve been living under a rock the past few weeks and you don’t know what I’m chatting about, hit up the video here.
You can purchase the track on the VIP Digital Downloads page or on iTunes for 99 cents.
(For those people in North America, make sure you hit the $ sign in the top right corner on the VIP Downloads Page.)
12
Sep
2009
JK “Pat Liyah” Video
Honestly, I don’t know what to say about this dude.
What impresses me the most about this guy, is that he’s in his early twenties, born and raised in the UK, and the man’s pronunciation is impeccable. You want to hear “teht” Punjabi? He’s got it. He can teach us all a thing or two.
Could I say JK will save Bhangra? I bloody hope so.
Should the man release an album ASAP? Hell bloody yeah. These singles have got me fired up!
First “Gabru Panjab Da,” then “Jhooteh Laareh,” and now “Pat Liyah.”
The single hasn’t gone on sale yet, but keep your eyes on this space to get your copy. I know I will.
Tru-Skool has done an amazing job with his work on the music. You may recognize the incredible and clever use of The Pharcyde sample of “Passin’ Me By.” I really don’t know what else to say at this point except, check out the video!
Even the video is made well enough to incorporate the sounds of the des mixed with a street element.
Seriously, release the album already!
2
Jan
2009
JK “Gabru Panjab Dha” Video
Introducing JK. Hailing from Derby, UK, this young fella has been under the tutelage of Tru-Skool for vocal training, as well as playing the harmonium.
With production provided by Tru-Skool on the track, JK’s debut is solid.
His press pack says he is influenced by the likes of Jazzy B, Meshi, Manak, Safri among others, and you cannot deny the fact that even in the video, he’s got a Jazzy B kinda thing going on.
The way the video starts is excellent, with a cameo by Tru-Skool and a live look at JK’s vocal range. Props to the man for keeping it on the streets and out of the clubs.
So far, only the single has been released, no word on a full album. Hit up VIP Records for more info.
Hopefully, Tru-Skool will handle the majority of the production. JK to look out for in ’09?
Hit up the comments with what you think of this debut.
