Recently, Inderpal from Canada had the pleasure of interviewing one of the best dj's on the UK scene, none other than DJ Swami. He recently produced Shania Twain's new album with his partner in crime, his brother. He has over the years released several album in which he produced a variety of music.
Inderpal: How long have you been in the music industry? How did it all start for you?
DJ Swami: I have been into playing guitar since about 8 years old and professionally from the day I left school at 18. At this time I played in a band (with my brother Simon) called 'The Movement' that got signed to make a record for WEA, and we used are earnings to build a studio where we started recording with our cousin Steve (AKA Apache Indian). I'm sure you know what happened next!!
Inderpal: What in your mind are your greatest accomplishments from being in the industry?
DJ Swami: Sharing and fusing our Indian and British cultural upbringing through our music with so many people across the world especially with 'No Reservations' (Apache Indian) and more recently 'Up!' (Shania Twain).
Inderpal: How did you come up with the name DJ Swami? Also, how did you come up with name Simon & Diamond (Simon being your brother also known as Subs and Diamond being yourself)?
DJ Swami: Simon and I have a band called 'Swami' featuring guest musicians and singers; I just happen to be the DJ in the band, so DJ Swami kind of stuck. Simon and Diamond are our real names by the way! Not quite your typical Punjabi names, eh?
Inderpal: On your last album, Pure Garage 4, on the track 'Eh Yo' which was top tune in my opinion, Mc Sarpanch uses the lyrics 'F**king a girl up in the corner.' The track has received a mixed response because of this. I mean do you think it's a wise idea to use such lyrics considering there are a lot of youngsters that listen to your stuff?
DJ Swami: He does not say the word 'f**king' in the track at all. People presume he says that as it is muted out, but it is actually the word 'bangin'. I don't believe this word to be as offensive but I muted it anyway just in case. I don't think it is good to restrict the creative flow of how a writer/ rapper may feel to express himself/ herself on a track, but I do feel a moral obligation to educate also.
Inderpal: What was it link working on the Shania Twain album? What has been the reaction from it? Do you have anything else lined up for the mainstream?
DJ Swami: Shania is fantastic to work with and such a beautiful person. She is very inspired by Indian culture and ideas and a great role model for truly fusing international pop music. The album was number one on the US billboard charts for six weeks!!! We have had such a great response, especially from India. Our next big project is UK based, but still with an international and definitely eastern flavour.
Inderpal: The bhangra scene seems to have rinsed out Garage good and proper. Untouchables love it, the Audiorec crew have stopped at 3 releases, were as you went on to release Pure Garage 4. With garage dying down in the mainstream are you going to be making it no 5 in Envy's garage series?
DJ Swami: I like it when there is an interesting scene happening like garage, as there is always so much experimenting and vibes going on. I consider my music to be constantly evolving and encompassing all styles and it will continue to contain elements of garage in some way, but probably not a straight garage album.
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Inderpal: How do you feel about downloading music off the Internet? Do you think that it's impacting the industry in a positive or negative way?
DJ Swami: Downloading is definitely having a big effect on us all. I love it and hate it, but it is inevitable. The Internet is great for exposure for new talent and smaller labels, but is hitting the big labels hard. This is a shame, as big labels don't want to invest in developing new talent much any more as they would rather cash in quickly on something with less risk on their investment. However, it does mean |
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Inderpal: What does DJ Swami the person do apart from producing quality music? I mean what do you do in your spare time?
DJ Swami: I love spending time outdoors with my kids Rohan and Romy when not making music or indulging in the very best Indian or Thai vegetarian cuisine.
Inderpal: I very rarely hear you name mentioned on the gig circuit. Do you ever perform at gigs? If so, how come you don't make a more common appearance?
DJ Swami: I have been in studios working on the Shania Twain stuff over the past year and only doing select international DJ slots. Dj'ing on a regular basis does a lot of permanent damage to your ears and I am very cautious of this these days.
Inderpal: Are you working on any new albums right now? What are your immediate plans?
DJ Swami: Currently, I am working with Simon on some Shania Twain remixes with a desi club edge to them.
Inderpal: What messages do you have for the millions of desitunes4u fans out there?
DJ Swami: Be proud of your culture but don't let it stagnate or hold you back from achieving your goals in life.
That concludes the interview, firstly a big thanks to DJ Swami for taking some time out to do the interview. He is always working on the Shania Twain remixes so watch out for them plus he's always producing desi stuff so watch out for some more quality production from him in the near future. If you want to e-mail him direct then you can at dj.swami@virgin.net now!!
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