Apache Indian was the first British Asian artist to break into the UK charts successfully with over 8 'Top 40' hits. Apache's first smash hit called Boomshakalak which has now been included in 7 Hollywood films and most recently in the new Scooby Doo film. Apache has sold over 11 million albums and received various awards including the Brit Awards and a Mercury Music Prize. 2005 see's Apache continuing to tour the world with Womad where he will be backed by the famous Reggae Revolution band. The album see's Apache exploring the title in depth through music and lyrics - Time to Change, and what better time than now. He recently caught up with Irfan and this is what went down!
Irfan: It has been a long time since your initial success in the industry; I guess 'veteran' is the best word to describe you now, right?
Apache Indian: Call me whatever as long as its good, but Respect anyway.
Irfan: Your manager put you name forward to perform at 'Live 8' recent but the organizers snubbed you. How did that make you feel?
Apache Indian: No probs really, we thought that we could add to what was going on because it's the kind of work we do anyway. I have always worked in Africa with various charities and am currently touring with my live band. I can only offer my services and did so for the right reasons.
|
Irfan: You were involved in setting up the company Sunset Entertainment Group a few years back and now it has gone from strength to strength. How does that make you feel?
Apache Indian: I am very happy to see that Sunset has gone from strength to strength, as the biz is very tough. Sunset has some very talented artists and producers such as Handel Tucker, Jim Beanz and Lady Ru who is the best Asian female vocalist I have come across in recent years. Sunset is run by a talented young lady Vandana Gupta who is very ambitious and determined to do things in the right way.
Irfan: You've done a few collaborations recently on the desi scene with the likes of Dalvinder Singh, Mukhtar Sahota and Jazzy B. Have these collabo's helped to increase your popularity in your homeland of India? |
|
Apache Indian: Every collaboration has helped me some way, as I'm sure it helps those that I've worked with. The aim is to continue to make good music with artists from different backgrounds, newcomers as well as established artists, and enjoy their talents and friendship.
Irfan: At the UK Asian Music Awards you were rewarded for your 'Outstanding Achievement.' Adil Ray who was in a kinda friendly mood presented the Award to you! Did he catch you of guard?
Apache Indian: I know Adil very well and he is a dear friend. He never catches me off guard even when he's in a friendly mood! The award meant more coming from Adil Ray.
Irfan: It has been 5 years since any official mainstream release from you until Israelites was recently released. Is their any particular reason for this lengthy period away from the scene?
Apache Indian: I have just kept my head down recording this new album but have continued to tour and make changes in order for me to do what I am doing now. I also had to keep an eye on the music business and have waited for the right time. This album is actually on my own label and is distributed by Universal in the UK and abroad. The album is back on the shelf in HMV and other main stores and I am touring with my 10 piece live band to promote it. Everything you see now has come from years of planning but the rewards and satisfaction is high. Nothing comes before the time and good things comes to those that wait!
Irfan: The word on the street is Apache was fresh back in the day and he's past his best. What would you have to say to such sceptics?
Apache Indian: People need to remember that I have a huge market around the world and it's not about being fresh but just good at what you do. I am a better singer, songwriter and performer and I am still here doing my thing when others have failed. I will always have critics and sceptics but the proof is in the pudding. People should listen to the new album, look at what I have already achieved and look at what I am doing now. Time is the master.
|
|
Irfan: Your brand new album is called 'Time For Change.' What is the thinking behind the album title?
Apache Indian: I made a lot of personal changes in the past few years and I would like to see changes in the world I live. I will continue to use my music and position to try to make a difference. If you look at what's going on around the world and the sign's from God, then you'll know a change is coming.
Irfan: Tell us more about what to expect from the album itself!
Apache Indian: The album is original music; it has 19 songs and features some great artists such as Desmond Dekker, Pras, Ms Jade, Binder Bajwa and others. It has taken a long time, cost a lot of money and has been recorded and presented to the highest degree. Some songs have deeper meanings such as tracks like All Religions, Everyday and I Pray and |
|
others are fun. This is amongst my best work to date and the response has reflected that. The package also includes all the lyrics so that people can understand what I'm singing about. This album is one for your collection trust me! |
Irfan: The album features production from your cousins Simon [Subs] & Diamond [DJ Swami]. How highly do you rate their production skills?
Apache Indian: I still say that Simon and Diamond are the best Asian producers, songwriters and musicians that I have come across in my career.
Irfan: The album features a phenomenal 19 tracks, which is more than double the average number of track on a desi album. Is the quality sustained throughout or have you pulled a fast one with a few album fillers?
Apache Indian: There are no album fillers. This is about giving the people the quality they deserve both with the tracks and packaging. The album is back on the shelf in HMV and everyone has congratulated us on the quality.
|
Irfan: It has been said that it's 'make or break' for Apache Indian with this album. Would you go along with this statement?
Apache Indian: You don't make or break or career after 15 years in the business. I am an established artist and have nothing to prove. If I stopped singing tomorrow, I would still be very happy with what I have achieved in my career. I have had a massive response to this album already. Album of the week on the BBC, album of the month in Germany and Austria, I am headlining all the Womad festivals around the world with my live band and it goes on and on. For me, it feels like the start of many big things to come, but time is the master so we'll have to wait and see. |
|
Irfan: What else do you have lined up in the near future that we should know about?
Apache Indian: There are lots going on but people should remember that this album is on my own label and is distributed by Universal around the world. Information about the label can be found at www.apirecordings.com. This has taken a lot of time to set up but now I can offer other artists my experience and advice and a network of getting their music out to the world.
Irfan: Any final words for the desitunes4u.com readers worldwide?
Respect to you and to all the readers. I am not here to get rich, famous or try to force you to support my music. I have seen riches, fame and all the bullshit that comes with the territory. I am here to tell you about my new album and I will. It has taken a long time to do, cost a lot of money and time and is back in the mainstream market the way it should be. If you do get yourself a copy then I know you will not be disappointed, if you don't then please remember I have fought for years to get where I am and have managed to achieve a lot. I work hard and fight for what I believe in; otherwise you wouldn't be reading this. If that's the only thing you get from this interview then that's great. Life is tough and we all need to work hard and be more focused. I have made many changes in my life to get where I have and now will use my music and position to make changes in the world I live. Make the changes that you've always wanted to and move past all the obstacles that are in your way.
That ends the interview, firstly a big thanks to Apache Indian for taking some time out to chat to us. For more info check out his official website at www.karmasound.com. His brand new album 'Time For Change' is out now. |
