Recently, Irfan & Mitesh caught up with one the most innovative producers on the desi scene at the moment, none other than the one and only Amit Rai. Following the huge success of 'Going Solo' he is ready to release his brand new album, 'My Way.'

1) How long have you been in the music industry for and do you feel that you are an established artist in the bhangra scene?

About four years, for me this is just the start there is along way to go, so I don't think I'm an established artist just yet.

2) I've not seen your name on any gigs flier for a very long time do you plan to get back on the gig scene or are you still working on albums?

I've never really done gigs, I'm more of a behind the scenes person, I love working in the studio, I get a great buzz from producing new tracks and experimenting with new styles, however after the release of my new album "My Way" there will definitely be a new stage show.

3) What are you views on the bhangra scene at the moment and how do you feel about bhangra going mainstream? Because it has been there before and has not lasted for a very long time. Do you think it's here to stay now? I think the whole bhangra-mainstream connection in excellent for our industry, our music is being recognised by a world audience and enabling Asian producers to take their music to new audiences and another level, its all good we are the new black. I hope bhangra is here to stay in the mainstream, I think it is, but while where there lets enjoy it and support all the artists represntin' 4) Were you inspired to do music or was it just a talent? If inspired who inspired you?

Amit Rai

Listening to people like Gurdas Mann, Chamkila, Michael Jackson, UB40, DCS, Sukshinder Shinda, Jay-Z, Dr Dre has inspired as I have grown up.

5) Do you get recognized when you are out and about? If so, how does it make you feel?

I do often get recognised when I'm out and about and it does feel good, but to be honest I ain't doing music for the attention I'm doing it from my heart and for the love of music, what ever comes from that is all good!!!

6) Who is your favourite artist at the moment? Which artist is absolutely doing it for you currently?

At the moment there is a lot of talent in the scene, but I have always been a huge fan of Sukshinder Shinda, I'm also feeling the dancehall/bashment vibe with Sean Paul, the man is rocking it at the moment.

Amit Rai

7) What tunes are in you system at this moment in time? I mean which CD's are you listening to currently? Sean Paul, Zakhir Hussein - Mood in the wind, and Kamal Heers new album 8) In you debut album, Going Solo, you had the smash hit tune called 'England.' Did you get much credit for that superb production? Yeh, till this day I have people coming up to me saying you done that England tune, I'm surprised with how many people actually liked the tune.

9) Your new album is called 'My Way.' What are the reasons behind this title?

Choosing an album name is the hardest and most time consuming process throughout the production of an album. I went with the name "My Way", simply because I produced this album using sounds, vocals, instruments, and lyrics which I liked and thought would go down well with the audience, I done it the way I thought is best, hence "My Way"!!!

10) Who is going to be featuring in the album? What should we the desi music public expect from it?

On this album the main video track is 'Ishk Tere Ne' which has been sung by Master Rakesh, I also have Master Saleem, Surinder Shinda, Ranjit Mani, a new vocalist called Lalli, Cheshire Cat and MC Sting-a-man featuring on the album. The album has something for everyone, desi bhangra, raga, RnB garage, so I hope I don't disappoint you guys. For all of you that liked England, there is a part 2 on this album not a remix but a fresh new vocal from Surinder Shinda and new lyrics!

11) When you are producing music do you have a set process that you follow or is it more a case of going with the flow? Explain the process that my man Amit Rai goes though for us please! When I collect lyrics I have a style of music in mind (desi, garage, rnb etc), then I look for a vocalist who I think will best suit the particular track and just build up the track from there, when I have a semi-finished version I re-edit the track until I'm happy with it. 12) Now what's the most embarrassing moment during your career? No holding back on this one! I haven't had one yet, but when I do I will let you guys know first!!! 13) For a young aspiring Asian artist can you give them a bit of advice on choosing record labels, as

Amit Rai

this can be a very important and daunting decision so early in their potential career?

Always see how far you want to go as an artist and shop around before signing on the dotted line…!

14) Any final messages for the millions of desitunes4u fans out there?

Big up and respect to all the desitunes4u fans!!! Respect to the main man Irfan!!!
I hope you all enjoy my new album "My Way."

Keep it real!!!!!

That concludes the interview, firstly a big thanks to Amit for taking some time out to do the interview. The album is out soon so watchout for that as it promises to be a top release.