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
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.
15
Sep
2009
Swami “Sugarless” Video
Here is the video for Swami’s track “Sugarless.”
There originally wasn’t a plan to create a video for this track, but since the track blew up so huge on the world scale, they couldn’t deny the fans.
The band went with live footage of shows they performed the track at in the UK and here in Canada, with a predominant amount taken from their show from this night.
If that’s not enough, I am spotted in the background, albeit a bit blurred in a few scenes. (How’s that for a debut?)
The album “53431″ is available at the following outlets;
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.
18
Jun
2009
Swami in Toronto Dates
They’re on their way, in fact they’ve probably touched down by now.
Swami are in Toronto for over a week, with three official concerts lined up.
Here is what you need to know:
June 20 – Swami at the Telus Mosaic Fest (Mississauga) at 8PM – www.mosaicfest.com
June 21 – Swami featuring Fell On Deaf Ears at NXNE at Yonge Dundas Square at 4PM – www.nxne.com
June 26 – Swami at Global Grooves at Yonge Dundas Square at 8PM – www.ydsquare.ca
Also, S-Endz will be doing a solo set tomorrow, performing tracks from his upcoming solo album “Emanate” at Rock the Coliseum in Mississauga at 4PM – www.cre8iv80studio.com/rock
I think the June 20th and 26th performances will be your best bets if you want to catch the full Swami experience. I’m telling you, it is a sight to be seen. These guys have such a magnificent stage presence and energy, that you just have to see it. I guarantee the way these guys sound on their album, is the exact way they sound on stage – and they don’t use a tape back up.
See you there!
17
Jun
2009
Free Download – Swami “Sugarless”
1999 marked the year Swami released their first album “Desi Nu Skool Beatz.”
Fast forward ten years, and we have what the band is calling “the journey so far” with the release of “53431.”
Set to release this Summer, 53431 is a compilation album, which commemorates ten years of Swami, with hits from “Desi Nu Skool Beatz,” “So Who AM I?” and “Equalize.” The album will also include two all new tracks, and two remixes.
The first new track “Sugarless,” has been released online ahead of their North American tour, and it is simply awesome.
I’ll give you a moment to download the track here
Listening to the song, you can instantly tell the music is uniquely Swami.
Once again Diamond does not disappoint. Listening to other peoples music sometimes, I get the feeling that there is too much going on, where some of the instruments and sounds are smothered. But in this track, I feel like every single beat is precise, and has been given the ability to just breathe.
Vocally, the lyrics are evocative and catchy. Diamond has called this track, their most “Pop song to date.” I cringe at the word “pop” but, I remind myself, that pop is short for “popular.”
In preparation of this release, I shot off a couple of questions to S-Endz;
How did the song come about? Who wrote it? Who thought of the concept?
The song came about purely because we wanted to do a couple of new songs to go on the ’53431′ compilation so that it would truly represent the journey so far of Swami, starting with Desi Nu Skool Beatz all the way to present day.
Diamond of course produced the song and he also came up with the title. The lyrics and melodies were written by Diamond, myself and Liana. Where ‘She’s Mine’ marked the first release where I wrote male pop vocals and melodies, ‘Sugarless’ marks our first release where I’ve written female pop vocals sang by Liana. All three of us contributed lyrical and vocal ideas and just jammed, finetuned and worked on them in the studio until they were right! There is also live percussion on the track from Bobby P.
What inspired the music to the song? I feel like it has an 80′s vibe.
You could say that the music to the track was inspired by Johnny Depp! That’s all I’m gonna say, but if any clever individual figures out how, we’ll send them a free album or something! Haha! The music is a reflection of Diamonds mind, and I would say that it is new territory for us musically whilst still retaining the classic ‘Swami sound’ that our fans know and love. We’re incredibly happy with the response the song is getting so far! As for an 80′s vibe, the sound of the 80′s is something that Diamond and I both love and we’re always sitting around talking about artists like Zapp & Roger, Cameo and Prince. There is a cycle in music whereby certain era’s and their sounds come back around and I think Diamond hit the nail on the head with his production here because while it evokes an 80′s vibe, it also sounds ultra-modern!
So there you have it, if you want to take a stab at figuring out the Johnny Depp connection, you can contact Swami in a number of ways:
SwamiMusic.com
twitter.com/swamimusic
myspace.com/swamimusic
Also, hold tight because I will be posting about the three (YES, THREE!) Swami concerts happening around the Toronto area this week and next week.
